T. 26510 65202
ΚΙΝ. 6936665544
E. info@lithiahotel.gr
Soutsou 44, Ioannina
PS 45221, Greece
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Welcome to Ioannina, the enchanting capital of Epirus. A city where Byzantine history, Ottoman legends, imposing nature, and the vibrant energy of a modern student town flow seamlessly into one. Whether you are walking alongside the serene lake waters under the famous morning mist, or losing yourself in the cobblestone alleys of the Castle, Ioannina has a unique way of winning you over from the very first moment.
At “Lithia,” our primary goal is to make your experience in our city complete and truly unforgettable. That is why we have gathered the top attractions, local flavors, and must-try experiences that you simply cannot miss.Let’s begin our tour!
It is the oldest Byzantine castle in Greece, featuring a living castle-town that remains inhabited to this day. Passing through the heavy wooden gate, the bustle of the city is left behind, and you are instantly transported to another era.
Its Kale (The Inner Citadel): This was once the site of Ali Pasha’s palace. Enjoy the panoramic view of the lake, have a coffee at the beautifully renovated on-site café, and visit the exceptional Silversmithing Museum. Housed within the western bastions, it interactively showcases the very craft that made Ioannina famous throughout the Balkans. While at Its Kale, you can also visit the Byzantine Museum. Across its seven chronologically organized rooms, it displays antiquities from all over Epirus, beautifully illustrating the art and history of the region from the 4th to the 19th century.
The Municipal Ethnographic Museum: Housed in the impressive Aslan Pasha Mosque (located in the northwestern citadel), it offers breathtaking, panoramic views over the entire basin. Built in 1618, the mosque was beautifully renovated in 1993, which brought it to its current form.
On your way to the Aslan Pasha Mosque, you will come across the fully redesigned Glykyon Square, featuring the restored building of the Ottoman Baths, which was officially declared a protected monument by Presidential Decree in 1925.
Lake Pamvotis (meaning "she who feeds all") is the undisputed "heart" of Ioannina. Dating back to 10,000 BC, it is a protected habitat under the Natura 2000 network.
A walk or a bike ride along the lakeside path, under the ancient plane trees, is absolutely essential. The real magic, however, lies in the short boat trip on the traditional lake vessels to the Island of the lake.
This is one of the very few inhabited lake islands in the world—and the only one without a name! Once there, you can stroll through the cobblestone alleys of the officially declared and protected traditional settlement, with its characteristic slate roofs. You will also have the chance to admire late-Byzantine monasteries with rare frescoes and visit the Ali Pasha Museum, located at the exact spot where his life came to a tragic end.
Our little secret: If the weather is nice, we highly recommend walking the path around the perimeter of the Island. This 1,200-meter walk is the most authentic way to feel the peaceful atmosphere of Pamvotis.
Don't leave the Island without trying the traditional syrup-soaked desserts (siropiasta), a Greek coffee brewed on hot sand (hovoli), or, for the more adventurous, the famous local delicacies: frog legs and eel.
The departure point for the lake boats is located just 150 meters from our hotel.
Just a short distance from the city (in Bizani), you will find a museum unlike any other in Greece. The artist Pavlos Vrellis created with his own hands a deeply moving space where Greek history comes alive through life-sized wax figures. From the Secret School and the Klephts of the Greek Revolution, to the Slaughter of Ali Pasha and the brave women of Pindus, the atmosphere is truly captivating.
Just 4 kilometers from the city center, you will encounter one of the most spectacular caves in the Balkans, estimated to be 1.5 million years old. The guided tour through the labyrinthine passages filled with hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites lasts about 45 minutes. The incredible stone formations spark the imagination, making it an experience that will fascinate visitors of all ages.
During your tour of the cave's impressive chambers, you will see 19 different types of stalactites and stalagmites—a rare natural phenomenon, considering that most similar caves feature only 6 to 10 types.
No trip to Ioannina is complete without indulging in its rich culinary tradition. Epirote cuisine is authentic, comforting, and deeply rooted in pure, local ingredients.
Traditional savory pies (Pites): Alevropita (flour pie), kasiopita (cheese pie), batsaria (vegetable pie), and meat pie. The women of Epirus are legendary for their pastry-making skills and incredibly thin phyllo dough.
Meats and Cheeses: Try grilled-to-order meats, local sausages, and of course, Metsovone—a famous smoked cheese that is absolutely divine when served grilled.
Tsipouro: This local spirit (distilled without anise in the Epirus region) is the perfect excuse to start sharing appetizers (meze) at the city’s traditional tsipouradika.
Our hotel provides all guests with a curated list of selected dining options for high-quality food that caters to every taste.
The rich heritage of Ioannina is beautifully preserved in its historic center, which has largely maintained the architecture and charm of its past. Wandering through these streets is a delightful experience, taking the visitor on a journey back in time.
Ioannina has been famous for centuries for its skilled silversmiths. Take a walk down Averof Street, where you will find dozens of workshops displaying intricate, traditional silverware and jewelry. On Anexartisias Street, the city's old commercial road, you will discover a small labyrinth of listed buildings, old covered passages (stoas), historical inns (khanis), and traditional houses. The network of pedestrian streets makes walking here a pleasure, while the area bursts with life thanks to beautiful bars and cafes that blend harmoniously with their historical surroundings.
When night falls, the city transforms. Thanks to its large student population, Ioannina boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife. From atmospheric wine bars tucked away in renovated arcades (like Stoa Louli) to elegant cocktail bars around the Castle, the Skala area, and the lakeside Molos, you will always find a perfect spot to match your mood.
Lithia Hotel is ideally located on one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in the very heart of the city's historic center.
Its prime location, just steps away from Lake Pamvotis and central Mavili Square, serves as the perfect starting point to easily explore all of Ioannina's key points of interest on foot.
After a day filled with stunning sights, rich aromas, and fascinating history, your day deserves the perfect ending. At "Lithia," we are waiting to offer you the warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere you need to unwind. We are always at your disposal to share our own little local secrets about the city we love.
Your journey to Ioannina has just begun. We look forward to welcoming you!