Parga is a charming town in the northwestern part of Greece, in the region of Epirus. It is famous for its picturesque architecture, its Venetian castle, its stunning beaches and its natural beauty. Parga attracts many visitors every year, especially during the summer months, when it becomes a lively and vibrant destination. But when is the best time to visit Parga and avoid the crowds?
In this blog post, we will answer this question and give you some tips on how to enjoy Parga at its best. We will also provide you with some information about the town, its history, its attractions and its surroundings. So, let’s get started!
Why visit Parga?
Parga is a perfect place to visit if you are looking for a combination of culture, nature and relaxation. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Parga:
- It has a unique island-like atmosphere. Although Parga is located on the mainland of Greece, it has a distinct island-like feel. This is because it is built on the slopes of a hill that overlooks a beautiful bay with two small islands: Panagia and Agios Nikolaos. The town is full of colorful houses with tiled roofs, narrow alleys, flower-filled balconies and quaint shops. The port is lined with taverns, cafes and bars that offer stunning views of the sea and the castle.
- It has a rich history and culture. Parga has a long and turbulent history that dates back to ancient times. It was conquered by various powers, such as the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Ottomans and the French. It also played an important role in the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century. As a result, Parga has a diverse cultural heritage that is reflected in its monuments, its traditions and its cuisine. You can explore the impressive Venetian castle that dominates the town, visit the Ottoman castle of Anthoussa that was built by Ali Pasha, admire the churches and monasteries that dot the area and taste some local delicacies such as prawns saganaki, souvlaki and baklava.
- It has amazing beaches and natural scenery. Parga is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. They have crystal clear turquoise waters, golden sand or pebbles, green surroundings and exotic ambiance. Some of the best beaches in Parga are Valtos, Sarakiniko, Lichnos, Kryoneri and Piso Kryoneri. You can reach them by car, by bus or by boat from the port of Parga. You can also enjoy some water sports, such as kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving. If you are a nature lover, you can also explore the nearby springs of River Acherontas, where you can hike, raft or horse ride along the river that flows through a lush valley.
When is the best time to visit Parga?
The best time to visit Parga depends on what you are looking for. Here are some factors to consider:
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Mild and sunny, with occasional rain. Average temperature: 15-20°C. | Low to moderate. The tourist season starts in May. | Low to moderate. You can find some good deals on accommodation and flights. |
| Summer (June-August) | Hot and dry, with clear skies. Average temperature: 25-30°C. | High. The peak season is July-August. | High. The prices are higher for everything. |
| Fall (September-November) | Warm and pleasant, with some rain. Average temperature: 20-25°C. | Moderate to low. The tourist season ends in September. | Moderate to low. You can find some discounts on accommodation and flights. |
| Winter (December-February) | Cool and wet, with possible snow. Average temperature: 10-15°C. | Very low. Most tourist facilities are closed. | Very low. You can find some bargains on accommodation and flights. |
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to when is the best time to visit Parga. It depends on your preferences and your budget. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy Parga at its most authentic and peaceful, we recommend visiting Parga in the spring or the fall. You will still have good weather, but you will also have more space and more savings. You will also be able to experience some local festivals and events, such as the Easter celebrations, the Carnival, the Sardine Festival and the Panagia Festival.
How to get to Parga?
Parga is located in the northwestern part of Greece, in the region of Epirus. It is about 400 km from Athens and 300 km from Thessaloniki. There are several ways to get to Parga:
- By car. This is the most convenient and flexible way to get to Parga, as you can also explore the surrounding area at your own pace. You can rent a car from Athens or Thessaloniki and drive to Parga via the national road E75 and E55. The journey takes about 5 hours from Athens and 4 hours from Thessaloniki.
- By bus. This is the cheapest way to get to Parga, but also the slowest and least comfortable. You can take a bus from Athens or Thessaloniki to Preveza or Igoumenitsa, and then change to a local bus to Parga. The journey takes about 7 hours from Athens and 6 hours from Thessaloniki.
- By plane. This is the fastest way to get to Parga, but also the most expensive and less frequent. You can fly from Athens or Thessaloniki to Preveza or Ioannina, which are the nearest airports to Parga. The flight takes about 1 hour from Athens and 45 minutes from Thessaloniki. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Parga. The journey takes about 1 hour from Preveza and 1.5 hours from Ioannina.
- By boat. This is a scenic and fun way to get to Parga, but also seasonal and weather-dependent. You can take a boat from Corfu or Paxos, which are two beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea. The boat trip takes about 1 hour from Corfu and 30 minutes from Paxos. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to your accommodation in Parga.
Where to stay in Parga?
Parga has a wide range of accommodation options for every taste and budget. You can find hotels, apartments, villas, studios, guesthouses and campsites in Parga. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Luxury: If you want to splurge on a luxurious stay in Parga, you can choose one of these hotels: Salvator Villas & Spa Hotel, Lichorida Suites & Spa, Parganese Classic Hotel. These hotels offer spacious rooms with elegant decor, modern amenities, stunning views, swimming pools, spa facilities and excellent service.
- Moderate: If you want to enjoy a comfortable stay in Parga without breaking the bank, you can choose one of these hotels: Paradise Studios, Maistrali, Avlonitis Rooms. These hotels offer cozy rooms with simple decor, basic amenities, nice views, friendly staff and convenient locations.
- Budget: If you want to save money on your stay in Parga, you can choose one of these hotels: Acropol, <a href=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/achilleas-p
