Parga, Greece: a guide to the colourful town opposite Corfu
Parga is a colourful seaside town in Epirus, on the mainland opposite Corfu and Paxos. It has a Venetian castle, beautiful beaches, and is a base for boat and river trips.
- Parga is in Epirus, about 65 km from Aktion (Preveza) airport and about 103 km from Ioannina airport.
- The best-known beaches are Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko, some of them reached by boat from the harbour.
- In summer boats leave Parga for Paxos and Antipaxos, and nearby you can walk along the Acheron river.
Parga suits a few days' holiday for couples and families, and works as a base for trips on the mainland and to the islands. The easy way from Israel is a flight to Preveza and a hire car.
What is Parga?
Parga is a seaside town in the Epirus region of north-west Greece. Its colourful houses climb a hill facing the sea, topped by a Venetian castle. Opposite the town is a small islet with a church, and Paxos and Antipaxos are a short boat ride away.
How to get to Parga
According to Greeka, Parga has no airport of its own:
| Airport | Approximate distance to Parga |
|---|---|
| Aktion (Preveza) | about 65 km |
| Ioannina | about 103 km |
From Preveza airport, continue by hire car, taxi or transfer. See flights from Israel to Preveza and Lefkada. You can also come from Corfu: a ferry to Igoumenitsa and then a drive south.
Parga's beaches
- Valtos: a long beach below the castle, with organised sections. Walk from town or take a boat.
- Lichnos: a bay with clear water, east of town.
- Sarakiniko: a beautiful beach reached mainly by boat.
In summer small boats leave Parga's harbour for the nearby beaches.
What else to do
- The Venetian castle: walk up from town for views over the bay.
- Boats to Paxos and Antipaxos: in summer boats leave Parga for the islands. See the Paxos guide.
- The Acheron river: nearby you can walk through the river's cold water inside a gorge. Good for hot summer days; check water conditions first.
- Anthoussa castle: Ali Pasha's castle on a hill near Parga.
When to go
Summer is the main season, with the most boats and activity. July and August are crowded. June and September are quieter and the sea is still warm. In winter many hotels and restaurants close.
Shabbat and kosher
Parga has no Jewish community and no kosher food. Shabbat-observant visitors should bring food or stock up in advance. The nearest options are around Corfu; see kosher food and Shabbat in Corfu.
How many days in Parga?
Three to four days is enough to enjoy the beaches, climb to the castle, do a boat day to Paxos and visit the Acheron river. To fit Parga into a wider trip, continue south to Preveza and Lefkada, or north to Igoumenitsa and the ferry to Corfu. A hire car helps a lot, since the sights around the town are spread out.
FAQ
How do I get from Israel to Parga? The easiest way is a flight to Aktion airport in Preveza, about 65 km from Parga, then a hire car or transfer.
What are Parga's best beaches? Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko. Some are easiest to reach by boat from the harbour.
Can you get from Parga to Paxos? Yes, in summer boats leave Parga for Paxos and Antipaxos.
Is Parga good for kids? Yes. There are organised beaches, short boat rides and a small walkable town, though it has many steps and slopes.
