Sightseeing in Parga - what to see. Complete travel guide

Parga is a picturesque resort town in Greece that is conveniently located between the two coastal cities, namely, Preveza and Igoumenitsa. Parga has an unusual shape that resembles an amphitheater. Visit this Greek resort to admire a striking combination of gorgeous rocks and crystal clear sea. Perhaps, Parga is the most unique resort in northwestern Greece. The historic heritage of the town is like a magnet for all curious tourists, and local hospitality together with mesmerizing views make Parga a dream destination. Besides cultural discoveries, the Greek resort can offer comfortable beaches that are great for family travel and groups of friends. Are you a fan of active recreation? You will always find an activity to fit your taste at the seaside.

The first mentions of Parga date back to the 13th century. This is the time when the first settlement appeared on the Pezovolo Mountain. For many years, the settlement was living under a constant threat of an attack of the Albanian army. In 1360, local people came up with a plan on how to protect their homeland from alien attacks. They simply moved Parga to the place where the town is located nowadays. Neighbor Normans built the first fortress in the town. This stronghold was monitoring the area round the clock to prevent the rapid attacks of the enemies.

At the end of the 18th century, when admiral Ushakov was making his Mediterranean campaign, the Russian Empire captured Parga. This town was the only free settlement in Epirus where people could freely practice Christianity. When Christians were under fire in Greece, Parga was the only place where they could feel safe. The town was sold to the Ottomans in 1819. This event happened just two years before the start of the Greek War of Independence. Ibrahim Pasha was the first Grand vizier who was born on the Greek land. Parga became free in the first half of the 20th century. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Are you interested in the best places to relax? Valtos Beach is the most popular coastal area among both foreign guests and locals. This is a gorgeous sand and pebble beach that is located within twenty minutes on foot from the central part of Parga. A high hill separates it from the rest of the town. It is also possible to reach the beach by boat or by car. There is a comfortable parking lot nearby. The length of Valtos Beach is approximately three kilometers. Vacationers can rent an umbrella and sun loungers to make their stay on the beach even more comfortable. Rescue teams monitor the beach all day long.

Valtos is a wonderful choice for traditional beach recreation and fans of various active sports. Everyone is welcome to try water skiing, windsurfing, or try diving and make an unforgettable journey to the depths of the sea. Are you a newbie in scuba diving? No problem, you can always find an experienced coach who will show you how to dive and then make an underwater ride with you. Vacationers can also rent a boat and ride it alone, enjoying the sea and solitude. Valtos Beach is usually crowded, especially on weekends, when not only tourists but also locals with children come to relax here.

Lichnos Beach is another picturesque coastal area located approximately four kilometers from Parga. This is a harmonious place with majestic mountains and green olive groves. The coastal water is so clean and transparent that it is possible to see the local underwater world without any special equipment. The beach has mostly sand surface but there are some pebble areas. Numerous shops and restaurants are stretched along Lichnos, offering authentic Greek dishes and local specialties. There is a special parking lot for beach visitors.

Lichnos is usually crowded in the daytime because the sea is always calm here, and the magnificent local nature will make you want to return to this place again and again. Most people leave before sunset, so you can enjoy the mesmerizing view alone. Fans of active recreation will also not feel bored here. They can rent water ski and full equipment for scuba diving. Fans of fishing are also welcome to enjoy their favorite activity. They can rent the fishing equipment right on the beach. When sunbathing becomes boring, consider taking a tour to the cave of Aphrodite.

The most comfortable way to reach Parga is to fly to Corfu first. This Greek city has a large international airport that receives many flights from different countries every day. Upon your arrival in Corfu, take a ferry ride to Igoumenitsa. The ferries depart every hour and reach the final destination in one and a half hours. The distance between Igoumenitsa and Parga is roughly forty kilometers. It takes approximately forty-five minutes to reach it by car or bus. When traveling from Athens, the journey time is approximately eight hours.