Parga Travel Guide: Tips, place to visit, best beaches

Interesting facts about the idyllic small town on the Ionian Sea / Parga Travel Guide

Many probably associate a holiday in Greece with the Greek islands. But a holiday on the mainland of the beautiful country is also becoming more and more popular, because there is also a lot to discover here in addition to fantastic coasts and beaches.

Above all, the diversity, the cultural highlights, the history and the landscapes attract numerous visitors to the Greek cities. In addition to beach holidays, you can also get to know the traditions of Greece here.

Large cities such as Thessaloniki or the capital Athens are of course very popular here, but it is also worth taking a look at lesser-known places.

On the west coast of Greece in the Epirus region, for example, lies the small, idyllic town of Parga. Surrounded by mountains and olive groves, the city enchants with its colorful houses, untouched nature and beautiful beaches.

Here in our Parga tips I tell you more about the unique city, which for me is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

Arrival to Parga

Many roads lead to Parga! The Greek city can be reached by plane, car and ferry. Parga itself does not have an airport, but if you want to travel to Parga by plane, you can fly to Preveza Airport, which is about 60 kilometers away.

You can also travel to Parga from the island of Corfu, which is very close to the Greek mainland. However, the journey involves transfers, because once you arrive at Corfu Airport you have to go from there to the port and take the ferry to Igoumenitsa (about 1h 30) and then by car to Parga (about 40 km). .

After landing in Corfu it is only a total of 2 ½ hours and you could use the opportunity to explore the beautiful island.

Parga can also be reached via Athens Airport (430 km away) or Thessaloniki Airport (350 km away), but here you have to take a longer drive.

→ Parga tip: It is best to book a rental car before you travel and pick it up directly at the airport on arrival, get in and drive off. So the trip can start immediately and you are also more flexible during your vacation.

Parga Travel Guide / By car and ferry to Parga

If you prefer to go on holiday by car so that you can use it on site, you can also travel to Parga by car via Italy. Ferries to Igoumenitsa depart regularly from the port cities of Trieste, Venice, Ancona, Bari or Brindisi.

Igoumenitsa is around 40 kilometers south of Parga and can therefore be reached quickly. Ferries run here regularly, both from Italy and within Greece.

Although Parga itself has a small port, there is only one connection to and from the nearby island of Paxos.

Best travel time for Parga / Parga Travel Guide

Like all of Greece, Parga has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best travel time for Greece as well as the best travel time for Parga is from May to September.

Here you can relax on the beach in the sun and experience a wonderful summer holiday. In the hottest summer months, such as July and August, temperatures on the Greek mainland are often above 30°C.

If you prefer it a little milder and quieter, you can also travel to Parga in spring or autumn, for example in April or October there are also pleasant temperatures. In addition, you avoid crowds of tourists at this time and benefit from cheaper accommodation.

Sights in Parga

When you first think of Greece, you probably have the typical white houses with blue roofs in mind. These are mainly found on the islands of the Cyclades, but the Greek mainland also has its charm.

Cities like Parga enchant with colorful houses right on the water, exciting sights and unique nature and are definitely worth a visit. And that’s exactly what I want to show you in these Parga tips.

The old town of Parga / Parga Travel Guide

Although the place is relatively small, there are still some sights in Parga and plenty of things to do. In the beautiful city on the west coast, the old town of Parga enchants with its winding streets and colorful Venetian houses.

A walk through the town and along the promenade of the port of Parga with a view of the Ionian Sea will definitely give you that holiday feeling. Here you can discover small shops, eat something delicious in a tavern and just linger a bit before exploring the city and the surrounding area.

The Castle of Parga

On the outskirts of town on a green hill is the Venetian Castle of Parga. The fortress, which towers over the town, was built around 1570 and originally served to protect the residents from pirates.

It can be reached on foot via a staircase. Once at the top you get a fantastic view over the coast, the Ionian Sea and the small town.

The island of Panagia in front of Parga

The small island of Panagia is located in a bay directly in front of the port of Parga. On the uninhabited island, apart from a few trees and rocks, there is only an old chapel and the ruins of a small castle.

The island of Panagia with the small chapel is also a very popular photo motif and the symbol of the Greek city. The harbor offers the best view.

A tour boat also takes tourists for a short visit to the offshore island, from there you have a beautiful view of Parga and the colorful houses, which is also perfect for a photo opportunity.

Cave of Aphrodite / Parga Travel Guide

Hidden in a cove near Lichnos Beach is Aphrodite’s Cave. The goddess of love is said to have bathed here. There are also other beautiful natural caves to explore.

The cave can only be reached by boat over the water. For example, it is worth renting a pedal boat, canoe or similar on the beach in order to be able to take a closer look at the beautiful natural phenomenon. In short: one of the most beautiful Parga tips.

