Parga is one of the most beautiful towns on the Greek mainland — a colourful, castle-crowned town on the Epirus coast, overlooking a series of turquoise bays that rival the best of the Greek islands. Combined with the extraordinary beauty of nearby Sivota, it makes for one of the most rewarding destinations in northwestern Greece.

Parga

Parga is a small town of around 2,500 people, built on a hillside above a series of beautiful bays. The town is dominated by the Venetian Castle (Kastro) at its highest point, with views over the town, the sea and the small island of Panagia in the harbour. The castle was built by the Normans in the 12th century and later strengthened by the Venetians; it is one of the best-preserved fortifications on the Epirus coast.

The town itself is beautiful — a maze of colourful houses, bougainvillea-draped lanes and a waterfront of cafes and tavernas. The beaches are excellent: Valtos is the largest and most popular, a long sandy beach accessible by a short walk or boat from the harbour; Lichnos is a beautiful bay to the south; Sarakiniko is a wilder, more remote beach to the north.

Sivota

Sivota is a small village around 20 km south of Parga, at the head of a beautiful bay surrounded by small wooded islands. The bay is one of the most beautiful in Greece — a sheltered anchorage of turquoise water, with the islands of Mourtemeno, Sivota and others creating a landscape of extraordinary intimacy. The village has a small waterfront of tavernas and a relaxed, end-of-the-world atmosphere.

The Blue Lagoon between the islands is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in northwestern Greece — accessible by boat from Sivota or Parga.

Nearby Attractions

Nekromanteion of Acheron — the ancient Oracle of the Dead, where Odysseus is said to have descended to the underworld — is a short drive from Parga. The site is atmospheric and historically fascinating. The Acheron River itself can be walked or kayaked through a beautiful gorge.

Preveza to the south has the ruins of Nikopolis, the city founded by Augustus Caesar after his victory at the Battle of Actium.

Eating and Drinking

The food in Parga is excellent — fresh fish, seafood and traditional Epirus cuisine. Golfo on the waterfront is the local favourite for fish; the tavernas in Sivota serve excellent grilled octopus and fresh catch. The local tsipouro (grape spirit) is excellent.

How to Get There

Parga is reached by road from Preveza (around 1 hour) or Ioannina (around 2 hours). Preveza has an airport with seasonal flights from the UK and other European cities.

Best For

Parga and Sivota suit travellers who want a beautiful mainland alternative to the islands — those who want excellent beaches, good food and a landscape of extraordinary beauty without the ferry connections and island logistics.

---

Thinking about Parga and Sivota? Talk to us — we can build an Epirus itinerary that combines the coast with the extraordinary landscape of the Zagori mountains.