If you’re looking at photos of Parga, it’s easy to assume it’s an island town. Indeed, this mainland spot in Epirus has all the charms of an island and numerous beautiful sights, with the added advantage that visitors can reach it without depending on ferry schedules and weather conditions. With the weather heating up, we were eager to visit this increasingly popular coastal town in Epirus. After assessing our travel options, we decided that renting a car from Avis was the best choice, as it’s a trusted international brand.
On the avis.gr website, we discovered offers across all car categories, including premium and electric cars. Not wanting to waste any time, we chose the quick-pass option. This allowed us to check in online and pick up the car from our chosen rental station without any delay. Confident that our choice of Avis would enhance our trip, we set off for Parga.
At avis.gr we selected a car that perfectly suited our purposes. A spacious SUV that could carry four people and their luggage. It performed well, and was versatile yet sturdy, allowing us to drive comfortably on highways and country roads. It was also very economical, with technical features that made driving a pleasurable and relaxed experience. Reaching the coast of Epirus from Athens hardly presents the driving challenges that those who made the trip a few years ago may remember.
Parga is located about 410 kilometers from Athens, along a route mostly on modern highways that show the diversity of the Greek landscape. On a four-and-a-half-hour drive, we see the sea, mountains, springtime Greek nature, and a magnificent human creation, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge. It is an impressive sight as we approach, and crossing it by car is a trip in itself.
After a comfortable and interesting journey, thanks to the car we chose, we saw the town of Parga. It is built amphitheatrically on a hill, surrounded by olive and fruit trees, around a closed bay. Near Parga’s coast is the green islet of Panagia, with some Venetian buildings and a church, popular for weddings during the summer months.
At the end of a peninsula that separates the port from the beach is the Venetian castle, naturally located on the highest point of the town. A hearty past is etched in the architecture of today’s town, with its colorful two-story mansions, cobblestone streets, and arched doorways. It’s springtime. The flower-filled courtyards of the houses are in full bloom.
The seafront, with its many cafes, bars, and restaurants and a large red villa is also a characteristic aspect of the town. The red house is Villa Rossa, now a hotel housed in a villa dating from the early 20th century.
It’s the middle of May and Parga is already pretty busy – indeed, Parga is a popular destination and gets very busy during the summer. Next, we visit Anthousa Castle or Ali Pasha Castle, which is less known than the Venetian Castle but equally noteworthy. Built in 1814 by Ali Pasha of Ioannina, it is well-preserved and has a spectacular view of Parga and the Ionian Sea.
Our trip to Parga included visits to beautiful beaches like Sarakiniko and Loutsa, with stunning sunsets and excellent food. Meanwhile, about 40 kilometers from Parga is the village of Glyki and the Acheron Springs, a beautiful scene that rewards us with the spectacular sight of the river cutting through dense vegetation and the sun rays falling on it.
After a full morning of walking and eating, we continued towards the central Souli villages of Samonida and Kiafa. The road is essentially a continuous uphill curve in many places, and understandably the road has suffered considerable damage. But this was no problem for our SUV.
A herd of goats broke the absolute silence of the rugged landscape we traversed. Few cars pass through here as the animals seem to be unaccustomed to them.
Passing Kiafa Castle and Kougi, our final destination is the restaurant at Souli Guesthouse in Samonida. It is a well-kept place that serves as an ideal base for those who wish to explore this historic area. Spring and early summer are the best times.
Our trip back was one without any unpleasant surprises or challenges, filled with discussions about how beautiful our trip to Epirus was. We all agreed on how comfortable and enjoyable the whole experience was thanks to the Avis car and are already looking for our next trip. And, since prepaying the car ensures a 10% discount, we’ll plan our next trip with Avis.gr.
Tips and Information for Your Trip
If you’re a fan of cold seawater, hurry! The waters of the Ionian are generally cool, but until May, they’re even cooler.
Exploring the Acheron River by kayak is a truly unforgettable experience. Its waters are an ideal habitat for many species of Greek flora and fauna. The calm waters of the last stretch of the river are easy to navigate for any level of fitness and knowledge of the sport.
If you’re in Parga on August 15th, you’ll witness the “barkarola”, a custom that re-enacts the return of the people of Parga and the holy relics to the now-free city of Parga. Most of its inhabitants left when it was sold by the British to Ali Pasha.
Parga has a splendid culinary scene, with gourmet and comfort food options you can read about here.
Aristotle Onassis was one of Parga’s greatest fans; he actually wanted to buy the island of Panagia and rename it Christina.
Whatever time of year you travel to the area, it’s good to bring a waterproof jacket with you, as Epirus is a rainy part of Greece.
Parga is ideal for sea excursions and boat trips to the nearby Ionian islands (especially Paxos) and the area’s beaches. Every summer day, boats depart for the beaches of Valtos, Lichnos, and Sarakiniko, while there’s also a daily ferry connection with Paxos – an excellent option for a day trip – and occasionally to Corfu.
Additionally, sailing rental companies provide boats with or without a skipper for sea excursions to spots inaccessible from land.
A nice idea for a trip starting from the town of Parga is the archaeological site of Nikopolis, about 60 kilometers away.
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