Car Rental Ioannina
The lush and mountainous city of Ioannina is located in the northwestern part of the country, the proud capital of the Epirus administrative region. Yannena, or Janina, is known for its historical landmarks, verdant open-air spaces, museums, and the Ottoman-style architecture present in most of the city’s sights. Lake Pamvotis, or the Lake of Ioannina, is the largest in Epirus, situated south of the Mitsikeli mountains. The town of Ioannina is located on the west side of the lake, while other villages, such as Lingiades, surround the lake’s east side. Numerous lakeside settlements are found around Ioannina Lake, as well as small fishing ports, a ferry dock, and the small Ioannina island in the middle. The regular boat service takes you to Ioannina Island, where you will find many monasteries, like the St. Eleousa Monastery, the Ali Pasha and Revolutionary Period Museum, and the island’s only traditional settlement located in the north. This is also where Ali Pasha was hiding during the 18th century. Seven remarkable Late Byzantine monasteries are on the island, making it the third-largest monastic state in the country. Ioannina Old Town and its surroundings brim with landmarks, natural sites, and traditional settlements, and the city makes the ideal starting point for discovering Tzoumerka, the Vikos–Aoös National Park, and the Pindos National Park. This is why renting a car in Ioannina is highly recommended if you want to engage in outdoor activities, admire untouched landscapes, and drive around at your own pace without worrying about expensive car hire prices. Try our reliable car rental service in Ioannina and benefit from no deposit and no credit card car rentals with free delivery wherever you are!
Car Hire Ioannina
Many Greeks and foreigners choose to visit Ioannina for a short time, but the city and its surroundings have so much to offer and keep you entertained for more than a week. Ioannina effortlessly combines its historic charm, youthful ambiance, and cultural scene, managing to create a canvas of possibilities for all tastes and ages. Discover the lively atmosphere of Ioannina and enjoy day trips to the surrounding mountains with the best and cheapest car hire. Unlock the most affordable daily or weekly deals and benefit from fully comprehensive car insurance in Ioannina with free car delivery from Yannena Town or Ioannina Airport. Strolling around the old town of Ioannina is a must, starting from the Clock Tower of Ioannina towards Katsari Park and then to the Castle of Ioannina, otherwise known as "Its Kale" citadel. The Iç Kale of Ioannina has many interesting landmarks and historical monuments to visit. It is located on the lakeside of the picturesque old town of Ioannina. Take your time roaming around the old town's cobblestone streets while browsing the small shops, have a meze, and learn its rich history. On your way to Ioannina Castle, you will see the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina, which includes collections from the broader Epirus region, dating from the Neolithic to the Byzantine eras.
The castle, located on a rocky peninsula of Lake Pamvotis near the town's southeast side, served as the administrative center of both the Ottoman administrative division, known as vilayet, and the Despotate of Epirus. You can enter the castle’s premises within Yannena’s old town from Castle Gate D. You will be filled with awe upon entering the castle, as you will find numerous monuments, mosques, tombs, and historical remains. The Silversmithing Museum provides an excellent tour for those who want to learn more about this old technique and how locals were engaged in this traditional art. The citadel of Ioannina consists of the northeastern and southeastern citadel, spreading for 30,000 m2 above Lake Pamvotis. Within the Byzantine walls, you will find the Aslan Pasha Mosque complex, the Municipal Ethnographic Museum of Ioannina, the Ottoman hamam, and in the southeastern part, the Tower of Bohemond stands imposing in the middle. Moreover, the impressive Byzantine Museum of Ioannina offers a glimpse into the rich past of the city, with numerous exhibits such as pottery, sculptures, and artworks. The 14th-century Fethiye Mosque, which houses Ali Pasha's tomb, is located next to the museum on the highest and easternmost point of the citadel.
Car Rentals Ioannina
Numerous monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, both religious and historical importance, have survived within and surrounding Ioannina. Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences predominated in Ioannina during the Middle Ages, giving the city its multicultural identity. The historic city center is a prime example of this confluence of cultural influences. Two mosques are still standing outside the citadel's walls in addition to the two within the walls. These are the mosque and Madrassa of Veli Pasha and the Kaloutsiani Mosque, which are located in the center of Ioannina. Near the Veli Pasha Mosque, you will find the hilltop Litharitsia Park, which offers the best panoramic vistas of Ioannina. Ioannina is one of the cities in the country still preserving its cultural and historical heritage but also retaining a lively vibe because of the students’ life, nightlife, and entertainment options, and some of the best tavernas and restaurants serving homemade food and exceptional dishes. For example, To Magazaki Pou Legame is a taverna ideal for meze and tsipouro, Fysa Roufa taverna for traditional Epirotic dishes, and Dodoni Restaurant for meat, salads and hotpot or oven-baked dishes.
Besides Ioannina’s bustling ambiance and historical attractions, the city is the perfect starting point for exploring the pristine Tzoumerka National Park and the lush Vikos-Aoos National Park. Tzoumerka, also known as Athamanika Oroi, is a north-south mountain massif located in the southern Pindos Mountains of Epirus. Although it is amazing for hiking and other outdoor activities, it is far less visited than the Vikos-Aoos National Park further north. This is the spot to go if you want to explore the untamed nature away from the crowds. You can only reach many of the waterfalls and other attractions on foot. The windy and circular roads of Tzoumerka are formed like this because of geographical barriers represented by the steep valleys of the Arachthos and Acheloos rivers. Some of the must-see villages here include Kalarites, Pramanta, Sirako, and Plaka, and some of the best activities are mountain biking, enduro biking on Baros Pass, 4x4 tours, and rafting. Tzoumerka is the best place for outdoor enthusiasts near Ioannina, full of waterfalls, caves, stone-arched bridges, and monasteries.
Ioannina Airport Car Rental
Ioannina National Airport is the getaway to northwestern Greece, serving Ioannina, Arta, and other nearby cities. It is situated 4 km away from Ioannina city center and 81 km away from Arta. Ioannina Airport has undergone a recent renovation, which aimed to modernize it according to the current visitors’ needs. The departures and arrivals hall has been renovated, and the baggage and parking areas have been redesigned, creating a smoother passenger experience. Ioannina Airport was first built in 1932, but flights officially began in the late ‘50s. The terminal building was constructed in 1953 but was expanded in 1953 and 1993, respectively. Recent upgrades also include the new control tower and the third taxiway, in addition to the runway’s expansion. Ioannina Airport serves domestic flights year-round but also offers seasonal flights in the EU during the peak season. The airport has seen an important passenger increase since 2021, with approximately 103,000 passengers flying to Ioannina each year. The best and most convenient way to travel around Ioannina and visit the city, natural areas, and the neighboring city of Arta is with a flexible and cheap car rental. Try our Fly & Drive service at Ioannina Airport and benefit from no excess car hire without hidden charges.