Discover Epirus – Greece's Hidden Gem!

By Binita Shah-Patel on December 18, 2024

Epirus, one of Greece's thirteen regions, is a hidden gem tucked away in the northwest corner of the country. A land of unspoiled beauty, Epirus boasts rugged mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, lush forests, and nearly 100 km of dazzling coastline with crystal-clear waters. It's a destination that feels like stepping into a new world, rich with history and untouched by time.

Here's my guide to visiting Epirus:

Getting to Epirus

Epirus is well-connected and easy to reach, whether you're travelling by air, road, or sea. The nearest airport is Ioannina National Airport, with connections to Athens and other major cities.

Alternatively, you can fly into Thessaloniki from London Stansted and drive to Epirus, enjoying the scenic journey, which is what we did.

The Egnatia Odos motorway provides convenient access to this mountainous paradise.

When to Visit Epirus

Epirus offers year-round attractions, making it a destination for all seasons. We visited in winter which was so magical!

Spring and Summer are perfect for exploring its natural wonders, hiking through lush landscapes, and rafting on crystal-clear rivers.
Autumn enchants with its vibrant foliage, ideal for winery tours and gastronomic adventures.
Winter transforms Epirus into a snowy haven, perfect for skiing, cosy retreats, and festive feasts.

Top Things to Do in Epirus

Go Truffle Hunting

I highly recommend booking a a truffle-hunting experience with Aroma Troufas. This fun activity combines adventure, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.

Guided by experts and their specially trained (and very cute) dogs, you'll walk through the stunning woods in search of these rare and highly prized fungi.

It is so much fun seeing the dogs sniff around to look for the prized truffles! They also get a treat every time they discover one so they were super motivated.

After your hunt, you'll be treated to an intimate freshly cooked feast that highlights the earthy and aromatic flavours of the freshly harvested truffles as well as a variety of other cultivated mushrooms grown within the vicinity.

We had pasta, risotto, potatoes and meat dishes all cooked with an element of truffle.

I especially loved the dessert of Greek Yoghurt, Greek Honey and freshly shaved truffles!

Step Back in Time at the Historical Arched Stone Bridges

The ancient arched stone bridges of Epirus are a marvel of engineering and history.

One of the most notable is The Plakidas Bridge, also known as Kalogeriko Bridge, located near the village of Kipi in the Zagori region. Originally built as a wooden bridge, it was reconstructed in stone in 1814 by Seraphim, a monk from Vitsa Monastery, earning it the moniker "Kalogeriko," which denotes the monk's connection to it.

Later restored in 1865 by Alexis Plakidas and his brother, the bridge is also affectionately called "Plakidas' Bridge" in their honour. Its striking three-arch design and historical significance make it a must-visit.

I also recommend visiting Kokoris Bridge, located near the village of Koukouli. This elegant single-arch stone bridge spans the Voidomatis River. Built in 1750 and later restored by Noutsos Kokoris in 1865, the bridge perfectly blends with its natural surroundings, creating a picture-perfect scene for visitors and photographers.

Lazaridis Bridge, situated close to Kapesovo village, is a single-arch bridge worth visiting as well and another masterpiece of Zagori's stone architecture. Built in 1753, it was named after Michael Lazaridis, a wealthy benefactor who funded its construction. The bridge is a quiet but stunning feature along the cobblestone paths of the area.

Hit the Slopes at Anilio Ski Centre

One thing that took me by surprise was the revelation that Greece has Ski slopes and Ski chalets!

For winter sports enthusiasts, Anilio Ski Centre is a hidden gem. Located near Metsovo and surrounded by fir trees, the resort offers pistes for all skill levels. Beginners and experts alike can enjoy the thrill of untouched slopes.

Afterwards, or if you are just there for the stunning vistas, warm up at the stone-built chalet with a hot coffee or a glass of local tsipouro, savouring the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Indulge in Epirus' Rich Gastronomy

Epirus is a haven for food lovers and the charming villages dotted around the mountains are the best places to enjoy authentic dishes at quaint traditional tavernas. Don't miss the chance to try local cheeses, trahanas, and a variety of mushroom dishes!

Our favourites were Saganaki and Trahanas!

For a unique experience I highly recommend booking a meal at Il Castello, Ioannina by Executive Chef Andreas Georgoulis, an official Ambassador for Greek Gastronomy.

His dishes are creative twists on Greek classics and it is truly a memorable meal and the flavours will stay with you for a long while after!

Wine Tour and Tasting at Katogi Averof Winery

As a wine enthusiast, I was delighted to visit Katogi Averoff Winery, a historic establishment in Metsovo.

Katogi Averoff Winery traces its roots back to the vision of Evangelos Averoff-Tossizza, a prominent politician and cultural figure in 1950s Greece. He introduced Cabernet Sauvignon vines to the steep slopes of Metsovo, a bold move that would lay the foundation for winemaking in the region.

Over the decades, Katogi Averof has gained a reputation for its exceptional wines, blending international grape varieties with indigenous Epirus terroir.

We enjoyed a tasting of their exquisite wines in a stunning setting inside the winery and I highly recommend this experience!

White-Water Rafting on the Voidomatis River

Feeling adventurous? The Voidomatis River offers an amazing white-water rafting experience in Greece and if I can do it, you can too!

As you paddle through the lush turquoise waters you will be rewarded with spectacular landscapes highlighting the unspoiled beauty of Epirus from a unique perspective. There are two surprises at the end of this Level 2 river rafting experience and I promise it is so fun and a wonderful experience!

Visit Pamvotida Lake Island

Step into the intriguing history of Epirus with a visit to Pamvotida Lake Island, accessible by boat from Molos. This Lake has a dark secret which I will leave for you to discover when you visit this destination!

This small yet historically rich island offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Ali Pasha, the infamous ruler of Ioannina during the Ottoman era.

Explore the museum dedicated to Ali Pasha, housed in the building where he met his dramatic end. The exhibits include artefacts, documents, and weapons that shed light on his rule and the region's history.

Afterwards stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the island, admire its traditional houses, and enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The island is also home to several small eateries where you can savour local delicacies.

Where to Stay in Epirus

From cosy guesthouses to luxury retreats, Epirus has accommodation to suit every preference:

Metsovo: Stay at Grand Forest Metsovo for mountain views and five star amenities. I highly recommend carving some time out to pamper yourself at the stunning Spa!