Parga, Greece 2021: Positive & Negative things to know!
While we are still here and exploring the Ionian coast and the area around Parga, Greece, we decided to share some positive and negative travel info with you, while it is still fresh.
Before you scroll down, it must be mentioned that the Ionian coast of main land Greece and the Ionian islands are way different than the Aegean coast and the volcanic islands.
So, if you decide to visit this part of Greece, be prepared for a unique experience.
Parga, Greece: Positive & Negative things to know
Parga – The Positives
Let’s get you hyped up for traveling and visiting the Greek Ionian coast.
The Beaches around Parga
There are more than enough beaches for you to visit in a 7 or 10 days holiday. Many are easy to access and popular for every tourist, but there are some that are small and mind blowing but only accessed by boat or a small kayak/canoe.
Lichnos Beach
Our everyday beach was the Lichnos Beach, just bellow Parga town on the map (3.8km distance). Curvy but short road to get down to the beach, with many guest houses, few hotels and a camping ground for campers, caravans and tents.
We had our accommodation here for the first 6 days and we really loved it! The place is called Mare Blu and can be found both on Airbnb & Booking, but we contacted them directly trough Facebook and got a special price of 45EUR.
The guest house have around 14 studios all with kitchenette and AC. The super cool thing is that they all have sea view! They also have private parking and garden.
50 meters from the beach, 45 degrees road. If you have problem with your legs or back, this guest house is not for you, unless you go by car 😊
Parga Beach & Valtos Beach
These beaches are the shoulders of Parga town, located North & South from the town. There is also the city beach, but it is not of our taste.
Valtos beach is long strip of sand with lots of sun beds, bars and accommodation. This beach can be a good location if traveling with kids.
Sarakiniko Beach
Located 11km North from Parga is the crown jewel, the Sarakiniko beach. Super white sand/tiny pebbles will make your feet swoon. Crystal clear water that you will want to dive in the moment you lay eyes on it.
The accommodation where we were staying is called Rizos Sarakiniko and is one of the best places we have stayed in Greece. Convenience, comfort, cleanliness and hospitality are top notch. There is a parking on the premisses and the beach is just 1 minute walk.
There are three tavernas at the beach and a bar. For bigger supermarket you need to drive up back towards Parga and there is a cheap super market half on the way.
Parga town & Parga Castel
Nothing similar to the rest of Greece. Parga is totally unique place with West Italian vibe (for us). The small tavernas and the lovely people are just making this amazing Greek town even more lovely.
The Parga Castle is a story for itself. Offering amazing panoramic views towards the town on the right and the long Valtos beach on the left. Have your shoes on, because exploring it is a bit of a hike.
Food in Parga
We didn’t eat in many taverns usually because of our budget, but the food in Coral restaurant is literally mind-blowing!
The portions are big and the sea food is super-super fresh. The restaurant is on the Lichnos beach and offers free parking.
Excursions
We were very early in the season, so many of the boats weren’t running yet, but their offers for the season were great and reasonably priced. If we could’ve, we would’ve gone on a day trip to Paxos & Antipaxos.
Our excursion was to Acheron springs, the hike trough the forest is easy and the water is extremely cold. There were some brave men who walked in the icy water, but we didn’t. Make sure that you wear your shoes.
Parga, Greece – The Negatives
Parking
Parking, as well as driving in the town can be a major hustle. It is a hustle for us now in OFF season, we can only imagine what is happening here in the peak.
Our advice is to book an accommodation with parking to save your nerves.
Also, be very careful when driving towards Parga, from both direction, North & South. Tourist and locals are parking their vehicles on the both sides of the highway. The road is curvy, so please be careful and drive slowly, to avoid inconveniences.
Sun beds
You need to pay for two sun beds and umbrella 7-10EUR for a day. On top of that, you can’t bring your own drinks and must purchase something from the bar/restaurant that rents the sun beds.
Maybe this is normal, but we have been traveling the Aegean coast and everywhere, you order drinks or food and you can use the sun beds.
Sunset & Sunrise
Sunrise walks and romantic Sunsets but without the sun appearing or disappearing from the horizon.
If you imagine your Greek holiday with spectacular sunset and rises, then maybe you should go and visit some other town, because here you wont find them.
You will still have the amazing colorful clouds, but because of its geo location, the golden hours are absent.