The Epirotic coast is magnificent, from vibrant Parga and the breathtaking beaches of Sivota to the unassuming port of Preveza.
This unending stretch of coastline, known as the Greek Amalfi Coast, is still mostly unexplored but has its own attraction and is lined with seaside communities, idyllic beaches, mountain villages, archaeological monuments, and spectacular vistas.
It’s a real gem in Greece, with a charm of its own. Here are the best places to visit when you travel here:
Parga
The ideal place to start exploring the area is this charming seaside town with its colorful homes constructed like an amphitheater on a slope rising up to a Venetian castle.
Despite being on the mainland, the area has an island-like vibe because to its small, charming corners covered in bougainvillea flowers and the hills covered in olive orchards.
Buzzing with life, Parga offers mesmerizing views of the Ionian Sea. Kryoneri beach is right in front of the town, while numerous restaurants, cafes and bars line the promenade and continue on the road leading up to the castle.
Panagia (Virgin Mary), the islet facing Parga with its whitewashed chapel, is one of Greece’s most photographed locations and is featured in tourism campaign posters by the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT), and book covers (Paul Theroux’s “Pillars of Hercules”), as well as a dreamy setting for weddings.
“The islet is also part of a local, urban legend,” says Sergio Tsitakis, co-owner and director of Villa Rossa Boutique Beach Resort, the historic red mansion with a prime location right on Kryoneri beach.
According to rumors, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis had initially showed interest in purchasing this one before purchasing the Ionian islet of Skorpios in 1968. You can now take a day trip from Parga in the summer to swim close to famed islands like Skorpios and others.
Get a pargino koulouri, a typical bread ring with cinnamon flavor, from the Green Bakery in the morning and wander along Parga’s seafront and charming lanes.
For sunset, you can head towards the Venetian castle on top of the hill. From up here, as you recharge over a drink at its café and take in the spectacular views, you’ll soon forget about the steep climb.
Back in town, the olive oil factory Paragaea is worth a visit. Visitors can learn how olive oil production is linked with the local culture and participate in an olive oil tasting.
Near the castle, the Pargas Distillery Amicos Cocktail Bar serves its own ouzo, liqueurs and cocktails with mezze platters in a pleasant setting.
August 15 marks a double celebration for Parga not only is this the day of a big Greek religious celebration marking the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it’s also when locals celebrate their return to their homeland from Corfu in 1913. Almost a century earlier, the townspeople had fled after Parga was sold by the British to Ali Pasha, the Turkish ruler of Ioannina.
On this day fishing boats decorated with lights sail towards the port, fireworks splash the sky and a massive street party with bands goes on until the early hours.
Further afield visitors can sample a day excursion to the islands of Antipaxos and Paxos, with its scenic port of Gaios.
On Antipaxos, the out-of-this-world water of Voutoumi beach is one of the highlights.
Archaeological sites such as the Nekromanteion temple (the Oracle of the Dead), dedicated to the ancient Greek gods Persephone and Hades, are another.
Activities in nature abound as well. Into The Wild offers tempting daily excursions for mountain biking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and sea and river kayaking. Surfing is also gaining popularity here.
Best beaches:
Close to Parga, the popular beach of Valtos, the lovely gulf of Lichnos and the tiny cove of Sarakiniko are all great options.
Sivota
About 30 kilometers northwest of Parga, Sivota is a small fishing village with a pleasant promenade, tiny center and grandiose setting.
Embedded in lush vegetation, home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and islets that form mini-fjords, this is the ideal location to board a boat and explore picturesque locations like Pisina Beach or go on a sunset cruise.
It’s best to get up early to observe the fisherman disentangle their catch from their fishing nets and perhaps purchase lunch from them in order to truly experience the spirit of this location.
On the way from Parga to Sivota, a climb up to the village of Perdika rewards with unhindered views of the area. There are also many taverns offering simple Greek dishes.
Best beaches:
One of the most exotic beaches is Bella Vraka, reached by walking through shallow water – unusual and fun.
Megali Ammos has taverns right by the beach, while a glamorous beach bar offering super comfortable sunbeds dominates Mikri Ammos. Agia Paraskevi has a tiny island, which can be reached by swimming.
Karavostasi is a long and broad beach with superb blue waters and a traditional family tavern, Skala Karavostasi, serving cold beer, simple food and a stunning seaside view on the far end of the beach.
Preveza
Ideal for a day trip, Preveza has a peaceful vibe, a laid-back seafront promenade and cute little corners in its city center to discover while walking. Here, the modern archaeological museum of Nikopolis and the archaeological site of ancient Nikopolis are major highlights.
During summer, Preveza Jazz Festival and the more traditional Sardines Festival (in August) draw the crowds.
Best beaches:
In the Preveza area, the deep-watered Monolithi and Kanali both stretch for miles offering numerous beach bars along the coast. The area is vast so if you prefer to hear only the sound of the waves and the feet tapping on the sand, it is possible.
Alonaki, with its grandiose rocky setting, is an experience of its own, while Ormos tou Odyssea cove has golden, fine sand and shallow waters.
Sailing
Greek island hopping may be associated with the Cyclades islands, however novice sailors might do better in the Ionian Sea because to its calmer seas and plenty of protected harbors.
EY Sailing is one of the new breed of Greek sailing holiday companies offering thematic trips in the area which include visiting archaeological sites such as the Nekromanteion temple, kayaking in the River Aheron, tasting the local gastronomy in Preveza, exploring the idyllic islets of Sivota and also the nearby islands of Paxoi, Antipaxoi and Corfu, hiking, freediving and sailing.
Yachts can be chartered on a bareboat or skippered basis from Corfu, Lefkada and Preveza, all of which offer good marina facilities. Incrediblue, considered an Airbnb for boats, has many options.
