Preveza is a city that you can choose for a peaceful vacation but also as a base for exploring the most beautiful beaches on the Ionian coast and various excursions and visits to natural and cultural-historical sights in the surrounding area. All in all, an excellent base for a nice vacation according to everyone’s wishes.

Preveza is a very lively city, a city that lives even outside the season. It has a beautiful harbor along which there is a promenade, so walking with a view of the yachts and the city is a real experience. Besides the sea, there are plenty of places to sit, the promenade is quite long for a walk.

It has very nice cafes. Locals sit in cafes. In the center, near the monument, there is a large ‘old school’ tavern - a cafe in thick natural shade.

The center itself is the ‘heart’ of the place and has many shops, narrow streets, a church in the center, and it is a small shopping area. In addition to restaurants, there are also well-stocked supermarkets, pastry shops, bakeries…

Preveza is renowned throughout Greece for its gastronomy, and especially for its fresh fish specialties. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town (the famous Saitani district),

• be sure to try the famous local grilled sardines (*Sardela Prevezas*) and
• the traditional delicacy Avgotaracho (dried mullet roe from the Amvrakikos Gulf).

For those arriving by car, there are several large free public car parks in the city near the harbor and promenade, so you don’t have to worry about parking in the evening. Also, if you are coming from the direction of Lefkada by car or by air transport,

• Preveza is well connected via the Aktio-Preveza underwater tunnel,
• while Aktion International Airport is only a 10-15 minute drive from the city center.

A true seaside town.

Beaches in Preveza and the surrounding area

Preveza has several city beaches but is also a place chosen as a base from which to go to the beaches in the surrounding area (on Lefkada and the Ionian coast towards Parga). So we will present them here: the beaches in the city and nearby and the beaches in the surrounding area - on the wider Ionian coast.

The most famous city beaches are:

• Kiani Akti — practically a city beach, about 1 km from the center. It has fine white sand and shallow waters, suitable for families, and is located near a beautiful wooded area with eucalyptus trees.
• Pantokratoras Beach — about 3 km from Preveza, a combination of sand and rocks, interesting for snorkeling and famous for its sunsets.
• Alonaki (Paralia Alonaki) — about 6 km from the city, fine golden sand, a bit more facilities and suitable for families.
• Kalamitsi — about 8 km from the city, a sandy beach with plenty of greenery and crystal-clear Ionian sea.

Our recommendation for accommodation in Preveza

From our offer, we recommend Alonaki Beach Apartments accommodation, apartment type, which has

• direct access to Alonaki beach,
• spacious and beautifully landscaped courtyard,
• beach bar with sun loungers and umbrellas (free of charge, with mandatory consumption from the bar),
• sunbathing terrace above the beach,
• private parking,
• children’s playground,
• reception, lobby, elevator…

Because of its position, throughout history it has been at the center of numerous historical events, which is why today it represents a region with a large number of archaeological sites and monuments of past times.

Beaches in the wider area (Ionian coast and Lefkada)

First of all, just half an hour from Preveza is Lefkada, or the main town of this island Lefkas.

• It is interesting and worth visiting on its own, so we recommend that you visit it in the evening hours to take a walk by the sea and the marina, but also through the interesting and picturesque pedestrian zone.

If you head west from Lefkada, you will immediately come across Agios Ioannis beach, which is a paradise for surfers, where you can enjoy watching the skills of surfers from all over the world. Continue further and you will come across a great sanctuary, the famous Panagia Faneromeni Monastery from whose fantastically landscaped courtyard you have a view of Agios Ioannis beach, Lefkas, and the sea. Then, on the west, there are the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada, Pefkoulia, followed by the famous Kathisma, Milos, Avali, Kavalikefta, all with that turquoise sea that we see on postcards from Lefkada. There is also the charming town of Agios Nikitas, the most popular resort on the west coast.

From Preveza to Lefkada, you can also go on organized cruises and thus visit the most famous beaches of this beautiful island in one day.

Beaches on the stretch from Preveza to Parga

• On the other hand, if you start from Preveza towards Parga, you first come across a 13km long beach. The beginning of the beach, seen from Preveza, is called Mitikas and is located at the foot of the village of the same name. This part of the beach is rich in natural shade provided by impressive eucalyptus trees.
• Then comes the most famous part of the beach called Monolithi, 6km long. This long sandy beach is known for its popular bars, which are very modernly decorated, with a large number of sun loungers and good music. The bars are popular with the younger population, and there is enough space between them for those who have their own equipment.
• Next is the place called Kanali with the beach of the same name, then Kastrosikia.
  The whole beach is sandy on the shore and in the sea it has both rocks and sand so it is best to determine for yourself which part suits you best. You can choose to be in a crowd at a popular bar or you want to be alone because there is plenty of space for that. There are also parts of the beach used by nudists. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided with a drink order, and sunsets are unforgettable. See more.

