The capital of Epirus, about an hour and a half from Preveza, with a walled castle on Lake Pamvotis and the island where Ali Pasha died.
About Ioannina
Ioannina sits at about 500 m on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis, about 100 km (an hour and a half) inland from Preveza. With some 65,000 people, it is the largest town in Epirus and a university city.
The castle stands on a rocky peninsula into the lake. Its inner citadel, Its Kale, holds the Fethiye Mosque, Ali Pasha's tomb, the Byzantine Museum, with finds from across Epirus from the 4th to the 19th century, and a museum of silversmithing, the craft Ioannina is known for. In the other citadel, the Aslan Pasha Mosque of 1618 houses the Municipal Ethnographic Museum, covering the town's Greek, Muslim and Jewish communities.
A short boat ride takes you to the island in the lake. Ali Pasha was killed there in 1822, in the monastery of Saint Panteleimon, which is now a museum.
Good to know
- Start at the castle, then take the boat to the island for lunch by the water.
- It is the longest drive of these trips: an early start makes it an easy day.
- The town is at about 500 m, so outside summer it can be noticeably cooler than the coast.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ioannina from Preveza?
About 100 km by road, roughly an hour and a half from Preveza town centre.
What is there to see in Ioannina castle?
The Fethiye Mosque, Ali Pasha's tomb, the Byzantine Museum and the silversmithing museum in the inner citadel, and the Aslan Pasha Mosque with the Municipal Ethnographic Museum in the other.
Where did Ali Pasha die?
On the island in Lake Pamvotis, in the monastery of Saint Panteleimon, in 1822. The monastery is now a museum.
Last updated 18 October 2026. Information checked against en.wikipedia.org. Spotted something out of date? Use “Suggest a place” in the footer.
More day trips in Preveza
Parga
A Venetian-era harbour town about an hour north of Preveza, with a hilltop castle, an islet in the bay and beaches within walking distance.
Parga, Preveza regional unit (61 km / about 1 hour from Preveza)
Lefkada Town
The capital of the island of Lefkada, half an hour from Preveza across a causeway and floating bridge, guarded by the castle of Santa Maura.
Lefkada Town, island of Lefkada (27 km / about 30 minutes from Preveza)
Arta
The old capital of the Despotate of Epirus, under an hour from Preveza, with its famous bridge over the Arachthos and Byzantine churches.
Arta, Epirus (49 km / about 55 minutes from Preveza)