Ali Pasha Castle

Another castle near Parga is Ali Pasha Castle. This is only a few kilometers away in the neighboring village of Anthusa. The fortress was built in 1814 by the Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha to watch Parga.

The castle is on a hill, so a car is worthwhile. If you are a little more sporty, you can of course also hike here. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the west coast and, in good weather, over the neighboring islands of Paxos and even Corfu. Cultural events also take place here in summer.

The Nekromanteion oracle of the dead

South of Parga, about 20 kilometers away, there is an old ruin that is initially inconspicuous from the outside. But this is said to have a mystical and exciting past, which is only revealed in the catacombs underground.

The excavation site is said to be the oracle Nekromanteion, which was mentioned by Herodotus and Homer, but whose location was unknown for a long time. There are many finds below the ruins, such as thick walls from Mycenaean times and a church.

Activities in Parga / Parga Travel Guide

Parga is not only a beautiful holiday and bathing resort, but also the ideal starting point for numerous activities and excursions. There is a lot to see and do in the surrounding of the diverse Epirus region.

Whether hiking, boat trips, city trips, cultural highlights or beautiful islands, Parga is perfect for day trips and discovery tours due to its location. The town itself may be small, but the possibilities here are endless! Here are some Parga tips for a varied stay.

Active holiday in Parga

Active vacationers get their money’s worth in the beautiful region around Parga. The environment in north-west Greece is characterized by mountains, lush nature, olive groves and water. Ideal conditions for extensive hikes! Numerous hiking trails meander through the landscapes and untouched nature.

One of the most beautiful places for a trip to nature is the Acheron River. This flows through the Epirus region and is around 58 kilometers long. It flows into the bay of the nearby town of Ammoudia in the Ionian Sea. According to Greek mythology, the Acheron is one of the five rivers of the dead in the underworld.

The sources of the Acheron and the Acheron Gorge are particularly popular and really beautiful. After a hike, you can refresh yourself in the ice-cold, crystal-clear water of the springs and enjoy the unique nature.

Rafting, kayaking and canoeing tours on the river are also available. A truly unique experience in a great setting!

Museums in Parga

For those of you who are interested in culture, a visit to a museum in Parga is also recommended.

In a former traditional olive oil factory, you can now learn everything about the Epirus region, which is an olive-growing area, and the production process of olive oil in the olive oil museum Paragaea Old Olive Oil Factory. At the end you can also try the delicious oil directly on site.

In addition to the oil, you can also buy natural cosmetics with olive oil and Greek specialties in the museum shop. These are great as souvenirs.

There is also a church museum in Parga. It is located in the center of the city, as is the Olive Oil Museum. There are other interesting museums scattered throughout the Epirus region.

Excursions from Parga to islands

Thanks to the fantastic location directly on the sea, you can also take trips to the surrounding islands from Parga. The islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are the perfect destination here and are among our favorite Parga tips.

In the high season, excursion boats to the surrounding beaches and the two islands are offered daily from the port of Parga. The drive to the beautiful, idyllic island of Paxos, for example, takes about 1 hour and is definitely worth it.

Here on the small, romantic island there is a picturesque fishing village, fantastic beaches and great bays and sea caves. With only around 25 km², it is also very manageable, perfect for a day trip.

The popular holiday island of Corfu is also worth a trip. Boat trips are also offered to Corfu. As already described in the journey to Parga, there is also the possibility of taking a ferry from the port of Igoumenitsa to Corfu.

However, since Corfu is significantly larger than Paxos, it is advisable to plan a little more time here and maybe even combine the trip with an overnight stay.

Excursions from Parga on the mainland / Parga Travel Guide

There are also some great places on the mainland around Parga. Syvota, for example, is an idyllic fishing village with beautiful beaches and numerous picturesque bays.

There is a beautiful old town surrounded by olive groves, a small promenade and quiet beaches. Located on a small island across from town, the Blue Lagoons are a popular boating and swimming destination.

The beautiful town of Syvota is only about 28km from Parga and is great for a day trip.

Ioannina is the capital of the province of Epirus and is also worth a visit. It enchants with old houses and narrow streets in the picturesque old town as well as beautiful historical monuments.

The rather unknown city is located on a freshwater lake in north-west Greece, just over an hour’s drive from Parga.

Last but not least, the beautiful port city of Preveza on the west coast of Greece is also recommended. Romantic alleys, white houses with colorful flowers, Greek flair, beautiful beaches and a dreamy sea, you can find all of that here.

The airport of the Epirus region is also located in Preveza. If you land here on your trip to Parga, you should use this to have a look at the beautiful place by the sea before continuing your journey.

The most beautiful beaches in Parga

The beaches in Greece are known worldwide for the beautiful water and the beautiful scenery. Parga is no exception here, there are numerous picturesque beaches and hidden bays in the surroundings of the place, which of course should not be missing in these Parga tips.