If you continue further towards Parga, you can explore and discover wild coves or lesser-known beaches, of which there are plenty.

We recommend that you definitely visit:

• Vrachos - Loutsa beach, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in this region. It is a beach with fine sand, very few of which are on the Ionian coast. The beach is 3km long and up to 50m wide. In some parts, there are shallows, and what is most beautiful on this beach is that there is never a crowd and you can always enjoy it relaxed. The beach is well organized for all lovers of modern cafes with sun loungers and umbrellas. Vrachos-Loutsa is 35km away from Preveza.
• Alonaki Fanariou - a small gem of this region\, a beach with a beautiful emerald sea is located 40km from Preveza. In the hinterland of the beach is a forest\, and the trees lean over the beach itself. It has only a small kiosk and a lot of beauty.
• Ammoudia - located about 45km from Preveza. This wide and long sandy beach is perfect for families with children due to the shallows. The beach also has natural shade and is not crowded. Next to it is the delta of the famous Acheron River\, so you can visit this beach as part of your visit to Acheron and Nekromanteion\, about which we will write a little later.

Visit to Parga and the surrounding beaches

Parga is 65km away from Preveza and it is worth visiting in the afternoon hours to climb to the fortress and enjoy the view of the town, beaches, sea, the island with a chapel across… And then to take a walk in the evening through the streets of this very picturesque town.

You can combine your visit to Parga with swimming on the beautiful beaches around Parga, such as Lichnos if you want a quieter option, and Valtos beach if you are a fan of more popular beaches.

What to visit during your vacation in Preveza?

Tours in the city and the surrounding area

Because of its position, Preveza has been at the center of numerous historical events throughout history, which is why today it represents a region with a large number of archaeological sites and monuments of past times.

• In Preveza itself, there are five fortresses and four museums.
• Ancient city of Nikopolis: Only 5 km from the city are the remains of the famous ancient city of Nikopolis, built in honor of Octavian’s victory over the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. This city once had 30,000 inhabitants, and its name means “city of victory”. One of the museums is dedicated to this city, and we suggest you visit the city first, and then the museum.
• Historical naval battles: Preveza witnessed another great historical naval battle when the Ottoman fleet, led by Turkish admiral Barbarossa, defeated the united Christian navy. The battle took place in the 16th century, and even today divers explore the seabed because of this event.
• Pantokratora Fortress: Nearby is the lesser-known Pantokratora fortress, from which there is a beautiful view of the Amvrakikos Gulf, as well as the ancient city of Kassope.
• In Preveza, you can also visit the Museum of Art and Science of Epirus.

Amvrakikos Bay – Cruising and meeting dolphins

Preveza is located at the entrance to a large national park (nature reserve) and part of the European ecological network Natura 2000. It is one of 11 wetland areas in Greece that has received the designation “of international importance” and is protected by the international Ramsar agreement. Amvrakikos has a very complex ecosystem, formed by the deltas of the two rivers Louros and Arachtos, and includes the largest marsh in Greece (Rodia) and over twenty lagoons.

What we recommend is a cruise through this magnificent bay.

• You can book a cruise in the city, with Captain Vasilis, in the port. The boat is small and can accommodate up to 8 people, but the experience is something you will remember for a lifetime. We will briefly write some characteristics of the bay, and you will hear the most interesting stories and descriptions from the captain in excellent English.

The bay is considered a miniature Mediterranean. It was formed during the Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. Locals and captains like to tell the legend that Alexander the Great cut the land and created a water surface inhabited by various animals.

• The bay is located on one of the most important routes for European migratory birds that migratory birds use for rest, feeding, and as fertile ground.
• The islands in the lagoons serve as habitat for some of the rarest birds facing extinction. One of them is the Dalmatian pelican, some species of herons, eagles, cormorants, ducks, and they nest in huge reeds and meadows of Amvrakikos Bay.
• The waters of the bay also serve as a precious habitat for dolphins, seals, and endangered loggerhead sea turtles.

All in all, Amvrakikos Bay is a paradise for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and marine life enthusiasts.

What to expect when visiting the bay?

• In the bay, you can see 300 different bird species, of which 160 are migratory and 6 are globally endangered species.
• You may come across water buffaloes.

