The Mysterious Charm of Ioannina
Lake Pamvotida, its name meaning “the one that nourishes everything”, is the legendary lake of Kyra-Frosyni and the timeless jewel of the Ioannina basin. Its name is recorded as early as the 12th century, while the historian Procopius refers to the lake in the 6th century, linking it to the construction of the fortress by Emperor Justinian.
Natural Landscape and Biodiversity
At an altitude of 470 metres, the lake is surrounded by Mount Mitsikeli and the foothills of Mount Tomaros. It is fed by the crystal-clear springs of Drabatova, Sedenikos and Krya, forming a water basin of 22.8 sq. km. Its banks, densely planted with reeds, willows and poplars, offer shelter to herons, grebes and wild swans. Lake Pamvotida remains vital for the region, being rich in eels, crayfish and carp.
The Island and the Legends
In the heart of the lake rests the "anonymous" small island called Nisaki, the only inhabited lake island in Greece. Small boats carry visitors to a picturesque fishing community with historic monasteries. There, the legend of Durahan Pasha still lingers, recalling times when the lake froze so solidly that people could even cross it by bicycle. The landscape is defined by two emblematic features: the peninsula with the historic Castle and the idyllic Nisaki.
Activities and Flavours
Today, the lake is a centre of international rowing and canoe-kayak sporting events. The visitor can enjoy a walk along the lakeside promenade under the plane trees and taste local delicacies, such as the famous frog legs and the traditional syrup-soaked sweets of Ioannina.
The secrets of Lake Pamvotida, well hidden in the morning mist and the melancholic winter sunsets, invite the traveller on an atmospheric journey where myth, history and the incomparable nature of Epirus come together.
Natural Landscape and Biodiversity
At an altitude of 470 metres, the lake is surrounded by Mount Mitsikeli and the foothills of Mount Tomaros. It is fed by the crystal-clear springs of Drabatova, Sedenikos and Krya, forming a water basin of 22.8 sq. km. Its banks, densely planted with reeds, willows and poplars, offer shelter to herons, grebes and wild swans. Lake Pamvotida remains vital for the region, being rich in eels, crayfish and carp.
The Island and the Legends
In the heart of the lake rests the "anonymous" small island called Nisaki, the only inhabited lake island in Greece. Small boats carry visitors to a picturesque fishing community with historic monasteries. There, the legend of Durahan Pasha still lingers, recalling times when the lake froze so solidly that people could even cross it by bicycle. The landscape is defined by two emblematic features: the peninsula with the historic Castle and the idyllic Nisaki.
Activities and Flavours
Today, the lake is a centre of international rowing and canoe-kayak sporting events. The visitor can enjoy a walk along the lakeside promenade under the plane trees and taste local delicacies, such as the famous frog legs and the traditional syrup-soaked sweets of Ioannina.
The secrets of Lake Pamvotida, well hidden in the morning mist and the melancholic winter sunsets, invite the traveller on an atmospheric journey where myth, history and the incomparable nature of Epirus come together.
