We came inland to Ioánnina today. I think the decision to do it toll free was a bit of a mistake. All was going well until we hit the gravel sections …so, that’s why there’s such a big time difference! The new-looking expressway was a dream of an empty motorway with some quite long tunnels, so we were lucky that the best part of our journey was on that.
Ioánnina was a bit of a let down really. It had such a good write up in the Rough Guide but to be honest, it was probably the scruffiest place we’ve been to in Greece. It does have a citadel on a huge lake, with museum, mosque, minarets and Ali Pasha’s tomb topped with a filigree frame but apart from the taverna that whole area seemed a bit empty.
Behind all that was the old bazaar and Jewish quarter which was much more busy, but the best you could say about it is it’s atmospheric. Sort of Alfreton Road with a few trendy cafes and much graffiti.
Not wanting to spend the night there, we headed off into the Pindhos mountains towards the Vikos Gorge. Now that was spectacular. UNESCO protected, it’s reputed to be the deepest in Europe (although I’m sure it said ‘in the world’ on the road sign! )
Anyway, it’s a flipping long way to the bottom and I’m glad that most of the viewpoint has a wall to look over – so was Guy!
So, we’re parked up at the top of the road and hoping for a good night’s sleep, as it’s much cooler and we think we’ve finally eradicated the one flesh eating mosquito that has been feasting on our arms and legs for the last few days!
