Western Greece

Western Greece includes holiday resorts like Parga, the Pindus Mountains and Zagorian villages, hiking in the Vikos Gorge, historical Ioannina, and Dodona. 

The Vikos GorgeThe Vikos Gorge

From the picturesque beach resort of Parga to the spectacular Pindus Mountains, Western Greece really does have something for everyone. If you like the outdoors you can hike in the mountains and also walk the length of the stunning Vikos Gorge, the second-longest in Greece after the Samarian Gorge on Crete. Here too in the north of the region are the unique Zagorian villages, with their beautiful stone-built houses, rugged characters, and ancient trails that lead between them.

Ioannina

The main city in this region is Ioannina, one of the most fascinating places in Greece. It has a lovely lakeside setting and a character all its own, once the base for the Turkish ruler Ali Pasha, known as the Lion of Ioannina. The house where he met his death can be seen on the little island of Nisi on Lake Pamvotis, a Greek island like no other. Near here too are the impressive Perama Caves.

For a drive from Ioannina to Meteora see our Scenic Drives in Northern Greece

The Mountains around Metsovo in GreeceThe Mountains Around Metsovo

The Highest Road Pass in Greece

Head east from Ioannina and you climb into the mountains to approach the highest road pass in Greece, often closed in the winter. Here too is the wonderful mountain town of Metsovo, its streets filled with the invigorating air of the mountains, and the independent spirit of the people who live here.

Kassopi Archaeological SiteKassopi

Ancient Sites

For those who like ancient sites and archaeological remains there is the sanctuary of Dodoni, ancient Kassopi, Nicopolis (or Nikopolis), and the strange and haunting Necromanteion of Efyra, once believed to be the entrance to Hades, the source of the River Styx, and the site of the Oracle of the Dead.

Dodoni Archaeological Site in Epirus, GreeceDodoni

In the far south of the region, where the Ionian Sea turns into the Gulf of Corinth, stands the town of Messolonghi, associated forever with the British poet Lord Byron, who met his death here from a fever, while fighting alongside the Greeks during the Greek war of Independence.

Yes, Western Greece has a feeling all of its own, a part of the country that's very different from those Aegean islands and an an area that is calling out to be explored and experienced.

Our Pick of the Guides to Greece

Rough-Guide-Greece-2022.png

Western Greece Coast

Western Greece has a long stretch of coastline, along the Ionian Sea. This includes the port city of Igoumenitsa in the north, one of the country's largest passenger ports, and a number of coastal resorts. The most attractive and popular of these is Parga.

Further south are several archaeological sites, such as Efyra, Kassopi, and Nicopolis, and beyond these the town and airport of Preveza.

Our Western Greece Pages

  • The resort of Parga, in Epirus in Western Greece, is one of the most popular along the Ioanian coast, with several beaches and waterfront seafood tavernas.

    Parga

    The resort of Parga, in Epirus in Western Greece, is one of the most popular along the Ioanian coast, with several beaches and waterfront seafood tavernas.

  • Messolonghi (or Missolonghi) is a town in Western Greece which played a big role in the Greek War of Independence and is where the British poet Lord Byron died.

    Messolonghi

    Messolonghi (or Missolonghi) is a town in Western Greece which played a big role in the Greek War of Independence and is where the British poet Lord Byron died.

  • The Zagorian Villages and Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece are popular for hiking, and for their scenic beauty and historical traditions.

    Zagori and the Vikos Gorge

    The Zagorian Villages and Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece are popular for hiking, and for their scenic beauty and historical traditions.

  • The town of Metsovo stands at Greece's highest mountain pass, between Ioannina and the plains of Thessaly, and has historic mansions and a distinctive cuisine.

    Metsovo

    The town of Metsovo stands at Greece's highest mountain pass, between Ioannina and the plains of Thessaly, and has historic mansions and a distinctive cuisine.

  • Ioannina is the capital of Epirus in Western Greece, located by Lake Pamvotis and noted for museums and galleries, a castle, and a tradition for silversmiths.

    Ioannina

    Ioannina is the capital of Epirus in Western Greece, located by Lake Pamvotis and noted for museums and galleries, a castle, and a tradition for silversmiths.

  • This walk in Ali Pasha's Ioannina also takes in the city's main museums, the citadel, and a ferry ride to the island of Nissi to visit the Ali Pasha Museum.

    Ioannina Walk

    This walk in Ali Pasha's Ioannina also takes in the city's main museums, the citadel, and a ferry ride to the island of Nissi to visit the Ali Pasha Museum.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. 5 Reasons to Spend Easter in Meteora

    Renowned for its spectacular “hanging” monasteries and reverent atmosphere, Meteora is the perfect place to spend Greek Easter.

    Read More

  2. 3 Must-Visit Islands for Greek Easter

    Boasting spectacular landscapes and unique local traditions, the islands of Lesvos, Ikaria and Andros are ideal vacation destinations for Greek Easter.

    Read More

  3. Easter Cookies from Smyrna, a 100-Year-Old Recipe

    Discover the secret to making the most delicious Easter koulourakia (cookies) from Smyrna, passed down through five generations.

    Read More

  4. Acropolis Museum Exhibition: The Parthenon and Byron

    On the occasion of 200 years since Lord Byron’s death, the Acropolis Museum in Athens is honoring his memory with a symbolic exhibition related to Lord Elgin’s taking of the Parthenon sculptures.

    Read More

  5. Greece Launches Contactless ‘Tap & Pay’ System on Athens Airport Express Buses

    The Greek Transport Ministry on Wednesday launched a pilot ‘Tap & Pay’ contactless payment system for passengers traveling on the express bus lines in Athens that connect to Athens International Airpo…

    Read More

  6. Greece Bans Sunbeds, Umbrellas, Bars on 198 Beaches

    Sunbeds, umbrellas, and all sorts of constructions have been banned on 198 beaches across Greece according to a joint ministerial decision signed this week by Economy & Finance Minister Kostis Hatzida…

    Read More

  7. 4 Guesthouses in Zagori that Are Worth Visiting

    Amidst the mountains and spectacular scenery, these four traditional guesthouses in the heart of Zagori, Epirus, offer the very best in Greek hospitality.

    Read More

  8. Greece’s 10 Highest Mountains

    From myth-laden peaks to rugged alpine trails, we explore ten of Greece's highest mountains, where untamed beauty and boundless adventure meet.

    Read More

  9. Paris 2024 Olympic Flame Lit at Ancient Olympia, Countdown to Games Begins

    The Olympic flame that will be burning for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer was lit in Ancient Olympia on Tuesday, April 16. Located in western Peloponnese, Ancient Olympia is one of the most…

    Read More

  10. April 17 Greece National Strike to Affect Public Transport, Ferry Travel

    Public transportation in Athens as well as ferry travel in Greece will be disrupted on Wednesday, April 17, due to a 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), the cou…

    Read More