Ioannina, Greece

Capital City

With a population of just 65,574, Ioannina may seem quaint, but don't let the size fool you - this city in northwestern Greece is no sleepy backwater. The tax burden is heavy and bureaucracy a persistent headache, but the cultural and intellectual vibrancy more than make up for it. Ioannina was a center of the Greek Enlightenment, home to renowned schools and a thriving Jewish community (now tragically decimated). While the climate can be wet and cold, the city's scenic lakeside setting and impressive Byzantine castle walls are undeniably picturesque. For intellectually curious travelers seeking an authentic Greek experience, Ioannina is a compelling destination.