Greece is home to two of the world's few inhabited lake islands.
We travel to Ioannina and Prespes to visit the unique inhabited islands that are located in lakes of Greece. Two distinct corners of our country, with fascinating history and rich natural beauty.
Ioannina Island
A trip to the islet at the heart of Lake Pamvotida is one of the must-have experiences in Ioannina, whatever the season. The crossing takes 10 minutes and is made by the small boats from the pier. A stroll through the settlement's alleys, between traditional stone-built houses of Epirus craftsmanship, folk-art shops, and tavernas serving local specialties (don't miss trying frog legs and eel), will transport you to another era.
The picturesque paths will lead you to monasteries of exceptional interest, such as the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Philanthropinon with its remarkable frescoes and the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon, which houses the Museum of Ali Pasha and the Revolutionary Period. In January 1822, Ali Pasha, having been defeated, took refuge on the island and in this monastery, in whose cells he was assassinated. In the museum's display cases are, among other things, unique exhibits such as Ali Pasha's famed gold-inlaid flintlock and the original silk dress of Kyra Vassiliki.
Agios Achilleios Prespes
Little and Great Prespa form an important ecosystem that offers the chance for an unforgettable nature escape. The most iconic image of Little Prespa is the islet of Agios Achilleios, the second inhabited lake island in Greece, after the island of Ioannina. A 650 m floating footbridge will take you to the settlement of Agios Achilleios, with its few residents and Byzantine churches, which is 55 km from Florina. The tranquil settlement is built at an elevation of 853 m, within the lake. The bridge was built in 2000. Until then, access to the islet was only by boat. Tradition holds that the village's houses must always number 11, as legend says that if more are built, one will collapse. On Agios Achilleios you'll find a traditional guesthouse and a restaurant.
On the island there are several Byzantine churches, the most important of which is the three-aisled Basilica of Agios Achilleios, dating from the late 10th century AD. It gave the island its name and is one of the largest basilicas in Greece. The magnificent church was built by the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel to house the relics of Saint Achilleios, bishop of Larissa and local saint, which the Bulgarian troops had transported from Larissa.
