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Guide to Ziros
ZIROS · ITINERARY

Ziros (Preveza, Epirus, Greece) in 3 Days – Complete Itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Archaeology, nature, views, coast

This itinerary uses Ziros and the Filippiada area as a base to explore, at a relaxed pace, some of the most interesting places in the Preveza region. The first day is dedicated to Lake Ziros and ancient Orraon; the second brings together Kassope and the monument of Zalongo, close to each other but best tackled with suitable shoes. The final day heads down toward Nicopolis and Preveza, combining Roman archaeology with a stroll by the sea. A car is strongly recommended: opening hours, accessibility, and site fees may vary depending on the season.

Stops
2 · 2 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
15.6 km · 174 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 15.6 km · 174 min

Day 1 – Ziros Lake and ancient Orraon

10:00–20:30 Relaxed, with short walks

Discover the lakeside landscape and the remains of a fortified city of ancient Epirus.

10:00

Walk at Lake Ziros

Drive to the shore and spend about an hour observing the lake, the surrounding hills, and the accessible viewpoints. Stops along the edge can be informal and the trails are not always maintained; expect €0 for the visit, excluding any seasonal services.

Bring water and check ground conditions after rain.

11:30

Coves and viewpoints around the lake

Drive along the local roads to choose a second viewpoint, without planning a full walking circuit around the lake. Allow 30–45 minutes and no entrance fee; respect any private property and on-site signs.

The side roads can be narrow: drive slowly.

12:30

Lunch in the Filippiada area

Head back toward Filippiada for a break at a taverna or a spot in the center, with simple Greek dishes and seasonal produce. For a casual meal, budget around €12–20 per person; availability and prices vary by venue.

In the low season, it’s worth checking kitchen hours in advance.

14:30

Visit to Ancient Orraon

Drive to the site, allowing about 25–35 minutes from the lake depending on your starting point. Set aside 60–90 minutes for the walls and the remains of the settlement, imagining how the hilltop city was organized; entry may be free or subject to local conditions, so check on site.

Closed shoes and caution on uneven sections are recommended.

17:00

Return and break in Filippiada

Head back toward Filippiada for a quiet stop before dinner; the drive from the Orraon area usually takes about half an hour. A coffee or soft drink may cost around €2–5 per person, while the rest of the afternoon is free.

Fill up if you plan to explore the hillside roads tomorrow.

19:30

Dinner and overnight stay in the Ziros area

Choose a taverna in Filippiada or near your accommodation to wrap up the day without any further long drives. Plan on about €18–30 per person for a multi-course dinner, excluding any extras.

Accommodation and dining choices are broader in the main towns than on the lakeshore.

Day 2 – The ancient city of Kassope and the Zalongo monument

09:00–19:30 Moderate, with a walk uphill

Explore the archaeological complex of Kassope and reach the panoramic monument at Zalongo.

09:00

Transfer to Kassope

Drive from Ziros or Filippiada to the Kassope area, allowing roughly 35–50 minutes depending on your starting point and route. No tickets are needed for the transfer; before setting off, check the opening hours of the archaeological site.

Bring water with you: services within the archaeological area may be limited.

10:00

Visit to Ancient Kassope

Set aside about 90 minutes for the ancient city, taking in the urban layout, the remains of the buildings, and the views over the plain and the coast. Allow for an indicative ticket price of €0–8 per person, to be checked as fees and opening times may vary.

In summer, it’s best to arrive early and protect yourself from the sun.

11:45

Ancient Theatre of Kassope

Walk to the theatre within the site and pause to take in the cavea and the relationship between the building and the landscape. Allow an extra 30–45 minutes; access is normally included in the site visit or governed by the same entry conditions.

Stay on the marked paths and do not climb on the ancient structures.

13:00

Lunch nearby

Take a break in a nearby village, planning around the car since immediate options close to the excavations may be limited. A simple lunch costs roughly €12–22 per person; bring a snack if you’re visiting out of season.

Check whether the places to eat are open before leaving the site.

