The Lake of Ioannina, as mentioned by residents and visitors, dominates the urban landscape of Ioannina, but also the Pamvotida basin, which is surrounded to the north by the imposing Mitsikeli and to the south by the peaks of Mount Tomaros. The city that stretches west of the lake turns its front towards it and apart from the enchanting landscape and the beautiful walks along its shores, Lake Pamvotis offers Ioannina a mystical aura through a series of legends lost through the centuries.

Lake Pamvotida, the name of one of the oldest European lakes
The lake that used to cover the entire Pamvotida basin is one of the oldest lakes on the European continent, with scientists placing its creation 2 million years ago and tracing its human presence back to the Paleolithic era (20,000 years ago). Lake Pamvotis takes its name from the ancient Greek word “Pamvotis” meaning “she who feeds everyone”. This indicates the rich flora and fauna that it hosts in its waters and the surrounding area.

Lake Pamvotis today
Lake Pamvotida is 470 metres above sea level and is fed by water flowing mainly from springs and surface waters of Mount Mitsikeli. The lake covers an area of approximately 19 500 square kilometres, with a maximum length of 8 km and a width of between 1.5 and 5.5 km. Nowadays the average depth of the water in Lake Pamvotida is 4.5 metres, while in some places it reaches 11 metres. Scientists say that over the millennia the water level has changed several times, creating a rich ecosystem in the surrounding area.

The environmental value of the lake
Despite the long-lasting environmental degradation, mainly due to fertilizer run-off from nearby crops, which led to the phenomenon of eutrophication, Lake Pamvotis continues to be a unique habitat that hosts a significant number of animals and plants. In fact, the lake itself and the surrounding areas are included in the European Natura 2000 network as a protected area. The local ecosystem is home to more than 24 species of fish, 20 species of mammals, 24 species of reptiles, as well as 170 species of endemic and migratory birds. Its shallow parts are covered by dense reed beds, while its banks are densely vegetated with many species of vegetation. Finally, a fish breeding station operates on the shores of the lake, producing more than 100,000 fish fry per year, which are used to enrich lakes and rivers or sold to fish farms in Greece and abroad. In addition, the plant produces some quantities of caviar from Black Sea sturgeon.

The island of Lake Ioannina and a boat ride
Approximately in the center of Lake Ioannina is the famous little island, whose historical importance as the place of Ali Pasha’s assassination and its natural beauty makes it a unique attraction. On the island one can visit Ali Pasha’s house that has been turned into a museum, as well as a number of taverns famous for their good food. The passage to the island is via a pleasant boat ride on the calm waters of the lake. A lake that, among other things, in recent decades has become an important centre of wet athletics in terms of learning to row and canoe kayak, as well as hosting international competitions.

Lake Pamvotis and gastronomy
It is well known that Ioannina is famous for its local specialities and delicious food. The local cuisine highlights the products of the region and the local dishes make the area a very interesting gastronomic destination for foodies and non-foodies alike! Lake Pamvotida with its delicious fish – eels, crayfish and caviar – plays an important role in this, while at the top of the list is frog legs, a dish that can only be tasted here!