Western Greece

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.

The Vikos GorgeThe Vikos Gorge

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.

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.

Other Western Greece pages

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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