Agia Paraskevi Beach (Sivota–Perdika): The Beach with the Little Island 

Where: Between Sivota and Perdika, Thesprotia (Epirus), right off the coastal road

Distance: ~30–35 min south of Igoumenitsa · about 6 km / 10 min from Sivota · about 9 km from Perdika

Type: Fine and coarse sand with some small pebbles; a long, shallow shelf

Water: Crystal-clear, warm, and calm — sheltered by the islet, so rarely any waves

The islet: Roughly 100 m offshore — swim, paddle or SUP across to its own little beach

Facilities: Sunbeds & parasols, beach kiosk, tavernas, water sports, parking (lifeguard in season)

Best for: Families, swimming to the island, snorkelling, scenery & photos, weddings

Heads-up: Very popular — parking fills on weekends and in peak season, so arrive early

At one end of the beach, built right onto the rocks beside the sea, stands the small white chapel that gives the beach its name. It looks straight out across the water to the islet, and the short walk up to it rewards you with one of the best views of the whole bay. The chapel celebrates its feast day on 26 July, but it draws people all summer for another reason: it's a hugely popular spot for weddings and christenings, with couples travelling from all over to be married in such a postcard setting. If you're after the photo, late afternoon light here is gorgeous — and the nearby viewpoint (locally called Paratiritirio) is a classic place to watch the sun drop behind Corfu. 

Agia Paraskevi is a fully organized beach, but it never feels overrun. You'll find sunbeds and parasols for hire — some belong to the beach hotels and are rented to non-guests, with prices varying from bar to bar (roughly €5–15 a set, with a few premium cabins costing more) — plus plenty of free space to lay your own towel if you'd rather. A beach kiosk sells drinks, snacks and ice cream, there are tavernas on the sand and several more along the main road just behind, and a water-sports outfit operates from the far end of the bay (SUPs, pedal and hydro boats, canoes) without taking over the beach. There's parking at the entrance, a ramp for wheelchair access, and a lifeguard usually on duty in the high season. 

Agia Paraskevi sits on the coastal road between Sivota and Perdika, about 6 km (a 10-minute drive) south of Sivota and roughly 9 km from Perdika village. From Igoumenitsa, allow about 30–35 minutes by car — head south toward Sivota, then continue on the Sivota–Perdika road; the beach is signposted, with a parking area at the start of it. A car is really the only practical way to get here, as public transport on this stretch is minimal in summer (see our car rental guide or, if you'd rather not drive, taxi services).

Parking tip: The car park fills quickly on summer weekends and from mid-July to mid-August. Arrive before mid-morning to be sure of a space — and if you want the beach at its quietest, come early or late in the day, or visit in June or September.

Like the rest of the Thesprotia coast, Agia Paraskevi is at its best in late spring and early autumn — May, June and September bring warm, calm water, easy parking and far fewer people. July and August are beautiful but busy, so an early start makes all the difference. The sheltered bay stays swimmable well into October. 

Agia Paraskevi makes an easy combination with the other beaches on this stretch. Just 1 km toward Sivota is the triple cove of Mega Drafi, great for snorkelling; further along lie the long sands of Karavostasi and the shallow, family-friendly Arillas near Perdika. Inland, the village of Perdika is worth a wander for its tavernas and its 1811 stone chapel of Saint Athanasius, while the ancient fortified site of Dimokastro and the wooded National Park along the Paramythia river are both close by for a change from the beach.