Ecotourism

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Greek Version

 

In Epirus you are welcome, you are our guest!

 

Epirus-Land of Bridges.
The bridges of Epirus are a symbol of this ancient land. They are a beautiful reminder of the past. But, today they have a new role. Now they help discerning travelers and eco-tourists to discover the secrets of this special place. Epirus welcomes travelers who want to share its treasures while respecting its people and the environment.

Your Bridge to Nature
For the nature lover, Epirus is a paradise. The wild rivers and snow-capped mountains provide a protected habitat for an astounding variety of wildlife. Wolves and brown bear still roam this land and golden eagles soar in its skies. Hundreds of rare and unique species of wild flowers flourish undisturbed. The huge natural forests are home to dozens of species of birdlife, as are the river and meadows. The people of Epirus are proud of their region and wildlife and are enthusiastic about their conservation. The people of Epirus are also proud of the Ionian sea, its clean waters, the beautiful beaches and the unique hearby wetlands.

Your Bridge to Tranquility
Epirus is a quiet place, offering peace and tranquility for those tired of the noise and pressures of city life and work. It is a place where relaxation comes naturally, and nothing disturbs the sense of well being which is felt by the visitor.

Your Bridge to the Past
The region of Epirus is rich in evidence of its long and illustrious history. The past lives again for the visitor in the archeological sites, in the numerous monasteries and temples, fortresses and traditional villages, age old churches and ancient water mills. History is alive here in the people of Epirus. It is alive in their stories, music, and way of life. This is a place where yesterday and today blend harmoniously together, a source of pleasure for visitors, and a matter of pride for the local people.

Your Bridge to Adventure
Epirus is a perfect destination for adventure seekers. There are powerful rivers, seething with white water, to be tamed, high mountains to be climbed, and deep caves to be explored. There are endless challenges for those looking for adventure in wild landscapes where it is rare to see another person.


Your Bridge to Sporting Activities

This diverse region offer lots of opportunities for all types of sports. There are facilities in Epirus for cycling, walking, and horse-riding all year round. In winter it is possible to ski and snowboard on virgin snow. At any time you can swim in the warm waters of the famous spa resorts or you can enjoy windsurfing or sailing in the Ionian sea. You can even enjoy a birds eye view of the region from a glider, or go rafting and kayaking in the region's rivers.

Your Bridge to Healthy Living
Everything about Epirus helps the visitor enjoy a healthy lifestyle during their stay. From the pure air and crystal clear water to the fresh produce used in the local restaurants and cafes, every aspect of life in this region is healthy. And there are a number of well-known spas offering a wide variety of treatments for visitors.


Your Bridge to Good Food

Epirus has a rich gastronomic tradition based on the use of high-quality fresh local ingredients. Menus vary with the seasons, reflecting the best that nature provides at different times of the year. The lamb and beef are succulent on their own, or in the many traditional meat-based dishes. But vegetarians also love Epirus which offers them a variety of imaginative dishes featuring the organically produced vegetables of the region. Various fish dishes from the Amvrakikos' wetland are part of the unique traditional menu. Fish from the lake are a speciality in the capital Ioannina while locally produced cheeses are a prominent feature on many menus. The food is enhanced by the use of fresh herbs grown in the traditional stone villages. There is even a local 'eau-de- vie', Tsipouro, which has been distilled locally for generations.

Your Bridge to Traditional Crafts
Epirus jealously protects its widely renowned traditional crafts, so that they can be enjoyed by today's visitors. Visit a house where village women sit chatting and producing intricate lace handkerchiefs and table clothes. or watch a skilled metal worker beating pewter or silver to create dishes and ornaments. There are hundreds of specialists in Epirus producing beautiful objects which you can buy in local shops.


Your Bridge to the Sea

Epirus faces the sea, the legendary Ionian Sea, with its clear blue water. Dolphins and fishermen share these waters, and ports, full of picturesque buildings, are dotted along the coastline, separated by long or small and secluded, lively or quiet beaches. These are the kind of beaches you usually can only dream about!

A Bridge for all Seasons
Epirus has something to offer the visitor every day of the year. In the winter the cloak of snow adds to the beauty of the mountains and makes them a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Convivial evenings are spent in traditional inns, gathered around a log fire. Spring brings a blanket of colour, as hundreds of species of rare flowers burst into life in the meadows and on the hillsides. Summer sees long days and a warm sun, while in the autumn, Epirus takes on the colours of this season as the leaves turn golden brown. The weather in Epirus is never too hot or too cold and the region is never crowded with tourists. It is a place that can truly be enjoyed all year round.

Epirus-A Bridge for You!
Epirus has hundreds of bridges of all shapes, sizes and styles. There is sure to be one that is just right for you. Come and find YOUR Bridge to Epirus.