The Regional Unit of Ioannina is characterized by a primarily mountainous relief and it’s the only regional unit without access to the sea. The city of Ioannina itself is surrounded by some of the most emblematic mountains in Greece, such as Mitsikeli, Lakmos and the Athamanika (Tzoumerka) Mountains, while in its northern part we stumble upon the two National Parks, the towering mountains that compete with each other in beauty, the vast, unexplored and untouched by human activity lush green areas.
Browse along lake Pamvotida, a NATURA 2000 site, visit the ancient limestone in Perama with 19 impressive dripping formations in 19 rooms, observe the surreal rocks of the “Petrino Dasos” Stone Forest, gaze at the magnificent view over the Vikos Gorge in the heart of Vikos-Aoos National Park and let Tymfi, Smolikas and Lakmos take your breath away with their steep slopes and alpine peaks.
The Regional Unit of Ioannina is a real jewel of natural grace. Pindos National Park offers the ultimate mountain action, with off-road driving and backpacking in the heart of Epirus nature. For centuries, the people of Epirus have recognized the significance of the ecosystem within the “warm valley” Valia Calda, safeguarding it from any harmful human intervention. The dense forests of endemic conifers, deciduous oaks, robola trees and black pines are the home of the brown bear and the wolf. Visit Vovousa and follow the charming “Arkoudorema” (the Stream of the Bear), with in between stops at Aoos Springs Lake and lake Zorika, the only natural lake with water lilies in Greece!
In case you are looking for a high altitude adrenaline boost, we propose you ascend the alpine dragon lakes of Tymfi and Smolikas. These lakes are the result of glaciers that existed thousands of years ago in Pindos and today and their thawing created this impressive natural phenomenon, natural lakes that remain frozen for 6-8 months a year. June is an optimal month to visit and encounter the alpine newt, one of the most peculiar endemic species of wildlife you will probably come across. This adorable amphibian never leaves the freezing cold waters of the lake and has a size of 8-10 cm. For its protection, any activity in the lakes is prohibited, including swimming.
