Sports-activities

The city of Ioannina is considered a sufficiently functional urban formation, with a modern, safe pedestrian network and a variety of options for sports and alternative activities. Pedestrians and cyclists have the ability of direct access to all important points of interest, with routes that cross or intersect the wider area of the center to the lakeside area.

Most people prefer a refreshing walk along the lake, in the shade of plane trees and next to beautiful flower arrangements. Others are content with a simple stroll through the alleys and "hidden corners" for relaxation and cool enjoyment of the "old market". However, the most ideal walk, to admire the natural beauty of the protected area, go jogging or exercise, is the route (via the pedestrian- bicycle path, from Mavili Square to the village of Katsikas. A distance of about 10 kilometers, with wonderful view of rare species of local flora and fauna.

In any case, the established "Lake Tour" (30 km), but also other equally important mass sports "festivals" organized every year for hundreds of runners of all ages, rank the city as an enviable tourist sports destination. In the waters of lake of Pamvotida, which is an inexhaustible source of internal energy and recreation, rowing, water skiing and sailing activities are developed, while amateur fishing from the shores of the lake is also common.

For those who want a different experience, they can try air sports , with organized flights from the runway at the top of Mitsikeli, indulge in mountain hiking, horse riding or go bird watching on the "back" side of the lake , which is a shelter from the wind for many endemic and migratory birds.

With a good appetite and a pinch of time...everything could happen...

Relaxing walks

Meet each other in the central town square, in front of the characteristic administrative building of the city Region. Behind the building, the mall is stretched, stores of which offer a range of options. A stop is essential at the many cafes. And keep your eyes open. Somewhere between the storefronts and shops, one encounters small cultural treasures and architectural monuments: the Folklore Museum of Continental Research Company, the building of the Post Office and the Zosimaia Library until the former Papazogleio Weaving School, the former Kaplaneio School and the mansion Pyrsinella.

Walking and cycling

Almost a breath from the historic center, there is the lakeside. From the square Mavili until "12", the "Skala" the Katsari Park, the multi old municipal slaughterhouses, Akti Miaouli and lakeside bicycle - pedestrian. In some places along this route many restaurants and cafes are developed.

The walk around the lake

Every year, in September, the Lake Run is organized around the lake - one of the most famous road races in the country, a very beautiful route with amazing views. Ideal for professional runners as well as beginners. In it, at least 2,000 runners participate from every corner of Greece, but also abroad. The Ioannina Lake Tour is organized by the Poseidon Sports Club of Ioannina, under the auspices of the municipality of Ioannina and the Region of Epirus.

Paragliding

The city of Ioannina aspires to become a metropolis of air sports, since it has an ideal topography for organized flights and performance air sports. The top of Mitsikeli, the mountain that dominates the city and Lake Pamvotida, is used as the take-off runway.

Bird watching on the lake

For lovers of strange and odd sports, there is also birdwatching, as the lake is a shelter from the wind for a multitude of endemic and migratory birds. According to the Management Body of Pamvotis Lake, the greatest importance of the basin for the protection of biodiversity is focused on the preservation of more than 170 species of birds, such as egrets, ducks, crickets, raptors, etc., of which 34 are protected both by the Community as well as by the Greek Legislation (Appendix II, 79/409).