We left Sivota and drove by the coast towards Parga city enjoying the views of the sea and beautiful sceneries and making a few stops before our appartment: Ancient Well near Parga, Ali Pasha Castle, Parga town itself.
Our apartment
We’ve stayed in an amazing apartment called Mare Blue, which was very close to Parga. It has plenty of parkin space as well, which was very helpful as parking in Greece sometimes can be challenging (e.g. in Monemvasia).

Ancient Well near Parga
Ancient well near Parga, also known as the Antas Well, is believed to date back to the Hellenistic period, around the 4th century BC.
Parga, a picturesque town located on the Ionian coast, has a long history of human settlement dating back to ancient times. The Ancient Well is one of the many archaeological sites in the area that attest to this rich history.
The well is carved into a natural rock formation and is connected to an underground water source. In ancient times, it would have provided a crucial source of water for the inhabitants of Parga. The well is also thought to have had a ceremonial purpose and may have been used for religious rituals.
Over the centuries, the well fell into disuse and was eventually forgotten. It was rediscovered in the 20th century during excavations in the area. Currently it is used to place flower pots on top of it.

Ali Pasha Castle or Venetian Castle of Parga (Ενετικό Κάστρο Πάργας)
The Venetian Castle of Parga, also known as the Castle of Ali Pasha, is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Parga in western Greece.
The castle was originally built by the Venetians in the 11th century to protect the town from pirates and other invaders. It was built in a strategic location, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and serving as a lookout point for any potential threats.
Over the centuries, the castle went through several changes of ownership. In the 15th century, it came under Ottoman rule, but the Venetians regained control in the late 17th century. The Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha took control of the castle in the early 19th century and made several additions to it, including a mosque.
During his reign, Ali Pasha used the castle as a stronghold against his enemies and to impose his rule on the region. However, his time in power came to an end when he was betrayed and killed by Ottoman forces in 1822.
In the following years, the castle fell into disrepair and was abandoned. It was later restored in the 1960s and has since become a popular tourist attraction in Parga. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s ruins, which include sections of walls, towers, and a small chapel.
The entnace to the castle is free at your own risk as some stones don’t seem very stable and can fall on you. However, we were the only visitors there at the time, which was quite cool as no one was standing in our pictures and we were able to explore all the dark corridors and different floors of the castle.










Watermill Fam. Zotou
Watermill Fam. Zotou is a historic watermill located near Parga. The watermill has been in operation for over two centuries and has played an important role in the local community.
The exact date of the mill’s construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The mill was originally used for grinding grain, which was an essential task for the local farmers in the region.
The mill is powered by water from the nearby river, which flows down a channel and into a large waterwheel. The waterwheel then turns a series of gears and shafts that transfer the power to the millstones, grinding the grain into flour.
For many years, the Watermill Fam. Zotou was one of the few mills in the area, and farmers from all around would bring their grain to be processed here. The mill became a hub of activity during harvest time, with farmers waiting in line to have their crops milled.
Over time, as technology advanced and more modern milling methods became available, traditional watermills like the Watermill Fam. Zotou began to decline. Many mills were abandoned or converted into other uses.
However, the Watermill Fam. Zotou has been preserved and restored in recent years, thanks to the efforts of the local community. It now serves as a museum, showcasing the traditional milling process and providing visitors with a glimpse into the area’s agricultural history.
Sarakiniko Beach (Παραλία Σαρακήνικο)
Sarakiniko Beach is a stunning and unique beach near Parga in Greece. The beach is known for its white rocky cliffs and crystal clear turquoise waters, giving it a paradise-like appearance. The cliffs offer protection from strong winds and create a natural, secluded bay that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by lush green vegetation, adding to its natural beauty.
Ruins of Parga
Ruins of Parga are on the island near Parga port, located on the northwest coast of Greece, has a long history dating back to ancient times.


