WHY HERE
We operate in the North-West part of Greece by the Ionian Sea and especially in the area of Preveza, Parga and Lefkas.
The region is perhaps one of the finest treasures of Greece. A world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s a destination not only of exceptional natural beauty, but of charming simplicity.
The landscape is quite simply a photographer’s dream, with fertile valleys and rugged mountains towering above the glorious coastline. It is an area with a lot of green nature and countless beautiful beaches with clean blue waters.
A holiday here is one of tranquillity, where the simple things in life are the best things – whether that’s delicious cuisine from the bountiful local region, exploring the hideaway beaches and beautiful landscapes, or reflecting on days gone by with the echoes and remnants of a fascinating ancient history.
The area thanks to it ‘s diversity is a tourism destination for all taste: sea and food lovers, people who love all kind of sea sports (swimming, scuba diving, paddle boarding, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing etc), water games, hiking, rafting etc, people who seek relaxation and calmness or want to explore the ancient sights and culture of the area.
PROSPECTS OF TOURISM
A spectacular increase of Greek Tourism is noticed during the last years which will be continued in the upcoming decade.
For this increase responsible are many factors but the most important are the positive conditions of development of the economy, the geopololitical enviroment in the Mediterranean Area and the Middle East, the improvement of the image of Greece as a safe country, the reforms that have taken place in Greece during the last years, the improvement of competitiveness in all sections of the Greek economy and the development and improvement of hotels and all sorts of accommodations, food and beverage industry, entertainment industry etc.
Particularly in the area of Preveza, Parga and Lefkas tourism has increased significantly thanks to the transportation infrastructure that has taken place in the area during the last years. The PVK Aktion Airport, the new Marina, the new port of Igoumenitsa and the connection to the biggest highways of Greece, Egnatia Highway and also Ionian Highway, which in the future will be part of trans-balkanic Adriatic-Ionian highway, gave a great boost to the whole area.
Lefkas with the rocky relief and the turquoise waters and Parga, with a picturesque scenery and great views, are already considered as international famous touristic destinations. The last years Preveza is too gaining more attention and offers exceptional potentials in the aspect of development.
TRANSPORTATION
PVK Aktion Airport is only 5 km outside of Preveza, 19 km from Lefkas and 65 km from Parga. From this summer will be regularly connected with some of the biggest European cities such as:
- Germany: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Cologne England:
London, Manchester, Birmingham - Italy: Rome, Milano, Venetia, Bologna, Bari, Napoli
- Austria: Vienna
- Netherlands: Amsterdam
- Norway: Oslo
- Czech Republik: Prague
- Finnland: Elsinki
- Denmark: Copenhagen
- Greece: Athens, Crete, Corfu
You can also access Preveza by car through the road network, by Egnatia and Ionian Highways.
Τhe underwater tunnel crossing through Aktion-Preveza ensures the fastest connection of Preveza-Lefkas and generally facilitates the movements between the west coastal line of Greece up to the Port of Igoumenitsa.There are regular routes of the public buses as well from the Preveza Bus Station to Athens (363 km), Thessaloniki (347 km), towns and regions of the Prefecture of Preveza, and lots of other cities in Greece.
There is also the the opportunity for one-day excursions to the neighboring regions and cruises to the Ionian Islands, which are right opposite. Having this area as a starting point, you can visit Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Meganisi, Paxoi & Antipaxoi but also Ioannina with its many attractions like Dodoni, Charadra tou Vikou, Zagorochoria and many more.
SIGHTSEEING
The area is a hidden treasure regarding the countless ancient and cultural, historical sights. The city of Preveza is well-known for its important monuments. Visitors have the opportunity of combining a pleasant stroll in the city with visits to historical places in the area. Among them, the ancient city of Nikopolis, built in 31 BC and located at the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf. You should not miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of Nikopolis and admire its remarkable exhibits.
In the city centre, you may see the Venetian fort of Agios Andreas (dating from the 18th century) and the fortifications of Agios Georgios and Pantokratoras. The centre of the city is dominated by the cathedral of Agios Charalambos and the Venetian Clock Tower built adjacent to it. Other interesting churches include Agios Nikolaos, Agios Athanasios and Panagia ton Xenon (Virgin of Foreigners).
Τhe Ancient city of Kassope only 20 km on the way to Parga, the Necromancy of Acheron where people came to communicate with the their beloved dead, the methological sight of the Gates of Hades and the monument of Zaloggo are also some of the main attractions of the area.
