Ioannina Island

The island in Lake Pamvotida has no official name, locals simply call it Nisi, and it holds a village of a few hundred people whose families have fished the lake for centuries, along with seven monasteries dating from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century scattered through the trees. The oldest, Agios Nikolaos Spanos, has a frescoed interior of the sixteenth century including an unusual painting of ancient philosophers; Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the monastery of Filanthropinon hold further cycles. Lanes between whitewashed houses are lined with shops selling silverwork, and tavernas serve the lake's produce, eel, frogs' legs, crayfish and trout. No cars are allowed, and the whole island can be walked in an hour, with the mountains of Mitsikeli rising across the water.

What you actually see

• The monasteries - seven medieval foundations with frescoed churches.
• The fishing village - whitewashed lanes and silversmiths' shops.
• The lake views - Ioannina's castle and Mitsikeli across the water.
• The local food - eel, crayfish and frogs from the lake.

When to go

Spring and autumn for comfortable walking and clear light on the lake. Summer brings crowds and mosquitoes at dusk; winter is atmospheric with mist over the water and fewer boats.

Honest expectations

Monastery opening is irregular and several may be locked; frescoes are dim and photography is often prohibited. The village is small and geared to day visitors, with similar shops repeated. Boats stop early in the evening.

Nearby

Ioannina's castle and old town face the island; the Perama cave lies a few kilometres north.