Holidays in Greece: Parga is an insider tip away from mass tourism

While many holidaymakers in Greece focus on the well-known Cyclades islands or the famous beaches of Crete, a small port town with authenticity, picturesque scenery and a history-rich past awaits on the west coast of the country.

Parga offers an exciting blend of Venetian flair, stunning beaches, and excursion options that make for a relaxing yet diverse vacation. We present this insider tip in the Epirus region.

Parga's history stretches back a long way: The town was first mentioned in documents in the 13th century. Over the centuries, Venetians, Ottomans, French, and British have shaped the townscape and culture. This eventful past has left its mark – in the architecture as well as in the identity of the locals, who continue to cultivate their cultural diversity to this day.

Particularly impressive is the Venetian fortress, which towers above the town on a wooded hill. Built in the 14th century and expanded several times, it now offers breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea, the small islands in the gulf, and the silhouettes of the distant mountains.

Pastel-colored houses stretch along the hillside in terraces, overlooked by the ruins of the Venetian fortress. Parga is no place for haste: Here, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town or let yourself drift among small boutiques, quaint taverns, and cafés.

The region has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine: Freshly caught fish and shrimp with lemon and olive oil, accompanied by regional wine, are on the menu in almost every restaurant. In the evenings, when everyone gathers for dinner and life shifts to the harbor promenade, the atmosphere is particularly romantic.

Parga is blessed with an exceptional coastline. The most famous bathing bay is Valtos Beach , just a short walk from the town center—either via a small footpath through the fortress or by water taxi from the harbor. The long, stretching beach offers crystal-clear waters, sun loungers, and water sports.

A somewhat quieter beach is Lichnos Bay, located east of Parga in a deep bay. It can be reached either by boat or after a short hike through olive groves. Also popular is the smaller Kryoneri Beach , located just below the town center. From there, you can see the small island of Panagia with its white chapel, a popular photo subject.

Those seeking more seclusion will find it at Sarakiniko Beach , north of Parga. The journey is a bit more arduous—either via a winding road or by boat—but you'll be rewarded with turquoise waters and blissful tranquility.

Parga is also a good starting point for excursions. Day trips to Paxos and Antipaxos, two small Ionian islands south of Corfu, are particularly popular. They can be reached by boat in about an hour and offer Caribbean-like bays, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque fishing villages. During the summer months, there are daily ferry connections as well as organized boat tours with stops for swimming, snorkeling, or sightseeing.

The nearby Acheron Valley is also worth a visit. The Acheron River was considered the entrance to the underworld in ancient times. Today, it invites hikes, river trekking, and canoeing in crystal-clear waters.

About 90 kilometers away lies the Ambracian Gulf , one of Greece's most important nature reserves. This extensive lagoon system near the town of Preveza is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Over 280 bird species call it home, including flamingos, herons, and rare pelicans. Dolphins also live in the protected waters of the Gulf, which you can spot on a boat tour.

Best time to visit: The region is known for its mild climate; even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature should come to Parga in spring or fall. For a beach holiday, the season from May to August is ideal.

Getting there: The nearest airport is Preveza-Aktion (PVK), about an hour's drive away. During the summer season, flights serve several German cities. Alternatively, you can fly to Corfu and take a ferry to Igoumenitsa – from there, it's about a 45-minute drive or bus ride to Parga.

Accommodation: Parga and the surrounding villages offer numerous accommodations for every budget—from private apartments to five-star resorts. Prices start at around €50 per night.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .