Located between the cities of Preveza and Igoumenitsa, Parga is a vibrantly coloured town that overlooks an azure bay on Greek’s Ionian coast. It’s watched over by an 11th-century castle and on the doorstep of beautiful beaches while maintaining an authentic atmosphere and genuine Greek hospitality.

Things to do

Perched atop a headland overlooking Parga is the Venetian Castle, which was originally built in the 11th century and later occupied by the Turks. Take note of the two-headed eagles and emblems of Ali Pasha that decorate the ruins while soaking up the magnificent views across Parga and the Ionian Sea. The castle can be easily reached on foot from the town centre, with the trail winding through picturesque orchards and olive trees.

Spend a day relaxing on one of Parga’s beautiful nearby beaches, which include a long stretch of sand at Valtos and the olive tree-fringed beach of Sarakiniko. Krioneri Beach is the main swimming spot in Parga’s town centre and is located a stone’s throw across the bay from an island dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

A short drive from Parga is Ali Pasha Castle, a now-ruined fortification that watches over the village of Anthousa. It was constructed in 1814 after the fall of Napoleon and was designed by the Italian architect Don Santo di Monteleone, with its preserved walls offering views as far as Corfu and Paxos on a clear day.

Getting around

Parga is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Ioannina and Ioannina National Airport and is connected by daily buses to both Preveza and Igoumenitsa. Regular boats also arrive in Parga from Corfu, which is home to Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport. Parga is compact enough to explore on foot while the nearby beaches can be accessed by boat.