Location

Ktismata Pogoni

The settlement of Ktismata (formerly Arinista) is located at the northwestern edge of the Ioannina regional unit, next to the Kakavia customs post on the Greek-Albanian border.

It is situated at an altitude of 425 meters, on the foothills of Mount Kasidiaris and in the valley of the Drinos River, a significant natural passage between Greece and neighboring Albania. The passage is overseen by a Hellenistic acropolis crowning the hill of Agios Nikolaos, with a wall perimeter of approximately 1,500 meters and an enclosed area covering 122 stremmas (about 12.2 hectares).

Within the acropolis, excavations revealed a rectangular late Hellenistic house with a peristyle courtyard and about twelve rooms. The building measures 27×24 meters, covering a total area of approximately 650 square meters.

In the center of the village, behind the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, part of a Roman villa rustica (country estate) was excavated. It was primarily in use from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE during the Roman Imperial period. Rich dietary remains (animal bones) were found inside, as well as traces of household (millstones and loom weights) and other craft activities (iron slag and glass masses).

In historical times, the broader area was inhabited by the Atintanes tribe (mentioned by Thucydides), and a notable local find is a Roman bronze figurine of Kerdos Hermes (Hermes of Profit).

Lake Zaravina

Lake Zaravina, also known as Nizeros, is located just a few kilometers from Ktismata. It is one of the deepest natural lakes in Greece, with a depth of 31.5 meters and an almost circular shape. Situated between Ioannina and Kakavia, the lake was formed during the Pleistocene epoch. It is a karstic lake, fed by springs and streams. Local folklore surrounds the lake with legends about its great depth.

The landscape around the lake is rich in flora and fauna, featuring reed beds, wet meadows, and oak forests. Rare plants such as Solenanthus albanicus and various orchids stand out.

The area’s birdlife includes raptors like the lesser spotted eagle, as well as a variety of storks, herons, grebes, and other rare birds. The region is also home to diverse reptiles and amphibians, including salamanders, frogs, and snakes.

Among the fish species, eels, carp, and the endangered Epirus minnow (Pelasgus epiroticus) are noteworthy. Mammals in the area include otters, coypus, and species from the surrounding hills, such as bears, wolves, and roe deer.

Lake Zaravina is a precious natural treasure, boasting exceptional biodiversity and rare ecological significance.

How to get there?

Airport – Ktismata
52 klm – 48 minutes

KTEL Ioannina – Ktismata
55 klm. – 51 minutes

Accommodation
Special discounts are available for participants of the Musical Ktismata event.
Accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participants.

GUESTHOUSES

LOCATION

ROOM TYPES

KLM FROM KTISMATA

PHONE

WEBSITE

MOSSIORI SERAI

SITARIA

4 RENTAL HOUSES

11,5

6974712061

Areti Guesthouse

VISSANI

9 ROOMS

12,5

6946332348

To roloi Keskinidou Sofia

DELVINAKI

7 TWIN ROOMS AND 3 TRIPLE ROOMS, ALL WITH. SINGLE BEDS

13

2657022070

To Kentrikon Guesthouse

DELVINAKI

6 ROOMS (5 TWIN ROOMS, 1 QUADRUPLE ROOM)

13

2657022165

Helios-Epirus

DOLIANA

2 TWIN ROOMS + 1 SUITΕ WITH FIREPLACE FOR 3 PEOPLE

15,6

6971924326

ROPTRO

DOLIANA

4 ROOMS (DOUBLE+QUADRUPLE)

20

6972778067 – 253041397

Thiamis Traditional GuestHouse

DOLIANA

3 TWIN ROOMS + 1 TWO ROOM QUADRUPLE

20

6988100683

AITHRA

DOLIANA

INDEPENDENT HOUSE

20

6972996540 – 6983090617

Epirus Stone Suites

KALPAKI

4 APARTMENTS FOR 4 TO 6 PEOPLE

22

6973054377

Kalpaki Stone Apartments

KALPAKI

4 APARTMENTS ACCOMMODATING LARGE GROUPS OF UP TO 8 PEOPLE

22

6932124886

Luxury Guesthouse 1940

KALPAKI

6 ROOMS (DOUBLE + QUADRUPLE)

22

6942669992

ELAIA Apartments

KALPAKI

3 QUANDRUPLE

22

2653042118

Kalpaki Village Apartments

KALPAKI

3 APARTMENTS (QUADRUPLE)

22

6985066964

Apartment Eksochi

KALPAKI

APARTMENT

22

contact via platform

Yono’s Traditional House

ANO RAVENIA

5 ROOMS FOR 2 TO 6 PEOPLE

23

6942494505