Parga is a town located on the north east coast of Greece, between the cities of Preveza and Igoumenitsa.
TYPES OF HOLIDAYS
Parga is easily reached from the UK, with a flight time to Aklion International Airport of three to four hours.
Aklion itself is about an hour's drive down the coast from Parga, and there are many coach services between the two destinations. The most advisable course of action is to hire a car from Aklion airport. That way you can also explore the area freely.
Parga has all kinds of resorts that cater to a wide variety of travellers, from families, to backpackers and retired people.
Though the area is famed for its natural beauty and therefore popular with nature enthusiasts, there is also a thriving cultural scene and outstanding nightlife to be enjoyed.
BEST TIME TO GO
Parga enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, meaning that summers are warm and sunny, whereas winters are cooler and wetter.
This means that the summer months of May to October are the best time of year to visit to see Parga at its greatest.
Better deals on accommodation can usually found towards the beginning or end of the season, usually in April, May, September and October. This time of year is also a good time to visit for people who dislike excessive heat and busy crowds.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Parga is a great place to visit as it is not as overdeveloped as many Greek resorts. The area still retains its historic charm and is surrounded by natural beauty.
The Venetian Castle dates from the 11th century and is perched atop a hill overlooking the town. Originally built to protect the town from invasion by the Turks, the castle today is fascinating site to explore with many interesting pieces of architecture. The view from the top is also quite stunning.
About 12 miles (20km) south of Parga you can visit the site of the Nekromanteion, which means 'Oracle of Death' and was believed to be the gateway to Hades the underworld. In ancient times people used to come here to seek guidance from their ancestors. Guided tours around the site are now available. Situated on top of a hill, this site also boasts stunning views of the scenery.
ACTIVITIES
Parga is a great place to visit for a relaxing, restful holiday.
One of the most popular places to visit is the Pure Beauty Spa. Here you can relax and indulge in a wide range of treatments such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures.
Parga enjoys some stunning coastline and excellent beaches, so water sports are very popular with holiday makers of all ages. Many hotels organise lessons and equipment hire for you, and there is a PADI certified diving centre- the Poseidon diving centre- in the town as well, so tourists can try out jet skiing, water skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Nestled in the foothills of the Pindos Mountains, Parga is great for a walk up into the hills to enjoy the picturesque town and beautiful scenery from a different point of view. There are plenty of hiking trails that will suit people of all fitness levels.
Parga is a largely unspoilt old town where you can wander through the narrow, winding streets and enjoy a quiet drink at a small bar or some freshly caught local seafood at a family run restaurant before browsing round the market to pick up a bargain.
BEACHES
Parga boasts many beautiful beaches located right on the Ionian Sea. The most popular beaches include Valtos, Piso Kryoneri, Kryoneri, Lichnos, Ai Giannakis and Sarakiniko.
Krioneri Beach is the main tourist beach in Parga and is situated right next to the town centre and port, so is great for access to plenty of amenities. Here you will find the island of Virgin Mary, which you can reach by boat or even by swimming.
Lichnos Beach is one of the favourite beaches in Parga, surrounded by green wooded hills and with clear blue waters. It is close to most accommodation and there are plenty of cafes, bars and shops that surround it. Water sports are also popular on this beach.
Valtos Beach is around 1.8 miles (3km) in length and its sheltered location in a bay gives it calm waters, so it is great with swimmers and families with young children. Here you can lie on the sand and enjoy the view of Parga Castle on the opposite side of the bay, and there are plenty of amenities nearby for your convenience.
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife in Parga is fairly chilled but there is still plenty of fun to be had.
The majority of the action in the evenings is centred around the port, so here you will find the best selection of bars and clubs to choose from.
The restaurants serve plenty of locally caught seafood, and this is something of a local specialty. Many family run establishments offer lots of traditional Greek food to tempt you while you look out across views of the bay.
The restaurants in the centre of the town may be less busy and if you want to go and explore the winding side streets you are sure to discover a hidden gem. Popular restaurants in the area include Romantica, Tango, Rendesvous and Christos.
Similarly with the range of bars in Parga, there are plenty of tiny establishments to be found on the back streets, but for the best entertainment and choice of cocktails you should head to the many bars around the bay. Relax with a pina colada in the evening and enjoy some traditional local music!
The bars here are not too raucous but you will still find several that play a range of music into the early hours.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is plentiful in Parga and there will be something to suit everybody.
Situated near Valtos Beach, Parga Princess offers self contained apartments and suites with a central bar area, all with views over the ocean.
The Acrothea is a modern resort built in a traditional style, so it fits in with the charm of the area while offering the most up to date conveniences. Boasting an excellent seafront location, this hotel features a mix of suites with some apartments on site too.
The Salvator offers self catering villa accommodation which means you can come and go as you please. The added bonus is that there is an extensive luxury spa on site.
And Hotel Sol offers excellent seafront accommodation just a stone's throw from the town centre, and if you're looking to try some water sports then they will arrange this all for you in-house!