A relaxing week in Parga

A Relaxing Week in Parga, Northern Greece – June 2026

This June, I visited Parga for the first time – a charming coastal town tucked away in Northern Greece on the mainland. Unlike some of the more commercialised Greek islands, Parga retains a wonderful balance of natural beauty, authentic charm, and just the right amount of tourism. It feels like the Greece many of us fell in love with years ago – and I was instantly captivated.

Getting There – Smooth Travels

We opted for an early flight, taking full advantage of twilight check-in at Birmingham Airport. Security was a breeze – through in just 10 minutes, and no need to remove liquids or laptops (though you’ll need to in Greece on your return). We flew with Jet2 and had a great flight. Upon arrival, a quick chat with the rep and our pre-booked taxi transfer was ready to whisk us away.

Our Stay – Peaceful and Perfectly Located

We stayed in a lovely studio apartment – spotlessly clean, with daily housekeeping and fresh towels and sheets every few days. Some units had balconies, but we were lucky to have a peaceful patio out back. The apartment was equipped with everything needed for basic self-catering – and most importantly, a good fridge for keeping the Mythos and local wine chilled!

The location was ideal – about a 10-minute stroll along a quiet road to the beach and roughly a 30-minute (steep!) walk over the peninsula by the castle to reach Parga Town. Exploring the seafront on our first evening was a delight – the town has such a lovely energy. Not up for the walk? The water taxi is a great alternative, running every 30 minutes or so from 9 am until 11 pm for just €3 each way. The crew are happy to advise on the last boat back.

Beach Days – Valtos Beach Paradise

We spent a few relaxing days on Valtos Beach, just around the bay from Parga Town. While the town beach is picturesque, it‘s small and can get crowded, so beach lovers tend to stay on the Valtos side and take the boat into town.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for around €15 for two, but there are also public areas if you prefer to lie out your towel and bring a parasol. It’s a great option if you’re looking to save a little.

Exploring Parga Town

Parga Town itself is full of life. Most accommodations here are small hotels – some without pools – so you can either walk or boat it over to the beach. The waterfront is lined with vibrant restaurants and bars, and we even found a fantastic pizza place tucked away from the seafront. Behind the main streets, you‘ll find narrow, winding alleyways filled with shops selling clothes, local produce, and the usual Greek holiday souvenirs. Everything stays open late, and the cooler evenings are perfect for a post-dinner stroll.

Adventure Time – A Day Out

One of our favourite days was our mini road trip. We picked up a buggy from a rental shop in town and headed to Acheron River Gorge, about 25km from Parga. This place is breathtaking – think crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and towering cliffs steeped in mythological history. The drive was easy and scenic, with quiet roads and hardly any heavy traffic.

From there, we visited Sivota, a stunning coastal village known for its turquoise waters and rolling green hills. We enjoyed a long lunch overlooking the harbour before finishing the day with a visit to Anthousa Castle (also called Ali Pasha Castle), a fortress built in 1814. Its hilltop position offers incredible views – and a glimpse into Greece’s Ottoman history.

A Taste of History – Venetian Castle of Parga

The next morning, we treated ourselves to breakfast at the Green Bakery (highly recommended!) before walking up to the Venetian Castle of Parga. Perched dramatically on a rocky peninsula, this medieval citadel offers breathtaking views of the town and coastline. Be aware – it’s not exactly health-and-safety certified! There are uneven paths, steep drops, and minimal barriers, so watch your step.

More Beach Time – Water Sports & Relaxation

We wrapped up our trip with another relaxing day on Valtos Beach. It really is the ideal spot if you're into long, sandy stretches and comfy loungers. The only real decision is: stay near the beach and boat into town, or stay in the town and travel to the beach each day?

There’s a wide range of water sports available too – from parasailing and jet skiing to kayaks, paddle boards, pedalos, and the classic banana boat. Our mini adventure? A peaceful pedalo ride, which was just enough excitement for a lazy afternoon.

Final Thoughts

Parga gave us the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. There’s still so much more we didn’t get to see – and that’s always the best reason to come back. So thank you, Parga – we’ll be returning!