Parga

Parga is a beautiful small town of Epirus as well as a famous holiday destination. It is amphitheatrically built nestled in a picturesque bay, where the wooded small island of Panagia lays under the shadow of the town. Take a stroll up to the old town where you will enjoy the architecture, the cobbled stone streets with beautiful arches, discover flower-filled neighborhoods where picturesque little houses and colorful mansions and end up by drinking in the mesmerising sunset view of the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea from the Venetian walls. By nightfall take a romantic walk by the waterfront lined by tourist shops, beautiful stylish restaurants and little bars to drink or eat with a view to the lit up castle and Panagia islet.

Attractions

The Venetian Castle

The castle of Parga is found on the top of a hill overlooking the town and was used to protect the town from the mainland and the sea. It was initially built in the 11th century by the residents of Parga to protect their town. In the 13th century, the Venetians rebuilt the castle to fortify the area. In 1452, Parga was occupied by the Turks and destroyed part of the Castle. Then, in the 16th century, it was rebuilt for the fourth time by the Venetians. Today, the Castle of Parga is a great exponent of the Venetian architecture.

The Castle of Anthoussa in Parga, Epirus: The impressive Castle of Anthoussa is located on top of a hill between Parga and Agia. This castle is preserved in good situation till today and dominates the entire region. It was constructed by Ali Pasha, the Turkish governor of Ioannina, to overlook the area, the sea and most of all the town of Parga. It served as a base of operations against the residents of Parga, who were resisting against the Ottoman attacks.

Acheron River

The springs of Acheron River is an area of outstanding natural beauty located at the border of Thesprotia and Preveza. Apart from the natural beauty, the springs of Acheron is known worldwide for its mythological contents. In ancient Greek mythology, Acheron was one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld. Acheron River is located 25km from Parga, in a beautiful surrounding with rich vegetation and crystalline waters which comprise a unique natural landscape.

Afrodite’s Cave

This small but scenic cave, named after the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, is very close to the beach of Lychnos and it is located in Parga municipality. The cave is easily accessible from the shore and from the sea. A dramatic landscape, a rocky view, and an amazing deep aquamarine sea color are the strong points of the place. These make it ideal to dive, swim, and practice snorkeling.

Church of Panagia (small island)

This small charming church sits on the eponymous island adjacent to Parga and Krioneri Beach. Here a large celebration takes place every 15th of August when the Greek Orthodox Church observes the Dormition of the Virgin. It’s possible to reach the island by boat or swimming.

Nekromanteion

It was an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone. According to tradition, it was located on the banks of the Acheron river in Epirus, near the ancient city of Ephyra. This site was believed by devotees to be the door to Hades, the realm of the dead.

Paragaea Olive Oil Museum

This museum in Parga’s erstwhile olive-oil factory, operational from 1929 until 1974, covers the history of Parga’s.

Beaches

Valtos beach

Valtos beach is found to the west of Parga, down the hill where a Venetian castle was built. It takes just a 20-minute walk from the town and it is also accessible by car, bicycle or boat. It is considered one of the best beaches in Greece.

Parga Town Beach

The beach of Parga is situated within a walking distance from the town center. It is actually a short strip of sand that offers you a nice view of the beautiful and verdant islet of Virgin Mary.

Lichnos beach

The beach of Lichnos is placed 4 km to the south of Parga. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Epirus, where the deep blue water gets combined to the green of the olive trees, all in the same environment.

Piso Krioneri beach

The beach of Piso Krioneri is placed near Krioneri, just within a walking distance from the town centre. Piso Krioneri is well-protected behind a hill known as St Athanasios, named after the little church that lies on its top.

Agios Ioannis beach

Agios Ioannis is a small, beautiful beach 6 km from Parga. This white-pebbled beach has also white sand and clean, blue waters. The beach itself consists of a stretch of land surrounded by mountains and cliffs.

Krioneri beach

Krioneri is the main beach of Parga, found just a few metres away from the city centre. this makes access very easy since it can be reached on foot. This beach has many convenient facilities, such as traditional taverns, cafes and shops and gives the chance to combine swimming with some shopping strolls around the town. The waters are deep and clean and the coast has large pebbles on one half and sand on the other. The small island of Virgin Mary, right in front of the beach, is a great attraction for tourists.