You often ask us where to take a break for lunch or overnight on the way to Lefkada, Parga, Syvota, or Vrachos. We have already written about a few other options in previous texts, but one of our favorites is the town of Janjina. Considering that you pass by this town on your way to the Ionian Sea, we suggest that you make a stop there next time and explore both continental Greece, which is perhaps even more beautiful in terms of architecture and nature than the coastal areas. Continental cities have their own irresistible charm and we believe that such places will make you love Greece even more.

In the following text, we will try to show you why the town is worth a visit.

Janjina is the main and largest town in the Epirus region. It is situated in a plain surrounded by high mountains of incredible natural beauty. While the historic old town center stretches between the walls of the old castle, the new town extends around Lake Pamvotida, which represents the heart around which the entire town lives and breathes. Along the lake shore in the center of town, there is a long promenade shaded by trees. Here, by the calm waters of the lake, you can enjoy a pleasant walk or simply relax on one of the numerous benches along the lake, with a view of the rocky mountains surrounding the town, or sit in a restaurant or café.

From here, small boats depart to the island on the lake every half hour. The small island is inhabited and represents the only inhabited lake island in Europe. The boat ride to the island is short, pleasant, and once on the island, you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the specialties for which island taverns are known: fish from the lake, frog legs, eels, freshwater crayfish. Narrow streets, houses with flowers, and the peace on the island will complete this unusual excursion that will surely remain a fond memory.

Janjina is a university town, a town of students as the Greeks say. This is the reason why the center is full of cafes, bars, and restaurants, lively any day and late into the night. Between the cafes and bars, there are craft shops that transport you to another era. This part of town, as well as the whole atmosphere, resembles the Baščaršija in Sarajevo.

The town offers a good gastronomic selection, very affordable prices when compared to some popular resorts, and even restaurants in Serbia. If you decide to take a lunch break, you will easily find something interesting to suit your taste.

Janjina has a very rich history and here you can visit many interesting things, which we will list in the following text. It has always been multicultural, multilingual, and multi-religious with Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences that you will notice as soon as you arrive in the town. You will see Islamic mosques and Jewish synagogues among numerous Orthodox churches.

In several places in the town, there are signs with all the sights where you can read more about each one separately, and we will list just a few below that we suggest you visit and briefly introduce them to you.

The Town Hall in Janjina was built in 1928 in a post-Byzantine style, on the foundations of the Ottoman command building. From 1930 to 1950, it was used as a branch of the People’s Bank, and in 1960, it was decided that the ground floor would house a library, while the upper floor would host kings. Later, the first floor was given to the Janjina municipality, and since then it has been the town hall.

The Archaeological Museum is located in the heart of the town and exhibits a multitude of important cultural artifacts from prehistory to the fall of Roman rule. Here you can see tools, equipment, weapons, jewelry, coins, architectural fragments, and other important items, so if you have enough time and this interests you, here is a suggestion of where to go.

The Fortress in Janjina was built on the western shore of the lake on a small rocky promontory. As you walk along the fortress, you can easily see the history of the town from ancient times to today, and if you decide to visit one of the museums or exhibitions, you can also see the broader area of Epirus in medieval and modern times, as well as gain knowledge about religious and secular art. Inside, you will see the Fetije Mosque, the tomb of Ali Pasha, remains of fortress walls, a museum, a tower from the Byzantine period… Entering the fortress is free, and all these things, except entry to the museum, can be visited without paying admission fees. Interestingly, the area of the fortress is still inhabited, and within the walls, you can find lovely apartments if you decide to stay overnight here. The part of town where the fortress is located is very peaceful and pleasant for relaxation, unlike the lively and bustling city center.

The Fetije Mosque was allegedly built on the site of a Byzantine church, probably after 1611 and was named “Fetije,” which means conquest. Its final and current form was achieved in 1795 to serve religious needs. It consists of a central domed hall, an outdoor gallery, and a minaret in the northwest corner.

The Tomb of Ali Pasha includes two tombs, that of Ali Pasha and one of his wives. After his assassination in 1822, only his body was buried, while his head was taken to Istanbul. The tomb railing is a replica of the original that was preserved until 1940.

In this complex, there is also the Byzantine Museum, nearby is the Turkish library, as well as a hammam and Turkish bath.

When you exit the fortress and continue your walk through the town, you can reach the Clock Tower. The monumental Clock Tower of the town was erected in 1905 on the initiative of Osman Pasha Kurd. The original position of the tower was in the central square in the lower part of the town, but during a parade in the summer of 1918, it was damaged by a cannon. It was then ordered to move the clock to its current location, where the bell was placed on top of the structure, which until then was inside the tower, above the main gate of the castle.

We used our visit to Janjina to see the famous Perama Cave, which is located just outside the town. If you enjoy such attractions, we suggest you visit it too. It is about a 5-6 minute drive from the strict center of Janjina. The cave has three levels, one of the most beautiful in the Balkans and is adorned with magnificent decorations, specifically 19 types of stalactites and stalagmites. The tourist route through the cave is over one kilometer long and takes about 45 minutes to explore. The air temperature is 18 degrees, and it is said to have scientifically proven therapeutic properties. Tickets are purchased within the complex, and the ticket price for one person is €5.5. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm throughout the year.

If you have time, you can visit one of the numerous museums and take a break at one of the restaurants and cafes to enjoy the diverse offerings.

To summarize a few main reasons to visit Janjina:

1. On the way to Lefkada, Kefalonia, Parga, Syvota, Vrachos, you pass by the town on the highway. It is easily accessible.
2. If you have a rainy day during your vacation on the Ionian coast, Janjina is always an option for a nice time even in bad weather. It is an hour and twenty minutes drive from all three places.
3. You will get to know a different Greece, the real, authentic one, without many tourists.

If you have already visited Janjina, write to us about your impressions.