Ruins of Parga with people enjoying views
The island, known as Panagia Island or Virgin Mary Island, has several ruins that reflect the different civilizations that have occupied the area.
One of the most prominent ruins on the island is the Venetian Castle. Built in the 14th century by the Venetians, the castle served as a defensive structure to protect the town of Parga from Ottoman invasions. The castle was later expanded and fortified by the Ottoman Empire, who held control over the region for several centuries. Today, the castle’s ruins provide visitors with a glimpse into the island’s medieval past, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Panagia Chapel of Parga
Panagia Chapel, also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Ιερό Παρεκκλήσιο Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου), is a small chapel located near Parga. The chapel is perched on a rocky shore overlooking the Ionian Sea, surrounded by lush greenery and olive groves. You can climb from the chapel to the nearby ruins and enjoy the panoramic views from there.




Places to visit near Parga
Unfortunately we planned too litle time for parga, so we didn’t make to some of the amazing places nearby, such as: Aphrodite’s Cave (need to plan!), Acheron Springs, Souli Watermills, Roman Aqueduct of Ancient Nikopolis and Kokkinopilos Preveza (Red Soil Hills). The latter 5 are quite far from Parga, so you probably need to stay overnight somewhere near by if you plan to see it all.
Aphrodite’s Cave (Σπήλαιο Αφροδίτης)
Unfortunately we didn’t visit Aphrodite’s Cave, but you should plan in advance. I saw some boats that can take you there from Parga.
Αcheron Springs (Πηγές Αχέροντα – Στενά Αχέροντα – Σκάλα Τζαβέλαινας)
Acheron Springs is a natural wonder located near Parga. It is a stunning river system that flows through a deep gorge surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. The springs are known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, which are believed to have healing properties. Visitors can take part in activities such as hiking, kayaking, and swimming in these rejuvenating waters. The area is also rich in mythology, with Acheron Springs being considered one of the Gateways to the Underworld in ancient Greek mythology. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Acheron Springs a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
You can organise a trip from Parga, but we didn’t make it there as we ran out of time in Parga.
Giannakis Beach near Parga
Giannakis Beach is ranked 65th out of 90 beaches in the Epirus region and is located 57.2 km away from Ioannina. It is a short coastline with clear turquoise water and golden sand. The beach is suitable for various types of visitors and is partially crowded during the high season. It is easily accessible and parking is available directly on the beach. There are 10 other beaches within a 5 km radius, with Agios Sostis beach being rated the best at 9.7.
Piso Krioneri Beach near Parga
Paralia Piso Kryoneri, also known as “Back Kryoneri Beach,” is a stunning sandy beach located near Parga. Situated on the Ionian Sea, this beach offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and a pristine shoreline.
The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is a perfect spot for relaxation and soaking up the sun. Visitors can take a leisurely swim in the calm waters or simply relax on the soft sands.
There are various facilities available at Paralia Piso Kryoneri, including sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. The beach also has a few tavernas and beach bars where you can grab a refreshing drink or enjoy a delicious meal with a view.
If you’re seeking some adventure, you can rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the azure waters or even try your hand at snorkeling to discover the underwater world.
Paralia Piso Kryoneri is easily accessible from Parga, which is only a short distance away. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day by the sea or seeking some water sports activities, this beach offers something for everyone.
Necromanteion of Acheron (Νεκρομαντείο Αχέροντα)
The Necromanteion of Acheron was an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Hades and Persephone, believed to be the entrance to the underworld. It was located on the banks of the Acheron river in Epirus. The site is the meeting point of three rivers associated with the underworld. The meaning of the rivers’ names is interpreted as “joyless,” “burning coals,” and “lament.” The exact location of the Nekromanteion is still debated today.
If you have time to visit, you should. However, we skipped it due to time limitation.
Kokkinopilos of Preveza – red soil hill
The red soil hills of Kokkinopilos Preveza are an area of geological and archaeological interest, located near Filippiada in the county of Preveza. Access to the hills is challenging, with two possible routes by car. The first route is accessed from Agios Georgios village, about 2km south of the National Road Ioannina Preveza. The second route is accessed from the southwest via the road to Ziros lake and Rizovouni. The hills are made up of a low plateau of red soil, which is constantly changing due to rain erosion. The rainy water carries away the red soil, creating small hills and canyons in the landscape.