Teletext Holidays: Why Parga should be on your 2024 Holiday Wish List
If you are looking for hidden gems to experience in 2023, then you cannot go wrong with fabulous Parga! Parga is a charming town that is situated in the Epirus region of Western Greece.
Thanks to its stunning natural setting and vibrant atmosphere, it is a popular summer holiday destination. Despite being located on the mainland, the town’s picturesque location evokes the feeling of being on an island.
Parga is a haven for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike, surrounded by verdant vegetation and glistening blue waters.
Getting there
Getting to Parga is relatively easy. The nearest airport is the Aktion National Airport, which is about 60 kilometres away. Several airlines operate regular flights to and from Aktion, making it easy to get to Parga from anywhere in Europe.
Alternatively, visitors can also fly into Corfu International Airport – very popular with people arriving on Greece holidays with Teletext Holidays – and then take a ferry to Parga.
The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers a scenic journey across the Ionian Sea. Once in Parga, visitors can easily get around on foot or by renting a car or a scooter.
The town is small and most attractions are within walking distance, ideal for those who like a nice and compact place to explore with needing to worry about catching unreliable busies or expensive taxis.
The Picturesque Town
One of the most striking features of Parga is its photogenic town, nestled on the slopes of a hill. The elegant 2-story houses with colourful walls create a postcard-perfect scene that is sure to delight visitors.
The town and the port are well-developed and cater to the bustling summer crowds with a wide range of accommodation options, traditional tavernas, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Parga also has a rich history that is waiting to be explored. The ruins of an 11th-century Venetian Castle sit atop a hill above the town, offering a panoramic view of the area.
Another castle, dating back to the Ottoman era, is also worth a visit. The town’s historical landmarks testify to its cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into its past.
The Stunning Beaches
However, the main draw of Parga is undoubtedly its stunning beaches. The majority of them are located near the town, with Lichnos, Valtos, and Sarakiniko being some of the most popular.
Valtos beach, in particular, is considered the best beach in Paros and even the whole of Greece.
Its long coastline, small soft pebbles, crystal clear deep waters, and surrounding greenery create a mesmerizing ambience that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and a range of water sports such as jet skiing and canoeing.
Activities to Enjoy at Valtos Beach
Valtos Beach is not just a pretty sight to behold but also offers a range of activities that are sure to keep visitors entertained. The beach, a favourite with Teletext Holidays customers, is home to a variety of water sports, including banana rides, jet skiing, canoeing, and more.
Visitors can rent equipment on-site and try their hand at these exhilarating activities. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the beach is also a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy crystal-clear waters.
The small soft pebbles on the beach provide a comfortable surface to lay on, while the surrounding greenery provides a natural shade to cool off under.
Plenty of beach bars and restaurants are nearby, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal while taking in the stunning scenery.
As the sun begins to set, Valtos Beach transforms into a romantic destination, with the orange hues of the sunset creating a magical ambience.
Exploring the History and Culture
Aside from the beautiful beaches and charming town, Parga also boasts amazing history. The town has a long and fascinating history, with influences from various civilizations, including the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the Greeks.
One of the most prominent landmarks that showcase Parga’s history is the Venetian Castle, which sits on top of a hill overlooking the town. The castle dates back to the 11th century and was built to protect the town from invaders.
Visitors can climb to the top of the castle and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area. The castle is also a popular spot to watch the sunset, making it a romantic destination for couples.
Another must-visit landmark in Parga is the Ottoman Castle, which was built by Ali Pasha, the governor of Ioannina, in the late 18th century.
The castle is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the castle’s impressive walls, arches, and towers, which are still standing strong today.
Parga also has several museums and art galleries that offer an insight into the town’s rich cultural heritage. The Folklore Museum of Parga showcases traditional costumes, tools, and artefacts that the town’s inhabitants used in the past.
The Municipal Gallery of Parga features works by local and international artists and is a great place to soak up some culture.
Anthousa Castle: A Must-Visit Landmark
Located between Parga and Agia, the Anthousa Castle is a must-visit landmark for anyone visiting the town. The castle was built by Ali Pasha and was used as a defensive fortress during the Ottoman era.
Today, the castle is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, with a hiking trail leading down to Valtos beach. The hiking path offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with lush greenery, picturesque rivers, and old watermills dotting the way.
Visitors can also explore the castle’s impressive walls, arches, and towers, which have remained well-preserved over the centuries. Inside the castle walls, visitors can discover an arched street and two big guns that Ali Pasha purchased from the Russians.
As you can hopefully see, Parga, Greece, is a charming town that offers visitors a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a range of activities to enjoy.
The picturesque town and port, surrounded by verdant vegetation and glistening blue waters, create a postcard-perfect scene that is sure to delight visitors and has been a favourite with Teletext Holidays customers for many years.
Parga’s history is showcased through its landmarks, such as the Venetian and Ottoman Castles, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area.
Valtos Beach considered the best beach in Paros and even the whole of Greece, offers a range of activities, including water sports, and is a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal clear waters.
Parga is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a combination of natural beauty, history, and culture!
