Igoumenitsa
Rent a Car Igoumenitsa
Visiting Igoumenitsa Greece
Igoumenitsa Greece is a small port city located in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece. Its passenger port is one of the largest in Greece and provides connections to the Ionian islands, Italy, Albania, and the wider Mediterranean.
The most recent census stated that Igoumenitsa had a population of 25,000 people. Igoumenitsa Greece in itself is not a tourist destination.
If you travel here during your time in Greece, chances are that you are doing so while en route to/from a beautiful Greek island. Sightseeing opportunities here are few and far between.
Passing through Igoumenitsa Greece is usually something of a necessary evil in order to get to where you’re going. However, if you do find yourself needing to transit through Igoumenitsa, you will not be short of dining and evening entertainment options.
The seafront is lined with tavernas serving up sumptuous marinated meats, fresh fish sourced from local waters, and quality Mediterranean vegetables. In the wider vicinity, there are some interesting villages and beaches, like those at Parga and Sivota.
Greece, as a whole, has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Every Greek city and town has links to Greek mythology and Igoumenitsa is no different.
Legend has it that the great Odysseus passed through Igoumenitsa numerous times on his great adventures and sailing voyages around the country. The city was called “Grava” during the medieval and Ottoman eras.
This is a name meaning “cave” in Greek. In 1938, Igoumenitsa became the capital of Thesprotia prefecture.
At this time, it received its current name “Igoumenitsa”. Igoumenitsa means “Commander”. Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines, Ventouris Ferries, Anek Superfast & Kerkyra Lines operate the ferries that sail from Igoumenitsa to various locations across the Mediterranean. Many operate on a seasonal schedule, and the port city is a lot busier during the summer months.
Things To Do In Igoumenitsa And The Vicinity
Whether you have a matter of hours to pass in Igoumenitsa while you are traveling to/from the Greek island groups or you will be staying overnight, you can certainly find ways to pass the time. If you are travelling with luggage, you can opt to store it in one of the lockers at Igoumenitsa port, or, if you will be spending a night in a hotel, have the hotel reception store it for you while you explore.
Visit The Igoumenitsa Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum of Igoumenitsa (Ethniki Odos Igoumenitsas, Ioannina, Igoumenitsa 461 00) is a worthwhile stopping point while you are in town. While the museum pails in comparison to some of the larger historical museums in Athens, it does contain some interesting artifacts recovered from Igoumenitsa Greece and the wider region of Thesprotia.
The various exhibition halls contain all manner of objects that were excavated locally – from pottery to weapons and garments. The exhibits tell the history of the region in chronological order.
They date all the way back to the Paleolithic period to the years of the Ottoman occupation. The museum is open from 08.30 am until 15.30pm daily except for Tuesdays.
Admission is €2 per person. Concessionary tickets are available for people over 65, young children, and students.
Stroll Along The Seafront Promenade
If you have a matter of hours to kill in Igoumenitsa Greece, one of the nicest ways to pass the time is to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade. You can start from the Igoumenitsa ferry port and then head north along Ag. Apostolon.
There are plenty of places where you can stop for a coffee, an ice cream, or some Greek pastries en route. Walk up to the Archeological Museum of Igoumenitsa and the church of Santa Iglesia de Agios Panteleimon before backtracking.
Venture Down The Coast
The appeal of this part of Greece is not in Igoumenitsa itself, but in the gorgeous islands, villages and coastal areas around it. If you are seeking tradition and culture, you can drive out to the village of Paramythia, or idyllic Plataria, overlooking the Ionian sea.
One Greek road trip idea is to start in Igoumenitsa and then head south to the beaches of Sivota before continuing on to Parga. If you have plenty of time to spare, you could also continue onwards from Parga down to the city of Preverza and then Lefkada island, which is connected to the mainland by a series of bridges.
FAQs About Visiting Igoumenitsa Greece
How To Get To Igoumenitsa Greece?
There are various ways to get to Igoumenitsa Greece, depending on where you are traveling from. Public transport in Greece is very good, and a series of intercity buses connect Igoumenitsa to Greek cities such as Patras, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Ioannina.
If you are driving in Greece, you will be pleased to know that the roads to Igoumenitsa are modern and well-maintained. It takes just over an hour to get from Ioannina to Igoumenitsa, approximately 3.5 hours to get from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa, and around 5 hours to get from Athens to Igoumenitsa.
A lot of Greek roads have tolls on them. So make sure that you always have plenty of small change.
Does Igoumenitsa Have An Airport?
The Greek city of Igoumenitsa does not have an airport. The island of Corfu, nearby, is one of 13 Greek islands that have international airports.
Its Ioannis Kapodistrias international airport (CFU) is the closest to Igoumenitsa and is situated 68km away. On the mainland, the nearest airport is in Ioannina.
What State Is Igoumenitsa In?
Igoumenitsa sits in the state of Epirus, on Greece’s west coast.
What Is Igoumenitsa Greece Known For?
For most people, Igoumenitsa is best known as a transit hub and a gateway from mainland Greece to the Ionian islands, as well as nearby Italy and Albania.
How Long Is The Ferry From Corfu To Igoumenitsa?
The precise travel time from Corfu to Igoumenitsa varies depending on what specific ferry you are traveling on. However, on average, it takes between an hour and ten minutes and an hour and 45 minutes.