Valtos Beach / Parga Travel Guide

For many, one of the most beautiful beaches in Parga is definitely Valtos Beach, which is located directly on the shore of the city and can be reached on foot. The beach is large and wide and offers enough space for many visitors.

Due to the proximity to the city, the next taverns and shops are not far away. In addition, you get a great view of the city and the fortress of the castle of Parga.

The beach is also suitable for families due to the gently sloping water and the few currents.

Lichnos Beach

Also very popular is Lichnos Beach, which offers a great backdrop surrounded by rocks and green nature. About 3 kilometers from Parga you can spend a great day on the beach in the beautiful bay far away from the hustle and bustle.

The beach has everything you need for a long day at the sea – fine sand, clean water, water sports, umbrellas, cafes and taverns.

The fantastically beautiful grottos near the beach are particularly recommended. Here is also the cave of Aphrodite.

Sarakiniko Beach

Sarakiniko Beach is also located near Parga. The small bay with a sandy beach and dreamlike blue water is definitely recommended, it is not for nothing that the beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Parga for us. It is only a very short drive from Parga.

The bay is enclosed by rocks overgrown with greenery and offers a secluded, quiet place for a nice day of swimming. But unfortunately it is no longer an insider tip, in the high season you will certainly not be alone here.

Krioneri Beach

Another beach is the Paralia Krioneri. This is located directly in the harbor bay of Parga and is therefore very popular for a quick dip in the cold water. As a result, it can get a little crowded on the small beach in midsummer. But it’s great for a quick cool down.

The Piso Krioneri beach is located in a small bay just a few meters from Paralia Krioneri. Here on the pebble beach it is much quieter and you can enjoy the sea with a little less hustle and bustle.

Agios Sostis / Parga Travel Guide

A little insider tip is the beach of Agios Sostis, which is somewhat hidden about 3km from Parga. The bathing beach is located in a small bay and is suitable for everyone who wants to enjoy the peace and the sound of the sea without many people.

You should bring your own food and loungers, because none of that is available here on the secluded pebble beach.

The small church of Agios Sostis is also special here, which is sandwiched between two large rock walls near the beach and offers a great view.

Eating & drinking in Parga

What should not be missing during a nice holiday and in these Parga tips is to taste the delicious cuisine of the holiday destination. Many of the small town’s taverns are located directly on the harbor with a great view of the water.

But you can also find one or the other charming restaurant in the corners of the winding streets. The cuisine in Parga is characterized by delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

There is traditional Greek cuisine with lots of vegetables, fresh fish, meat, feta, lemon and oregano. There is a delicious wine with the meal, and of course an ouzo should not be missing afterwards.

Since Parga is located in an olive-growing area and their own olive oil is also produced here, you should of course try the delicious Greek oil. Here it tastes particularly intense, and it is also a great gift, whether for yourself or as a gift.

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Adorned with lush mountains and sandy beaches, Parga is a quaint resort town in the Greek province of Epirus. Parga was inhabited by Tesprotians in Antiquity and was called Ypargos. The Venetians built a fort on the north cape of the city in 1570. Like Epirus, Parga joined the territory of Greece after the Balkan wars. In the western part of Parga, there are rocky slopes with various pine trees and a mountainous promontory, while on the eastern part there is a small cape with various trees.

When you get rid of the fishermen surrounding the wide square of the town and start to climb towards the hills, you come across its narrow streets and buildings with colorful flowers hanging from their windows and shops selling souvenirs. These stone houses are colorful and cute. Green, orange.. This combination offers an amazing view.

Parga Castle, which dominates the city, is a place you must see. The view is magnificent, but the castle is a little neglected. The main building inside the castle is used as a cafe. The most interesting structure of the castle is the gate. This gate, made of sharp iron, which was built to keep foreigners away from the castle for an important occasion, offers a really interesting view. Ali Pasha Castle is another must-see. The view here is magnificent, as is the Parga Castle. You can enjoy seeing Parga from above at Ali Pasha Castle. However, this castle is a bit neglected like Parga Castle. Castle cannons are on the ground, among the grass. Also, do not pass without visiting the ancient ruins of Nekromanteio and Acheron, which are half an hour away from Parga.

Parga is also famous for its beaches. There are beaches to meet almost all your wishes. The most popular and largest beach is Valtos and it is quite lively. If your preference is for calm, you should go to Lichnos beach. If you are a water sports enthusiast, Ai Giannakis beach is the right address for you! If your preference is not for these beaches, you can ask to hire one of the excursion boats and take them to one of the untouched beaches in the distance.

You can have your meals in the small and quiet restaurants spread on both sides of the narrow streets of Parga, accompanied by Greek music and a magnificent view. Another flavor that stands out in Parga, where almost all kinds of fish are available, is Parga kebab. For a nice breakfast, the sausage egg is really famous.