Parga
Parga is a beautiful, picturesque town full of colored houses and picturesque alleys and squares. The pretty town is located on the mainland opposite the Greek island of Corfu. It is a great place if you would like to combine sun, sea and beach with trips to beautiful and green nature. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and you can completely relax here during a holiday. From the highest points in the town you have a great view over the city and the clear blue Ionian Sea.
The beaches of Parga
In Parga there are two beaches: Krioneri and Piso Krioneri. Krioneri is the large (sandy) beach along the boulevard. From May to mid-October there are sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a bar-restaurant and a playground. Krioneri beach is located in a bay and is sheltered by the nearby island of Panagia. The Piso Krioneri beach is completely sheltered by the rocks in the water. Of the two beaches you can snorkel here the best. Piso Krioneri consists of fine gravel and pebbles and offers beach beds and umbrellas from May to mid-October, there are also beach bars and restaurants. They are both ideal places for a quiet swim (except in high season).
The Venetian Castle
The fortress of Parga is located on the mountain of the peninsula between Parga and the beach of Valtos. It can be reached on foot from the harbor of Parga via stairs and narrow alleys. There is a stone-paved road leading to it from Valtos beach. Originally, the castle of Parga was built by Greeks and Normans. The pirate Barbarossa destroyed it in 1537 after which it was rebuilt by the Venetians. In 1792 it more or less took its current form. On the surface within the fortress were 400 houses where the inhabitants of Parga lived. The Ottomans failed to capture this fortress for centuries. The fortress was invincible until in 1819 the Ottoman Ali Pasha finally bought the castle from Venetians. He made it a harem. A visit to the castle is impressive. First of all, the view in all directions around the fortress is impressive! Buildings in the fort have been renovated and there is a nice café-restaurant where you can eat and drink in the shade of tall trees. In the summer months there are theater performances and all kinds of activities.
The islet of Panagia
The island of Panagia is located in the bay of Parga. The island is not inhabited, but there is a church and a few small ruins. The church is still in use and services will certainly take place on August 15 (Ascension of Mary). The church is also very popular as a wedding location. In the months of June-September the boats with wedding guests come and go. You can swim to the island, but bring clothes if you want to enter the church.
The Old Olive Oil Factory
This old factory is located in the middle of the village and now serves as a museum. After a short introductory film about the production of olive oil in Parga, you will be given a tour of the old factory. You immediately have an idea of how olive oil was made in the past. There used to be five olive oil factories in Parga which provided a lot of employment. In 1974 the olive oil factories in Parga were closed by order of the Greek government. The factories caused excessive sea pollution. Today there is a modern olive oil factory in the village of Agia, about 7 km from Parga. After the tour there is a tasting where you can always taste a piece of baguette with a dip of olive oil.
Links
To give you an idea in advance of what there is to do, here are a few nice links:
Youtube video with some tips over Parga and surroundings
(information on this page with thanks to Griekse Gids - www.grieksegids.nl)