Ioannina Archives - Insights Greece

A Glorious New Boutique Hotel Opens in Ioannina

Naiades Guesthouse is a striking new boutique hotel that has opened its pretty doors in the centre of Ioannina, right at the historical castle district.

Set in a neoclassical building Naiades features a mix of modern and simple lines that are softly combined with local traditional influences. Blending in harmoniously with the aesthetics of the nearby castle- the hotel offers guests a charming and cozy spot to explore Epirus’ capital city.

Location

Located 200 metres from the famous Castle of Ioannina, which was built in the 6th century and is the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece- Naiades residence is close to The Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Greek History, the Silversmithing Museum of Ioannina, the Cathedral of Agios Athanasios and the Byzantine Museum of Ioannina. Ioannina Airport is only 4 km from the property and it’s also nearby to the Vikos Gorge, Permama Cave, and Lake Pamvotida.

Insights Greece - A Glorious New Boutique Hotel Opens in Ioannina

Style & Design

The neoclassical building boasts traditional architecture and spacious areas that have been wonderfully filled with contemporary decor. From bright and bold colours to soft and pretty pastels, each room has its own unique style. Throughout the hotel, there is oakwood flooring and furnishings, velvet curtains, modern chandeliers; plus contemporary artwork, and splashes of metallics and marble.

Rooms

The hotel has eight unique rooms including a Deluxe Room, Superior Room, and Deluxe Suites. On the ground floor and first level, the guest rooms feature colourful selections of decor with custom-made furniture. Ample windows allow plenty of natural light in the rooms and each one includes air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

Garden Area

The outside of the hotel is just as inviting as the interior spaces. From the ground floor, stairs lead down to a charming stone courtyard at the back of the building where grey metallic chairs and marble tables offer an airy and intimate space for guests to enjoy a buffet or à la carte breakfast. The lush greenery and pretty pots also make it an appealing spot for guests to sit back and relax with a glass of wine.

Dining Area

The main dining area is in the basement of the hotel and features red, green, and yellow furniture. Marble and wooden tables with velvet armchairs fill the open space that also features an open kitchen. Guests are also able to enjoy an intimate reading corner; and there is also a central fireplace- just perfect for those cold, winter days.

Ideal for…

Anyone wishing to experience Ioannina’s rich history, local traditions, classical architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and buzzing cafe scene. With nearby activities include rafting, horseback riding, and hiking, it’s also perfect for those seeking adventures during the day and a quaint place to return to each night.

Facilities & Services

Free WiFi
Room service
Garden
Buffet or a la carte breakfast
Lounge
Bar
Luggage storage
Library

A: Kastro, Thanasi Vagia 8, Ioannina

Highlights of Metsovo

Nestled within the Pindos mountain range at an altitude of 1,200m, the charming town of Metsovo is set at the ‘crossroads’ of Epirus, Thessaly, and Western Macedonia.

Built like an amphitheatre, it boasts a collection of traditional houses with tile roofs and wooden porches, as well as grand mansions that are nestled between lush greenery. The town flourished in the 18th and 19th Centuries and ever since was supported by a local
benefactor and politician Evangelos Averoff, who created a foundation to fund local crafts, cheesemaking, and winemaking. Indeed, Metsovo is known as a capital place to find excellent cheese in all varieties, the most famed of all from the region being the smoky, toffee-coloured PDO Metsovone.

Top Things To Do

-Explore the town – stroll along cobblestone streets and sip coffee in Agia Paraskevi square, admire the traditional architecture and visit the Averoff Museum, Aghios Nikolaos Monastery, and the Folk Art Museum.

-In early spring or late Autumn especially visit the man-made Aoos Springs Lake.

-Southeast of that is the high Katara Pass (5km northeast of Metsovo) where you can challenge yourself in a climb or hike and admire stunning vistas.

Best Places To Eat

-Visit Galaxias, which serves good regional cuisine and is located in the main square of Metsovo. We recommend you try the homemade pites (pies), traditional kontosouvli, as well as handmade local pasta.

–To Koutouki Tou Nikola serves simple yet delicious local fare, from meats and mezedes to grilled saganaki cheeses and hand-cut chips in a cozy ambiance.

-No-frills in terms of its appearance, Aspasia’s (20 minutes from Metsovo) honey cuisine has character and packs a punch in flavour. Local meats, cheeses, and wines are served up in well-sized and affordable portions.

Don’t leave Metsovo without trying: Agiorgitiko wine at the Averoff Winery and Hotel, and cheeses such as gyalotyri, Metsovone, graviera, and goat’s cheese. Hard cheeses travel well and can be bought at I Pygi or the Tositsa Foundation Cheese Factory.

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Top 12 Reasons to Visit Ioannina

With a rich history and lovely local traditions, classical architecture, breathtaking landscapes and a buzzing cafe scene, Ioannina is Epirus’ charming capital. Here we share our Top 12 reasons why you should add this unique destination to your 2021 travel list!

1. Many famous Greek novelists and award-winning poets originate from Ioannina, and several cultural events are organised in their honour here throughout the year, allowing visitors the opportunity to discover the rich local history. During these festivals you can taste the flavours, see the sights and enjoy the authentic sounds of Epirus.

2. With many multicultural influences throughout the centuries, a walk through the historic city centre highlights the Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences that all blend in to make Ioannina so unique. Visit the many mosques and minarets, and the rebuilt wall of the Kastro. Make sure you check out buildings such as the House Matei Hussein, the Dodoni Sanctuary and Theatre, as well as the Kehila Kedosha Yashan Synagogue.

Insights Greece - Top 12 Reasons to Visit Ioannina — Kale Citadel

3. Stroll along the pretty streets and visit the Old Quarter to admire the impressive architecture which includes folk residences, mansions, as well as the Old Bazaar and the Kale Citadel.

