Parga, Greece

The port of Parga is a little town with big charms. Although there are plenty of charming ports upon the Greek Coast, Parga has some features which distinguish it from the crowd. As you glide into the main bay, you’ll be bound to notice the unique sprawl of the town’s colourful array of buildings- set out like the amphitheatres which have hosted epic tragedies all over Greece.

One of the most beautiful resorts in the entire country, the picturesque bay is not far from the lush island of Panagia and tranquil currents perfect for fly fishing. Bookending this gorgeous curve are cliffs jutting out towards the sea, abundant with green trees and rocky outcrops, framing the centre of town perfectly. The dozens of sails that can be seen within the harbour all year round is an enduring testament to the enchanting allure this port has been blessed with for decades.

Sightseeing in Parga

The Necromanteion of Parga

As much of a fantastic beach spot Parga might be, it’s not all yachts and sun tanning. Atop one of the tallest peaks for miles around, the Necromanteion of Parga overlooks the entire bay. Necromanteion literally means “Oracle of Death”, a shrine to the gods of Hades and Persephone. The stone walls of this ziggurat temple have stood for hundreds of years, a place to which the faithful would make pilgrimage to speak to their dead ancestors. Today you can travel to the candlelit catacombs underneath the temple, to explore the altars and caves where the ancient Greeks would conduct ceremonies and rituals commemorating the dead, and leave tributes to their ancestors.

The Archeron River

Whether you tour this amazing river by boat or by strolling down its banks, you will find it a wonderfully surreal experience. The aquamarine waters of the Archeron weave through the hills surrounding Parga right out to the Ionian Sea, where the crystal waters meet the inky blue of the open ocean. Sailing down the river is the best way to see the shades blend and change as you pass by banks filled with flowering trees, colourful shrubs, and local fishermen casting their lines into the languid waters.

The Castle of Parga

Like the Necromanteion, the ruins of the main castle of Parga overlook the entire bay atop a hill. Centuries of storied history give this site an intriguing atmosphere that has never abated throughout Parga’s tenure as a tourist hub. The castle was initially built in the 11th century to protect the town from being ravaged by pirates, today, the ruins of this building are still impressively huge, containing archway, gun emplacement rooms, and stone bastions which have survived nearly a millennia of conflict.

Shopping in Parga

The Greek Islands are revered for their jewellery, and Parga is no exception. Head to Babylonia and GC for vintage pieces which have been adorned with 18 carat gold and gemstones, giving you old style with modern touches.

Eating out in Parga

You might have to head to the outskirts to reach Perivoli, one of the best restaurants in Parga, but the food is well worth the trip. Revered by the locals, every dish is cooked to perfection, especially the veal stew and the stifrado.