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Epirus,
in the north-west corner of Greece, is mostly mountainous. It borders with
Central Greece to the south-east, with Macedonia to the north-east, with
Albania to the north-west and with the Ionian sea and the Amvrakikos Gulf
to the south-west.
Due to its alpine nature and the nearness of its western and southern parts
to the sea, the climate of Epirus is continental in the interior and mild
in the coastal areas.
This part of Greece hosts dozens of large and small mountains, chief among
them the Pindus range. The mountains give the impression that they are
rising up out of the sea, out of the Ionian. Forests, wild vegetation,
lagoons, rivers, wetlands, provide sanctuary to thousands of birds. Fabulous
beaches and unforgettable verdant shores bathed in sunlight are washed
by the emerald Ionian. Here in Epirus, life flows as quietly as the rivers.
Here life is filled with the songs of the migratory birds and the whispering
of the leaves. Here the soul is resurrected in some picturesque village,
some magical town.
Ioannina is built on the shores of Lake Pamvotida. It is the largest and
prettiest city in Epirus, decorated with old buildings, narrow streets,
and natural charms. The area around the town has other attractions, such
as the village of Perama with the famous cave, Bizani with the waxwork
museum, the island in the lake across from Ioannina. From there one climbs
up to Metsovo, the beautiful mountain village known for its embroidery
and its dairy products. Continuing north one comes to the Vikos gorge.
Here, in amidst incredible mountain scenery are 46 villages known as the
Zagorohoria. In the varied vegetation one encounters picturesque churches,
old mansions, bridges, and traditional settlements.
At an altitude of 602 metres is the small town of Konitsa with the famous
gorge formed by the river Aoos.
A little higher, at 1.100 metres are two of the best preserved traditional settlements,
Sirako and Kalarites.
Dodoni in Epirus was the second oracle of ancient Greece after Delphi. Its temple
was dedicated to Zeus. The nearby theatre was one of the largest of antiquity.
Several other ruins bear testament to the importance of the site.
The springs of Louros and Zitsa are sources of fine mineral water. Arta is the
second largest town in Epirus and is especially well known for its fabled bridge
and the Byzantine monuments that remain in and around the town.
The entrance to the Amvrakikos (Ambracian) Gulf is guarded by Preveza and its
port. The uniquely beautiful town is close to ancient Nicopolis (1st century
BC), Kassope and Messopotamos.
Parga has plenty of water to irrigate its fertile and verdant land. Finally,
Igoumenitsa is the exit-harbour from Epirus and the entrance-harbour to the Ionian
and its islands. |
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