Parga Holidays

Colourful houses tumbling down a hillside. Boats bobbing in a pretty harbour. A Venetian castle keeping watch from above. Parga looks like a Greek island but sits firmly on the mainland – which means no ferries, no island-hopping logistics, just straight-in sunshine.

This little corner of the Preveza region has been a Greek holiday favourite for years, and it's easy to see why. The beaches are gorgeous, the Old Town is a maze of bougainvillea-draped lanes, and the tavernas serve up some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere. But Parga's secret weapon? Location. From here you can wade through the mythical Acheron River, boat-trip to Corfu, Paxos and Antipaxos, or just park yourself on the sand and do absolutely nothing. Your call.

☀️ Good to Know

• ☀️ Expect 26–30°C in peak summer with long sunny days – June to September is prime beach weather

• 💶 A gyros costs around €3–4, a pint €3–4, and fresh seafood dinners from €12–15 – mainland prices beat the islands

• 🏰 The Venetian Castle has been protecting Parga since the 11th century – and the sunset views from up there are unreal

✨ Parga Highlights

• 🏖️ Gorgeous beaches backed by olive groves and pine trees – Valtos, Lichnos and Krioneri are the headliners

• 🏰 A photogenic harbour overlooked by a Venetian castle you can climb for epic views

• ⛵ Boat trips to Paxos, Antipaxos, the Blue Caves and Aphrodite's Cave

• 🏛️ The Acheron River – wade through crystal-clear water where ancient Greeks believed souls crossed to the underworld

• 🍷 Oak-aged Preveza feta, local Zitsa wines and proper Greek hospitality

🏨 Top Parga Hotels

For Couples

• Lichnos Beach Hotel – 5-star hideaway tucked in Lichnos Bay with sea-view suites, bungalows and direct beach access. Feels properly secluded but Parga Town is just a short drive away. Pool, restaurant, and those unreal Ionian views.

• Acropol Hotel – Boutique family-run spot hidden in the narrow lanes of Parga's Old Town. Breakfast on the terrace, 500m from the beach, and that authentic Greek charm you can't fake.

• Achilleas Hotel – Right on Piso Krioneri Beach with 23 rooms overlooking the Ionian Sea. Simple, friendly, and you're literally on the sand.

For Families

• Parga Beach Resort – The big one. 5-star beachfront resort with multiple pools, kids' activities, watersports, spa and Ultra All Inclusive option. Surrounded by olive groves and right on a Blue Flag beach. Greek nights, yoga, and plenty to keep everyone happy.

• Adams Hotel – Pool, restaurant serving Greek specialities, and a free shuttle to the beach (1.2km away). Good value pick for families who want a bit of space.

• Elena Hotel – Self-catering apartments 300m from town with pool and kitchenettes. Handy if you want flexibility with mealtimes and little ones.

For Location

• Maistrali Hotel – 50m from Krioneri Beach in the heart of Parga Town. Breakfast in the garden, coffee bar, and everything on your doorstep.

• Bella Vista Apartments – Stunning views over Lichnos Beach from a hillside spot 3km from town. Pool, self-catering, and those sunsets.

🎯 What to Do in Parga

Families

• 🏖️ Krioneri Beach – Parga's main beach, a short stroll from the harbour. Mix of sand and pebbles, shallow water, sunbeds, tavernas and pedalos to hire. Swim out to the tiny island of Panagia with its little chapel.

• 🚂 Parga Tour Train – Miniature train that trundles through town to Ali Pasha Castle and a waterfall. Kids love it, and honestly so do most adults.

• ⛵ Boat trip to Paxos & Antipaxos – Full-day cruise from the harbour to these gorgeous islands with swimming stops at the Blue Caves. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins.

• 🏊 Valtos Beach – Long stretch of sand and shingle backed by pines, connected to Parga by water taxi in summer. Watersports, sunbeds and plenty of space.

Couples

• 🏰 Venetian Castle of Parga – Walk up the cypress-lined path to this 11th-century fortress for the best views in town. Time it for sunset with a bottle of wine.

• 🕯️ Aphrodite's Cave – Boat trip to this sea cave named after the goddess of love. Turquoise water, legend-soaked atmosphere, and usually combined with a swim stop.

• 🍽️ Harbourfront dining – The waterfront is lined with tavernas serving fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Try Taverna Arkoudas or just follow your nose.

• 🌅 Old Town wandering – Get lost in the narrow lanes, discover tiny shops, hole-in-the-wall bars and crumbling churches draped in bougainvillea.

Adventure & Culture

• 🏛️ Acheron River – The mythical "river of the underworld" is about 25km from Parga. Wade through crystal-clear pools, swim through narrow gorges, and cool off in what the ancient Greeks believed was the path to Hades. Kayaking and rafting trips also available.

• ⚱️ Necromanteion of Acheron – Ancient temple where people came to communicate with the dead. Fascinating archaeological site near the Acheron springs – combine with a river trek for a full mythology day out.

• 🍷 Paragaea Olive Oil Factory – Tour the old mill, learn about traditional production, and taste the good stuff. Cooking classes available too.

• 🏔️ Vikos Gorge day trip – The world's deepest gorge (relative to width) is a couple of hours away in the Zagori region. Stone bridges, mountain villages, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop.

🗺️ Nearby Resorts

• ⛵ Lefkada – Stunning Ionian island with white-cliff beaches and world-class windsurfing. About 90 minutes by road – and you can drive there, no ferry needed.

• ⛵ Corfu – The most famous Ionian island is reachable by ferry from Parga in summer. Venetian old town, family resorts, and proper package holiday pedigree.

• 🏛️ Preveza – The regional hub with ancient ruins at Nikopolis, the airport, and a laid-back waterfront town. About an hour's drive.

• ⛵ Kefalonia – Largest Ionian island with dramatic Myrtos Beach. Day-trip boats run to Fiskardo, or take a longer ferry for a multi-centre adventure.