Why Fly to Preveza? 10 Great Places to Visit | The Mediterranean Traveller

If you’ve never heard of Preveza then you might not be aware of the many great reasons to fly to this under-the-radar region in the west of Greece.

Here are 10 beautiful places to visit that are a short journey away from Preveza-Aktion International Airport.

Preveza

Let’s start with the obvious. Preveza is a small coastal city in the middle of the west coast. It sits at the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf, a large wetlands area.

Many people skip the city of Preveza and head straight for nearby beach resorts, but they’re missing out (especially if they’re foodies).

It may not have many knockout sights but Preveza is an easygoing, friendly and tidy little place with two big yachting marinas, good vibes, and a charming old quarter packed with fantastic tavernas.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Preveza

Monolithi

Monolithi is a vast sand/gravel beach to the north of Preveza – 22km long! Even in the height of summer you’re sure to find a spot.

It’s backed by woods and is easy to access from the main coastal road and plenty of parking spots.

Unsurprisingly, it’s popular with locals and campers. There are a few beach bars along its length including Barracuda which has a modern tiki vibe and palms.

Ancient Nikopolis

If you’re exploring the Preveza area don’t miss Ancient Nikopolis, an impressive ancient site just north of the city.

Nikopolis isn’t well-known amongst visitors (perhaps because it’s Roman rather than Greek). Built by Augustus, it was once one of the most important cities of early Christianity.

It’s a large site with excavation ongoing. It sports a particularly fine amphitheatre and a small museum which is located offsite. You’ll need a car to visit.

Parga

The beautiful resort town of Parga is one of the main tourist draws in Epirus (the name for this western region of Greece north of Preveza).

It takes over an hour to drive here, and slightly more if you’re taking the bus, but it’s worth it for the spectacular views. Parga has a photogenic harbour nestled amongst several small bays, surrounded by lush green hills, and topped with a Venetian Castle. It’s like a bit of Corfu floated away and joined the mainland.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Parga

Ammoudia and the Acheron River

The Acheron River is one of Epirus’ premier adventure activity destinations in Epirus. Hiking, horse-riding and kayaking are popular activities here, but many visitors choose to simply wade through the cold waters of the gorge (appealingly refreshing in the heat of summer). You can walk upriver from the springs.

It’s a popular day trip from Preveza or Parga, or you can choose to stay where the river meets the sea at Ammoudia – a small village with a big beach.

There’s lots of nature to spot too including otters and kingfishers.

It was also one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld, ushering people towards the afterlife.

If you’re a fan of active travel then you might also want to allow time for a trip inland to the mountainous area of Zagori, although it’s a longer drive.

Lefkada

The Ionian Island of Lefkada is the most well-known on this list and the main reason why people fly to Preveza-Aktion airport.

Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a causeway so it’s possible to drive across – no ferry necessary. In fact, the journey is only around 30 minutes in the car.

The island is famous for its incredible cliff beaches on the west coast. It’s green, mountainous, and relatively undeveloped, perfect for those looking to get in touch with nature. The sailing fraternity loves it too.

10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Lefkada

Meganisi

Meganisi is a small island just off the coast of Lefkada, not far from the popular port town Nydri.

If you’ve been to Lefkada a few times you might want Meganisi a go – it’s much quieter than Lefkada and even more unspoilt. The water here is a heavenly emerald colour thanks to the island’s dense vegetation.

You’ll need a car as the bus service is scant.

Read more: A Quick Day Trip to Meganisi

Kastos and Kalamos

If whilst on Meganisi you develop a thing for quiet and lesser-visited Greek Islands then you might want to check out twin islands Kalamos and Kastos. They are also located in the bay between Lefkada and the main, but a little further away than Meganisi.

However you’ll have to take the ferry from Mytikas on the mainland rather than Lefkada, so you definitely need a car for this one (although you can briefly visit both on the MS Christina boat trip).

Both islands have small port towns and not much else beyond incredible beaches and bays to discover by boat.

Syvota

Syvota is an area of stunning natural beauty north of Parga. It’s opposite the southern tip of Corfu but the most straightforward way to get there from abroad is to drive from Preveza Airport (1 hour 30 minutes).

It has several bays, islets, and beautiful beaches – including Bella Vraka, pictured above.

There are numerous upmarket hotels and villas here making the most of the scenery.

Nafpaktos

The charming coastal town of Nafpaktos isn’t traditionally a destination for those flying into Preveza but is worth a trip if you fancy a change from Parga and Lefkada. It’s a very popular location with the Greeks and played an important role in the Greek War of Independence.

Nafpaktos has a pretty semi-circular Venetian harbour almost entirely enclosed by fortifications. Red-tiled roofs seem to cascade down from the castle-topped hill behind. Traditional tavernas line the waterfront.

If Nafpaktos was on an island it would be jam-packed but somehow it has flown under the international tourist radar.

Located down in the Gulf of Patras, it’s a 2-hour drive from the airport and is a good pitstop for a road trip if you want to visit Delphi or Olympia.

Read more:

Lefkada Bus Guide

How to Get from Preveza Airport to Parga

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Ionian Islands

Why Fly to Kalamata? 10 Great Places to Visit

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