Parga: The Complete Guide for a Day Trip from Igoumenitsa & Sivota (2026) 

Parga is one of the most well-known destinations in Epirus — and for good reason. With a Venetian castle dominating the bay, colourful houses, crystal-clear waters and beaches for every taste, Parga makes an impression from the very first glance. The good news: if you're staying in Igoumenitsa or Sivota, Parga is within easy reach — ideal for a day trip. 

🇬🇷 Read in Greek 

How far is Parga from Igoumenitsa and Sivota 

From Igoumenitsa

The distance is approximately 45 km and by car you arrive in 40–45 minutes via the coastal/mountain route. The drive passes through villages and olive groves — an experience in itself.

There is also a KTEL Thesprotia bus: one service per day (Monday–Friday), duration approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. If you want flexibility, renting a car is the best option — especially if you plan to visit beaches outside the main settlement. See our Car Rental in Igoumenitsa guide (2026) for the best options.

From Sivota

From Sivota, the distance is slightly longer — approximately 55–60 km — and the drive takes around 55–60 minutes. The route passes either through Igoumenitsa or through the interior with views of the Thesprotia mountains.

Practical tip: In both cases there are no tolls. You can leave in the morning, spend a full day in Parga and return in the evening at a relaxed pace.

What to See in Parga

The Venetian Castle

It's the first thing you see and the last thing you forget. Built in the 14th century, with panoramic views of the bay, Valtos and the islands. Entry is almost free and the reward is enormous — especially if you go up shortly before sunset.

The Old Town

Narrow cobbled alleys, mansions with tiled roofs, open shops and tavernas that smell of fresh fish. The "Tourkopazaro" — the historic market near the castle — is one of the liveliest spots in town.

Panagia Islet

Right opposite Krioneri, just a few metres away. You can reach it by swimming or by pedal boat. Two small churches, rocks for snorkelling, and a wonderful view back towards Parga.

The Acheron River

Just 25–30 km from Parga (near Glyki), the Acheron is one of the most mysterious and impressive rivers in Greece. Rocks, waterfalls, lush greenery — you can hike through the river, go kayaking, or simply admire it. If you visit Parga, don't skip it. For lunch with a view in the area, try the Panorama taverna at Glyki on the Acheron.

Ali Pasha's Castle

To the north, near Sarakiniko. A robust castle with history and sea views. A great stop if you're driving to Sarakiniko.

The Olive Oil Factory

Parga is famous for its olives and olive oil. Paragaea (19 K. Tzavella St.) offers tours and tastings — unforgettable for those who love local products.

🍹 Where to Drink in Parga

Amicos – Pargas Distillery

If you're having one drink in Parga, have it at Pargas Distillery / Amicos Cocktail Bar. It's distinctively different: an old distillery converted into a cocktail bar that uses its own spirits — Parga brandy, kumquat liqueur, local distillates — as the base for signature cocktails.

Located near the castle, with views over Valtos from above. Relaxed atmosphere, low-key music, friendly staff. Exactly the right way to end a day in Parga in style.

TripAdvisor: 4.9/5 – 238 reviews — #1 Food & Drink in Parga Facebook: Pargas Distillery

✨ Visitors consistently mention that the signature cocktails made with traditional local spirits are an experience you won't find anywhere else. Unreservedly recommended.

Veranda Cocktail Bar – A View from Above

For a drink with a panoramic view, Veranda Cocktail Bar is another standout option. Perched on the upper floors of a building directly above the harbour, it offers a stunning view over the bay of Parga — ideal especially at sunset, with the vista stretching all the way to Antipaxos.

The entrance isn't obvious — it's tucked down a narrow alley between two tavernas and you climb a few steps to reach it. Worth seeking out though: good cocktails at reasonable prices, great music and professional service. The bar spreads across two floors at the top of the building — working equally well as a relaxed spot for a sundowner and as a livelier evening venue later on.

TripAdvisor: 4.2/5 – 65 reviews Facebook: Veranda Cocktail-Bar Parga

✨ Tip: Go a little before sunset to secure a seat with the best view towards Antipaxos.

