Greece is a land for everyone and for all seasons – to pigeon-hole the country as merely a beach and summer destination is to miss out on hidden gems, one of which is the administrative region of Epirus. Epirus is mainland Greece’s northwest corner, flanked by the Ionian Sea with its islands to the west and the Pindus Mountains separating the region from Macedonia and Thessaly to the east. Epirus is a land that is marked by stone bridges, historical structures from antiquity like the largest ancient theater ever discovered – the Theater of Dodoni – and raw natural beauty.

The great outdoors in Greece does not necessarily mean beaches and olive groves, though both can be found in Epirus, where a visitor can enjoy white-water rafting, skiing, mountain climbing, and much more. Travelers can paint a picture of the perfect vacation using the canvas of unspoiled forests, fast-running rivers, and abundant wildlife which is a delight for any lover of nature.

Nestled in the Pindus mountains are a chain of 46 villages known as the Zagorochoria, which dot the mountainsides and offer spectacular hospitality and cozy stone and wood structures that almost transport a visitor mentally to something they think they might more likely encounter in a country like Austria or Switzerland. Such is the beauty of Epirus and the sheer diversity of the beautiful landscape and the activities one can enjoy when visiting there.

On the banks of Lake Pamvotida is found the capital of Epirus, Ioannina, a historically important city and the largest population center of the region. Ioannina features old-world charm and noticeable Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences that shaped the city through the centuries. Whether it’s an old-world urban setting, a beautiful beach on the Ionian Sea, a whirring river rafting excursion, or a mountain getaway to Zagorochoria, Epirus has something for all seasons and all visitors. Thank you for allowing The National Herald to be your gateway to Epirus.