Even though it’s a gateway to the island of Corfu, the region of Epirus, located in Greece’s northwest, is a part of the country that sees far fewer visitors than its hot spots. Mountains cover much of Epirus, hiding among them gorges, rivers, traditional villages, and the lakeside city of Ioannina. With its natural beauty, complex history, and, yes, even a coast with beaches to enjoy, there are plenty of things to do in Epirus for curious visitors looking to escape the crowds of Athens and the islands.
Like the rest of Greece, Epirus is at its liveliest during the summer months of July and August. The beaches along the Ionian Sea are at their best this time of year, while the region’s cities and towns often host events and festivals, such as the Kanaria Festival in Parga on August 14. If you’re interested in outdoor activities in Epirus, going in the shoulder months of May, June, and September will help you avoid the hottest weather.
Driving is the best way to get around mountainous Epirus, even though the landscape makes it hard to travel from A to B in a straight line. While intercity buses run between cities and major towns, their schedules are often limited, making independent travel challenging even during Greece's high season. Tours are often the only way to reach remote attractions without your own form of transportation.
Parga and Ioannina are the two main tourist hubs of Epirus and the places from which most tours leave to explore regional highlights, the Ionian Islands, and farther destinations such as Meteora. As for cuisine, the small town of Metsovo is Epirus’ culinary heart, recognized for its semihard metsovone cheese as well as its own mountainous wine region that specializes in a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and agiorgitiko.
