Welcome to Parga
Parga is a charming coastal town located in the northwestern part of Greece, in the Prefecture of Preveza, Epirus. It is a popular holiday destination for tourists due to its picturesque location, beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture.
The town sits on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and surrounding mountains. Its narrow streets are lined with colorful houses adorned with flowers, creating an idyllic Mediterranean atmosphere.
One of the main attractions in Parga is its castle, situated at the top of the hill. It was built by the Venetians in the 15th century and offers a stunning panoramic view of the town, the sea, and the nearby islands. Visitors can also explore the castle’s museum, which showcases artifacts from the area’s rich history.
Parga has several beautiful beaches, including Valtos Beach, Lichnos Beach, and Sarakiniko Beach. These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and water sports activities. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving.
The town has a lively atmosphere with many restaurants, cafes, and bars. They offer a wide variety of delicious Greek cuisine, including fresh seafood, moussaka, and feta cheese. Visitors can also enjoy a drink while watching the spectacular sunset over the sea.
Overall, Parga is a perfect holiday destination for those who love the sea, great food, and historic sites. Its charming atmosphere and scenic beauty make it an ideal place for a relaxing vacation.
How to reach it
Parga is located in the northwestern part of Greece, in the Prefecture of Preveza, Epirus. There are several ways to reach Parga, including:
1. By air:
The nearest airports to Parga are Aktion National Airport (PVK) and Ioannina National Airport (IOA). Both airports are about 70 km from Parga and are served by several domestic and international airlines.
2. By car:
Parga is easily accessible by car, and several car rental companies operate in the area. If you are coming from Athens or Thessaloniki, take the Egnatia Odos highway, then follow the signs to Parga. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours from Athens and 3-4 hours from Thessaloniki.
3. By bus:
There are daily buses from Athens and Thessaloniki to Parga, operated by KTEL bus company. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours from Athens and 4-5 hours from Thessaloniki.
4. By ferry:
Visitors can also reach Parga by ferry from the nearby islands of Corfu and Paxos. The ferry service operates during the summer season and takes approximately 2-3 hours from Corfu and 1-2 hours from Paxos.
Once you reach Parga, you can easily explore the town on foot, as most of the tourist attractions, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a scooter to explore the surrounding areas.
Where to stay
Parga has a wide range of accommodation options for visitors to choose from, including hotels, apartments, villas, and guesthouses. Here are some of the popular areas to stay in Parga:
1. Parga Town:
If you want to be close to the town’s main attractions, restaurants, and shops, Parga town is the perfect place to stay. This area offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
2. Valtos Beach:
Valtos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Parga, and there are several hotels and apartments located in this area. Many of the properties here offer stunning sea views and easy access to the beach.
3. Lichnos Beach:
Lichnos Beach is another popular area to stay, with several hotels and apartments overlooking the beach. This area is a bit quieter than Parga town, making it an ideal spot for those who want a more peaceful vacation.
4. Agia:
Agia is a small village located just a few kilometers from Parga town. This area offers a tranquil atmosphere, and there are several traditional guesthouses and apartments available for visitors.
5. Syvota:
Syvota is a small harbor village located approximately 25 km south of Parga. This picturesque area offers a beautiful natural setting, with several beaches and crystal-clear waters. There are several hotels and apartments located in Syvota, making it an ideal spot for those who want to explore the surrounding areas.
No matter which area you choose to stay in, Parga is a beautiful destination with plenty of options for travelers of all budgets and preferences.
Highlights: what to see/what to do
Here are some of the highlights of Parga:
1. Parga Castle:
The castle of Parga is a Venetian fortress built in the 15th century. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in Parga, offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Visitors can explore the castle and its museum, which displays a collection of artifacts from the area’s history.
2. Valtos Beach:
Valtos Beach is a popular sandy beach located just a short walk from Parga town. It features crystal-clear waters, sun loungers, and several beach bars and restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy water sports activities, such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.
3. Lichnos Beach:
Lichnos Beach is a secluded beach located approximately 3 km from Parga town. This beautiful beach is surrounded by olive groves and features turquoise waters and soft sand. Visitors can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.
4. Acheron River:
The Acheron River is located approximately 35 km from Parga and is believed to be the entrance to the Greek underworld. Visitors can explore the river by hiking, rafting, or kayaking and can also visit the ancient ruins of the Necromanteion, an ancient oracle believed to communicate with the dead.
5. Parga Old Town:
The old town of Parga features narrow streets lined with colorful houses and quaint shops selling local products. Visitors can wander around the old town, admire the Venetian architecture, and stop at one of the cafes or tavernas for a refreshing drink or a delicious meal.
6. Boat trips:
Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the nearby islands, such as Paxos and Antipaxos, featuring secluded beaches and clear waters. There are several boat tour operators in Parga town offering various types of boat trips.
Overall, Parga is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, Parga has it all.
