Regions of Greece : Epirus (Ioannina, Thesprotia, Preveza, Arta)
Epirus is a province in northwestern Greece.
It is divided into four prefectures: Arta, Ioannina, Preveza and Thesprotia. It has a population of about 350,000. The capital of Epirus and its largest city is Ioannina.
A large part of Epirus lies on mountainous areas, called Pindus Mountains. These mountains are known for wild vegetation, lagoons and rivers. Although there are many beaches you can enjoy, if you are a mountain lover, you will cherish this area of Greece.
Epirus compared to the other parts of Greece has a peaceful image. Thus, if you are fond of serenity and places without much noise, your best choice will be Epirus. There are so many hotels, villas and any accommodation to choose from, that you will be dazzled! You can even visit Epirus in one of the conference centers provided.
Preveza prefecture
Area (sq.km): 1.036
Population (2001): 59.334
Population Density(hab/sq.km): 57
The Prefecture of Preveza is one of the four Prefectures consisting Epirus. It is a coastal prefecture known for the variation of the landscape: high mountains, plains and beautiful beaches. The prefecture borders the other three prefectures of Epirus. Amvrakikos gulf on the south and the Ionian Sea on the west have created excellent sandy beaches.
The homonymous town of Preveza is the main town of the Prefecture. It is built in the edge of a peninsula at the mouth of Amvrakikos gulf. An immersed tunnel connects Preveza with Aktion on the opposite. The town has a vigorous insular character and charms the visitor with its cosmopolitan air.
The coastal areas of the prefecture have become known developed greatly in tourism and are now excellent tourist resorts for all kind of holidays. There is tourist infrastructure in all the coastal areas. Big hotel complexes of high specifications offer accommodation of high quality.
The region is full of archaeological finds that cover almost all the history of man. Palaeolithic finds were discovered in the cave of Asprochaliko near Filipiada. In antiquity, many mighty cities flourished in the region of the prefecture, founded either by Epirots or by colonists from other ancient Greek cities.
The naval battle of Aktion that took place in the sea between Preveza and Aitoloakarnania in September 31 BC was an important historical fact. Octavian of Rome fought with his fleet against Anthony and Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. The dramatic result of this battle was the destruction of Cleopatra's fleet. Octavian was the winner and for his triumph was designated Augustus and built Nikopolis.
The town of Preveza was founded in the 11th century by inhabitants of the nearby city of Nikopolis, after its desolation. The town flourished during the years of Ali Pasha's domination. Imposing castles and many public works were built, most of them still standing.
Thesprotia prefecture
Area (sq.km): 1.515
Population (2001): 45.508
Population Density(hab/sq.km): 30
Capital City: Igoumenitsa
The Prefecture of Thesprotia is one of the four prefectures combining Epirus. It is a prefecture with scenic mountains and also lovely coastal areas. Igoumenitsa is the main city of the Prefecture. It has an important harbour and it is often characterised as 'the gate to Europe'.
There are historical references to many of the regions of the prefecture of Thesprotia, even from antiquity. This is the place where first the tribe of Thesproti showed up, the first Greeks who came to the region in the Paleolithic Age and the middle Bronze Age. Homer often cites Thesprotia in his Iliad and Odyssey.
The Thesproti occupied many of the regions of the today's prefecture of Ioannina, even Dodona. They built outstanding cities, such as Toroni, Titani, Fanoti etc. The Macedonians occupied the region for a while. Later, the Romans caused many disasters to Thesprotia. The Byzantine years followed, until the Turkish occupation. Thesprotia set free in 1913, along with the rest of Epirus.The region suffered greatly during the World War II.
The phenomenon of the massive immigration that followed the years after the liberation lead to the depopulation of the prefecture. The reconstruction of the harbour in the 70's and the development in tourism gave a new push to the region.
The unspoiled natural beauty of the coastal areas of Thesprotia has turned them into well-known tourist resorts. Today, the coastal areas offer excellent infrastructures and accommodate thousands of visitors every summer, from Greece or abroad.
Ioannina prefecture
Area (sq.km): 4.990
Population (2001): 170.244
Population Density(hab/sq.km): 34
Ioannina is the largest of the four counties that make up Epirus, and it's importance to the region can be seen through many examples, such as the Ioannina University. You will also find silversmiths and craftsmen who provide excellent services and whose trade has been passed down through generations.
Ioannina is a very beautiful city with a rich and interesting history. It is the financial and literature centre of the Epirus region of Greece. It is situated on the shores of the charming lake Pamvotida, or as it is known today, the lake of Ioannina.
The city is one that is very impressive and offer visitors all of the modern facilities, comforts and services, as well as combining the historic past with the modern way of life. Visitors to the region can take a stroll and see the wonderful collection of Byzantine and Neoclassical origins of the city, marking the course through history up to the present day.
The Prefecture of Ioannina is the biggest prefecture in Epirus. The historical city of Ioannina, which is also called ‘the city of legends and traditions’, is its main city. It has about 350 settlements and it is mainly mountainous. Some of the highest mountains in Greece are located in the Prefecture of Ioannina. Parts of the National Parks of Pindos are within the confines of the prefecture. The lowlands of the Prefecture are located mainly in the basin around the city of Ioannina.
Today, regions such as Zagori, Metsovo, Konitsa, Tzoumerka etc. are some of the best destinations in Greece. There are many hotels and rooms for rent all over the Prefecture, where one can stay. There are also many taverns and restaurants where you can taste the traditional cuisine of Epirus.
Ioannina has air and national bus connections with the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki.
Arta prefecture
Area (sq.km): 1.662
Population (2001): 77.334
Population Density(hab/sq.km): 47
The Prefecture of Arta is located in the northwest part of Greece and geographically a part of the administrative district of Epirus. It extends in 1612 square kilometres and Arta is its main town. It is a Prefecture with extremely mountainous, semi-mountainous and lowland areas.
O
ne of the main features of the Prefecture is the river Arachthos and its picturesque and historical stone bridge located near the town of Arta. Amvrakikos gulf with the interesting biotopes on the south and Tzoumerka mountain range with the rich forests and the running waters on the north are places of unique natural beauty. There are also many historical monuments scattered in the Prefecture reminding each time its rich historical background.
At a close distance are the beautiful waterfalls, which provide visitors with a truly magical sight. The waterfalls are situated very close to the quaint traditional village of Kataraktes.
If you visit Arta during the summer season and would like to head to a beach, one excellent choice would be the beach of Koronisia, which is perfect for a refreshing swim. As you head towards this beach, you will follow a magnificent route that passes through the aquatic ecosystem and Salaora, an experience that you will never forget.
Another popular choice of destinations in Arta are along the coast of the Ionian sea. A drive through beautiful scenery and charming landscapes will take you to a beautiful selection of beaches were you can bathe in the crystal blue waters.
Arta has frequent national bus connections ( KTEL ) to the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki
Regions of Greece: Attica, West Peloponnese, East Peloponnese, Crete Island, Ionian Islands, Cyclades Islands, Saronic Gulf Islands, Dodecanese Islands, Evia, Sporades Islands, Sterea Hellas, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, East Macedonia, West Macedonia, East Aegean Islands, Thrace.
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