Things to Do in Ioannina

A paved path hugging the lake edge from the castle to the waterfront. Benches, views of the island and the Pontikonisi islet. Popular with joggers and dog walkers.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Start at the lake fountain near the castle gate. Carry water—no kiosks beyond the first 500m.

Housed in the Aslan Pasha Mosque inside the castle. Displays traditional costumes, silverwork and Ottoman-era artefacts. Free on the first Sunday of each month.

🕐 8:30am–3:30pm Tue–Sun, closed Mon

💡 Admission is normally 3 EUR, but free day means fewer crowds. The courtyard has a café with decent cheap coffee.

A small inhabited island in the lake, reachable by a 10-minute ferry (return 3 EUR). Has seven monasteries (some free, some charge 2 EUR), traditional tavernas and quiet lanes.

🕐 Ferry: 7am–10pm daily (reduced in winter)

💡 Take a packed lunch—the waterfront tavernas charge a premium. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes from the dock near the castle.

A walled old town with Byzantine and Ottoman layers. Walk the ramparts, see the Fethiye Mosque and the Aslan Pasha Mosque (small entrance fee for the mosque museum).

🕐 24 hours (grounds free; mosque museum: 8:30am–3:30pm Tue–Sun, closed Mon)

💡 Go late afternoon for the best light over the lake. The Jewish Synagogue inside opens rarely but ask at the tourist office.

A large limestone cave system with stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours run every 30 minutes. Entry is 8 EUR for adults, half that for students.

🕐 9am–5pm daily (summer until 6pm)

💡 Wear trainers—the path is uneven and damp. Arrive before 11am on weekends to avoid queues.