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Ioannina has a population of around 65,000 and sits on a beautiful lake backgrounded by high (snow capped) mountains.
There’s a little island in the middle of the lake. The island is serviced by a water taxi. A museum on the island will tell you all about the history of Ali Pasha, local brigand, administrator, hero, villain (take your pick!).
Ioannina has a rich Byzantine and Ottoman history which can be seen in the well preserved castle. Dating from 528 CE (making it Greece’s oldest castle), the Ottoman Empire added a harem and the Fethiye Mosque.
We had an enjoyable stay at Ioannina. Pleasant walks along the lake shore, the enchanting view over the lake to the snow covered (in Spring when we were there) mountains, and a trip to the Vikos George were some of our highlights.
Skiathos is a small Greek island with some historical significance – it was here in 1807 that the blue and white Greek flag was first flown. The ceremony took place at the Evangelistria Monastery which is about 10 minutes out of town (or around 2 hours if you walk).
It’s worth all the steps up to the Molyvos Castle. Besides the view, you pass a lot of shops on the way up.
Mytilini, the capitol of Lesbos is situated on a harbour that is circled by shops, houses, restaurants, churches and a huge castle.
Most visitors to the picturesque Phillip Island are day-trippers who come especially to see the penguins as they surf ashore at dusk and waddle up to their burrows with full tummies to feed their young. We made our visit a four-day trip to have a decent break, enjoy the peaceful surrounds and experience some of the gastronomical highlights of the island.
Whalers Way on Eyre Peninsula The very tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia reveals magnificent coastal scenery in a drive along Whalers Way.
Ortigia – Syracusa’s Stunning Island The ancient island of Ortigia has many delights. The Fountain of Diana in the Archimedes Square on Ortigia Island. Syracusa