Pamvotis Lake
Pamvotis Lake is one of the oldest lakes in the world and the second oldest after Lake Ohrid at European level. Located at the foot of Mount Mitsikeli, with the Ioannina city built at its banks, the Pamvotis lake is a sensitive with significant habitats and rare species of flora and fauna. The lake is characterized by large vegetation richness and hosts many aquatic and hygrophilous plants. The shores of the lake are covered by dense and extensive reedbeds and residues forest of willow, poplar and plane trees. There are limited wet meadows periodically flooded during the winter season, particularly important nesting and feeding area for many species of wading birds. The area is home of more than 170 species of birds, such as egrets, ducks, Circe, predators and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), wich is a bird of particular as it is a species that is threatened with extinction worldwide. Also ten other bird species, including the pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus ) and a small cormorant species are species that deserve special consideration and attention for their conservation. On the island at the north part of the lake, there is small forest with black pine (Pinus nigra). In the eastern part of the lake extends rural area, the city of Ioannina.
Ioannina has a long and interesting history that visitors can explore through its many cultural attractions, giving the opportunity to get to know the roots of the spiritual tradition of Epirus. The visitor can walk near the stone paved streets near the banks and mediaeval castle walls and can take a boat trip to the small island of “Nisaki” with the important historical monuments and visit the Protected Areas’ Information Centre.
Wandering through the city streets and the historic centre of Ioannina, the visitor will come across with unique attractions and historical monuments like the House of Hussein Matei, the Ottoman Veli Pasha Mosque and the imposing castle of Ioannina, which was built in 528 AD and where the emblematic figure of the Ottoman Empire, Ali Pasa, lived.
Walking or cycling along the banks of the lake under the huge trees the visitor will come across to small shops and great restaurants, which combine the finest food with the green landscape. The lake and the surrounding areas offers excellent opportunities for birdwwatching, boat trip in Pamvotis island, cultural events, student entertainment, shopping etc.
Eating in Ioannina is an exceptional experience as the visitor can taste well-cooked fish from the lake, such as eels and trout, traditional desserts like the excellent baklava and liqueurs without alcohol that cannot be found anywhere else except in the Ioannina. In cafes of the city you can try the unique "sherbeti" and sweet wines with aromas of fruit and flowers.
At the outskirts of the town, is situated one of the most beautiful caves in Europe, Perama, which has a history of 1.5 million years. The beauty of the chambers and corridors are incredible. The stalactites and stalagmites create natural sculptures and structures that seems almost impossible to have been formed without human intervention.
About 21 kilometres from Ioannina, lies the world-renowned archaeological site shrine of Dodoni, mainly known for the ancient theatre and oracle o Dodoni.
Exploring Cultural & Natural Treasure
Take part in an exciting journey exploring Greece's rich wildlife and impressive culture. You will be based in a single good quality hotel, and will take daily field trips to National Parks and cultural sites. This expedition takes places within the five National Parks of Epirus Region, renowned for landscapes of exceptonal beauty and marvellous variety of fauna and flora. The region’s fascinating ancient, historical and religious heritage will not be forgotten...Read more...
Summer Adventures
An excellent opportunity for those wishing to spend a week observing marine wildlife, while meeting the daily challenges of living on a sailing vessel. You have the opportunity to become one of the crew and learn the traditional skills and tasks of a sailor including keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation and more. You will participate in wildlife surveys around the waters of the Ionian Islands, focusing on Short-beaked Common Dolphin...Read more...
Wildlife Expeditions
Explore the wildlife of some of the most pristine National Parks of Northern Greece, outstanding areas that are excellent destinations for bird, wildflower, butterfly and photography enthusiasts or for those who simply wish to unwind in the tranquillity of nature. This trip is for those who want to discover few of the region's best wildlife hotspots observing rare and endangered species, feel the insights of Thessaloniki long history and cosmopolitan life, and visit distinctive archaeological... Read more...
Protected Areas
Experience a truly rewarding Protected Area Management programme in the pristine National Parks of the Epirus Region. Working closely with Park’s staff and inspiring environmentalists, volunteers undertake various field work and office duties to assist in the implementation of the Parks’ day-to-day Management and conservation efforts. .. Read more...
Wildlife Surveys
Participate in the monitoring and research of National Parks' abudant wildlife.In this project volunteers will be involved with the monitoring and research of the Parks’ rich wildlife. You will be working together with the Parks’ personell and other highly experienced scientists and you will learn a range of skills from those focused on research... Read more...
Autumn Eco-Navigation
An excellent opportunity for those wishing to engage in marine conservation projects and marine wildlife surveys while living and working on a sailing vessel. As a volunteer you will become one of the crew and learn the traditional skills and tasks of a sailor including keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation, galley cooking duties, and vessel upkeep. You will participate in wildlife surveys ... Read more...
Nature Guides/Ecotourism
This is a great opportunity for those wishing to gain intense experience, knowledge and skills as Nature Guides and amateur nature & wildlife photographers. This intern programme offers the best in theoretical teaching and hands-on information and experience for participants who are keen to establish themselves as a professional Nature Guide or for the adventurous type wanting to gain ... Read more...