Igoumenitsa, Sivota & Thesprotia Travel Guide 

Igoumenitsa is genuinely worth staying in, not just passing through. The town has a relaxed waterfront, excellent seafood tavernas, and easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches and villages in Epirus. Most travelers who stay even one extra night are surprised by how much there is to do. Read our Guide to Igoumenitsa. 

It depends on your travel style. Choose Igoumenitsa for easy port access, parking, practical connections and lower prices. Choose Sivota for a beach-holiday atmosphere, turquoise water, and a relaxed resort feel. Many travelers enjoy splitting their stay between both. See Where to Stay in Igoumenitsa & Where to Stay in Sivota. 

Both. Close to Igoumenitsa, Drepanos is organized with sunbeds and facilities. Further south, most beaches — including Bella Vraka, Mega Drafi and Kokkinos Vrachos — are natural and unorganized, with no entrance fee and no sunbeds. Bring your own umbrella and water. See the full Beaches Guide for the complete map. 

The fastest way is by ferry. Sarris Lines connects to Lefkimmi (southern Corfu) in 50 minutes, while Kerkyra Lines runs up to 13 sailings a day to Corfu Town. Tickets are affordable and usually do not require advance booking for foot passengers. See our full Ferry Guide. 

Yes, if you want to explore freely. Public transport covers the basics, but the region's best beaches (like Bella Vraka or Mega Drafi) and hidden viewpoints are not on bus routes. A car unlocks the entire coastline. See our Car Rental Guide. 

May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of warm weather, calm seas, and manageable crowds. July and August are peak months — sunny and lively, but also the busiest for parking and accommodation. 

To avoid port congestion, look for accommodation within 5–10 minutes of the port in areas like Ladochori or Nea Seleukeia. These areas offer quiet surroundings and easy parking. See curated options near the port. 

Yes. KTEL Thesprotias runs daily intercity buses to Athens (5.5–6h, ~€53), Thessaloniki (4–4.5h, ~€41) and Ioannina (1h, ~€12), with several departures a day. The bus station is on 49 Martyron Avenue, about 15 minutes' walk from the international ferry terminal. See our full KTEL Bus Guide for schedules, fares and tips. 

Yes — Sivota has a small but well-curated selection of private-pool villas, boutique suites and upscale apartments, mostly in elevated positions with sea views. These tend to book out early in July and August, so planning ahead is recommended. Browse our independent, no-paid-placement Premium Stays in Sivota guide for handpicked options.