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Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa, the capital of Thesprotia and one of Greece's most important ports, lies 92 kilometres from Yanina. It is a modern town, one of the country's gateways to Western Europe, and a major hub for Adriatic sea traffic. The port of Igoumenitsa constitutes the second most important Western Gate of Greece in conjunction with Egnatia Road. Available capacity referring both to berths and land areas is inadequate especially after the re-orientation of the traffic corridors to the East-West. The main objectives of the project is the connection to the European Union, the regional development and the realisation of an integrated transport corridor in the East-West Axis which is one of the main objectives of the transport strategic planning in Greece.

The marvellous beaches of Drepano and Makrigiali with their hospitable resorts, plentiful sun and sea attract thousands of tourists, sports aficionados and adventurers the year round.

A seaside community 24 kilometres from Igoumenitsa with fantastic beaches like Zavia, Mega Amos, Agia Paraskevi, Bela Vraka, and many more, tranquil places rimmed with lush greenery. Along with Perdika and Parga, it forms a corner of rare natural beauty with tiny coves, verdant hills and deserted beaches.

Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Korila, 37 kilometres east of Igoumenitsa, Paramithia is the chief town of the Souli area. It occupies the site of Ancient Euroia, which was destroyed by the Goths in 551.

Its steep, picturesque alleyways, its Epirot mansion houses and its ruined mediaeval castle make it an interesting place to explore. Also worth a visit is the Byzantine church of the Dormition of the Virgin (Kimissi tis Theotokou) and the Byzantine baths.

A pretty market town 20 kilometers north of Igoumenitsa with many old mansion houses and public buildings. Visitors should make the detour to the Giromeri Monastery (1285), 4 kilometers away, which sheltered a Secret School during the Turkish occupation, and the village of Tsamata where there is a Folklore Museum.

Sagiada (18 km), the port of Filiates, is an idyllic fishing hamlet which once knew great prosperity as Epirus's main harbour under the Turks. It was here that Ali Pasha met with Napoleon, who was seeking assistance in his military campaigns.

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