14:45

Climb to the Zalongo Monument

Reach the Zalongo area by car and continue on foot up to the monument, allowing about 45–60 minutes for the full walk, including stops. The outdoor visit is generally ticket-free, but the path includes steps and sections exposed to the sun.

Do not tackle the climb during the hottest hours or with smooth-soled shoes.

16:30

Monastery of Agios Dimitrios Zalongo

If the monastery is open, visit the permitted areas with respectful clothing and keep your voice down. Allow 30–45 minutes and no mandatory entrance fee, aside from any donations; opening is not always guaranteed.

Check opening hours and visitor rules on site.

18:00

Return to Ziros

Drive back to base by car, allowing about 40–55 minutes depending on traffic and your departure point. After a day of walking, plan dinner near your accommodation; a casual dinner can cost around €18–30 per person.

Avoid driving quickly on the hilly roads at sunset.

Day 3 – Nicopolis and a stroll in Preveza

09:00–20:30 Cultural, with car transfers

Complete the trip among the remains of Nicopolis and the waterfront of the coastal capital.

09:00

Transfer to Nicopolis

Depart by car from Ziros or Filippiada toward Preveza, allowing about 50–65 minutes to reach the archaeological site. Plan your visit in advance, as the site is large and opening hours may change with the season.

Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen: many areas are outdoors.

10:15

Visit to Ancient Nicopolis

Dedicate about two hours to the remains of the city founded by Octavian after the Battle of Actium, choosing the accessible areas and following the signs. Consider an approximate cost of €0–8 per person for admission, to be checked before departure.

The distances between the ruins are considerable: don’t try to see everything in a short time.

12:30

Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis

Complete the visit at the museum to put the finds and the history of the ancient city into context; allow about an hour, plus the time needed to get there from the site visited. The ticket may cost approximately €0–8 per person, with possible changes or free entry on specific days.

Check opening hours and closing days: they may be seasonal.

14:00

Lunch in Preveza

Drive to Preveza and choose a taverna in the center or near the sea, allowing about 15–25 minutes from the museum. For a lunch with a main dish and a drink, budget approximately €15–25 per person.

At the most popular places, especially in summer, it may be useful to book ahead.

16:00

Walk in the center of Preveza

Explore the streets of the old town on foot, alternating squares, shops, and breaks in the shade, without a rigid route. The walk is free; allow 60–90 minutes and budget €3–7 for a coffee or a drink.

Park outside the narrowest streets and continue on foot.

18:00

Preveza Port and aperitif by the sea

Wrap up at the port with a stroll along the waterfront and a stop to watch the boats coming and going. Access is free; an aperitif may cost approximately €5–12 per person, depending on the chosen venue.

If you head back to Ziros in the evening, allow about an hour of driving and plan to leave while there is still enough daylight.

19:30

Dinner or return to base

You can have dinner in Preveza before heading back, or leave after aperitivo and eat near your accommodation. For a full dinner, budget roughly €18–32 per person, not including any transport costs.

Agree on the return time in advance if you have a long transfer the next day.

Estimated budget

Simple accommodation, per person per night in a double room€35–80
Meals and drinks, per person per day€30–60
Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and the museum, altogether€0–24
Car rental and fuel, estimated for 3 days to be split among travelers€120–260
Coffee, snacks and miscellaneous expenses, per person€15–35

Greece uses the euro (€), so no currency exchange is needed for travelers from Italy. All amounts are indicative estimates per person, unless otherwise specified, and may vary depending on season, availability, travel style, and updated rates; check prices, hours, and opening times directly before visiting.

Practical tips

  • To visit Ziros, Orraon, Kassope and Nicopolis at a comfortable pace, it is advisable to have a car; public transport connections can be infrequent.
  • Bring water, a hat and shoes with sturdy soles: the archaeological sites are often exposed to the sun and have uneven ground.
  • Check the seasonal opening hours of the sites and the museum before setting off, especially outside the summer months and on public holidays.
  • Keep cash on hand for small purchases and parking, but don’t assume that sites or venues will always accept the same payment methods.