Parga, a destination for all!
Parga is a small seashore town that makes you feel like living on an island. in the Ionian Sea, is one of Greece’s top holiday destinations. The settlement has an unspoiled character and is known for its venetian style architecture.
The Municipality of Parga boasts a number of breathtaking natural sights, as well as special historical and mythological elements that make it a destination that draws crowds of visitors each year.
It lies to the northwest of mainland Greece near the port of Igoumenitsa and it is close to airports in Aktio and Ioannina. Its easy access makes it a terrific place for traveling since the location of the settlement is close to the geographic road axes Egnatia and Ionian Road.
The Municipality of Parga includes two geographic districts, one dominated by the town of Parga and the other by the village of Fanari with the mystical Acherontas river, the Nekromanteio and the good-looking beaches, where the seat of Parga is located, Kanalaki, an important commercial center of the metropolitan area.
Parga is in the shadow of a Venetian castle, and it is famous for its island splendor with its bright and clear waters. The combination of various water landscapes creates a precious, one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
Reasons to visit Parga!
1) Visit the Chapel of Panagia of Parga
In the middle of the island of Panagia, where it is the narrowest and lowest point, a small church has been built together with a tiny cemetery enclosed by low walls. The chapel is of course dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Every year, on August 6, a portrait of the Virgin Mary is made in this little church. It is worth living the experience or observing the chapel from afar, e.g. from the castle.
2) Tour the Castle of Parga
Take your time and walk up to the Venetian castle, from where you can admire the excellent view of the port of Parga and the small island of Panagia opposite. It is very quiet in the morning and a great way to start your day, relax in the shade with the amazing view over the city of Parga.
3) Swim in one of the beautiful beaches of Parga
Just half an hour north of Parga town by speedboat is Sarakiniko Beach, a lovely rather large bay with a very nice beach, two tavernas and a bar, a small hotel right on the beach and a “rooms for rent” between rocks above the beach, sunbeds and kayaks for rent and no other disturbances. You can reach Sarakiniko by road as well, but the proper approach is by boat. There are rocks and islets on either side, a good swim off the middle of the beach, or a walk to either end.
On the other side, either closer or just as far, are the beaches of Ai-Giannaki and Piso Kryoneri, which have rich sand or pebbles, while the trees reach the shore. In fact, in the bay of Agios Giannakis, don’t forget to see the underwater spring that is located there.
Valtos, more specifically, is a nice beach located at the back of the Castle rock. Covered by sand and pebbles, it is quite safe, as it is surrounded by the bay of the castle of Parga and the bay of Vlaherna, while the length of the coastline allows the natural renewal of the water without strong currents. To get there, you go up the castle and down the other side of the hill. There are many tavernas in this place, so you can enjoy your meal, or just a snack, and spend your whole day on the beach.
In addition, Lichnos beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches of Parga and is located in a green and verdant landscape, at a distance of 4 kilometers away from the city of Parga. It is surrounded by the green of the mountain and the olive groves of Parga, which combined with its clear blue and crystal waters, makes it one of the most special and adorable beaches of Parga. There, the visitor can still enjoy many water sports (such as water skiing, diving, fishing, jet skiing, wind-surfing, etc.), while around he can find hotel complexes, a variety of rooms for rent, picturesque taverns and mini market. Don’t forget to visit the natural caves in Lichnos!
Whichever beach you prefer, you will surely agree with us that each of the Beaches of Parga has its own special, enchanting beauty that takes you on a journey to Paradise…!
4) Visit the Churches of Parga: Monuments of Religion and History
The patron church of Agios Nikolaos, which is located in the center of the city of Parga, will awe you, while you will find very picturesque the numerous, scattered churches in the alleys of the city. In addition, the Church of Agios Sostis will also give you the opportunity to be enchanted by the view of the beach of the same name that it protects and is located below it. In addition, the Monastery of Agia Vlaherna is also amazing. The monastery of Vlaherna is located in the Valto area of Parga, on a hill. The bell tower of the 18th century, which is 15 meters high, is of the Heptanisian style, dominates the entire area and is the only one that has survived. Ruins surround the half-ruined small one-aisled church. Battlements can be seen in the enclosure. The Monastery could not avoid destruction. The icon of Panagia Vlacherna is said to have come from Cappadocia (the year 986 is written on the icon) and is kept today in the church museum of Parga. That is why, also, do not forget to visit the church museum of Parga.
5) The Port of Parga
Parga and its port…: “Our Greece is famous for its islands. Every person on this blue-green globe we call home, wishes to pay tribute to our islands, even once in their life. Even if he goes to this “island” by road. Don’t be surprised, my friend, I’m talking about Parga, that beautiful daughter of the Ionian. You can get there by the purely human vehicle that transports you, be it a car or a motorcycle, or whatever you choose, but once you arrive, the insular Greek atmosphere wins you over. Thus, in its uniquely beautiful port, “the island colors, blue, white and green, mix and create this land island, this colorful bouquet called Parga”.
6) Explore the picturesque cobbled streets of Parga
Stroll the narrow streets of Parga, don’t just limit yourself to strolling along the waterfront or swimming in the wonderful beaches – the city of Parga is just as wonderful! The old houses are interesting and amphitheatrically built, while several of the streets are cobbled, very narrow and picturesque, with colorful shops of all kinds.
7) See up close the Castle of Ali Pasha
The Castle of Ali Pasha or otherwise the Castle of Anthousa, as it is called because of the area of the same name, dominates the entire wider area of Parga, while as its first name suggests, it was built by Ali Pasha during the Turkish occupation, opposite the Castle of Parga, and was used by him as a base during the siege of Parga.
8) Olive Museum
The Olive Museum in Parga is an admirable, folklore-type museum, as the olive tree has been identified with Hellenism since Antiquity, which was “born” from the revival of the first motorized oil press of Parga that had been founded in 1929 by the Lekka brothers.
Today, through the museum, this olive mill continues to operate, preserving its old glory. Having two floors, the interior of the olive mill conveys to the visitors who tour the site, the fundamental knowledge concerning the production and processing of the precious olive. In addition, the museum also has a special, separate tasting room, where visitors can be introduced through a unique ritual to the secrets of pure, virgin olive oil. At the end of the visit to the museum, you can, if you wish, discover the beneficial properties of the olive for the body as well as the spirit, by taking a walk in the traditional shop of the “Museum Olive and Tasting Area” where food and cosmetic products based on sacred olive fruit, 100% natural and organic.