Lake Ioannina and the islet of Kyra-Frosini

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Lake Ioannina, Pamvotida

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The lake of Ioannina with its romantic perimeter walks and melancholic morning mists is the pride of the city. A precious jewel of it, the small beautiful island that “hosts” it.

Ioannina is the capital of the prefecture of the same name, the largest city of Epirus and the commercial and cultural centre of the entire Northwestern Greece.

They are built at an altitude of 450 meters, on the shores of Lake Pamvotida , which feeds the city with myths and traditions of centuries that transcend the borders not only of the prefecture but of the whole of Greece.

On the islet of Kyra Frosini
On the islet of Kira Frosini, in Lake Pamvotis of Ioannina

The story of Lady Frosyne

The most famous and shocking story is that of Lady Frosyne. A love story between the independent and defiant, for the time, spirit of Lady Frosyne and Ali Pasha’s married son, Mukhtar.

Ioannina Ave accommodation Ioannina
Accommodation at 43 Ave
  • Near 43 Ave you will find popular points of interest, such as Ioannina Castle, Ioannina Museum of Silversmithing and Folklore Museum of Epirus Studies. The nearest airport is Ioannina Airport, 4 km from 43 Ave.
  • The location is particularly appealing to couples – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.(booking.com)

Ali Pasha, pressured by his family and his son’s wife, arrests Kyra Frosini along with 17 other women and sentences them to drowning in Lake Pamvotis.

Fate, however, did not have a better fate for him since after 20 years and a dispute with the Sultan of Constantinople, he was beheaded on the island of the lake.

The lake of Ioannina as seen from the plane.
The lake of Ioannina as seen from the plane.

The islet of Kyra-Frosini in Lake Pamvotis

Nisaki, also known as the island of Kyra Frosini, has been an attraction for visitors and residents of Ioannina in recent years. The boats start from Molos and the trip through the lake takes only 10 minutes.

There is a picturesque and beautiful settlement built there, one of the few inhabited islands of the lake, with traditional houses, taverns serving dishes with eels, frogs’ legs and trout, several shops with excellent folk art products and a few cafes in the beautiful square of the settlement, with delicious Janionese sweets waiting for the lucky one who will try them.

The lake of Ioannina and the islet of Kyra Frosini
The lake of Ioannina and the islet of Kyra Frosini

The visitor can enjoy a walk on the cobbled paths of the settlement, of course there are no cars, and visit the museum of Ali Pasha and the oda where he was tragically killed by the Turkish soldiers.

In addition, on the island of Kyra Frosini there are 7 monasteries where a large part of the culture of Ioannina is hosted, which is expressed by excellent post-Byzantine frescoes. A visit to the monastery of Prophet Elias at the highest point of the island will give you a unique view of the lake, the city and the imposing nature that caresses it.

On the islet of Kyra Frosini
On the islet of Kyra Frosini in Lake Pamvotida, Ioannina

Based in Ioannina

Ioannina has other thrills to offer beyond the presence on the shores of the lake and its island. But they owe a lot to them for the image they give to their visitors as one of the most picturesque cities in Greece, thus challenging them for their next visit.

Ioannina KAMARES Historic Boutique Hotel & Spa
Ioannina – KAMARES Historic Boutique Hotel & Spa
  • KAMARES Historic Boutique Hotel & Spa is located in the historic centre of Ioannina and is housed in an 18th century mansion with Byzantine architectural elements.
  • The Bodrum Spa features a hot tub, a traditional hammam, various treatments and massages. The hotel offers a bicycle and car rental service. The area is suitable for cycling.(booking.com)

If you have even 1-2 hours available while you are in Ioannina do not miss to visit the unique and impressive Perama land cave. It is located in Perama, on the west side of the lake, just 5-10 minutes drive from the city center.

If of course you have more time you can visit one of the closest to Ioannina Zagorochoria, Dilofo , Vitsa, the famous stone bridges and the famous Vikos Gorge!

Perama cave Ioannina-Perama cave Ioannina Epirus-hor
In the impressive Perama Cave in Ioannina.

Another nice day trip that we recommend is to ancient Dodoni and its archaeological site with the dominant ancient theatre.(Photos and useful information in our detailed article about the ancient theatre of Dodona.)

In addition, a visit to the beautiful mountainous area of Tzoumerka is a must (it is worth spending at least 2 days in the wider area). So take a glimpse of our recent visit to Tzoumerka and Zagorochoria where we stayed for a week in total in October 2021.

Ioannina accommodation Petrou Suites accommodation
Ioannina accommodation, Petrou Suites
  • Ideally located in the centre of Ioannina, Petrou Suites offers air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a terrace.
  • The property is located approximately 1.1 km from Folklore Museum of Epirus Studies, 1.3 km from Zosimaia Library of Ioannina and 5.4 km from Perama Cave.(booking.com)

Hotels in Ioannina

Find the best prices for hotels and hostels in Ioannina or search directly for the dates you want.

Photos from Lake Pamvotida and the island of Kyra Frosini

text/photos: Yannis Tsouratzis

Map of the lake of Ioannina

See access information to Ioannina by clicking on the red symbol on the map.

Useful phone numbers – Ioannina

  • Ioannina airport: 26510 26218
  • Ioannina Bus Station: 26510 26286/26510 25014
  • University Regional Hospital: 26510 99111
  • General Regional Hospital: 26510 80111
  • Town Hall:26510 79921
  • Radio Taxi: 26510 46777
  • Pharmacies on duty: 26510 23333
  • Tourist Police: 2651025673

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