Visit to the dolphin habitats

• On this cruise through this aquatic national park, you go to a place that is a habitat for dolphins, and then you enjoy watching these beautiful creatures for hours.
• You can feed them, take photos, and simply enjoy their games, swimming, and jumping, but also see dolphin babies.
• The boat sometimes stays here for several hours.

Loggerhead sea turtles are not always present, but they can often be seen as well.

Swimming in the bay

• After a few hours filled with excitement and joy for both adults and children, you head to a small beach where you can swim and have lunch in a tavern or dive by the rocks on the shore.

If you wish, you can also go on a sunset cruise, which is also interesting. The boat has food and drinks.

Many tourists go on this excursion twice during the same vacation, and for everyone who embarks on this adventure, the trip remains in the most beautiful memory.

Excursion to the Acheron River and the Nekromanteion Sanctuary

The famous Acheron River (44km from Preveza) is named after the god Acheron, known in Greek mythology as the god who guards the river of the underworld. According to legend, the souls of the dead were ferried across the Acheron to the other side to the god of the underworld, Hades, and the goddess Thetis bathed her son Achilles in this river, holding him by the heel, thereby giving him immortality.

Activities and facilities on the river

Today, the Acheron River is an attraction for tourists, where they can try rafting, horseback riding, canoeing, mountain biking, sports fishing, but above all enjoy the beautiful nature.

The river itself has a beautiful color, light blue, clean and clear water, very tame, so it is perfect for a kayak adventure. People of all ages can enjoy kayaking or boating as the ride is completely safe. You can also bring a camera. As you descend the course of this calm river, you will see beavers, otters, water turtles, herons, and you can even swim, although the water is very cold. There are several restaurants and cafes along the river. You can go on an organized trek along the river.

How to organize your visit?

• You can organize a trip to the river yourself or book it through one of the local agencies.
• You can combine a trip to the beach of Ammoudia by car, where you can rent a kayak and with your guide go to the source from where you will gently descend down the river back to the beach and your car.
• Perhaps it is better to drive to the river by your car, and then walk and choose one of the activities. A boat ride costs about 8€ per person and lasts about 10 minutes. A kayak is about 10€.

There are several rafting clubs along the river, so it is best to walk to all of them and inquire about prices and the duration of the ride.

A specialty of the restaurants by the river is river trout, which can also be seen in the river itself.

The walk to the source takes about fifteen minutes through beautiful nature, and the last 5-10 minutes through the riverbed in very cold and shallow water. The color of the water is a gentle blue or emerald green depending on the surrounding area (high white rocks or trees).

We DO NOT RECOMMEND horseback riding. We are against animal cruelty and they certainly are. Horses are forced to stand and walk all day in the river, whose water is extremely cold, and they are subjected to physical torture to force them to do so.

You can buy local products, souvenirs, honey, but also sandals for walking through the river, which can be uncomfortable due to the stones on the bottom, along the river.

Nekromanteion Sanctuary

You can use your visit to this river to also visit the Nekromanteion, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god of the underworld, Hades. It was a place where communication with the dead souls took place, and a visit to the crypt and the corridors leading to the underworld can be exciting, especially if you immerse yourself in the legend. The entrance fee is 8€ for adults and 4€ for children, which we think is too much for a few minutes of walking.

Zalongo Mountain and the monument

Zalongo is a mountain that belongs to the Cassope mountain range and is known for the famous Zalongo monument.

• At this place, a monument was erected to the women and children who chose death rather than fall into the hands of the Turks. They performed a deadly dance at the beginning of the 19th century, and the impressive monument is now a place visited by thousands of tourists annually.

By car, you reach the monument by a winding road through interesting traditional Greek villages to the Monastery of St. Demetrius, which you can also visit. Next to the monastery, you can park your car and walk to the monument by climbing about 400 steps. The monument is 13 meters high.

From this place, you can enjoy a mesmerizing view of the sea and Lefkada, Preveza, and Parga, and on a clear day also on Ithaca, Kefalonia, Corfu, Paxos, and Antipaxos.

For history enthusiasts, we also recommend a visit to the ancient city of Kassope, located on this same mountain. This ancient city offers not only impressive remains of Hellenistic architecture but also one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the entire Ambracian Gulf and the Ionian Sea.

Why choose Preveza?

If you enjoy an active holiday, Preveza offers such a vast array of options that a single summer vacation is not enough to visit all its natural and historical landmarks. The fact that Lefkada is just half an hour away gives you the opportunity to visit its most famous beaches as well.

If you prefer a relaxing holiday, the town of Preveza itself offers plenty of attractions and amenities for you to enjoy the experience of a traditional Greek seaside town.

Choose suitable accommodation in Preveza and enjoy your vacation.