Thesprotia Prefecture

Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa, the capital of Thesprotia and one of Greece's most important ports, lies 92 kilometres from Yanina. It is a modern town, one of the country's gateways to Western Europe, and a major hub for Adriatic sea traffic.

The marvellous beaches of Drepano and Makrigiali with their hospitable resorts, plentiful sun and sea attract thousands of tourists, sports aficionados and adventurers the year round.

Exploring the district Sivota

A seaside community 24 kilometres from Igoumenitsa with fantastic beaches like Zavia, Mega Amos, Agia Paraskevi, Bela Vraka, and many more, tranquil places rimmed with lush greenery. In 432 B.C. Sivota was the scene of a famous naval battle during the Peloponnesian War.

Along with Perdika and Parga, it forms a corner of rare natural beauty with tiny coves, verdant hills and deserted beaches.

Paramithia

Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Korila, 37 kilometres east of Igoumenitsa, Paramithia is the chief town of the Souli area. It occupies the site of Ancient Euroia, which was destroyed by the Goths in 551.

Its steep, picturesque alleyways, its Epirot mansion houses and its ruined mediaeval castle make it an interesting place to explore. Also worth a visit is the Byzantine church of the Dormition of the Virgin (Kimissi tis Theotokou) and the Byzantine baths.

Filiates

A pretty market town 20 kilometres north of Igoumenitsa with many old mansion houses and public buildings. Visitors should make the detour to the Giromeri Monastery (1285), 4 kilometres away, which sheltered a Secret School during the Turkish occupation, and the village of Tsamata where there is a Folklore Museum.

Sagiada (18 km), the port of Filiates, is an idyllic fishing hamlet which once knew great prosperity as Epirus's main harbour under the Turks. It was here that Ali Pasha met with Napoleon, who was seeking assistance in his military campaigns.

Ancient Titani (Goumani)

Ancient Titani is one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in Thesprotia. Still extant are its streets, two temples on the acropolis, public buildings, theatres, and colonnades. Research and finds from the area show that it was founded in the 4th century and grew considerably during the Hellenistic era. To visit the site one should apply to the Archaeological Service for a permit.

Ancient Elea (Veliani), east of Paramithia, most probably dates to the 4th century B.C. The presence of the theatre and market place indicate that it was the cultural centre for the area.

The Ragios castle (Ligia), can be seen on the hilltop 3 kilometres northwest of Igoumenitsa. Its walls enclose building foundations and the remains of a round cistern. Its finds and construction have been dated to the 5th century B.C.

At Dimokastro (Elina), west of Perdika and south of Igoumenitsa, are some walls erected in the 4th and 3rd century B.C. Within them one can see the ruins of a 4th century B.C. temple as .well as inscriptions carved into the rock.

Useful information and telephones

Igoumenitsa is linked to all the towns and villages in the prefecture by a good road network. It is the chief port for ferries to Corfu and a major port for ships to Italy.

In early August the Thesprotika Festival features local dancing and athletic events.

The area is known for its fish, including porgies, sardines and cod.