Ioannina: The Silver City

Around the Lake

Outdoor Activities and Local Life

Lake Pamvotida and the surrounding hills give Ioannina its distinct outdoor character, from walking routes to lakeside views.

The town sits within a ring of mountains near the Ionian coast, placing it within reach of both highland and coastal landscapes.

Visitors have described Ioannina as offering both a playground for outdoor activity and a setting for quieter, peaceful stays — a combination that also supports its role as a conference destination.

Nestled in the heart of Epirus, Ioannina is a city shaped by water and stone. Lake Pamvotida mirrors the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil setting that has inspired writers, artists, and scientists for generations. The old town, with its narrow lanes and Ottoman-era architecture, sits within a broader landscape of parks, walking paths, and waterfront promenades that invite unhurried exploration between conference sessions.

Known as the Silver City for its long tradition of silverwork and metalcraft, Ioannina carries a craft heritage that resonates with the spirit of applied bioinorganic chemistry. Artisans have shaped metal into objects of both beauty and utility for centuries, an unbroken thread between material science and daily life. Visitors can still find workshops and small galleries where contemporary makers continue these traditions, bridging heritage and innovation.

The region offers an inviting setting for outdoor activities that complement an academic gathering. Hiking trails wind through nearby mountains, while the lake provides opportunities for rowing, cycling along its perimeter, or simply pausing to watch the light shift across the water. Seasonal festivals and local tavernas add cultural texture, allowing attendees to experience Epirus beyond the lecture halls and poster sessions of the symposium.

As the host city of the 16th International Symposium on Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry, Ioannina welcomes researchers, students, and practitioners from across the biological and inorganic chemistry communities. Its university, libraries, and conference venues offer a quiet, focused environment for scientific exchange. The combination of natural beauty, scholarly infrastructure, and accessible travel makes the city a fitting stage for discussing advances at the intersection of metals, molecules, and life.