Surrounded by water, where the Ionian Sea meets the Ambracian Gulf, the coastal town Preveza, in Greece’s northwest, offers numerous options for exploration, short excursions, swimming in crystal-clear waters and good food.
The location is renowned for its fish and seafood, while significant monuments highlight its rich history. The town’s historic centre, featuring narrow alleys and listed buildings, is ideal for afternoon strolls, while evening walks along the port esplanade are a true pleasure. Preveza’s stretched out beaches make for ideal swimming early in the day.
With so much to see and do in the area, having a car rental is a must.
Roman city
The ancient Roman city Nicopolis, located approximately 5 km north of Preveza and dating back to 31 BC, is open every day (except for Tuesdays) between 8am and 8pm (entrance fee €8). The best-preserved Roman city to be found in Greece, it features impressive ruins of Roman walls, houses, an odeon, or music theatre, stadium and theatre. An archaeological museum is also maintained.
Alongside dolphins
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat ride at the Ambracian Gulf. Sea turtles, dolphins and many bird species may be observed along the way. Two traditional wooden boats are operated by Giannis and his family, possessing expert knowledge on the gulf. Their boat rides, departing from Preveza port, include a stop at a lovely beach, during which seafood snacks are served. Info: Amvakikos Cruises, Preveza port, tel. +30 6949 353576, www.amvrakikoscruises.gr
Swimming with ample space
Preveza’s Monolithi beach went viral last summer after the European Commission’s European Best Destinations organisation named it the continent’s safest beach. It is 22 km long, while its width reaches as much as 80 metres. Its waters are clean and the sand is slightly coarse with pebbles. Whether in front of the beach bar or not, this big beach offers perfect spots for all.
Kyani Akti
Kyani Akti, the beach nearest to the town, is preferred by locals on windy days as choppy waters and waves are rare here. The sand is fine and the waters are shallow, while a lovely park is situated directly behind the beach. Locals may be seen playing the French ball game Pétanque, known locally as abali, probably a leftover from the Venetian era.
Comfortable accommodation
The Dioni Boutique Hotel, located at the historic centre’s market area, is neoclassical-styled and run based on eco-friendly principles. Breakfast is served at the rooftop, offering a view of the city. Another option, Captain’s House, is housed at an impressive building form 1896. The advantages of this spot, a guesthouse, include its courtyard and the breakfast, prepared with fresh local products. The rooms at DaLUZ Boutique Hotel, in the quiet Psathaki district, are modern and comfortable.
Info: Dioni Boutique Hotel, I. Kalou & Th. Papageorgiou Square, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 27381, www.dioniboutiquehotel.gr; Captain’s House, 4-6 Karyotaki, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 23915, www.captainshousepreveza.gr; DaLUZ Boutique Hotel, 2 Doridos, Psathaki, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 89220, www.daluzboutiquehotel.gr
Fresh seafood
The imaginatively named taverna Treli Garida, meaning mad prawn, located at one of the alleys close to the sea area, serves, as can be expected, a prawn saganaki recipe with feta cheese as a specialty, as well as grilled sardines. At the small port of Lygia, 30 km beyond Preveza on the road towards Igoumenitsa, Skaloma, a family-run taverna, specialises in seafood meze dishes, including mussels, calamari and prawns. A seaside spot, it is perfect for families as it offers plenty of space for children to play.
Info: Treli Garida, 7 Adrianoupoleos, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 25691; Skaloma, Lygia port, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 56240
Anatolian specialties
Tzitzikas is typically referred to by locals as “Turk’s taverna”, as, besides fish, seafood and prawn spaghetti dishes, the spot’s proprietor Hasan also offers many Anatolian dishes, including pastourma pie, kebab giaourtlou and hunkar begendi (diced lamb with eggplant puree).
Info: Tzitzikas, Margarona, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 25080
For coffee
Taking its name from work by Greek Nobel Prize-Winning poet George Seferis, the art café Botilia sto Pelago is open from early in the day for coffee and beverages and continues at night with carefully selected alternative music and frequent live performances.
Info: Botilia sto Pelago, 9 Theofanous & Ionias, Preveza, tel. +30 26824 00432
Gates of Hades
The Glyki area, following the village Vouvopotamos (see signposts on the Preveza-Parga highway), is the perfect spot to see the Acheron river and also walk to the source. According to mythology, this is where the Gates of Hades were located, while the Acheron was the river covered by the souls of the deceased for entry into the Underworld. The village Mesopotamos is home to the Necromanteion, where communication with the dead took place. You can swim in the river waters, immaculate but extremely cold, even during the summer months.
