Parga tumbles down a green hillside to a bay of turquoise water, with pastel houses, a hilltop Venetian castle and a tiny chapel islet just offshore. It is one of the prettiest towns on the Greek mainland and a great base for beaches and boat trips.
Highlights
- Sunset from the Venetian castle above the harbour
- Valtos beach — reached by a walk over the castle hill or a water taxi
- Lichnos and Sarakiniko beaches nearby
- Boat trips to Paxos and Antipaxos
- The mythical Acheron river and its springs at Glyki
- Swimming out to the Panagia islet chapel
Parga feels like an island without the ferry. The old town is a maze of steep lanes lined with balconies and bougainvillea, while the waterfront is a long string of cafés and tavernas facing the small islets in the bay.
Beaches
Krioneri is the town beach; for more space, walk over the castle hill to long, sandy Valtos, or take the boat to Lichnos, a cove with green water and caves. Sarakiniko and Ai Giannakis lie a short drive south.
Boat trips and days out
Day cruises run to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, with swimming stops in clear blue bays. Inland, the Acheron river — the river of the underworld in Greek myth — can be explored by wading upstream from the springs at Glyki, or by boat at Ammoudia, where the river meets the sea.
Where to stay
Stay in the old town for atmosphere (expect steps), near Valtos for beach days, or in the hills above town for views and quieter nights. Book early for July and August.
☀️ Best time to visit
Late May to early October. June and September offer warm sea, fewer crowds and lower prices. July–August is lively and busy with Greek and Italian holidaymakers.
🧭 Getting there & around
The nearest airport is Preveza (Aktion, PVK), about an hour's drive. Igoumenitsa port (ferries from Corfu and Italy) is around 45 minutes away, and Ioannina airport about 1.5 hours. A car is useful for beaches and the Acheron; local buses connect Parga with Preveza and Igoumenitsa.
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Parga guides & articles
What to Eat in Parga: A Local Food Guide
Parga offers a delightful blend of Ionian island charm and mainland Epirus traditions. This guide explores the must-try dishes and local ingredients that define dining in this picturesque town.
Valtos and Lichnos Beaches, Parga
Parga serves as a picturesque gateway to the Ionian coast, offering some of the most accessible and beautiful beaches on the Greek mainland, including the iconic Valtos and Lichnos.
Top Things to Do in Parga
Parga is a picturesque mainland town featuring pastel-colored houses, a historic fortress, and easy access to some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in Greece.
The Best Beaches In and Around Parga
From long, sandy Valtos to the green coves of Lichnos, here are the beaches that make Parga one of the Ionian coast's best bases.
