The best place to enjoy a great view of Ioannina and Lake Pamvotida is the 1810-meter high mountain Mitsikeli. An ideal destination for short excursions.
Mitsikeli is located on the northern part of the lake of Ioannina. It stands out for its long and narrow shape and is often covered by snow during the winter. It is ideal for those trying to hike for the very first time and especially the northern part that offers great snow conditions.
From its peak you can also see other neighboring mountains such as Lakmos, Timfi, Smolikas, many locations of Valia Kalda and Olytsikas. The southern part of the mountain is ideal for hang gliding thanks to the ascending air currents and the mild ground that guarantees a safe landing. There you will also find the shelter at an attitude of 1290 meters that is used by the hiking club of Ioannina.
According to hunters, at some points in the northern part of the mountain there are bears. Besides the mountain’s name in Slavic means “bears nest”.
The mountain range of Mitsikeli is protected by Natura 2000 treaty. This does not, however, mean that activities such as farming, hunting and tourism are prohibited. According to the program, these activities can of course take place but up to a certain extend. On the other hand, the roads that now cross a big part of the mountain do not follow the rules of preservation. Especially the forest road starting from the village Kryovrisi has harmed a big part of the mountain, where due to landslides its width is now 10 meters. This road can be seen from the Egnatia Road.
Against all human endeavors, all roads are covered with snow in winter, making the scenery rather wild. The area is graced with rich flora: on the foothills of the mountain you will see different kinds of trees such as oak, platanus and cork trees. Another part of the mountain is covered with fir and pinon trees. However, the part facing towards the lake of Ioannina is infertile and has only some short bushes.
In the southwest part of the mountain there is one of the most beautiful caves in Greece: the cave of Perama. It was found in 1940 and is now open to the public. A 1100-meter route is needed if you want to explore it.
Lots of important battles against the Germans took place in Mitsikeli. The Greek soldiers had established their bases in Mitsikeli and in other neighboring mountains as well in order to fight against the Germans. The village Asprangeloi played a major role as on the 15th of July 1943 it was completely burned by the Germans.
The most famous and touristic villages of Mitsikeli are Asprangeloi and Elati. Of course all the villages built all around the mountain range have something to offer. Another village with a view of mount Timfi is Dikorfo.
The oldest village of all is Mannasi that dates back to 1431. Near the village of Miliotades you can admire the bridge of Kamper Aga, one of the most beautiful in Epirus.
You can reach the peak either by following the existing road or by hiking the different routes such as the path that starts just outside the village of Ligiades. The view during this 3-hour route is gorgeous and the signaled path reaches also up to the shelter.
Hiking Organization of Ioannina: (+30) 26510 22138

Source: mountainsgreece.com