5 Reasons to Visit Parga

10/5/2023

Parga is a seaside village in the northwest of Greece in the province of Epirus. Known as the prettiest village on the mainland, it is an hour’s drive north from Preveza airport. In this article we’ll give you 5 reasons why Parga is so special, and why you should consider it for your next holiday in Greece.

Island Feel On The Mainland

Parga is great for those people who want that small and traditional Greek island feel but don’t want to get a ferry. Parga is an hour north of Preveza airport which has lots of connections to UK airports, so it isn’t that difficult to get to. The town’s waterfront is bustling with tavernas with outdoor seating perfectly shaded from the sun whilst you look out at the boats moored up or across the crystal-clear water to the island in the bay. Like many pretty villages across Greece, Parga’s buildings are a beautiful assortment of colours with orange tiled roofs that expand outward from the seafront and climb the slight hill giving it an amphitheatrical feel. This evokes the look of other similarly aesthetic places as Assos on Kefalonia, Symi or Hydra Town or the villages along the Amalfi Coast.

Looking down on Parga from the Venetian Castle

Stunning Beaches

The fact that it is on the mainland may worry you that there are not enough beaches, do not worry Parga definitely has you covered. There are three beaches immediately in and around the town, Ai Yannakis and Piso Krioneri beaches sit in the east, Ai Yannakis is a sandy beach popular for swimming and snorkeling whereas Piso Krioneri is a pebbled beach slightly further out, both are serviced well by nearby tavernas and accommodation. On the western side of the headland is Valtos beach. This shingle beach is protected on both sides by headland and gorgeous blue waters lap at its shores. Providing views of the Venetian Castle, the beach is well served by nearby cafes, tavernas and hotels. There are also others which can be reached either by car or water taxi, the most popular and well known of these is the beach at Saraniko.

Saraniko Beach

Traditional & Lesser Known

Many of our customers come to us looking to discover the ‘real’ Greece, by this they are wanting places that are traditionally Greek where you can have an authentic experience that is a bit more off the beaten track. Parga definitely fits within this description. Despite being only an hour from Preveza airport it is often overlooked because it sits on the mainland rather than being an island. Parga’s buildings are very in keeping with those in the region, red clay tiles and light pastel colours. Buildings on the Ionian coast and islands tend to have Italian influences too.

Parga's multicoloured buildings climb the hill

Perfect Day Trip From Corfu or Paxos

Despite being on the mainland Parga is within a short ferry trip of Corfu or its more southerly neighbour Paxos. Whether you are staying in either of these two places or in Parga, a short ferry can make a great day trip for those wanting to explore somewhere else. It is nice and straightforward too, with ferries and boat trips running from the jetty in the centre of the town.

Paxos

A Great Nightlife

Picture this, you’re sat at a bar on the seafront enjoying a cocktail with the dark night sky illuminated by the dim street lights and the ambient light coming from the bustling tavernas and bars. Does there sound any better way to spend an evening in Greece? Parga can deliver this in spades. Bars and tavernas cling to the seafront that curves from the Venetian Castle on the headland around past the ferry quay and around towards the beach. Look out at the sea and the islands in the bay, on the largest you will find ruins and a small chapel.

We hope that this has given you a taste of Parga and opened your eyes to what it has to offer. Check out the rest of the website for more information on over 80 Greek islands and mainland destinations. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands or just want to ask a question don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0115 784 3388 or email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek holiday needs. If you've been to Parga, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

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