Is Parga Greece worth visiting? Seen from above, Parga looks like a postcard. With its traditional architecture, its picturesque cobbled streets and colorful houses, its beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and its wonderful nature, the city is incredibly photogenic. Tourism is well developed and Parga is a desirable destination.
Recommendation:
Parga is a popular holiday destination and if you’d like to explore the town without the tourist crowds, I highly recommend to visit Parga out of season.
Where is Parga Greece?
Do you wonder is Parga Greece worth visiting?
Yes, definitely it is.
The town lies amphitheatrically above the Ionian Sea in southwestern Epirus, northwestern Greece between Preveza and Igoumenitsa and offers picturesque panoramic views. The unique location combines natural beauty, mountains and crystal clear sea. Although it is a mainland town, its landscapes are reminiscent of an island.
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Parga Greece Map
How to get to Parga Greece?
- The easiest and most convenient way is by plane and rental car. The closest airports to Parga are located in Corfu, Aktion, and Ioannina. You can fly as well to Athens or Thessaloniki airport. Please find best flight prices here:
! Useful information !
If you are travelling by car in the direction of Thessaloniki, and especially if you are with small children, you should know that the last place you can stop for a break is at Gravena. It’s a good idea to take advantage, because after that you have a long drive with lots of tunnels and nowhere to stop.
Parga Greece hotels
Parga Greece accommodation options are many and varied – from small neat studios to large hotels, from more remote and quiet places to apartments in central and lively locations.
Here are some suggestions:
- F & S LOUNGE SUITES with a score of Exceptional 9.7. Offers guests fabulously furnished studios with outdoor pool and garden.
- Hotel Avra has a top location next to the Venetian Castle and is rated Superb 9.2.
- ISAVORIA ECO CHIC RESORT offers outstanding sea views and is rated Very Good 8.2.
- Racconto Boutique Design Hotel (Adults Only) – interesting offer in a great location in nature with outdoor pool for adults only. Rating Very good 8,4.
- Ioannidis Villa-Studios with a score of 9.4. The studio has a garden and is located in a quiet area near Valtos Beach.
- The Five Star Parga Beach Resort is rated 9.1 and offers all kinds of amenities.
- Zotos Rooms is a budget offer with a rating of 9.5 300m from Valtos beach.
More suggestions here:
Parga Greece beaches
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the region are Valtos, Krioneri, Lihnos and Sarakiniko.
Valtos beach
Valtos beach is the largest beach in Parga. It stretches between the marina and the foot of the castle. The beach is sandy and there are countless restaurants, cafes and lounges on the beach. In the area behind Valtos beach there are many guest houses, family hotels and even a campsite. The area is quiet, pleasant and an ideal place to stay there, especially if you are with small children.
Useful
The walking distance from the Valtos area to the fortress is 20-30 minutes. If you don’t mind walking and like quieter places, the Valtos area is your place.
Recommendation:
If you like peace and quiet, beach in the part near the marina. The sand is also the thickest there.
Krioneri beach
Krioneri is the city beach of Parga. It is small and located in the central part of the city. It is sandy, but the sand is bigger than that of Valtos. There are also rocky stretches. From Krioneri you can swim to Panagia island and jump off the rocks there.
Tip
If, however, you are looking for tranquility, Krioneri is definitely not your place.
Lichnos and Sarakiniko beaches
Lychnos and Sarakiniko beaches can be reached by car or scooter. There are also several secluded beaches and caves in the area that can be reached by boat or kayak.
What to do in Parga Greece?
The most interesting sights in the region are the Venetian castle, the Panagia church on the island of the same name, the fortress of Ali Pasha above the village of Antusa and the springs of the river Acheron. The picturesque village of Sivota, 30 kilometres away, offers pretty crystal coves for swimming. Let’s check the things we can do and see is Parga Greece worth visiting?
Visit the Venetian castle
In the central part of the city on a hill are the ruins of an old castle, built in the 11th century to protect the city from pirates and Turks. Destroyed repeatedly, in the 16th century the castle was rebuilt by the Venetians, who turned it into a strong fortress. They built eight towers outside the castle and two cisterns to supply water in times of war. When the castle, like the whole town, was sold to the Turks in 1813, it was further fortified and given a new building on top, where the Sultan’s harem lived.
The views you can see from the castle answers the question Is Parga worth visiting.
