Parga, Greece - any advice

[rupert the dog]

We're thinking of doing a cheap self-catering holiday July (before the school hols)for some sun and generally beach-lounging, eating, drinking, and not much else. Seen some decent offers to Parga but we've never been before. Anyone else been? What's it like, and would you recommend it for a, er, mature couple? Thanks in advance

[prand]

I'd recommend it. I had one of my most favourite ever holidays in Parga about 4 years ago. The place is really beautiful. It's on the mainland set in a a double bay, there's a small island in the bay with a church on, rocky outcrop with a Venetian castle all lit up at night. All very romantic and lots of beach stuff if you have kids. Over the hill is a very long, safe beach, crystal clear water made of tiny pebbles. You can also get a water taxi that services all the local beaches round to another quieter beach slightly further down the coast. There are plenty of tavernas and bars, our favourites were the tavernas up on the hillside overlooking the bay, where you can watch the sun go down.

You will be able to get boat trips to Antipaxos where the beaches are stunning.

If you fly to Preveza it's only an hour or so from the airport. July will be a lot busier than when we went in May so you might find yourself jostling for space (but the beaches are very big so you should be fine to find somewhere, and everywhere in Greece will be busy this time of year anyway), but not as bad as August when the whole of Greece and Italy go on holiday.

AS its on the mainland I'd imagine you will get more local greek tourists than on the island.

However, having been to many other places in Greece, Parga has probably got the best beaches/tavernas/scenery combination I've been to.