🎵 Live Music: Petros Antoniou

If you happen to find Petros Antoniou performing somewhere in Parga — stop whatever you're doing and sit down.

Petros is a singer-songwriter based in Greece and one of the most beloved live performers in Parga. He plays guitar and sings a repertoire spanning Greek, English and Serbian songs — and delivers all of them with remarkable quality. An exceptional musician, a fantastic vocalist, and someone who makes the audience feel part of the show — he's one of those rare artists who turns an evening into a lasting memory. YouTube · TripAdvisor

He performs at various venues around Parga — from relaxed evenings at Ponte and Bianco to more lively sets at Old Town bar. Many visitors, in fact, follow him from venue to venue throughout the same night. TripAdvisor

Where to find him: His schedule changes often, so check before you go:

• Instagram: @petrosantoniou

• YouTube: Petros Antoniou Channel

• TripAdvisor: Petros Antoniou – Parga

✨ Tip: For a more relaxed evening with drinks and music, look for him at Ponte or Bianco. For a livelier night with dancing and high spirits, Old Town bar is your spot.

Parga & Sivota: Two Worlds, One Coastline

Parga and Sivota share the same Ionian light and the same quality of sea — but they have very different characters. Sivota is calmer, more nautical, less touristy. Parga is livelier, more urban, with more sights to see and a more intense pulse on summer evenings.

If you're staying in Sivota or Igoumenitsa, Parga is the ideal day trip: close enough not to tire you, different enough to be worth it.

Planning a visit to the area? Check out our guide on where to stay in Sivota and the guide to the beaches of Sivota & Perdika.

❓ FAQ – Day Trip to Parga

Is a day trip to Parga from Igoumenitsa worth it? Yes, unreservedly. Parga is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Igoumenitsa thanks to its picturesque old town, the Venetian castle, organised beaches and authentic Ionian atmosphere. If you're planning a holiday in the wider area, also check our guide to Sivota and what to do in Igoumenitsa.

How far is Parga from Igoumenitsa? Parga is approximately 50 km from Igoumenitsa and the drive takes around 45 minutes by car. It's an easy and beautiful route passing through olive groves and villages of Thesprotia. Many visitors combine the trip with stops at beaches near Sivota or Perdika.

Can you combine Parga and Sivota in the same day? Yes, and it's one of the most popular summer routes in Epirus. You can start from Sivota, stop at Bella Vraka Beach or Kokkinos Vraxos for a morning swim, then continue to Parga for the afternoon and evening. For the full day, you'll definitely need a car.

What is the best beach near Parga? Valtos is Parga's most well-known beach — large, sandy, organised. For a more family-friendly atmosphere, Lichnos is ideal thanks to its shallow waters. If you're exploring the wider area, it's also worth checking out the beaches around Sivota, such as Mega Drafi Beach and Bella Vraka. See all the 5+1 best beaches in Sivota and Perdika.

Where should I stay if I want to explore the area? If you want easy access to Parga, Sivota and the beaches of Epirus, see:

• Where to stay in Igoumenitsa — ideal base if you're arriving by ferry or want to be close to the port

• Where to stay in Sivota — for those who want a seaside stay

• Where to stay in Perdika — quieter, more authentic

Is Parga a good choice for an Epirus road trip? Yes. Parga combines easily with destinations such as the Acheron River, Perdika and Sivota, creating one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Greece. You can also extend the trip towards the Zagori villages or Ioannina for a complete Epirus road trip.

How do I get to Parga without a car? There is one KTEL Thesprotia bus service per day, Monday to Friday, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. If the bus schedule doesn't work for you, a taxi from Igoumenitsa or Sivota is an alternative — see taxi services in Igoumenitsa and Sivota. For maximum flexibility, renting a car remains the best option.

Which month should I visit Parga? Parga operates as a tourist destination from May to September. The ideal months are June and September: the sea is still perfect, the beaches are less crowded and prices are friendlier. July and August have the most activity — beautiful but busy.

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