From Preveza to Sivota, the journey is lined with lace-like shores and breathtaking scenery. A road trip along the Epirus Riviera offers scenes you won't find anywhere else.
Road trips by car in Greece offer unique moments and enchanting landscapes. In most cases, it's not only the destination that matters but the entire journey. The Epirus Riviera is one of those places that stand out because it has it all: from beaches with crystal-clear waters to picturesque villages, rivers, lakes, and hidden coves that invite exploration.
From Preveza to Parga and Sivota, Epirus's coastline reveals a different scene at every stop. Between swims, you can pause to admire archaeological sites and historic landmarks. Just let the road lead you and have a few days at your disposal.
Preveza: The gateway to the Epirus Riviera
Preveza is the ideal starting point for a road trip along the Epirus Riviera, combining a seaside atmosphere, history, and easy access to some of Epirus's most impressive beaches. It stretches across the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf and is a town with an island feel, rich history, and culinary treasures. The seafront promenade with its restaurants and cafés is perfect for strolls, as is the city's historic center.
It's worth sitting at one of the meze tavernas to try Ambracian Gulf shrimp, sardines, red mullet, and bottarga, along with local ouzo and Epirus tsipouro. From the town of Preveza, you can set off on a route towards Parga and Sivota. Along the way you'll encounter turquoise waters, small seaside settlements, archaeological sites, and lush green landscapes.
Parga: The Ionian's colorful gem
No trip along the Epirus Riviera can leave out a stop or even a stay in Parga. The rainbow-hued houses climbing the hillside, the picturesque bay where the verdant islet of Panagia nestles, and the imposing Venetian castle create one of Greece's most striking postcards. Wander the settlement's narrow lanes, take a stroll around the little harbor, sit down for food and drinks, and climb to the Venetian castle for the wonderful view of the Ionian.
Just outside Parga, Anthousa is perfect for a short stop with sea views. Its castle, known as Ali Pasha's Castle, sits above the village and offers panoramic views of the coastline. If you have an extra day, it's worth choosing a day trip by boat to Paxos and Antipaxos and swimming in their turquoise waters.
Sivota: Epirus's paradise
The road trip concludes in Sivota, one of Epirus's most popular summer destinations. The small seaside resort, surrounded by verdant islets and hidden coves, feels like an island. Take time to explore the beaches by car or by boat, and enjoy a stroll around the harbor when the sun goes down.
Just outside Sivota, Perdika is a beautiful village that combines Epirus's greenery with views of the Ionian. Built on a hill, it offers wonderful views towards the sea. Another village you can visit is Plataria. Spread around a small bay, it has a pretty little harbor full of fishing boats and yachts, while the seafront is ideal for a leisurely walk.
The beaches
Epirus's beaches impress with their crystalline waters. From end to end you'll encounter different shores to suit every taste.
Monolithi
Start with a dip at Monolithi, one of the area's largest and most popular beaches, with endless sand and clear waters. Here you'll find beach bars, as well as plenty of free spots to spread out your towel.
Lichnos
Lichnos beach sits in a lush green landscape. The beach is surrounded by the mountain's greenery and Parga's olive groves which, together with the sky-blue waters, make it one of the area's most beloved beaches.
Valtos
Valtos beach lies just below the impressive rock on which Parga's castle is built, at the back of the town. The beach is covered in fine golden sand, and the waters deepen gently.
Sarakiniko
Sarakiniko beach is 12 km from Parga, past the village of Agia, at the end of a sheltered bay with pristine waters. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, with fine sand and small pebbles across most of it.
Bella Vraka
In Sivota you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches along the route. Bella Vraka is one of the most iconic, known for its shallow, turquoise waters. A narrow strip of sand in the sea connects the shore with the islet of Mourtemeno, creating a setting that feels almost exotic. It is ideal for swimming, especially when the waters are calm, while the view of the verdant islets makes the dip even more special.
The islet of Mourtemeno, as well as Agios Nikolaos opposite Sivota, are among the area's most distinctive landscapes. The best way to explore their hidden coves is by boat. Sivota is the ideal destination to organize a day's sea exploration. You can either rent a boat or choose an organized excursion and swim at the impressive, hard-to-reach beaches.
Pisina
Pisina is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the wider area, as it stands out for its striking, crystal-clear waters. It is on the uninhabited islet of Mourtos, in a small, sheltered cove and is surrounded by dense vegetation, creating the feeling of a natural pool, just as its name suggests. Access is by boat.
Mikri and Megali Ammos
Mikri Ammos and Megali Ammos are two of Sivota's most popular beaches, with crystalline waters and wonderful natural scenery. Megali Ammos is larger and more organized, while Mikri Ammos is more picturesque. Both are ideal choices if you want to combine your swim with food and coffee.
Zeri
Close to the settlement of Sivota, Zeri beach is a quieter option, ideal for those who want easy access without going far. It is a small, sheltered cove with clear waters and a pine-covered landscape, while the shallow waters make it especially friendly for families with children.
Don't miss
Archaeological sites and natural wonders compose a unique scene that's worth discovering.
Nikopolis Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum
A few kilometers outside Preveza is Ancient Nikopolis, one of Epirus's most important ancient cities, founded by Octavian after the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Today, among other remains, there are sections of the walls, the theater, and the stadium. It's worth finishing your visit at the Nikopolis Archaeological Museum. Here you'll get to know Nikopolis's history through sculptures, mosaics, inscriptions, and objects found in the wider area.
Lake Ziros
On your route, make a stop at Lake Ziros, a lush natural destination near Filippiada. Surrounded by forest, it is ideal for endless walks. Its calm waters are enclosed by dense vegetation, creating a scene that invites relaxation, far from the bustle of coastal destinations.
Louros Aqueduct
Near the village of Agios Georgios, in a verdant area, you'll see large and impressive sections of the vast-for-its-time Louros Aqueduct, constructed in 31 BC by order of the Roman emperor Augustus Octavian.
Acheron Springs and Ammoudia
Continuing towards Ammoudia, visit the village and the beach where the Acheron flows out. The mythical Acheron River, with its striking natural landscape, is one of the stops worth making. You'll learn more about the myth of the Underworld at the Acheron Necromanteion a few kilometers away, in the village of Mesopotamos.
The region's castles
Take time to see the region's castles. Besides Ali Pasha's Castle, you can visit Pantokrator Castle (or Uch Kale) and the well-preserved Castle of Agios Andreas (or Ich Kale), which is also Preveza's oldest.
Zalongo Monument
The Zalongo Monument stands on the summit of the namesake mountain at an elevation of 765 m, 29 km from the town of Preveza. A work by the renowned sculptor Giorgos Zongolopoulos, it depicts, on a stone-built base, four monumental abstract figures of the Souliot women and refers to the sacrifice of Zalongo.
