The Ioannina

The walks around the lake are an opportunity to let go of the power of the water; enjoy the coolness and serenity offered by the clumps of huge plane trees. The entire lakeside area is an ideal walk, full of small shops and great restaurants, combining fine dining with lush landscaping. Towards the north exit of the Ioannina, on the axis of Metsovo, is the church of Agios Nikolaos Kopana, a name given to the tearing of clothes made by women in traditional lake springs. According to popular tradition, Kira – Frosini, the fatal woman of Ioannina, was imprisoned here. The road, as it continues, leads to one of Europe’s most beautiful caves, Perama. The cave, a product of karstic phenomena, has a history of 1.5 million years. The beauty of its booths is indescribable. The Hall of the Cross, with limestone pilgrims, seems almost impossible to form without human intervention. And yet, it is a natural sculpture, which literally captivates the viewer. The Mythical Palace Room looks like a fairy house. The crystallizations of the roof create ‘chandeliers’, which surprise with their intricate structure and harmony of shapes. The area around the cave is ideal for gazing at the lake and enjoying the magic of nature. The train of Perama joins Ioannina with the picturesque settlement and is a nostalgic choice.