Parga is a lovely town on the north western side of Greece. Although it is a mainland town, its architecture gives a special island vibe. Parga is mostly famous for its picturesque architecture and the stunning beaches, such as Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko. The most interesting sightseeing in the region are the Venetian Castle of Parga, the Ottoman Castle in Anthoussa village and the Springs of Acheron River. In short drive from Parga is the picturesque village of Sivota with nice crystal coves to swim.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Preveza is a very popular destination for those who truly appreciate nature. Cobblestone paths align the exquisite streets and alleys, creating a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. With the combination of the nature and vegetation and the traditional ouzeries and taverns, a very idyllic environment is created. During summer months, the port of Preveza is full of boats and yachts, while cafes are filled with people. The large quay with the beautiful neoclassical buildings creates the perfect setting for relaxing walks and for a visitor to drop his anchor.
Parga which is amphitheatrically built, is one of the most picturesque and cosmopolitan places in northwestern Greece and challenges you to experience up close its long history, its diverse natural beauty, and the hospitality of its inhabitants. With its ruined castle perched above a sandy bay, Parga has spectacular views that set it apart from other northern Greece beach towns. This former Venetian possession is an excellent base for beaches, historic sites and excursions to Ionian islands. After the sun sets, a slew of excellent seafront tavernas and bars give Parga plenty of fizz.
Lefkada (or Lefkas) on the western side has some of the best beaches in the world. A strong wind assaults Lefkada and has made the island hugely popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers, and a major fixture on the professional circuit.
The large, sheltered bays on the east and south coast of Lefkas make both Nidri and Sivota a favourite of yacht charter firms as do the heavily indented bays of offshore islets such as Meganissi. On the west coast, rugged cliffs, rocky shores and exposed beaches are a magnet for the more adventurous while Vassiliki, in the south, is a world class windsurfing centre.
BEACHES
Just north of Preveza , there are many wonderful beaches for some 30 km along the Bay of Nikopolis.
Monolithi beach is the longest, sandy beach in the European Union.
The beach of Kastrosykia lies near the mountain of Zaloggo and the site of ancient Kassope. It is an organised beach with facilities for water sports.
Alonaki is a small, enclosed bay with crystal clear waters and white rocks.
Artolithia is the most quiet and unusual beach in the area as it has rocks that stand out in the distance. A not so accessible beach that makes it an ideal place to relax under the sun.
Vrachos – Loutsa beach is one of the best along the coast stretching from Preveza to Parga. It has soft golden sand and shallow turquoise water.
The most popular beaches in Parga are Valtos and Lichnos. Valtos is a long, sandy beach surrounded by olive groves and provides a lot of services as well as many water sports. Lichnos is one of the bays that surround the seaside town of Parga and it is the most popular with visitors.
The most well known beaches in Lefkada are Kathisma, Porto Katsiki, Egremnoi and Agios Giannis. They are considered some of the best in the Mediterranean Sea.
LOCAL TASTES
Narrow alleys and scenic taverns. Gastronomic delights, with the taste of local sardines and ouzo in the palate. One thing is for sure. The memories of the greek flavors are coming back …
The gastronomy of the area, a combination of Epirus and Ionian Islands Cuisine
Preveza’s gastronomy is characterized by austerity and pure materials, with lots of fresh vegetables and herbs, and fresh fishes from the Amvrakikos Bay. The combination of materials makes the food simple, delicious and tasty. At the Preveza Historic Center all the alleys are filled with taverns, fish taverns, cafes, scattered and picturesque which are waiting to serve the best traditional local dishes, sweets, drinks.
Fish and sea food is plenty. Each year in August, the prestigious “Sardine Festival” is organized by the Municipality of Preveza. Typical local specialties are the pedal cake (the fish is eaten whole, opened in two, sun-dried and cooked on the grill), celery seabream and savor fish.
Try also Avgotaracho from Amvrakikos Bay and Ladopita from Preveza. Preveza is at the top of the olive-growing regions of Greece. For a typical greek drink, try ouzo and tsipouro. The greek wine labels though, the last few years have gained a lot of fans. Try an elegant aromatic ”malagouzia”!
In Lefkas prefer to take your lunch in the taverns just behind the beach that you are swimming, have dinner in the beautiful city center and try the traditional dry salami, sausage or ‘ladopita’. Every summer the festival of lefkadian gastronomy is taking place in the island.
In Parga, plenty of terraces are offered for a unique experience of the view and sunset while dinning. You can taste all the traditonal greek dishes but also you can choose from other international cuisines.
CLIMATE
In the whole area, the climate is warm and temperate.
The average temperature is 17.5 °C. With an average of 27 °C, August is the warmest month.
The lowest average temperatures in the year occur in January, when it is around 9 °C.