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Guide to Ziros
ZIROS · ITINERARY

Ziros (Preveza, Epirus, Greece) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

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.

Stops
3 · 3 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
21.9 km · 271 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 12.6 km · 152 min
  2. 9.3 km · 119 min

Day 1 – Lake Ziros and the area around Filippiada

10:00–19:00 Light walks and short visits

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.

Day 2 – Arta: Byzantine architecture and the historic bridge

09:00–19:30 Walking city visits

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.

Day 3 – Nicopolis and historic center of Preveza

09:00–20:30 Archaeology in the morning, urban stroll in the afternoon

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.

Day 4 – Kassope and the Zalongo monument

09:00–18:30 Archaeology and scenic walking

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.

Day 5 – Parga, castle and Ionian beaches

08:30–20:30 Coastal day with swimming breaks

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.

Day 6 – Acheron and the historical memory of Souli

08:30–19:30 Active excursion with car transfers

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.

Day 7 – Dodoni and Ioannina

08:00–20:30 Long excursion, cultural visits and a walk by the lake

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.

Estimated budget

Simple or mid-range accommodation, 6 nights270–720 € per person in a double room
Meals and drinks for 7 days210–420 € per person
Car rental and fuel230–500 € per person, varying by season and number of travelers
Entrance fees, parking, and small activities25–100 € per person
Local transfers and boat connections10–50 € 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.

Practical tips

  • Rent a car: many stops are far apart, and public transport connections are not always frequent or convenient for visiting hours.
  • Check museum, archaeological site, and monastery opening times before you leave: in low season they may be reduced or subject to changes.
  • Bring closed-toe shoes, water, a hat, and sunscreen for Orraon, Kassope, Zalongo, the Acheron, and the walking sections in Souli.
  • In summer, book the most popular accommodation and restaurants, leave early for the beaches, and keep a small amount of cash for parking and local activities.