The Island of Ioannina

More information about the Island of Ioannina

It is one of the highlights of Ioannina. It is located in the northwestern part of the lake, near the village settlement of Amphithea.

The western part of the island has a gentle coast while the rest of it is rocky with impressive stony outcrops which plunge into the water. It is a forested area thanks to the humidity of the lake which helps plants and trees flourish. Ii is a paradise. Along with the island Agios Achilios in Prespes they are the only islands that are inhabited.

There are cobbled streets and local folk-art shops. It is a traditional settlement thanks to its historical importance and its architectural beauty. It was once a monastic center and boasts five monasteries which are saved until today.

On the island you can visit the Pre- Revolutionary period museum which is housed in a cell of Panteleimonas monastery. It was the place where Ali Pashas was assassinated. In the museum some of his personal belongings such as his gold gun and holster pistol are exhibited. There are also some important antiquities of the Ottoman period which will give you the opportunity to learn a lot about the history of Ioannina.

Another worthwhile activity is a boat ride to the island which is 2,5km long. There are boats which transfer both the locals and the tourists to the island. The boat trips operate from early in the morning until late at night (24:00 in the summer and 22:00 in winter).