The lake of Ioannina or otherwise Pamvotis Lake is one of the oldest lakes in the world and the second oldest after Lake Ohrid at a European level (about 7 mil. years old). This ecosystem belongs to the European network of protected areas NATURA 2000, due to its rare flora and fauna.

The word "Pamvotis" is of the Homeric word "pamvotor" or "pamvotir" which means "the one that keeps everything fed." The city of Ioannina and the activities of the inhabitants are directly connected with the lake. One of the first things you will learn about the lake, is the tragic story of the drowning of Kyra Frosini along with 17 other Gianniotisses (women of Ioannina) by Ali Pasha.

The lake is big and it even has island where about 10 families of fishermen live exclusively from fishing. On the banks of the lake you will see people enjoying the landscape, hiking or jogging. In the lake you will see athletes rowing and/or canoeing. Many artists, Greeks and foreigners, have been inspired by the beauty of the lake and have given us a cultural heritage of art, poems, pictures and songs.

The eight monasteries that have been preserved until today reveal the monastic life that existed on the island in the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine years. Two monasteries stand out: the Monastery of St. Panteleimonas where Ali Pasha was assassinated and which has now been converted into the Museum of Greek history, and the Monastery of  St. Nikolaos of Filanthropinon, who were a large family of Byzantium. You will be impressed by the full-length paintings of the 16th century depicting the seven philosophers of Antiquity: Solon, Plato, Aristotle, Thucydide, Plutarch, Chilon and Apollonius. The island is just 10 minutes from Ioannina. You can walk on the cobbled streets between the traditional houses and try out the local specialties: fresh fish or frog legs.