Parga vacation packages

How to reach Parga

• Transfer time: The journey from Preveza International Airport (Aktion National Airport) to Parga takes about 1 hour by taxi and 2 hours by bus (with a switch to an intercity service in Preveza).

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Parga costs approximately $122. The bus fare is around $13.

Best time to visit Parga

The best time for your Parga vacation depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.

• April to June is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather transitions in April, becoming drier, sunnier, and warmer, with temperatures increasing from 64°F into the low 70s by May and June.

• July to August sees temperatures peak around 86°F, with 12 hours of daily sunshine and little to no rain. With weather like this and plenty of beaches, Parga gets extremely busy during these months.

• September to October offers a break from summer highs, with temperatures cooling to 79–70°F. A few short-lived showers aside, these are great months for swimming and hiking.

• November to March is mild (63–54°F), but there's a high likelihood of rain, especially between November and January. These are quieter months for vacationing. A few restaurants remain open for year-round residents, but most of the town’s tourist-oriented businesses will be closed until late spring.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but most locals can speak some English.

• Currency: Greece uses the euro.

• Getting around: If you prefer not to walk around Parga, you'll find taxis in the town center and water taxis at the harbor. Fares vary depending on your destination, but you shouldn’t pay more than $11 for short trips. For broader exploration, public buses connect Parga to Preveza, with stops at villages along the way. A single ticket costs $8.25.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50Hz, with Type C and F plugs.

• Time zone: Greece is on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: US citizens need a valid passport, but they don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Parga

With its stunning coastline and lush landscapes, vacations in Parga offer a fantastic mix of relaxation and adventure.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Venetian Castle of Parga: Situated on a hill overlooking Parga, this Venetian castle provides breathtaking panoramic views of the town, the coast, and surrounding islands. Sunsets here are unforgettable.

• Lichnos Beach: The cliffs near Lichnos Beach serve as a perfect vantage point for a dramatic view of the turquoise waters and sandy shores.

Top districts

• Parga Old Town: At the heart of Parga is its charming Old Town, a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses, local shops, and quaint cafes. It’s the perfect area for a leisurely evening stroll or a quiet meal with a view of the harbor.

Parks and gardens

• Acheron River: For a break from the beach, head to the Acheron River, where you can hike through the lush landscape or enjoy a refreshing swim in the river's cool waters.

• Gremina Waterfall: A bit out in Anthousa, it might not be Niagara Falls, but when in full flow, it’s quite picturesque.

Museums

• Paragaea Old Olive Oil Factory: This two-part experience includes a tour inside Parga’s first mechanical olive oil factory, followed by a tasting. They also offer cooking workshops if you're interested in enhancing your culinary skills.

Historical monuments

• Ali Pasha’s Castle: Located a few miles northwest near the village of Anthousa, this imposing Ottoman-built fortress is in impressive condition, considering it's over 200 years old.

• Vlacherna Monastery: Perched on a hill above Valtos Beach, this ruined monastery is notable for its 15-meter bell tower.

Day trips in the area

• Nekromanteion of Acheron: Situated about 14 miles from Parga, this ancient site was believed to be the gateway to the underworld in Greek mythology. It’s a fascinating place for history lovers, with temple ruins and underground chambers that add to its eerie atmosphere.

• Archaeological Site of Nicopolis: For those with a historical interest, ancient Nicopolis is about an hour’s drive away. Founded by Octavian (later Caesar Augustus) to celebrate his victory over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, this extraordinary site spans a vast 2,200 acres and contains numerous ruins.

Family activities in Parga

From fun beach days to exciting road trips and boat excursions, there’s something for everyone on vacations in Parga.

• Family-friendly beaches: West of town, Valtos Beach offers plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, along with water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking for older kids. Ammoudia Beach is another highlight. It’s a bit of a drive at 10 miles, but with shallow waters, it’s ideal for younger kids.

• Playgrounds: If the beach gets tiring, the public playground in the town center is fully equipped.

• Land trains: Parga’s charming tourist train makes sightseeing fun, with tours to the Venetian Castle, Ali Pasha’s stronghold, and Valtos Beach.

• Boat trips: Local operators run family-friendly excursions to nearby islands like Paxos and Antipaxos. The calm waters and beautiful beaches make for a great day of exploration and swimming.

Free activities in Parga

There are many ways to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and culture, even if you're vacationing on a budget.

• Annual festivals and free events: On August 14th–15th, locals celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the end of Ottoman rule in Parga in 1913 with Venetian lamps, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

• Churches: Many of Parga’s Greek Orthodox churches are worth visiting for their architecture (Agios Sostis), artwork (Agios Nikolaos), and setting (the islet chapel of Panagia).

• Beaches: Valtos, Krioneri, and Piso Krioneri are within easy walking distance from town. Enjoying a sunny day at the beach can be an economical activity if you're willing to skip the frills.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Parga is surrounded by hills and olive groves, offering scenic hiking routes. One of the most popular trails leads to Ali Pasha’s Castle, rewarding hikers with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Other trails lead to hidden beaches like Sarakiniko.

• Water sports: Parga’s coastline is perfect for water sports. You can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling in the calm waters around Valtos and Lichnos beaches. Jet ski rentals and banana boat rides are also popular for those seeking more excitement.

• Paragliding: For a thrilling view of Parga, try paragliding over Valtos Beach. This exhilarating activity lets you soar above the sea, offering a bird’s-eye view of the stunning coastline.

• Cycling: Whether you're a passionate mountain biker or someone who enjoys the open road, there are plenty of places to cycle in the area. Several local companies offer bike tours, with guides leading you through scenic routes.

Local dishes in Parga

Whether you're looking to sample traditional Greek dishes or enjoy some fresh seafood by the beach, there's plenty to enjoy on vacations to Parga.

Some typical dishes

• Gemista: A classic vegetarian option, peppers or tomatoes are stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat.

• Alevropita: A specialty of the Epirus region (and perfect for breakfast), this simple pie combines a thin batter and feta cheese.

Meze dishes

• Keftedes: Typically flavored with mint, garlic, and oregano, these Greek-style meatballs are crowd-pleasers.

• Shrimp saganaki: Perfect for seafood lovers, fresh prawns cooked in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese.

Meat dishes

• Kontosouvli: Essentially a supersized souvlaki. Marinated pork threaded onto skewers and cooked on a rotisserie.

• Pastitsio: A Greek spin on lasagna, this comforting dish consists of layers of pasta, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Ktapodi stin skara: Grilled to perfection and served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon, octopus is a firm favorite in Parga’s coastal tavernas.

• Kritharoto peskandritsas: Made with orzo, this monkfish risotto is light and creamy.

Street food

• Gyros: You can't go wrong with a pita wrap filled with spit-cooked meat, salad, and sauces like tzatziki.

• Souvlaki: A staple in Greek cuisine, souvlaki consists of grilled skewers of meat, usually pork or chicken, served with pita, salad, and tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Galatopita: Made with semolina, milk, eggs, butter, and sugar, this custard-like milk pie has a wonderfully velvety texture and delicate flavor.

• Klostati: The regional take on baklava with a walnut filling.

Local drinks

• Tsipouro: Distilled from grape pomace, this strong distilled spirit is the local tipple. Served in shot glasses, it’s traditionally drunk neat.

• Debina: Native to Epirus, these white grapes are known for their high acidity. Choose from dry whites and sparkling styles.