Parga is a picturesque town in the region of Epirus, Greece, that attracts many visitors every year with its natural beauty, its rich history and its charming atmosphere. One of the most prominent landmarks of Parga is the Venetian castle that stands on a hilltop overlooking the town and the sea. The castle has a long and turbulent history, dating back to the 11th century, when it was first built by the locals to defend themselves from pirates and Turks. Over the centuries, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times by different rulers, such as the Venetians, the Ottomans, the French and the British. Today, the castle is a well-preserved monument that offers stunning views of Parga and its surroundings.
But where can you enjoy these views? Here are some of the best spots to admire the beauty of Parga and its Venetian castle:
- The castle itself: Of course, one of the best places to see Parga from above is from the castle itself. You can reach it by a steep street that comes out from the center of the town or by a secret path that leads to the sea. The entrance fee is 2 euros and it is open from 9 am to 9 pm. Inside the castle, you can explore the ruins of the fortifications, the towers, the cisterns, the hammam and the emblems of different rulers. You can also visit a small museum that displays some artifacts and information about the history of the castle. But the main attraction is the view: you can see the whole town of Parga, with its colorful houses and narrow streets, the bay of Valtos with its sandy beach and turquoise waters, and the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos on the horizon.
- The Krioneri beach: Another great spot to enjoy the view of Parga and its castle is from the Krioneri beach, which is located right below the castle. This is the main beach of Parga, where you can swim, sunbathe or rent a boat to explore the nearby coves. From here, you can admire how the castle dominates the landscape and how it changes colors depending on the time of day. You can also see a small island in front of the beach, where there is a white chapel dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary). This island is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge and it is a popular place for weddings.
- The Valtos beach: If you want to see Parga and its castle from a different perspective, you can go to the Valtos beach, which is located on the other side of the hill where the castle stands. You can reach it by foot, by car or by boat from Parga’s port. The Valtos beach is one of the largest and most organized beaches in Epirus, with golden sand, clear water and many facilities. From here, you can see how Parga and its castle look like from afar, as they are framed by green hills and blue sky.
- The Ali Pasha castle: If you are feeling adventurous and want to see Parga and its castle from an even higher point, you can visit the Ali Pasha castle, which is located on a mountain above Parga. This castle was built by Ali Pasha, an Ottoman ruler who conquered Parga in 1819 and who was known for his cruelty and ambition. The castle was used as his residence and as a prison for his enemies. Today, it is mostly in ruins but it still offers an impressive view of Parga and its Venetian castle, as well as of other towns and villages in Epirus.
As you can see, there are many places where you can enjoy the views of Parga and its Venetian castle. Whether you prefer to be close or far away from them, whether you like to be on sea level or on top of a hill, whether you want to learn more about their history or just admire their beauty, you will surely find a spot that suits your taste. So don’t miss this opportunity to discover one of the most scenic towns in Greece and one of its most fascinating monuments.