4. See the Museum of Ali Pasha and Revolutionary Era where Ali Pasha’s decapitated corpse was discovered.

5. To learn more about Greek history visit the Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina and Epirus’ first ever school.

6. Make the most of the buzzing social scene as you sit down at one of the many cafes or taverns where you can taste the wonderful delicacies including local fish from the lake, and a wide range of herbs and spices, which are added to local dishes. Ioannina is most known for its frog’s legs, an alcohol free liqueur made from organic vinegar, fruit syrups, herbs and nectar; as well as a sweet wine named ‘sherbetia,’ and a variety of syrupy pastries including their own version of galaktoboureko and baklava.

7. Take a 10-minute boat ride to Nissi Island, founded in the 16th Century. Here you will find a couple of monasteries dating back to the 13th century (the boat departs regularly from the promenade).

8. Just 4km from Epirus’ capital you’ll find one of the most beautiful caves in the Balkans, called Perama. A walk through here will take around 45 minutes and you can admire stalactites and stalagmites that are over a million years old.

9. Stroll along Pamvotis, a picturesque and calm lake, with clear waters- it is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky mountains.

10. Visit the castle of Ioannina, which was built in the 6th century and is the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece.

11. Admire the small craftsmen shops where local artisans are still using their skills. Here you will find a range of jewellery stores with traditional and modern pieces for both men and women.

12. Near Ioannina you can also visit the Byzantine town of Arta or Pindus National Park with stunning views, it’s a must see.

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Perfect Places in Greece to Explore as a Couple

Greece is a dream destination for couples looking to explore a country offering magical scenery, amazing outdoor activities, as well as magnificent archaeological sites, cultural attractions and gastronomical delights- making it the ultimate travel experience with a partner.

Local lovebirds George and Julie from Ioannina in Northern Greece, who are the creators of the website travellers.gr, explore Greece all year round and share their wonderful adventures together on their popular blog.

The Travellers recently spoke with IN+SIGHTS GREECE about the places they believe other twosomes from around the world would also appreciate and admire!

Insights Greece - Perfect Places in Greece to Explore as a Couple

What makes Greece a great place for couples to visit?

Greece is a paradise for every traveller and that’s not an exaggeration. For nature lovers, there are endless mountains, forests and rivers with incredible beauty. For those who love the sea and the Greek summer, Greece has about 6000 islands and picturesque spots. What definitely makes Greece a unique destination compared to other countries is the hospitality and simplicity of the locals, but also of course the unique traditions and history of each place.

Santorini is known as the most romantic Greek island. What other islands do you think are ideal for couples?

There’s no denying Santorini is a standout and no one leaves from there untouched. But our favourite islands apart from Santorini are Nisyros, Leipsoi, Koufonisia, Serifos and Alonissos.

Where do you love to go in in Autumn & Winter?

Greece is a unique destination all year round and in Autumn, the destinations we enjoy are mountainous ones that bring us closer to nature. Near Ioannina, where we live, is Zagorochoria which has around 52 villages and each has something unique to offer, with a range of mountains, rivers, forests and stone bridges. In winter we definitely like snow and we climb to another altitude. From ski resorts to traditional settlements in the mountains, our favourite destinations are Paleos, Agios Athanasios in Pella, and Kastoria.

What are some of your favourite road trips?

Road trips are our favourite type of travel in Greece and abroad and there are four that we have singled out. For Summer: 1. Peloponnese (Patra-Kalavrita-Nafplio-Monemvasia-Gythio). 2. Central Greece (Karpenisi-Nafpaktos-Galaxidi-Arachova) For Winter: 1. Macedonia (Kastoria-Prespes-Paleos Agios Athanasios-Loutra Pozar-Kavala) 2. Thessaly (Meteora-Trikala-Pertouli-Elati-Lake Plastira).

Where in Greece have you not been yet that you want to explore next?

We would definitely like to visit several places in the Peloponnese and with so many islands to see, the next on our bucket list are: Skyros, Milos and Folegandros.

Some great activities for couples when visiting Greece?

The ones we recommend are horseback riding at the river Acheron, rafting on the river Voidomatis in Zagorochoria, hippodrome at Lake Plastira, mountain climbing at Mount Olympus, paragliding in Lefkada and scuba diving in Kefalonia.

Greek dishes/delicacies that you recommend?

If you come to Greece for the first time, you should definitely try moussakas, traditional Epirus pies, traditional Greek salad, spetsofai (Greek sausage and peppers), tzatziki, gemista (stuffed vegetables), spoon sweets, and of course souvlaki.

Any tips for couples planning a trip to Greece?

The only advice we have, which of course applies to every holiday, is to be in a good mood, have an appetite for new adventures and savour every moment!

You can follow George and Julie on their Instagram Page here.

Epirus Greece Greek couples Greek islands Greek travel Ioannina travel travel for couples travel Greece travel with partner

Naiades Guesthouse is a striking new boutique hotel that has opened its pretty doors in the centre of Ioannina, right at the historical castle district.

Nestled within the Pindos mountain range at an altitude of 1,200m, the charming town of Metsovo is set at the ‘crossroads’ of Epirus, Thessaly, and Western Macedonia.

With a rich history and lovely local traditions, classical architecture, breathtaking landscapes and a buzzing cafe scene, Ioannina is Epirus’ charming capital. Here we share our Top 12 reasons why you should add this unique destination to your 2021 travel list!

Greece is a dream destination for couples looking to explore a country offering magical scenery, amazing outdoor activities, as well as magnificent archaeological sites, cultural attractions and gastronomical delights- making it the ultimate travel experience with a partner.

The Athens Guide