Getting from Mykonos to Ioannina

Ioannina is the capital of Epirus and one of the most rewarding cities in Greece that most visitors never reach. It sits on the shore of Lake Pamvotis in the mountains of northwestern Greece, with a walled old city on a promontory jutting into the lake, an island in the middle of the water where Ali Pasha was assassinated in 1822, and a backdrop of the Pindos mountain range that makes the setting genuinely dramatic. The city has a strong Ottoman legacy, excellent food, a serious silversmithing tradition and a university that keeps it young and energetic. It is also the gateway to the Zagori region and the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, which sits less than an hour to the north.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry connection to Ioannina. It sits inland in the mountains of Epirus and the only way to get there from Mykonos is by flying or by travelling by land from Athens.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Ioannina have airports so flying is the practical option on this route. Ioannina National Airport is served by Aegean Airlines with daily connections to Athens. The journey from Mykonos goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Ioannina, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Book ahead as the Athens to Ioannina route has limited capacity.

Drive or bus from Athens

If you are already in Athens, the drive to Ioannina takes around 4.5 to 5 hours on the Egnatia Odos motorway heading northwest through central Greece. KTEL buses also run regularly between Athens and Ioannina from the Kifissos terminal, with the journey taking around 6 hours. The road through the mountains in the final approach to the city is one of the better drives in Greece.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and connect to Ioannina. It is the most time efficient approach and Ioannina Airport is close to the city centre. If you have flexibility and enjoy road trips, the drive from Athens through the mountains is worth doing at least one way. Give yourself at least three days in Ioannina and make the trip up to the Zagori villages if you can.