Epirus is a rugged, mountainous region in northwestern Greece bordering Albania, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and rich culinary traditions. Dominated by the Pindus mountain range and the Vikos–Aoös National Park — home to one of the world's deepest gorges — Epirus offers pristine rivers, stone-built villages, Byzantine monasteries, and the atmospheric lakeside city of Ioannina.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Ioannina Silver Filigree Jewellery
Ioannina has a 500-year tradition of silversmithing; filigree rings, earrings, and bracelets make unique gifts. Best bought from the old bazaar silversmith workshops on Anexartisias Street.
Price: €20–€200+ depending on piece (~$22–$216)
Metsovone Smoked Cheese
The PDO-protected smoked cheese of Metsovo; buy vacuum-packed for travel. Available in Metsovo shops and Ioannina delicatessens.
Price: €8–€15/kg (~$8.60–$16)
Epirote Honey
Mountain honey from thyme, heather, and fir trees; some of Greece's finest. Available in Zagori village shops and Ioannina market.
Price: €10–€20/jar (~$11–$22)
Zitsa Wine
Light sparkling white wine from the local PDO appellation; buy it at the Zitsa cooperative (Kooperativa Zitsa, Zitsa village, tel: +30 26510 61200) or Ioannina wine shops.
Price: €6–€15/bottle (~$6.50–$16)
Tsipouro (Epirote Pomace Brandy)
The local clear spirit distilled from grape pomace; often aniseed-free here unlike elsewhere in Greece. Buy branded bottles in supermarkets or artisan versions at local distillers.
Price: €8–€20/bottle (~$8.60–$22)
Handwoven Zagori Textiles
Traditional woven rugs, blankets, and bags made by local artisans; available in some village craft shops in Papingo, Monodendri, and Metsovo.
Price: €30–€150+ (~$32–$162)
Epirote Pites (Frozen/Fresh Pies)
Many bakeries and specialty food shops in Ioannina sell frozen pites for travel. Spanakopita, tiropita, and kreatopita are the main varieties.
Price: €3–€8 (~$3.20–$8.60)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Ioannina Central Farmers' Market
Fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, honey, dried herbs, Epirote pites
Where: Karamitsi Street, Ioannina
Hours: Monday–Saturday 07:00–14:00
Sunday Flea Market (Plateia Mavili)
Antiques, second-hand goods, vintage items, local crafts
Where: Plateia Mavili, Ioannina
Hours: Sundays 08:00–14:00