Greece · Epirus

Lake Pamvotida

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Λίμνη Παμβώτιδα

Lake Pamvotida, also known as the Lake of Ioannina, is the largest lake in Epirus, in northern Greece. The regional capital Ioannina stands on its western shore and the town of Perama on its northern one, while the rest is farmland. A regular boat service links the town to the small inhabited island in the lake. The lake has no surface outflow and drains through sinkholes in the limestone.

How it formed

The lake lies south of the Mitsikeli mountains and is fed by several small rivers. It has no surface outflow but is drained through karstic sinkholes towards the rivers Arachthos, Louros and Kalamas. In 1960 a tunnel and a ditch were built to carry water from its northern end to the Kalamas.

History

The small inhabited island of Ioannina, near the northern shore, is where Ali Pasha hid during the last days of his reign.

Ali Pasha’s last stand

Ali Pasha was killed in 1822 at the monastery of Saint Panteleimon on the island, and a museum about him stands there. The island has several monasteries (about six, the oldest dating from somewhere between the 11th and the late 13th century), and its Epirot architecture is a pleasure to wander through.

Nature

The lake is home to small mammals, waterbirds and a rich fauna of fish and crustaceans, among them the tsima, a fish found only in this lake. Urbanisation and pollution threaten the ecosystem: untreated sewage has polluted the water, and eutrophication causes algal blooms in summer.

Gallery

4 photos

Photo: unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo: Fingalo · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Visit

Getting there

Nearest settlement: Ioannina

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

The lake has small fishing ports and a boating port, and the island is reached by a regular boat service. National Road 6 runs around the northern half of the lake. Because of the summer algal blooms, check the water quality before swimming.

The boat to the island

Boats leave the quay below the fortress about every half hour in summer, from early morning until late at night, and the ride takes about ten minutes. In the off-season the last boat leaves the island around 10 p.m., and boats run all year, weather permitting. The island is car-free and easy to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and, in summer, sun protection. The monastery may close on some religious holidays.

When to go and what to eat

Winter is colder but atmospheric, often with mist rising from the lake. Many restaurants in Ioannina serve fish from the lake, including trout dishes.