Sivota is one of the best bases in Greece for exploring the Ionian coast. Within less than an hour, you can reach stunning beaches, charming towns, and unique natural landmarks. Whether you prefer boat trips, scenic drives, or island hopping, these day trips from Sivota offer unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Igoumenitsa 24 km ~30 min by car
Parga 39 km ~45 min by car
Acheron River ~30 km~ 35 min by car
Paxos Island ~20 nautical miles ~1–1.5 hrs by boat
Antipaxos ~22 nautical miles ~1.5 hrs by boat
Corfu ~30 nautical miles ~1.5–2 hrs by boat
Meteora ~200 km ~2.5 hrs by car
If you do only one day trip from Sivota, make it this one. The Blue Lagoon — known locally as Pisina (meaning "swimming pool") — is one of the most breathtaking spots on the Ionian coast. The water is so impossibly clear that boats appear to float in mid-air above the seabed.
How to get there: Organised boat trips depart from Sivota harbour daily during summer. Capacity is usually around 15 people, with departures every 30–60 minutes. Cost is approximately €10 per person. Alternatively, rent a private speedboat for more flexibility.
Best time to visit: Early morning (before 10:00) or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds and get the best light for photos.
What to bring: There are no facilities at Pisina — bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and snorkelling gear.
Local tip: The Blue Lagoon is located on the uninhabited island of Mourtos and is accessible by sea only. It's one of Greece's most Instagrammed spots, and for good reason.
Paxos and Antipaxos are two of Greece's best-kept secrets — tiny, green, and utterly charming. Antipaxos in particular is famous for its impossibly turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, often compared to the Caribbean.
From Sivota: Organised boat excursions run regularly throughout summer, typically combining both islands in one full-day trip. You can also rent a private speedboat.
What to do on Paxos: Explore the charming village of Gaios with its Venetian architecture, enjoy fresh seafood at the harbour, and swim in the stunning sea caves (Blue Caves).
What to do on Antipaxos: Simply swim. Voutoumi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean — white sand, turquoise water, and very few people compared to the more popular Greek islands.
Duration: Full day (approximately 8–10 hours round trip with stops).
Parga is just 39 km from Sivota and is one of the most picturesque towns in all of mainland Greece. Its colourful, neoclassical houses cascade down toward a natural harbour, overlooked by a Venetian castle. It has a completely different atmosphere from Sivota — more lively, more cosmopolitan, yet still utterly Greek.
What to do in Parga:
Walk up to the Venetian Castle for panoramic views over the bay
Swim across to the tiny island of Panagia, just a short paddle from the promenade
Visit the Olive Museum — a fascinating insight into the ancient olive oil culture of Epirus
Browse the narrow, flower-filled alleyways of the old town
Enjoy dinner by the water before heading back to Sivota at sunset
How to get there: Drive via the coastal road (about 45 minutes). Alternatively, some boat tours include Parga in their itinerary.
Best time to visit: Afternoon — arrive around 15:00 to explore in cooler temperatures, catch the sunset, and enjoy dinner before returning to Sivota.
The Acheron River is one of the most awe-inspiring natural sites in Greece, and it's less than 35 km from Sivota. In Greek mythology, the Acheron was the river that the souls of the dead crossed to reach the underworld — guided by the ferryman Charon. Standing at its banks, surrounded by dramatic gorges and crystal-clear spring water, it's not hard to understand why the ancients chose this place for such stories.
What to do at the Acheron:
Hike the gorge trail — a scenic 2–3 hour walk through the canyon, wading through cold, shallow water in places
Swim in the natural pools — the water is refreshingly cold even in August
River rafting — available for those looking for a more adventurous experience
Visit the nearby Necromanteion of Acheron — an ancient Greek oracle temple dedicated to Hades, believed to be the entrance to the underworld
How to get there: Drive north from Sivota toward Ammoudia. The Acheron springs and gorge entrance are well-signposted.
What to wear: Water shoes are strongly recommended. Bring a change of clothes.
Corfu is one of Greece's most beautiful and historically rich islands, and from Sivota it's easily reachable by private speedboat (around 1.5–2 hours each way). If you'd rather not rent a boat, you can drive to Igoumenitsa (30 minutes) and take one of the regular ferry crossings to Corfu.
What to do in Corfu:
Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu — Venetian fortresses, French arcades, and Byzantine churches
Visit Paleokastritsa — arguably the most beautiful bay on the island
Walk through the elegant Liston promenade and have a coffee in the shade of the arches
Take a boat trip to the Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) — one of the most photographed spots in Greece
How to get there from Sivota:
By private speedboat: 1.5–2 hours direct — the most scenic option
By car + ferry: Drive to Igoumenitsa (30 min) + ferry to Corfu (1.5 hrs) — ferries run regularly throughout the day
Insider tip: If you go by boat, visit Corfu's quieter northern bays that are inaccessible by car and far less crowded than the tourist hotspots.
While technically not a "day trip," Bella Vraka deserves its own section because many visitors staying elsewhere in Greece make it their primary reason to come to Sivota. The beach sits on the small island of Mourtemeno, and to reach it, you walk across the shallow sea — water reaching up to your knees — along a natural sandbar.
How to get there: 10–15 minute walk from Sivota village, or a 2-minute drive (parking is limited — go early or late).
Best time to visit: Before 10:00 AM or after 17:00 to avoid crowds and find the light at its most golden.
For those willing to drive approximately 2.5 hours, Meteora is one of the most extraordinary places not just in Greece, but in the entire world. Ancient Orthodox monasteries cling to the tops of towering sandstone pillars — it is both architecturally and spiritually breathtaking, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical info:
Distance from Sivota: ~200 km (2.5 hours by car)
Opening hours for monasteries: typically 09:00–17:00 (some close on different days)
Dress code: covered shoulders and knees required to enter monasteries
Recommended: guided tour from Sivota (organised excursions available in summer)
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely. Meteora is unlike anything else you will ever see. If you have a full free day and access to a car, it should be on your list.
Igoumenitsa, just 24 km from Sivota, is far more than a ferry port. The recently renovated waterfront promenade, the authentic local tavernas, and the easy access to ferries for Corfu and Italy make it a surprisingly enjoyable half-day destination.
What to do in Igoumenitsa:
Walk the new seafront promenade — wide, clean, and atmospheric in the evenings
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thesprotia
Catch a ferry to Corfu for a same-day island excursion
Stock up at the local market and explore the city centre
Best apartments near Igoumenitsa port → igoumenitsastay.gr/places-to-stay/where-to-stay-in-igoumenitsa
Renting a car: The most flexible way to explore the region. Car rental is available in Igoumenitsa, just 24 km from Sivota. Rent a car in Igoumenitsa →
Boat rentals: Several operators in Sivota harbour rent speedboats by the day — no licence required for smaller vessels. Ideal for the Blue Lagoon, Paxos, or Corfu.
Organised tours: If you prefer not to drive or navigate alone, organised day trips to Paxos, Antipaxos, the Blue Lagoon, Parga, and even Meteora are available through local operators in Sivota harbour during summer.
Best months for day trips: June and September offer the perfect combination of warm weather, calm seas, and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season — expect more people at popular spots but guaranteed sunshine and calm Ionian waters.
Sivota makes an ideal base for exploring the wider region of Thesprotia and the Ionian coast. Its location — central, calm, and well-connected — means you can do all of the above day trips and return to your apartment in time for a sunset dinner at the marina.
Published by IgoumenitsaSTAY – Your local travel guide for Igoumenitsa, Sivota and Thesprotia. ← Back to Articles