Scenically surrounded by mountains and strategically set on a lake, the Epirus capital of Ioannina commands an urban setting unique in Greece.

Ioannina’s lovely promenade along Lake Pamvotis draws locals and visitors alike by day and by night.

Water taxis shuttle constantly between Ioannina’s dock and its small island in Lake Pamvotida.

The locals call their island To Nisi, which simply means “the island.” To Nisi is inhabited, one of only two inhabited lake islands in all of Greece.

The bucolic islet offers a charming stone-built village, the Ali Pasha museum, and seven monasteries dating from the Byzantine Renaissance.

Paul and I recommend visiting To Nisi in the late afternoon. When siesta is over, and residents are out and about, you feel this historic community’s still-beating heart.

Then, you return by water taxi at dusk. When sunset transforms to twilight and amber lights begin to glow, you succumb to Ioannina’s alluring authenticity.

Medieval stone walls of Ioannina Castle loom over the lively waterfront. Dramatic mountain ridges rise in the distance.

Romantic couples, families with children and grandparents, students, and young professionals alike fill restaurants, cafes, patisseries, and ice creameries.

Laughter and conversation float through the sultry evening air and drift across the tranquil lake.

Everyone of every age is here. Romantic couples, groups of students, families with children, and grandparents pack restaurants, tavernas, and upscale cafes.

You stroll along winding cobblestone streets lined with patisseries, ice creameries, and chic boutiques.

And here, at the intersection of nature and urbanity, of medieval history and modern life, you realize you’ve fallen in love with Ioannina.

Until next time, Reader,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul
​Spotlight Sojourns® | Slow Travel
with the Hidden Gemologists®

PS: If you’d like to learn more about Epirus, click HERE to read “Regions of Greece: Maps and an Easy Overview.”​

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