The castle’s location offers magnificent views of Parga and the coastline. The area of the castle is very pleasant for walking, surrounded by cypress trees and crossed by stone paths. Inside the castle, there is a café that offers drinks and snacks in case you get tired, as well as several interesting souvenir shops. The castle can be reached by stairs starting from the town centre or by a steep street leading from Valtos beach.
Panagia Church on the island of the same name
The first thing you will see approaching Parga by ferry is a small island with lush vegetation and a white church in the middle. This is the charming little church of Panagia, which is located on the island of the same name next to Cryoneri beach. The islet can be reached by boat or swimming, but if you plan to enter the church, appropriate clothing is recommended. The island and the church attract many couples for weddings and photo shoots, and a large celebration is held each year on August 15, when the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
The Marina
The marina is located at the end of Valtos beach. It’s well worth a trip there, especially if you like old boats.
Suggestion:
Guests can rent a water wheel, kayak or boat for excursions near the marina.
Port of Parga
The harbour is located in the center of the promenade. Many boats, ships and ferries leave from here to the islands Paxos, Antipaxos, the Blue caves, Corfu and Itaka.
The promenade
The promenade is teeming with life and is extremely picturesque. It starts at the foot of the Venetian castle and continues just past Krioneri beach. It offers impressive views of the castle, the Panagia church and the colourful houses of the town. There are numerous tavernas, cafes and even a rock bar.
Old Town of Parga
The old part of the town starts just behind the promenade and goes up to the Venetian Castle. The central part is full of shops, cafes, gelateries. Up towards the castle the streets become narrow and steep, the houses have the typical shuttered windows framed by bougainvillea. Numerous shops offer boutique souvenir wares, and restaurants offer stunning sea views.
Parga Greece activities
Boat trip to the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and the Blue Caves
No doubt the boat trip to the islands Paxos and Antipaxos is one of the top activities in Parga. The ships leave from the port. It’s a good idea to find out about departure days and times in advance, especially if you’re visiting Parga out of season. There are offices in town for the various companies offering sailings to these islands, but arm yourself with patience, as filling out the paperwork is not very quick and you may have to wait in line.
I therefore recommend that you purchase your tickets online in advance.
Visit a traditional taverna
The tavernas and restaurants are extremely varied and will satisfy the taste of even the most capricious. As for the quality of food and service, there is nothing to comment on – Greeks are notorious for their hospitality.
Meet the sunset at the port
One of the things you must do while in Parga is to meet the sunset from the port. The view of the setting sun over the castle and the colourful houses is intoxicating.
Visit the Castle of Ali Pasha
The imposing castle of Antousa, better known as the castle of Ali Pasha, is located on a hilltop between Parga and Agia. History has it that in 1819, the British Governor of the Ionian Islands sold Parga to Ioannina’s ruler Ali Pasha. Then 4000 of the locals fled to the island. Corfu, taking with them the ashes and bones of their ancestors and earth from their hometown. The castle has been preserved in good condition and is used for cultural events during the summer. Richly illuminated at night, its lights are visible from Parga.
Recommendation:
Plan your visit to Ali Pasha Castle at sunset. It is magical.
Recommendation:
On the way back, stop and have dinner at one of the cozy roadside restaurants. The sea views are definitely worth it.
Nightlife in Parga
The bars along the promenade have a tradition of covering the railing of the pier with colourful rugs after dark, with countless candles and lanterns arranged on top. The feeling of having your cocktail in this atmosphere and enjoying the lights is wonderful.
For lovers of bars and discos the town has a lot to offer. Nightlife is in full swing at the waterfront bars around Valtos beach.
For fans of rock music there is a rock bar in the old part of town.
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What to visit in the Parga area
- The mountain villages of the Zagoria area and the Vikos gorge
- Walk along the springs of the river Acheron, visit the ancient temple of Necromanteo, where people used to communicate with the dead to learn about their future, visit the town of Sulli, Kiafa Castle
- Visit Meteora from Parga
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Antipaxos, Paxos and the Blue caves
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4 comments
Parga looks so much like an island. The convenience of being on the mainland would be nice too. What is the best time of year to visit?
The photos are so so so spectacular. The sunset at the fort had me.
It looks stunning there! Would definitely love to visit some day 🙂
Gorgeous!! I have been to Greece a few times but am not familiar with this island. Now I need to put it on the list!