Looking for a weekend getaway in Northern Greece? Stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and history, traditional architecture and charming villages await you in a road trip you will never forget to Kozani, Metsovo and Ioannina.
In this article, we will guide you to a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination in Greece.
Table of Contents
First stop: Kozani
Our road trip started in Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, a beautiful Greek seaside city. We drove around two hours to reach our first stop: Kozani. Our adventure began with a visit to a cafe in the heart of the town, where we enjoyed a traditional Greek coffee. The sun was shining and the streets were bustling with life, making it the perfect start to our day.
We headed to the central square, which is a true gem of Kozani. Surrounded by charming traditional buildings, this picturesque square is the perfect spot to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the town. We lounged on a bench and enjoyed the warm sun, feeling like true locals as we watched the world go by.
Second stop: Metsovo
After a two hour drive, we reached our next stop: Metsovo, a true hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Pindus mountains of Greece. We drove through the snow-capped mountains and we were immediately struck by the natural beauty of the region.
Upon arriving in the village, we strolled through its charming cobblestoned streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the village and admiring the beautiful stone houses and historic churches. The village is surrounded by mountains, which creates a truly picturesque setting.
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the traditional village square, which is the heart of Metsovo. Surrounded by lively cafes, traditional Greek tavernas and shops, this is the perfect spot to relax and take in the local atmosphere. You can also visit the Averoff Art Gallery and the Metsovo Folk Art Museum.
FInal destination: Ioannina and Lake Pamvotida
Finally, after a one hour drive, we reached our final destination: Ioannina, a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Pamvotida. We arrived by night so we went out to the center of Ioannina and enjoyed its vibrant nightlife with many bars and traditional taverns.
The next morning, we started our day by exploring the Castle of Ioannina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval castle, built during the Byzantine Empire, offers the chance to explore its well-preserved fortifications, towers, and structures, as well as learn about the city’s rich history. From the castle, you will also have a stunning view of the city and the lake.
Next, we had a relaxing walk on the shores of Lake Pamvotida and enjoyed the magnificent landscapes. It is also a great place to have a small picnic or to take a boat tour of the lake.
Other things to do in Ioannina are the Folk Art Museum and the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa.
As we journeyed back to Thessaloniki, the beauty of nature left us in awe! The crisp mountain air during sunset and the blanket of snow created a truly magical atmosphere. We stopped to take in the views and take some photos, feeling truly enchanted by the landscape
Other things to do in the region
If you have some extra time, you can also add to your road trip the village of Argilos next to Kozani, an archaeological site on a hilltop that dates back to the 4th century BC. A beautiful traditional village that is also worth visiting in the region is Zagorochoria. Finally, if you are interested in outdoor activities and nature, make sure to visit Aliakmonas River on your way for hiking, fishing or rafting and the Velouchi ski resort and Vasilitsa Ski Resort for skiing in winter!
In conclusion, our road trip to Kozani, Metsovo, Ioannina and Lake Pamvotida was a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We explored the rich heritage of Greece and experienced the authentic charm of the Greek countryside.
Interested in visiting more stunning destinations in the Greek mountains? Check out our travel guide to Meteora, where you will discover unique gigantic rocks with wonderful landscapes that will definitely amaze you!