If you are looking for a place to swim, eat, and watch the sun go down over the Ionian Sea without moving from your sunbed, Barbaroses Seaside Bar & Restaurant at Drepano Beach is one of the most complete options near Igoumenitsa. Built right on the sand, it has become one of the most recognised spots on this stretch of coastline for both locals and visitors passing through the port.
Barbaroses is located at Drepano Beach, approximately 7 kilometres from the centre of Igoumenitsa and just a few minutes from the port. The access is straightforward by car, and there is ample free parking on site. Drepano is one of the longest sandy beaches in Thesprotia, known for its shallow, calm waters — which makes it particularly popular with families and children.
The beach at Barbaroses is well organised. You will find sunbeds and umbrellas available in two options: standard sunbeds at a flat rate of €10, or free sunbeds with a minimum spend of €4 on any item from the menu — coffee, drinks or snacks. A small number of sunbeds on the grass area are priced at €20. Showers are available for swimmers, and service comes directly to you on the beach.
The shallow and relatively calm waters of Drepano make the swimming relaxed and easy. It is not a dramatic landscape like Sivota or Bella Vraka, but it is wide, sandy, and genuinely comfortable for a long day out.
The menu at Barbaroses covers a wide range, from morning coffee through to dinner. You will find:
Fresh salads and light starters, grilled fish and seafood, meat dishes including pork kontosouvi (which receives consistently positive mentions in reviews), sandwiches and snacks for a lighter bite, cocktails and cold drinks, coffees and breakfast options from 9am.
The kitchen runs Mediterranean lines — nothing overly experimental, but solid quality with good ingredients. The kontosouvi and fresh fish are the dishes that come up most often in guest feedback as highlights.
On the subject of pricing: Barbaroses sits slightly above the local average, which is something to keep in mind. Several reviews flag this, particularly around coffees and certain individual items. That said, the general consensus is that the combination of location, organisation and service justifies the difference for most visitors.
This is where Barbaroses genuinely stands out from the other beach bars in the area. Over recent years it has established itself as one of the main events venues on the Thesprotia coast, hosting weddings, baptisms, corporate events and private parties.
The venue can be configured differently depending on the event, with the sea as a permanent backdrop. Multiple reviews from couples who held their weddings here describe both the setting and the professionalism of the team — particularly the venue manager Anastasia — in very strong terms. One couple described how their reception was salvaged during a severe storm by the staff working through the conditions to ensure the evening went ahead as planned.
If you are planning a wedding or baptism in the Igoumenitsa area and want a seafront setting, this is the most established option in the region.
Barbaroses works well as an all-day destination. You can arrive in the morning for coffee, stay for lunch, swim through the afternoon, and catch the sunset from the same spot. The music is present but generally described as measured — loud enough to give the day a rhythm, not so loud that it dominates conversation. On busier days, particularly weekends in peak summer, it does get lively.
For those looking for absolute quiet, weekday mornings are the right time. For couples wanting the sunset experience, the westward orientation of Drepano beach makes evenings here genuinely photogenic.
As an independent local guide, we share both the positives and the things worth knowing before you arrive:
The sunbed pricing policy can vary between different areas of the beach — it is worth confirming the options when you arrive. In peak season (August in particular) the venue gets busy, and service can slow during rush periods. A small number of reviews mention inconsistency in certain food items, and one or two flag billing issues that were resolved but caused frustration. The overall Google rating stands at 4.3 out of 5 from over 560 reviews, which reflects a consistently positive experience for the majority of visitors.
For a full day at the beach near Igoumenitsa, Barbaroses is one of the most practical and enjoyable choices available. It is particularly well suited for families with children (thanks to the shallow water), couples looking for a sunset dinner, travellers staying near the port who want a beach experience without a long drive, and anyone planning a private event or wedding by the sea.
Location: Drepano Beach, Igoumenitsa, Thesprotia
Open: Daily from 9am
Phone: 2665 022317 / 6944 977422
Instagram: @barbaroses_seasidebar_
Parking: Free, ample on site
Distance from Igoumenitsa port: approximately 10 minutes by car
Also in Igoumenitsa and Thesprotia:
Drepano Beach Guide
Where to Stay in Igoumenitsa
Best Beaches in Sivota and Perdika
Things to Do in Igoumenitsa
Rent a Car in Igoumenitsa
Barbaroses is located at Drepano Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the center of Igoumenitsa. Access is easy by car, and the venue offers its own large parking area for guests.
The venue offers different options for sunbeds, ranging from standard sets (with a minimum consumption) to premium seating. We recommend checking for the current options upon your arrival, depending on the day and availability.
Yes, Barbaroses is very family-friendly. Drepano Beach is known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters, making it a safe and ideal spot for children to swim.
Certainly. Barbaroses is one of the premier venues in the area for weddings, baptisms, and corporate events. It features the necessary infrastructure and an experienced team to ensure your event by the sea is a success.
Barbaroses is an all-day destination. If you are looking for morning tranquility, we suggest arriving early. If you want to enjoy the famous Drepano sunset with a cocktail, the late afternoon is the perfect time.
Yes, Barbaroses features a full restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The menu includes everything from snacks and fresh salads to fresh fish and grilled meats, covering every meal of the day.