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Ioannina in Greece, capital of Epirus and gateway to the mountains of the stunning Pindos National Park – Vikos Gorge , could not be anything other than a must-see stop on our route through north-central Greece, on our 21-day family trip to Greece in a motorhome.

Ionánnina is not only the nerve center of the Epirus region, it is the quintessential Greek lake city, Lake Pamvotis.

After a few days in Pindos National Park around the Vikos Gorge, we urgently needed to empty and refill the water tanks in our campervan. The closest campsite to the park was Ioannina Campsite , a very basic campsite belonging to the town's yacht club. This campsite would be our accommodation during our stay in Ioannina, Greece.

The campsite has very basic services, but the best thing about the place is that it is located next to Lake Pamvotis with beautiful views, but it only has pitches. If you go without a motorhome, camper or caravan they do not have bungalows to stay.

What to see and do in Ioannina

From the campsite, as the base point of our stay in Ioánnina in Greece, on foot we discover this beautiful city and lake, which undoubtedly surprises us well.

We didn't expect so much from Ioannina, perhaps because we're not really into cities, but the truth is that it exceeded our expectations.

Ioannina is not only a beautiful city, but it has a great history behind it and is the city we visited that best shows the Ottoman and Muslim influence in Greece.

Sample of the Ottoman history of Greece

The most distinctive building is the Ali Pasha Mosque , which appears to float on the lake. Within the mosque is the Museum of Folk Art, with various collections of traditional folk costumes and other antique artifacts. Another building associated with Ali Pasha is the palace located at the top of the citadel, now converted into the Byzantine Museum.

Ali Pasha was a Muslim despot of Albanian origin who broke away from the power of Constantinople and established the Despotate of Epirus in these lands from 1788. A terrible tyrant known as the "Lion of Ioannina," he established Ioannina as the capital of the Despotate, giving it the importance it has today as the capital of Epirus.

From Ioannina, we strolled around the lake, along its beautiful and well-maintained promenade, which boasts the only bike path we've seen in all of Greece. Afterward, we visited the old town, full of minarets, narrow alleyways, and its entire walled perimeter. In the lively Pirrou Square , we stopped for a drink and were surprised by a tradition we'd already encountered in the villages of Zagori. In the restaurants and cafes, they always bring you water free of charge and even offer you a snack. From this square, we continued our walk toward Republic Square (Platia Dimokratias), next to which is the Archaeological Museum , and wandered through the streets until we fell completely in love with Ioannina.

The island of Nissi

Another must-do in Ioannina, Greece, is taking the small boat to Nissi Island in the middle of the lake. It costs just €2 per person and the trip takes 10 minutes. You can find the boat next to Mavili Square, before you reach Ioannina's old town, which is full of waterfront restaurants and has the small tourist office right across the street.

A visit to Nissi Island is interesting, as it houses 5 very well-preserved ancient Byzantine monasteries and in its village, where people still live, you will find the atmosphere of a beautiful and touristy medieval village with the Ali Pasha Museum.

Without a doubt, you will love Ioánnina and its island Nissi, unique in Greece, despite having 2000 islands (or 6000 if the rocky crags in the water are counted)!