Things To Do in Parga

This place is a reminder of 400 years of Venetian presence in Preveza. Set on a headland, overlooking Parga, it was built by the Venetians in the 13th century. There’s plenty to see during a visit here. Keep an eye out for the Lion of Venice figurehead, emblems of two-headed eagles, and a ‘secret’ passageway that leads down to the sea.

Spearing the sky in the heart of mainland Greece, about 3 hours from Parga Town, these enormous rocky columns were shaped by earthquakes more than 60 million years ago. Today, they act as pedestals to six 15th-century monasteries, which teeter precariously on top. To get a closer look at these religious houses, you can climb up to them using a series of staircases that have been cut into the rock.

You can burn some serious rubber from the soles of your hiking boots in Preveza. The region is overloaded with olive groves and mountain scenery. Head to Vikos National Park, north of Parga, and you can hike between the sheer walls of Vikos Gorge. This deep canyon looks like it belongs in America’s Wild West.

South of the Preveza region, about an hour and 20 minutes from Parga Town, is Lefkas Town. It’s a confetti-coloured place – the buildings are painted in shades of pale yellow and baby blue. It’s not always been this way, though. Bright sheets of metal were added to the facades of houses after the earthquakes of 1867 and 1948. You’ll get the full effect of the town’s looks when you pull up a chair in an al fresco bar with a glass of ouzo.

Albania is only just opening up to tourists. Take a daytrip from Parga and you’ll get a privileged glimpse of this hidden country and its dramatic coastline – the latter is untouched by tourism. Highlights include the ancient city of Butrint, with its time-ravaged Greco-Roman theatre and Christian bapistry, and the seaside town of Agios Saranda.

This annual festival commemorates the return of Pargan families who were forced to move to Corfu in the 19^th century when their land was sold to Turkey. Decorated boats float in Parga’s harbour, live music provides the soundtrack, and fireworks explode into the evening.

Listen carefully when you’re visiting the ancient sanctuary of Dodoni and you might hear the voice of Zeus whispering through the wind. At least that’s what the ancient Greeks believed. Back then, pilgrims would flock here in their thousands for a chance of being spoken to. Today, tourists make the hour-long drive from Parga Town to see the mammoth Greco-Roman amphitheatre.

The Pargina Festival is a cultural number which runs right throughout the summer. There are loads of different events on offer, like plays, concerts and art exhibitions. The whole thing culminates in mid-August with the Kanaria Festival.

Sleepy Alonaki Beach is about 25 minutes’ drive from Lichnos, near the village of Valanidorrachi. It’s a curve of white sand and shingle, set in a pine tree-backed cove. It’s a sheltered spot, which makes the waters warm, calm and perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Sarakiniko Beach is a lovely crescent of sand and shingle about 20 minutes’ drive from Parga Town. The beach is backed by olive trees, and there a couple of sand-side tavernas for a lazy lunch in the shade – one even has a pool. Watersports are pretty low-key here – think kayaking, snorkelling and fishing.

This sand-and-shingle stretch, also known as Krioneri Beach, scores points for convenience – it’s within walking distance of the town centre. There are sunloungers on the sand and there’s a small islet a hundred metres from the shore, which you can swim to if you fancy it.

Corfu and Paxos are two of the most popular destinations for boat trips from Parga. Skim the waves to Corfu to wander the tangled streets, museums and faded Venetian mansions of Corfu Town. Or sail to the tiny island of Paxos to explore Gaios. This pretty capital is crammed full of traditional waterfront tavernas and trinket shops.

Lefkas Town is one of the stepping stones in Greece’s island-hopping network. It’s just a short ferry ride from Kefalonia, Ithaca and Skorpios. Kefalonia shot to fame as the setting for the Hollywood movie, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Ithaca is said to be the home of Greek god, Odysseus. And Skorpios is a private island, which was once home to former US first lady, Jackie Onassis.

Set on the south-east slopes of the Zalongo Mountain, this ancient city dates back to 350 BC. Crumbling stone columns and broken walls mark out the places where temples, theatres and market squares once stood. If you’re in to architecture, you’ll appreciate the fact Kassopi was one of the first cities to be built around a grid system.

Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end at the Nekromanteion. The ancient Greeks believed this sanctuary, about 35 minutes’ drive from Parga Town, was the gateway to the underworld. Back then, pilgrims were led into the pitch-black vaults to meet the souls of their deceased families. Once you’ve given yourself a fright, you can head to the Acheron River next door to relax in the soothing waters.

A couple of kilometres from Parga Town, this 3-kilometre strip of white sand and shingle is wrapped in a shawl of green headland. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to watersports – you can try everything from windsurfing to canoeing. During the summer, water taxis run between this beach and Parga Town’s harbour.