Always bestprice Travel · Travel itinerary
7 days / 6 nights · Archaeology, nature, villages, coast
Ziros, Greece
Always bestprice Travel · Contents
7 days / 6 nights · Archaeology, nature, villages, coast
Ziros is a quiet base in the Epirus hinterland, ideal for combining cultural visits and days outdoors without changing accommodation. The route alternates the lake and the ancient sites nearby with excursions to Arta, Preveza, Kassope, Parga and the Acheron Valley. The last day reaches Dodoni and Ioannina: it is the longest leg, but it lets you see two emblematic places in the region. A rental car offers the greatest flexibility; opening hours, access and entrance fees may vary with the season.
Day 1 · Walking · 21.9 km · 271 min · Source: Mapbox · walking
Getting settled in the area with a relaxed day between the lake, the town, and local archaeology.
10:00
Arrival and orientation in Filippiada
Spend an hour in the center of Filippiada stocking up on water, snacks, and cash and figuring out where the services are. From Ziros the transfer is short; the stop is free unless you make purchases.
By car, it’s easier to reach the next stops.
11:15
Lake Ziros
Drive to the lake and follow a stretch of the shoreline, stopping at the accessible viewpoints. Allow about 1–2 hours to walk and take in the scenery; access is generally free.
13:00
Lunch in Filippiada
Head back into town for a simple lunch in a tavern or a Greek restaurant. Expect around €12–22 per person for a meal, depending on your choice and drinks.
15:00
Ancient Orraon
Continue by car to the archaeological site of Orraon, an ancient fortified inland city. Spend 60–90 minutes exploring the walls and the remains of the houses; admission may be free or subject to a fee, typically €0–8, and opening hours can change.
17:30
Return and a walk by the lake
Head back toward Ziros and choose a quiet stretch of shoreline for a walk before evening. Driving time depends on the access point you choose; bring suitable shoes even for unpaved paths.
Discover Arta’s main monuments and historical traces, with all your movement focused in the center.
09:00
Transfer to Arta and archaeological museum
Drive to Arta, usually in about 30–40 minutes from Filippiada, and start with the museum to put the region’s history into context. Allow 60–90 minutes; admission, when charged, is approximately 0–8 €.
10:45
Church of Agia Theodora
Continue to the church dedicated to Saint Theodora, an important example of the local religious tradition. The visit takes about 20–40 minutes and is usually free; check opening hours and services on site.
11:45
Panagia Parigoritissa
A short distance away is Parigoritissa, famous for its architecture and decorated interior. Plan for 30–45 minutes; any entrance fee is roughly 0–5 €.
13:00
Lunch in the center of Arta
Stop at a taverna in the center so you can continue the route without using the car. For a meal with a drink, expect about 12–25 € per person.
15:00
Arta Castle and Bridge of Arta
Visit the castle and then head to the bridge over the Arachthos River, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the castle and 30–60 for the bridge and photos; outdoor areas are usually free.
Combine the large Roman archaeological site of Nicopolis with the historic center and seafront promenade of Preveza.
09:00
Archaeological Site of Nicopolis
Set off by car toward the archaeological area, about 45–60 minutes from Ziros depending on your starting point. Spend 1,5–2 hours exploring the monumental remains; admission and opening hours may vary, with an approximate fee of 0–10 €.
11:30
Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis
Visit the museum to see artifacts and reconstructions that help explain the city founded by Augustus. Allow about an hour; the possible ticket is roughly 0–8 €, but it’s wise to check the updated opening hours.
13:00
Lunch in Preveza
Drive to Preveza and have lunch in the center or near the port. A simple meal costs roughly 12–25 € per person; in high season, booking ahead may be useful.
15:00
Walk in Preveza and Saitan Pazar
Explore Preveza’s central streets on foot and stop at the historic Saitan Pazar square. Set aside 1.5–2 hours for alleys, cafés, and short breaks; the walk is free, while a drink usually costs 3–8 €.
18:00
Pantokrator Castle at sunset
Drive to the castle area for a scenic walk overlooking the sea and the Ambracian Gulf. Allow 45–60 minutes; access to the outdoor areas is generally free, but it may be restricted due to works or local conditions.
Explore the Kassope plateau and the mountainous landscape connected to the historical memory of Zalongo.
09:00
Departure for Kassope
Drive to the Kassope plateau, allowing about 50–70 minutes from Filippiada and a mountain road on the final stretch. Make a brief stop for water and snacks before starting your visit.
10:15
Ancient Kassope
Spend about 1.5–2 hours at the ancient city, the remains of the theater, and the views over the coast and the plain. Admission can vary, roughly 0–10 €; check opening hours and accessibility, especially out of season.
12:30
Lunch or picnic in the area
Have lunch at a tavern in the area or enjoy a picnic prepared in advance, while respecting the site’s rules. Budget around 10–22 € per person for a simple meal; shopping options near the monuments are limited.
14:00
Zalongo Monument
Reach the monument and make the climb on foot, with steps and sun-exposed stretches, allowing about 45–75 minutes for the round trip plus a stop. Entry is free; closed-toe shoes and water are essential, and those with reduced mobility should assess the climb before setting off.
16:00
Monastery of Agios Dimitrios Zalongo
Stop at the monastery for a respectful visit and a quiet break before heading back. Opening hours may depend on the religious community and the season; any donation is voluntary, while the return trip to the base takes about an hour.
Experience the village of Parga and its beaches, leaving room for summer traffic and relaxation.
08:30
Transfer to Parga
Leave early: the journey from Ziros can take about 1 hour and 30 minutes or more, depending on the road and traffic. Look for parking on the edge of the center and factor in possible fees of around 5–15 € per day in high season.
10:15
Parga Castle
Head up to the castle through the center’s narrow streets and visit the fortifications and viewpoints. Allow 60–90 minutes; admission is often free, but access and opening times for the areas you can visit may vary.
12:00
Stroll and lunch in Parga
Return to the village to explore the waterfront and have lunch overlooking the harbor. For a sit-down meal, budget around 15–30 € per person; comfortable shoes are recommended for the sloping lanes.
14:00
Valtos Beach and Anthousa Castle
Reach Valtos on foot or by car and enjoy a beach break; sunbeds and an umbrella can cost roughly 10–25 € per pair or more. If conditions and time allow, continue by car to Anthousa Castle for a short scenic visit, checking access on site.
17:30
Lichnos Beach and return
End the day at Lichnos Beach, which can be reached by car from Parga in about 10–15 minutes. Beach access is generally free, while services and parking may be paid; return to Ziros after sunset, allowing around 1.5–2 hours of driving.
Alternate between the Necromanteion site, the river landscape of the Acheron, and the historical places of Souli.
08:30
Departure and transfer to the Necromanteion
Set off by car toward Mesopotamos and the Necromanteion, allowing about 45–60 minutes from the Filippiada area. Bring water and check the site’s seasonal opening hours in advance.
09:30
Necromanteion of Acheron
Visit the ancient sanctuary associated with the cult of the dead and explore the underground spaces and structures of the complex. Allow about an hour; the ticket, if required, is roughly 0–10 € and access may be regulated.
11:00
Acheron Springs
Continue by car to the springs and the Acheron valley, where trails and stretches of river offer several walking options. Spend 2–3 hours; access to the natural area is usually free, while organized activities and parking may involve extra costs.
14:00
Lunch in Glyki
Stop in Glyki for lunch, choosing a taverna along the river. Plan on about 12–25 € per person; in summer it’s a good idea to book ahead and have cash for small expenses.
16:00
Souli and Kiafa Castle
Drive to the Souli area by car: the road is mountainous and the journey from Glyki can take around 45–60 minutes. Visit the historic village and the remains of Kiafa Castle with a careful walk; access is usually free, but the ground can be uneven and with little shade.
Wrap up the trip with the ancient theater of Dodoni and the historic center of Ioannina.
08:00
Transfer to Dodoni
Set off early by car: from Ziros it takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes–2 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Bring water and check the archaeological site’s opening conditions in advance.
10:00
Archaeological Site of Dodoni
Explore the theater, the sanctuary, and the other structures of the ancient religious center of Epirus. Allow 1.5–2 hours; admission may vary, roughly 0–12 €, and the visit is most pleasant during the cooler hours.
12:30
Lunch and transfer to Ioannina
Have lunch at a local spot in the area or along the road, then head to Ioannina in about 30–40 minutes. For the meal, budget 12–25 € per person and check parking options before entering the center.
15:00
Ioannina Castle
Stroll through the castle among the alleys, walls, and monuments of the historic center, choosing the areas open to the public. Plan for 1.5–2 hours; access to the outdoor spaces is generally free, while some museums or buildings may require an estimated ticket of 2–8 €.
17:30
Ioannina Island and return
From the lakeside promenade, take a boat to the island if the service is operating, and wander through the small settlement before heading back. The boat connection may cost roughly 2–5 € each way; return to Ziros by car in about 1 hour and 45 minutes–2 hours.
| Simple or mid-range accommodation, 6 nights | 270–720 € per person in a double room |
| Meals and drinks for 7 days | 210–420 € per person |
| Car rental and fuel | 230–500 € per person, varying by season and number of travelers |
| Entrance fees, parking, and small activities | 25–100 € per person |
| Local transfers and boat connections | 10–50 € per person |
Greece uses the euro (€), so there is no need to arrange currency exchange for those departing from Italy. The amounts are indicative estimates per person, excluding round-trip travel and personal expenses; fees, fuel, parking and opening times may vary depending on the season and availability.

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