- HOME
- Western Greece
Western Greece
Western Greece includes holiday resorts like Parga, the Pindus Mountains and Zagorian villages, hiking in the Vikos Gorge, historical Ioannina, and Dodona.
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 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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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 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.
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.
Latest Posts
-
Explore Vikos Gorge: Hiking, Rafting, and Food in Zagori
One of the most impressive canyons in Europe and one of Greece’s favorite mountain destinations, Vikos Gorge invites hikers and food lovers alike. -
Lefkada: The First Ancient Theater of the Ionian Islands Comes to Light
The first ancient theater ever discovered in the Ionian Islands is located in the heart of the ancient city of Lefkada, established before the end of the 7th century BC. -
5 Epic Island Hikes in Greece for Spring Explorers
This spring, five majestic peaks across Greece’s islands invite us to lace up our boots and discover a wilder side of island life. -
Greek Ferry Services to Halt on May 1 Due to Labor Strike
Ferries in Greece will remain docked for 24 hours on Thursday, May 1, as the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) joins Labor Day mobilizations announced by the General Confederation of Greek Labor… -
Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise
Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart. -
Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia
In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience. -
Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs
In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets. -
The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter
Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece. -
April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel
Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions. -
Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation
The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that…
Why not sign up for our Greece Travel Secrets newsletter? Each week you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
LEARN A LITTLE GREEK BEFORE YOU GO!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
