P is for Parga -

Need a Hideaway?

If you’re looking for a relaxing Greek destination away from the big resorts and heaving crowds, you might be pleasantly surprised with Parga. Before I went, not one person I spoke to had heard of Parga …which made me think I might have discovered a perfect retreat, and I wasn’t wrong.

Parga woos with it’s winding cobbled hills and lanes, dotted with the odd cat and kitten laying idly in the sun against a back drop of mosaic tiled walls and paving slabs.

On every turn the eye feasts on vibrant flowers that hang vine-like here and there, along with wooden shutters in every colour you can imagine. As you walk around, the locals peer over their washing to see who’s passing by, and mopeds whizz by, mounted with the young and old alike.

Parga sits within the North Western region of Preveza in Epirus.

Charm and character at every turn

Valtos Beach

Beach coves framed by lush green mountainous hills, threaded with olive and lemon trees.

Pebbles

Seriously, if you need to tone your legs and bum, go to Parga. The pebbles on Valtos beach will give you an intense work out along with the walk to and from Parga town. By the time you get home everything will be super tight!

I bought a few pebbles home for ‘decorative’ purposes – bottom of a vase type thing maybe.

Candy coloured houses

Fresh grape vine under the window

Vibrant and colourful is the way…

Go Walk About

Cobbled alleys and winding lanes lead you upwards from Valtos beach and down into the main town so give the stiletto heels a miss!

This drink had lots of big pieces of aloe vera in it.

So many pretty places to eat

The Castle of Parga

Cats

It’s definitely a cat haven in Parga, cats rule here and you will likely come across many with their litter of kittens when you’re out and about the main streets and quieter lanes.

Warning: Mopeds

Mopeds and motorcycles seemed to be the main mode of transpor, especially around the quieter streets. The elderly and young will zoom past you as you venture out and about.

Parga Town

: Tea is usually served with fresh honey rather than sugar

Good idea!

Pretty slippers

T shirts!!!

You won’t be short of shops, the town has plenty and the hill leading down to the town is speckled with shops so the walk into town will probably be long and souvenir filled!

A nice Greek hand painted Canvas, my favourite type of souvenir!

More art work, such lovely colours – shoppers will not be disappointed in Parga.

There are so many beautiful dishes, plates and pottery in Parga – I settled for these little hand made dishes.

: I managed to come home with three more fridge magnets lol! It’s a must.

Jigsaw fridge magnet

I also picked up these pretty coasters for a bargain price – very Mediterranean!!

A much needed lunch after all that shopping…

I went for the green one!

Plant pots, cooking pot, whatever as long as it’s a pot!

The walk back up the hill will help you burn off that big greek lunch you just had!

Freshly squeezed orange, no doubt with oranges straight from the local trees.

Lamb with spaghetti in oven. Honestly, the picture doesn’t even convey just how much food was on my plate – easily enough for two people!

Parga town beach

Plenty of places to stop, grab a bite and a drink, people watch etc

Parga town

Plenty of Rustic Charm

Grape vines, lemon and olive trees all around

Cheaper than ASDA!!

Big Fat Greek Wedding

Sadly I didn’t get to witness one, a local guide explained that small civil ceremonies are becoming a more popular choice to keep costs down. Nevertheless, the Greeks don’t really accept these a ‘proper’ weddings, so many make up for it by having a big celebration when they have their first child.

The smashing of plates is also proving a little costly these days so good old flower petals often suffice – just like confetti.

Apparently is customary for locals to hang lots of flowers on the outside of their homes when a wedding is taking place, and a traditional Greek wedding can easily see 400 or more guests, including the whole village.

Natural Beauty

Untouched by mass tourism, Parga is still a very traditional looking town for locals and tourists alike.

If you choose to get out and about on trips or drives you will really get to see the fabulous picturesque coastlines and mountainous backdrops of Parga.

The Walk to town from Valtos Beach

It’s not as bad as some people make out. Just pace yourself and take time to enjoy the views and characterful surroundings along the way.

That said, the hills up and down to Parga town are definitely quite something – you will literally feel your bum disappearing as you make the climb, which is absolutely what’s needed after all the huge servings of Greek food you get, anywhere you happen to order.

The views are picture perfect, so the walk is best done in a leisurely way. Enjoy the views, stop to admire the homes, flowers, beautiful tiles and paving, colourful doors and window shutters.

Take a drink and don’t forget your camera.

This walk is the best lower body work out in the area (there’s no gym at the Valtos Beach Hotel – there’s no need for one), along with the walk along Valtos beach shore, those pebbles and deep sand really make your legs work.

Walk up the hill in the direction of the castle ruins – past the Valtos Beach Hotel

It does get very steep, and it isn’t very smooth, the pathway is winding so keep following it round.

The downward part of the walk into town.

Who remembers ghetto blasters…

Stunning paving

View of Parga town from outside the castle

The late October heat was a real treat for this trip as it is normally much wetter and cooler for the time of year – it didn’t rain once the entire week. Lucky gamble payed off this time!

Unsolved Mystery

To this day, I still haven’t figured out exactly what this sign is getting at – does it mean general rubbish that should go in the bin anyway? That looks like a milk carton in the picture. Or, is it referring to loo roll, as it is a type of paper?