Devil’s bazaar
Seitan Pazar, the devil’s bazaar, as one of the town’s most picturesque areas is known, features alleys and little shops. A café named after the neighbourhood is a central meeting point, especially for people under 30. Tables are set on the pedestrian alley. The atmosphere is intimate and sociable. Assorted meze dishes, tsipouro spirit and beer varieties are served.
Info: Seitan Pazar, 18 Chr. Kontou, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 60863
For drinks
Memories Cocktail Bar is a nightlife focal point that attracts locals and tourists for imaginative cocktails to the sounds of jazz, soul, latin and funk.
Info: Memories Cocktail Bar, 10 Dardanellion, Preveza, tel. +30 6936 937374
Zalongo monument
Heading up Mount Zalongo’s winding road, a superb monumental sculpture by George Zongolopoulos, titled “Dance of Zalongo”, may be seen from a distance. It was installed on the top of the cliff in 1961 to commemorate a mass suicide of women and children from Souli in 1803. Pursued by Ottomans, the mothers, holding their children’s hands, stepped off the cliff. An uphill path leading to the monument requires about 20 minutes to cover.
Alati
Prime positioned right next to the sea at Preveza port, Alati, a seafood restaurant, serves fresh fish and seafood, straight off the boats of regional fishermen. Try the orzo with prawns, grilled calamari, taramosalata (fish roe dip), and the traditional petali (barbecue fish).
Info: Alati, 31 Eleftheriou Venizelou, Preveza port, tel. +30 6974 895519
Beach life
Many beach bars and restaurants are situated along the stretched Monolithi beach. Nikopolis Club, a place of unique architectural design, offers splendid service as well as pools with waterslides. You will appreciate the good music and well-prepared cocktails at Burano Beach Bar.
Info: Nikopolis Club, Monolithi, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 41278; Burano Beach Bar, Monolithi, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 51390
Grand mezedes
Mezen, at the heart of Preveza’s old town, serves delightful meze dishes at tables set out on the pedestrian street, including grilled cuttlefish, irresistible zucchini fritters, bekri meze (meat pieces and peppers in a spicy tomato-based sauce) and steaks. The service is friendly and fast. Good value for money here.
Info: Mezen, 16 Dardanellion, Preveza, tel. +30 26823 06917
Meat dishes
Should you crave for a meat-based meal, a 14-km drive to the village Kanali’s Kalyvas taverna is worth talking. This place specialises in kokoretsi (intestine-wrapped seasoned lamb offal, grilled) and exquisite lamb and pork chops, all grilled to perfection.
Info: Kalyvas, Kanali, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 51267
Nighttime drinks
The heart of Preveza town’s nightlife beats at a seaside area where the Ambracian Gulf meets the Ionian Sea, by the Aktio-Preveza undersea road tunnel. Well-prepared cocktails may be enjoyed at Alila Tales & Spirits, while Kourdisto Portokali plays fine music. Info: Alila Tales & Spirits, 42 Eleftheriou Venizelou, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 51764; Kourdisto Portokali, 39 Eleftheriou Venizelou, Preveza, tel. +30 26820 22207
Historic centre
Ottomans, Venetians and Ionian Islanders have all left their marks on the town of Preveza. Explore its port area, the market’s main road, Ethnikis Antistaseos, a pedestrian street, and also check the historic monuments. The Clock Tower, an example of Venetian architecture, was constructed in 1792. The court house was built during Ottoman rule, in 1884, while the embassy buildings, also developed during the Ottoman era, are interesting. Preveza remained under Ottoman control until 1912, when it was annexed to Greece during the First Balkan War.
Church art
Preveza’s cathedral, Agios Haralambos, built between 1715 and 1717, is situated on Ethnikis Antistaseos, the town’s main street. A single-aisled basilica, it is adorned with impressive works of art. Its ceiling, walls and façade feature paintings by religion icon artist Spyridon Gazis, while the wood-sculpted altarpiece was created by a craftsman from the Epirus area.
At the castle
Preveza is filled with fortification works as this port town needed to be protected from enemies and raids. Many of the fortifications were built by the Ottomans and later greatly improved by the Venetians. The Agios Andreas and Agios Georgios castles, at Kyani Akti, as well as the Pantokratoras castle, offering a terrific view of the sea, are standout examples.
