Day 3 – Discovering the Soul of Epirus: From Ioannina to the Vikos Gorge
Our third day on this mainland tour in Greece began with a light breakfast at 1929 Boutique Residences, our charming hotel overlooking the lake in Ioannina. Our host, Mr. Giannis, suggested visiting Oxya Viewpoint, an awe-inspiring spot that offers a panoramic view of Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
The drive was about 40 minutes, and along the way, we stopped at a small roadside café serving the most delicious handmade Greek pies I’ve ever had — generous portions, flaky crusts, and a true taste of the mountains.
Just before reaching the viewpoint, we stumbled upon the Rock Forest, a surreal landscape where stone formations resemble trees in a petrified wood. When we finally arrived at Oxya, the rain had just stopped. Standing there, gazing into the gorge, I felt as if I had an appointment with nature — or perhaps with something divine. The silence, the mist, and the vastness of the landscape were truly humbling.
After this unforgettable moment, we returned to Ioannina for a short rest before heading to the island of Ioannina, one of Greece’s most charming lake islets. The boat ride took only 5 minutes and cost €2.50 per person, with ferries running until 9:00 PM.
On the island, we explored traditional houses, small shops, and the Ali Pasha Museum, which narrates the fascinating story of the Ottoman ruler who once lived — and died — there. For lunch, we embraced the local delicacies: eel, fresh trout, and even frog legs, a rare specialty in Greece but a tradition here in Ioannina.
Before leaving the island, we stopped for dessert at Xilia Kantaria Zaxari, a local favorite known for its irresistible baklava and charismatic seller who could “sell ice at the North Pole.”
That evening, back in Ioannina, we dined traditionally — Kontosouvli, slow-roasted pork, perfectly seasoned and paired with a glass of local wine.
Day 4 – From Ioannina to Meteora via Metsovo
The next morning, we packed our bags under gray skies and set off toward Meteora, with a planned stop in Metsovo, a mountain village famous for its cheese and wine. Unfortunately, the rain was relentless, and we only managed a brief drive-through. It’s now on my list to return, as Metsovo seemed like the embodiment of authentic mountain life — wooden chalets, cobbled streets, and smoke from chimneys curling through the mist. The local smoked cheese, Metsovone, is a must-try for any visitor.
By early afternoon, we reached Meteora, one of the most iconic destinations for any mainland tour in Greece. Despite the light rain, the landscape was enchanting — giant rock pillars rising dramatically from the valley floor, crowned by ancient monasteries. Because of the crowds and weather, we decided to admire them through a panoramic drive, stopping for photos at scenic points.
For lunch, we followed a local’s recommendation and drove to Aulaki, a cozy taverna near Trikala.
We enjoyed lamb chops, homemade burgers, and a Greek salad — simple but perfect. Since Trikala was nearby, we couldn’t resist a short visit to the Violanta cookie factory, famous across Greece for its creative flavors and local specialties not found in supermarkets.
Later, we took a brief stroll through Trikala’s city center before heading back to Meteora for the night.
Day 5 – The Magic of Meteora and Journey to Volos
Determined to see Meteora properly, we woke up early and were among the first to arrive at Moni Varlaam. The peaceful morning atmosphere made the visit unforgettable. Later, we continued to St. Stephen’s Monastery, where the resident nuns sell handmade herbs, oils, and souvenirs — authentic gifts with spiritual roots.
From there, our mainland tour in Greece continued toward Volos, a coastal city famous for its tsipouro culture — the art of sharing small plates (meze) alongside this local spirit distilled from grape residue. Once settled into our hotel, we set out to explore.
We had dinner at Gia Dyo (Για Δυο), a cozy taverna known for its tsipouro and delicious seafood dishes. Later, dessert was at Minerva Café, a seaside spot dating back to 1935, where we enjoyed traditional sweets with a view of the promenade. The warm weather gave the evening a summer feeling, and we ended the day with a stroll by the sea — and, of course, a pita gyro before heading back.
Day 6 – Farewell to the Mainland: From Volos to Athens
On our final day, we began the journey back to Athens, stopping briefly at Thermopylae, the legendary “Hot Gates,” where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their historic stand. It felt fitting to end our mainland tour in Greece at such a symbolic place — a reminder that Greece’s beauty lies not only in its islands but in its powerful history and landscapes.
As we drove back, I reflected on the trip — the flavors, the views, the people — and how this journey through the Greek mainland deepened my connection with the country I call home.
Final Thoughts
This mainland tour in Greece was not just about visiting destinations; it was about rediscovering authenticity — from mountain villages and serene lakes to sacred cliffs and seaside towns. Traveling this route helped me experience firsthand what our guests will encounter — the essence of real Greece, beyond the islands.
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