Ioannina City Guide
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Greece

Ioannina City Guide

Epirus Region

Ioannina, nestled in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece, is a picturesque city known for its stunning lake, Pamvotida, and the historic island within it. It's a vibrant university city with a rich history, evident in its Ottoman-era architecture, Byzantine monasteries, and the imposing Ioannina Castle. For travelers and remote workers, Ioannina offers a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and a lively local atmosphere, providing a more authentic Greek experience away from the typical tourist crowds.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Excellent
8

Try local pies and cheese. Ioannina has a mix of tavernas and some international options. Night food spots stay open late.

Local Dishes:
Galatopita, Bougatsa, Local cheeses
International Cuisine:
Italian, Asian
Vegan FriendlyVegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Good
7

Student population ensures vibrant nightlife with bars and cafes around the center and lake.

Coffee Culture
Excellent
8

A rich coffee culture with diverse café styles, perfect for social gatherings or solo sipping.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is appreciated, with 5-10% for good restaurant service. Rounding up fares for taxis is common.

Top Attractions
Ioannina Castle
Historical
Historic castle with views of the city and lake.
Lake Pamvotida
Nature
Enjoy walks or boat rides around this beautiful lake.
Perama Cave
Natural
A fascinating cave an exploration site.
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina
Museum
Museum showcasing local historical artifacts.
Silversmithing Museum
Museum
Exhibits traditional silver craftsmanship.
SIM Cards

SIM cards are available at shops from providers like Cosmote and Vodafone. Registration with ID is required.

Available at:
Cosmote
Vodafone
Wind (now Nova)
Recommended Apps
e-food(Food Delivery)
Beat (now FREE NOW)(Transport)
Google Maps(Navigation)
WhatsApp(Communication)
Viber(Communication)
XE Currency(Financial)
Translate apps (e.g., Google Translate)(Language)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Good
7

The city keeps fairly clean, with regular waste management especially in tourist spots.

24/7 Services
Good
6

Some pharmacies and minimarts are open late, especially in student areas.

Groceries
Sklavenitis
AB Vassilopoulos
Lidl

Supermarkets like Sklavenitis and Lidl offer international and local products. Fresh markets operate weekly.

Cashless Payments
Widely accepted

Card payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. Carry some cash for local markets or smaller establishments.

ATMs

ATMs are readily available in the city center, mostly from major banks. Expect fees for international cards.

Schools
Local only

Public and private schools are present, but international options are limited. The local university is well-regarded.

Available Schools:
Local school 1
Local school 2

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Available
3
Available Spaces:
The Cube Ioannina
Check for current availability.
Epirus Science Park
May provide shared office or incubation services.
Work-Friendly Cafés
Good
Motley Coffee Roasters
A local favorite with good Wi-Fi.
Kafekopteio Loumidis
Offers a cozy atmosphere for working.
The Old Coffee Shop
Old-style café popular among locals and tourists alike.
Coffee Island
Chain with multiple branches.
Various cafes along the lakefront
Scenic spots with coffee and Wi-Fi access.
Alternatives:
Municipal Library of Ioannina
A quiet space with access to books and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Lobbies
Many offer quiet spaces with internet.
University of Ioannina Campus
Certain areas may be accessible for work, check campus policies.
Digital Nomad Community
Limited
4

A small but growing digital nomad community, though not as vibrant as in larger cities.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Excellent
9

Excellent access to shaded trails and parks, largely centered around Lake Pamvotida.

Running
Excellent
8

Running by the lake provides a scenic and flat route. Routes are generally safe.

Gyms
Available

Gyms are available across the city, offering various fitness options.

Available Gyms:
Gymnasium Ioannina
Planet Fitness & More
Fitness Factory
CrossFit Ioannina
Tennis
Good
6

Tennis facilities are available in sports clubs, mostly accessible with membership.

Padel
Poor
2

Padel is not widely available; check sports clubs for court access.

Yoga
Good
7

Studios around town offer different yoga styles with possible English-speaking instructors.

Martial Arts
Good
6

The city's facilities offer martial arts like boxing and kickboxing, each with varied access.

Skiing
Limited
5

Nearby Vasilitsa offers ski runs, typically operational from December to March.

Water Sports
Good
6

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on Lake Pamvotida.

Surfing
Poor
1

Surfing is not available directly in Ioannina, but the coast has some spots.

Diving
Poor
1

Diving is possible on nearby coasts, but not within Ioannina itself.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Good
7

Ioannina has both public and private healthcare facilities, with English-speaking staff available especially in private clinics.

Hospitals:
University Hospital of Ioannina
Pharmacies:
Pharmacy 1
Pharmacy 2
Tap Water Safety
Safe to drink

Tap water is safe, matching general Greek standards.

Common Scams
Ensure taxi meters are turned on., Agree on prices beforehand in marketplaces.

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Good
7

Family attractions include the castle and lake trips. Basic baby supplies available in stores.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Good
7

Ioannina is more accepting thanks to its university culture. Some spaces may be more inclusive than others.

Pet Friendly
Good
7

With several pet-friendly cafes and green spaces, Ioannina is quite accommodating for pets.

Communities
Expats in Greece (Facebook Group)
Ioannina Expats & Friends (Facebook Group)
Local University Groups (University)

Quick Facts

Population
64,896
Power Reliability
Excellent
8/10

Electricity is reliable most of the time, with rare short outages.

Beach Access
Available

Beaches are reachable within 1-1.5 hours on the Ionian coast.

Mountains
Available

Pindus range surrounds the city with nearby hiking trails.

Languages
Greek(100%)
English(60%)
Emergency
112
European Emergency Number
100
Police
166
Ambulance
199
Fire Department

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Very Low Risk
1
🏔️
Earthquake
High Risk
7

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Extreme Heat
July, August
Summer can get very hot, especially in July and August.
Winter Cold/Snow
December, January, February
Colder months might bring temperatures low enough for snow in nearby areas.

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