The Greek city – a magnet for tourists – the ten reasons to love it (pics)

“Unexpectedly good” characterize the municipal authority and the businessmen of Ioannina this year’s tourist season, which -as it seems- will last a long time since in November the city of Epirus is full of visitors. Combining the lake with the majestic mountains, the traditions of thousands of years and the hospitality of the inhabitants, Ioannina “won” in the summer and there is optimism that the winter will be even more “strong” in nights.

“It simply came to our notice then. We did not expect it because we are not a summer destination. And in November we have a lot of people, there are also conferences. We are a city for all tastes, we have mountain and sea, history and multiculturalism “, said the mayor of Ioannina, Moussis Elisaf, welcoming journalists from Athens and Thessaloniki in his office, at the town hall, in the context of a press trip organized by Wise Ram, with the aim of discovering the “hidden” secrets of the city.

Mr. Elisaf added that the goal is “to be full in Ioannina all year round, with more and better visitors”, he added that his wish is to establish the city as conference tourism but also for sporting events, while revealing the goals of 2022 for the Diplomacy of Cities.

“I bet the extroversion of the city and it was the first priority from the moment we took over as administration. We want a vibrant city, open to all directions. And I think we can do that. “Ioannina can be a hub in the western Balkans”, said the mayor, describing as the most “attractive” markets Albania (which was the first country in overnight stays in 2019), Cyprus and Israel, from which comes the largest percentage of while the city traditionally has ties with Germany and France.

The municipality of Ioannina plans next twin to be twinned with the city of Sverte, which has a mayor from Ioannina, while relations with Israel will continue. Also, in the spring of 2022, contacts with Slovakia and the Czech Republic will follow, while Bulgaria, Romania and Northern Macedonia will follow.

According to the mayor, the triptych that “wins” the visitor in his area is the comfortable accommodation, the low prices and the easy movements, while especially for the latter, Mr. Elisaf emphasizes that “where we were the most isolated region of country, we are now at the center of the roads “.

Asked if because of his recognizability he “sees” an increase in tourists and promotion of the city, he replied: “As long as I was to be promoted, I have been promoted. It was not an end in itself for my name to be heard. However, as long as the name of Ioannina is heard, this has a positive aspect. I try to invest my personal capital, what I made outside of the city office, not only through the Jewish identity, but mainly because of my professional path. “Whether the city is heard for the Olympian or for the mayor, its added value increases so much”.

Ten reasons to stay in Ioannina

– Island: It is one of the few islands in the world where a lake is inhabited. The approximately 150 locals enjoy the tranquility of the landscape and the view of the lake. There is the house of Ali Pasha and a set of ecclesiastical monuments. Visitors are “enchanted” by the traditional settlement, the cobbled alleys, the traditional courtyards, the shops with folk art items, while the permanent residents are always willing to tell stories about traditions and legends.

– Perama Cave: It was located by chance by locals and since then it receives thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. One of the most important sights of the area, a beautiful and rare geological phenomenon, of special speleological value. In groups, visitors enter the area for a unique tour, while the view of the lake at the exit of the cave is doubly rewarding. In 2021, the numbers of visitors, despite the pandemic, “reach” almost the limits of 2019.

– Castle: The tour inside brings the visitor in contact with the history. Whichever gate one enters through, the hustle and bustle of the city stays outside. A traditional settlement, a crossroads of cultures and religions. Up high, Its Calais, the Acropolis.

– Museum of Silversmithing: One of the nine thematic Museums created and managed by the Piraeus Group Cultural Foundation. It is located in the Castle and presents the technology of silversmithing during the pre-industrial period with emphasis on the region of Epirus. Artwork with elaborate details, such as jewelry, weapons, silverware and personal items, are some of the items in the collection.

– The multicultural city: Churches with admirable architecture, mosques and a Jewish synagogue, one of the most important in Greece, testify to the multicultural character of Ioannina. Muslims may not be present today and Jews may be few who have survived the concentration camps, but the city has not shaken off that part of its identity.

– Walk in the historic center: A good starting point is the Clock in the square opposite the town hall. The main street, full of goldsmiths and shops with folk art and souvenirs. A small labyrinth of listed buildings, old commercial galleries, inns and old folk houses.

– Litharitsia: In “Litharitsia”, once a bastion of Ali Pasha, visitors enjoy from above part of the historic center and the lake. In the park is the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina and the building of the 8th Division.

– The tour with electric bicycles: One of the ways to get to know Ioannina better is to do the tour with … an electric bicycle. Routes along the lake and under the magnificent plane trees await visitors to explore them relaxing on two wheels, without worrying about traffic and parking.

– Good and cheap accommodation: Lots and lots of good hotels, boutique hotels and rooms for all budgets. The prefecture “counts” about 7500 beds, which can serve even the most demanding.

– Traditional flavors: Traditional and new “teased” dishes. Local meats are in the foreground, along with trachana and traditional pies, while the Island is dominated by crayfish and frog legs. Baklava as a dessert is famous, while Zitsa and Metsovo are the two parts of the region that mainly put Ioannina on the world wine map.