A 90-kilometre climb from the lake into the Pindus mountains — the Metsovo Escape leaves the water behind and leads you through sweeping valley views, pine forests and one of Greece’s most photogenic mountain villages, known for its cheese, wine and stone-paved lanes.
Route overview
Leaving Ioannina via the E92, the road climbs steadily through oak forest before joining the old national road ahead of the Egnatia tunnels. This is the scenic route — the one the lorries left behind and cyclists and motorcyclists came to love. Every hairpin reveals a broader view: first the Ioannina basin and lake, then the Metsovitikos gorge and finally the plateau where Metsovo sits at an altitude of 1,160 metres.
The climb is steady rather than steep, with a good road surface and clear signs. At a comfortable pace on the Piaggio Liberty, you can reach Metsovo’s central square in about 75 minutes, including time to stop at the viewpoints.
Key stops
- Katara Viewpoint — at 1,690 metres, one of the highest paved passes in Greece. Stop beside the stone monument and take in the views across the Pindus mountains.
- Metsovo Central Square — stone fountains, plane trees and traditional cafés where locals meet for tsipouro.
- Metsovone cheese dairy — taste the region’s distinctive smoked cheese and pick up local honey, pasta and mountain tea.
- Averoff Gallery — an extensive collection of Greek painting and sculpture housed in a neoclassical building at the edge of the village.
- Metsovo Winery — high-altitude vineyards, wine tastings and a terrace overlooking the valley.
What to bring
A light jacket — at Katara, the temperature can be up to ten degrees lower than in Ioannina, even in July. Bring comfortable shoes for Metsovo’s cobbled lanes, cash for small workshops and an appetite for local food. Every scooter has a phone mount, and we send you a detailed GPS route so you can navigate each junction with confidence.
The descent towards Ioannina at sunset — with warm light filling the valley and the lake glimmering below — is one of the most beautiful rides in Epirus.
Allow two and a half to three hours for the return ride, plus as much time as you would like to explore the village. Most visitors make it a half-day excursion: leave in the morning, have lunch in Metsovo and return to Ioannina for an afternoon ride by the lake.
Need information about this route?
Contact us for information about duration, difficulty, suitability and current conditions. This route is provided for information and cannot be booked separately.