Ten Reasons to Visit Arta, Greece

A Healthy Life in a Beautiful, Historic Region

by Dr. Fotini Maltezou

The area around the city of Arta in Epirus, NW Greece, is worth visiting and even finding a property to settle in or a summer house in quest for a healthy life. Here are ten reasons why:

Easy Access

The newly built motorways (European grade) which provide easy access to the city of Arta, from the nearby airport of Ioannina city and also connect the whole region with the capital of Greece, Athens.

Diverse Landscapes

This part of NW Greece perfectly combines mountains, rivers and sea sceneries. It is surrounded by a fertile land with plenty of orange, lemon and tangerine groves with unique intoxicating fragrances, as well as olive trees.

Diverse Landscapes

Fertile Land

It is surrounded by a fertile land with plenty of orange, lemon and tangerine groves with unique intoxicating fragrances, as well as olive trees.

Fertile Land

Lush Forests

The mountains around Arta, have many densely forested regions, scattered with fir trees and rare species of plants and wild flowers. The fantastic landscapes combined with a repository of terrestrial biodiversity, fresh air and good climate offer the most enjoyable escapes. One such area is the Gavrogo plateau, at heights of 1100 meters, sprouted with fir and cedar forests. It serves as summer pasture (grassland) of 7,000-10,000 sheep and goats. Wild animals also live in Gavrogo. Parts of the broader region belong to the Natura 2000 network.

Lush Forrests

Aquatic Ecosystem

The aquatic ecosystem of Salaora, towards the beach of Koronisia at Amvrakikos Gulf, which offers an unforgettable experience. Koronisia is a small settlement on an islet joined by a narrow strip of land to mainland Epirus.

Aquatic Ecosystem

Rich History

The local history, which goes back to 7th century BC, when the ancient city of Amvrakia was founded as a colony by the Corinthians. Amvrakia, was one of the most important cities of Greece, built on the river Arachthos, at the same location as today's Arta. As a naval power Amvrakia experienced great prosperity and economic growth. Another important milestone in its history marks the beginning of the 13th century when Arta became the capital of the Despotate of Epirus which was one of the three independent Greek states established within the Byzantine Empire following the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade in 1204. You can visit the significant Byzantine churches of Panagia Parigoritissa (dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary), Panagia Blacherna, the Church of St. Theodora, the Church of St. Basil and many others in the city and around the whole prefecture of Arta. These churches exhibit unique architectural characteristics and religious imagery such as mosaics and painted Byzantine icons depicting images of holy persons and events from the Bible.

The Castle of Arta

Its construction started during the 13th century and completed by Venetian engineers during the Ottoman rule.

Rich History

Myths and Legends

Its myths and legends, such as the legend about the construction of the famous arched stone bridge of Arta, a masterpiece of architecture for its time (17th century) and a trademark of the city nowadays.

Stone Bridge of Arta

Local Gastronomy

You can enjoy the local gastronomy (The food of the poor or else the Epirus pie, fresh fish and freshly caught delicious king prawns from the Amvrakikos coastal area, fruit, meat, dairy, free range eggs, honey from the bees and other local delicacies and shop aromatic greens and herbs in Arta’s open market daily.

Outdoor Activities

The area is ideal for outdoor activities, mountaineering and sports, also suitable for alternative and recreational tourism, not crowded by tourists. The city of Ioannina which is the capital of Epirus is only a half an hour drive from Arta.

Outdoor Activities

If you are looking for a beautiful, healthy and historically rich place to visit or live, the area around Arta in Epirus, NW Greece, is a great option. With its easy access, diverse landscapes, rich history, and delicious gastronomy, there is something for everyone in this amazing region.