IgoumenitsaMainland Greece · Greece

All About Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa is a seaside city in northwestern mainland Greece. As an ancient region, a transit hub, and the gateway to the Ionian, Igoumenitsa is one of the country’s most dynamic ports. While many know it as a stop-off point on their way to Italy from Greece, Igoumenitsa is emerging as a travel destination in itself. The city is well-developed and has a population of over 25,000 people, as well as a host of great dining, drinking, and accommodation options. It’s easy to forget that Igoumenitsa is right on the Ionian Sea, meaning that the surrounding coastal areas of the Thesprotia region share the same waters and natural beauties of more popular island destinations like Corfu. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a new place to explore in mainland Greece, Igoumenitsa is a worthy addition to your Mediterranean getaway.

Despite being a bustling city now, Igoumenitsa has a long and checkered past, only developing into what it is today within the last hundred years. In antiquity, Igoumenitsa was a significant port used for trade and fishing. While wealthy Corfiot aristocrats utilized it for its unique geographic location, Igoumenitsa eventually fell prey to the invading forces of the Romans and later, the Venetians. There’s plenty of archeological sites in modern-day Igoumenitsa that record its ancient history, however, a lot of its old-world legacy has been lost to wars and pillaging. After the Ottoman rule in the early 20th century, the new city was completely destroyed in World War II. Years later, it found its feet once again and is now home to a solid economy, a university, and a host of cultural and creative sites, making it an underrated coastal city with a lot to offer.
 

Routes and Ferries to Igoumenitsa

Get ready to book ferry tickets to Igoumenitsa and begin your adventures in the Thesprotia region of Greece. If you’re currently in Greece, you can book ferry tickets to Igoumenitsa using Ferryscanner and sail from the islands of Corfu (1.45 hrs), Kefalonia (4.3 hrs), Patras (7 hrs), and Zakynthos (9 hrs), as well as the small island of Paxi (1.15 hrs) with Ventouris Ferries and Kerkyra Lines.

As the gateway to Italy, you can also purchase ferry tickets to Igoumenitsa from Greece’s western neighbor. Boats leave from the ports of Ancona (11.15 hrs), Bari (11.3 hrs), Brindisi (9 hrs), and Venice (25.3 hrs) with Minoan Lines, Grimaldi Lines, Superfast Ferries, and ANEK Lines.

Lastly, Igoumenitsa can also be reached by bus from mainland Greece, with KTEL routes connecting to Ifaistou Station, Athens (5.45 hrs), Thessaloniki (5 hrs), and more.
 

Port of Igoumenitsa

Every year, 2.5 million passengers and up to 250,000 trucks make their way through Igoumenitsa, connecting on towards the Ionian islands, Italy, and the southern Balkans. The port itself was completely refurbished in 2003 and is now very modern, organized, and developed. When taking a ferry to Igoumenitsa, this is where you will arrive and depart.

Given the amount of sea traffic, it’s a huge port with many different areas and piers. The northern end tends to serve ferries heading to Corfu, while the south makes connections to Italy and the Balkans. Make sure you confirm where you’ll be sailing from to avoid confusion. You’ll find plenty of options for snacks and refreshments in the port area, as well as everything you need for your journey.
 

Best Beaches

Right near the Ionian Sea, Igoumenitsa is blessed with a wide array of excellent beachside spots. The best ones are slightly out of the city, where you’ll discover anything you desire from organized beaches with sunbeds to secluded coves unspoiled by any tourist development.

Drepano Beach

One of the closest beaches to Igoumenitsa, Drepano Beach is a favorite with locals and tourists alike – loved for its white sands and spacious coastline. It’s only a 13-minute drive away from town, and you’ll love the clean waters, tempting dining options, and unique positioning on a headland overlooking the Ionian.

Makrigialos Beach

Make your way north from Drepano and arrive at Makrigialos Beach, the former’s less-developed and more laid-back cousin. There are sunbeds and organized facilities, but this beach is decidedly more relaxed, child-friendly, and framed on either side by the deep blue waves of the sea.

Bella Vraka Beach

A must-see if you’re in the area, Bella Vraka is a stunning cove with emerald green waters, surrounded by pine-clad hillsides and golden sands. It’s a 35-minute drive from Igoumenitsa, where you then catch a small ferry to the island of Mourtemeno. Unspoiled and pure, a visit to Bella Vraka is the perfect day trip.

Lychnos Beach

If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, a trip to Lychnos is an excellent excuse. Located 40-minutes away from Igoumenitsa, this stunning beach is near the charming village of Parga. Make your way left along the beach and discover the Cave of Aphrodite; a beautiful white stone structure where the goddess of love was said to bathe. After that, head to the village for sunset drinks and some rustic local fare.

Bouka Beach

Head north from Igoumenitsa for 30 minutes, and you will arrive at the watersports hub of Bouka Beach. Its unique position on the long peninsula provides it with perfect winds for surfing, kitesurfing, and canoeing. You’ll find a few gastronomic options, but the beach is best for a day full of swimming in its pristine waters and taking advantage of the many exciting activities available.
 

Things to Do

Explore the City

The best thing about Igoumenitsa is that it has the dynamism of a busy city with the laid-back charm of a seaside town. You could spend time wandering through the museums, galleries, and nightlife options that line the center, or you could stick to the outskirts and the seaside, getting a taste for the relaxing lifestyle. Enjoy evening walks along the coast, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and bars in the whole city. Most of them have terraces or al fresco dining options, meaning you can sit back and watch the waves as you enjoy your meal. Alternatively, wander through the backstreets of town and get a feel for its mix of modern architecture and quaint corners.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa

Only about 20 minutes away from the port is the Archeological Museum of Igoumenitsa. With a rich and varied permanent exhibition documenting the history of the Thesroptia region, the museum is a cultural highlight. Don’t miss a visit to the Middle Palaeolithic exhibition, with fossil records and archaic relics dating back to 100,000 years ago.

Take a Day Trip to Mesopotamos

The village of Mesopotamos is a quintessential Greek village, complete with all the tavernas and ouzeri one could hope for. What makes the drive from Igoumenitsa worth it, however, is the nearby Necromancy of Acheron. A mystical and ancient place, the Necromancy was a site for oracles to communicate with the dead. Walk among these ancient stone structures and experience the power of history and mythology.

Walk Along the River Acheron

According to myth, the River Acheron, also known as the ‘river of woes’, was that which flowed down to Hades. Despite its dark legacy, it’s a stunning nature spot well-deserving of the 45-minute drive from Igoumenitsa. Head first to the Souli Watermills, then wander along the banks of the river, framed by towering rock formations and the scent of verdant pine groves.
 

Transportation Around Igoumenitsa

As a city, Igoumenitsa has a great network of public and private transport options that will make your time there as stress-free as possible. You’ll find a KTEL bus station conveniently located near the port, where there are also lockers for storing your belongings if you don’t have enough time to check into a room. Exploring the town is definitely best done on foot, but you’ll also find some bicycle rental stores and an abundance of local taxis. If you want more freedom, hire a car or motorbike to go where you please at your own pace.