Ioannina tours

Things to do in Ioannina

Ioannina is a city where the misty embrace of Lake Pamvotis meets the echo of Byzantine chants. Here, the past and present intertwine like the intricate silverwork Ioannina is renowned for. On Ioannina tours with your local guide, you don't just visit the Ali Pasha Museum; you relive the Ottoman era with every step. Wander through the quaint streets of the old town on a private walking tour, where tales of sultans and rebellions fill the air. Your guide will lead you to secret spots like the island in the lake, home to ancient monasteries and breathtaking views. Savor traditional dishes on a food and wine tour, where local flavours tell stories of Epirus' rich heritage. With your guide's insider knowledge, you’ll skip the line at key sites, diving deeper into Ioannina’s tapestry of history and culture. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ioannina. Explore Ioannina your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ioannina tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ioannina for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: On a private tour, follow reed-lined paths around Lake Pamvotida at first light to watch herons and cormorants, then ride a small boat to Nisi island for a quiet loop past monasteries and lakeside viewpoints. Your guide can also drive you into Zagori for an easy hike to Vikos Gorge lookouts and a picnic by the clear Voidomatis River. City highlights tours: Explore the walled castle district, stepping into the Fethiye Mosque, the Byzantine Museum, and the Silversmithing Museum before walking the ramparts for lake views. These tours can also pair a hop to the island’s Ali Pasha Museum with a visit to Perama Cave just outside town, plus a stop for spoon sweets at a family café on the quay. Off the beaten path tours: Meet artisans in back-street silversmith workshops to try a few taps on the anvil and see how filigree is made, then browse one-off pieces of jewellery. Venture to quieter Zagori villages like Dilofo and Koukouli to cross the three-arched Plakidas bridge and share simple meze at a neighbourhood kafeneio. The castle area and lakefront are easy to cover on foot, and city buses link central stops with Perama and the boat pier. For scattered sites and mountain villages, public transport is limited, so you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation, or ask your local guide to arrange a car. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ioannina inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Ioannina with a private walking tour, and explore its fascinating neighborhoods alongside a local guide who knows the city inside out. - Castle District: Immerse yourself in history with ancient walls and unique architecture. Perfect for cultural tourists and multi-generational groups. - Perama: Famous for its stunning cave, it caters to families and adventure seekers interested in natural wonders. - Lakefront Area: Offers beautiful views and serene walks along the water, ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature. - Bazaar District: Bustling with shops and cafes, it's perfect for those who love to explore local markets and taste traditional flavors. Day trip ideas from Ioannina Ioannina sits close to stone villages, mountain passes, coast, and ancient theatres, so you can use it as a launch pad for day trips that match your interests, with tours paced for short hikes, food stops, and views. Zagori and Vikos Gorge: Arched stone bridges, slate‑roof villages like Monodendri, and lookouts over one of the world’s deepest canyons give you big scenery without technical hiking, and if you enjoy bridge photography, short gorge walks, and a coffee in a village square, this loop fits well in a single day. Metsovo: A mountain town known for smoked cheeses, wood craft, and Aromanian culture, with stone mansions, a small art museum, and views over the Pindos, and if you like tasting local cheese, picking up simple handmade goods, and strolling cobbled lanes at an easy pace, this checks those boxes. Dodoni Archaeological Site: Wide open ruins anchored by a huge ancient theatre and the oracle of Zeus, where you can trace temple walls and read simple site signs, and if you are into Greek history without crowds or long climbs, this calm stop pairs well with a slow lunch in nearby villages. Acheron Springs and River: Clear, cold water flows through limestone and plane trees, with easy river walks, short canyon sections, and light rafting in season, and if you want a cooling outdoor day with myth at the edges, your tour can mix gentle water time with a visit to the old Souli mills. Parga on the Ionian coast: A colourful harbour town under a hilltop Venetian castle, with beaches and boat hops to small islets, and if sea views, a castle climb, and fresh seafood sound good, this longer day balances road time with a swim and a late afternoon wander along the waterfront. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ioannina most travellers miss.