Epirus · Ionian coast · Greece

Parga

A small harbour town where pastel houses climb a green hill above the bay, with a Venetian castle on top and the sea at the bottom of every street.

See the beachesPlan a visit
Parga from above: houses around the harbour, the castle headland and the Panagia islet
Region
Epirus, northwest Greece
Castle
Venetian, on the hilltop
Day trips
Paxos & Antipaxos
Best months
May, June, September

Swim

Four beaches, four moods

The water around Parga is clear and calm. Pick the beach that matches your day.

Valtos beach: a long curve of sand and sunbeds beside turquoise waterLively

Valtos

A long stretch of pebbles and sand, a walk over the hill from the harbour. Sunbeds, taverns and water sports line the back of the beach.

The wooded Panagia islet with its small white chapelClosest

Krioneri

A small beach right below the old town. The little Panagia islet and its chapel sit just offshore, close enough to swim or paddle to.

Lichnos beach from above: a long curve of sand below a golden cliffEasygoing

Lichnos

A sheltered sandy bay east of town with shallow water. Good for families and for long, slow afternoons.

Sarakiniko beach: a sandy cove with a jetty and a wooded headlandQuiet

Sarakiniko

A quieter cove with turquoise water, often reached by boat from the harbour. Bring snacks and a mask.

Explore

Beyond the beach

View from the castle walls over the islets and the sea

Climb to the castle

The Venetian castle overlooks the town, both bays and the islands offshore. Go near sunset, when the houses turn pink.

The Acheron river between tall rock walls covered in trees

Wade up the Acheron

In Greek myth this river led to the underworld. Today you can walk upstream through cold, green water. The ancient Necromanteion of Acheron is nearby.

A turquoise bay with yachts and sailing boats

Sail to Paxos

Day cruises leave from Parga harbour for Paxos and Antipaxos, with sea caves, swim stops and lunch on the water.

Colourful houses along the harbour below the castle hill

Get lost in the lanes

Narrow streets, bougainvillea and harbour cafés. Order fish at the water, then look for Epirus pies, local olive oil and citrus from the groves behind town.

Parga harbour and the Panagia islet at dusk
Harbour and Panagia islet at dusk.

Story

Five centuries in brief

Parga spent most of its past between larger powers, and its look comes from that mix.

The harbour bay seen from the headland, with the old town behind

  1. Venetian protection

    Parga places itself under the Republic of Venice and builds up its fortress.

  2. Venice falls

    The Venetian era ends after almost four centuries.

  3. British rule

    British forces take control of the town.

  4. Handed over

    The British transfer Parga to Ottoman rule. Many families leave for Corfu rather than stay.

  5. Part of Greece

    After the Balkan Wars, Parga joins the Greek state.

Plan

When and how to go

Best time

  • Apr (cooler)
  • May (good time)
  • Jun (good time)
  • Jul (hot and busy)
  • Aug (hot and busy)
  • Sep (good time)
  • Oct (cooler)

Green: warm sea, fewer people. Orange: hot and busy.

Getting there

Fly to Preveza (Aktion) airport, roughly an hour away by road, or take the ferry from Corfu to Igoumenitsa and drive about an hour south.

Getting around

The old town is walkable but steep, so pack sandals with grip. Taxis and local boats link the beaches.