This guided all-day tour from Ioannina takes visitors on an 8-hour journey to the picturesque Parga coastline. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour departs from Mavili Square and includes a 75-minute van transfer to Parga. Visitors will explore the charming town, browse the local arts and crafts market, and visit the 16th-century Venetian Castle with stunning views. The tour also includes a stop at the tranquil Lichnos Beach, where travelers can swim, snorkel, and discover the mythical Aphrodite’s Cave. For those seeking a comprehensive experience of Parga’s history, culture, and natural beauty, this tour has it all.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Parga.
Key Points
- A full-day guided tour from Ioannina to the picturesque town of Parga, located along the coastline, with a duration of 8 hours.
- The tour includes a 75-minute van transfer from Mavili Square in Ioannina to Parga, a guided tour of the town, and free time for shopping and sightseeing.
- Visitors can explore Parga’s charming alleys, waterfront promenade, arts and crafts market, and savor fresh seafood at seaside tavernas.
- The tour also involves a visit to the 16th-century Venetian Castle of Parga, which offers stunning views of the town and the Ionian Sea.
- The tour provides an opportunity to experience the tranquil Lichnos Beach, including swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the mythological Aphrodite’s Cave.
Tour Overview
This full-day guided tour from Ioannina to the Parga coastline takes visitors on an 8-hour adventure, led by an English-speaking guide.
The tour departs from Mavili Square and includes a 75-minute van transfer to the picturesque town of Parga.
Here, travelers will enjoy a guided tour, free time for shopping and sightseeing, and a visit to the local arts and crafts market.
Next, the group will explore the 16th-century Venetian Castle of Parga, with a photo stop and guided tour.
The final destination is the stunning Lichnos beach, where visitors can spend two hours swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the breathtaking scenery of olive groves, golden sand, and Aphrodite’s Cave.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Parga.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at Mavili Square, the starting location, where you will board a van for the 75-minute transfer to the charming town of Parga.
Once there, the group will stop for a photo opportunity and a guided tour of the picturesque town, with its amphitheatrically built houses, scenic views, and lively promenade. Visitors will have free time to explore the winding alleys, visit the arts and crafts market, and indulge in some shopping.
Next, the group will head to the Venetian Castle of Parga, a 16th-century fortification that offers stunning views and a chance to learn about the town’s history.
The tour concludes with a 2-hour stop at the beautiful Lichnos beach, where guests can swim, snorkel, and admire the nearby olive groves and Aphrodite’s Cave.
Parga Town Highlights
Parga’s amphitheatrically built houses and scenic coastal views create a picturesque setting for visitors to explore the town’s winding alleys and lively promenade.
The highlights of Parga Town include:
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Meandering through the town’s charming alleys, which are lined with traditional Greek architecture, boutiques, and cafes offering sweeping views of the surrounding olive groves and Ionian Sea.
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Strolling along the lively waterfront promenade, where visitors can admire the colorful fishing boats, browse local artisanal shops, and savor fresh seafood at the seaside tavernas.
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Discovering the unique art and craft stores showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, from handmade pottery and textiles to intricate woodcarvings and jewelry.
Venetian Castle Tour
Perched atop a rocky promontory, the 16th-century Venetian Castle of Parga commands sweeping vistas of the town and the Ionian Sea, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past.
During the guided tour, guests will explore the fortification’s imposing walls, ornate houses, and sturdy watchtowers, learning about the castle’s strategic role in defending the area from invaders.
The tour also provides an opportunity to see the castle’s impressive cannon batteries, a testament to the military might of the Venetian Republic that once controlled this coastal stronghold.
With its well-preserved architecture and stunning natural setting, the Venetian Castle of Parga promises to be a highlight of the day’s excursion.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLichnos Beach Experience
Leaving the historic Venetian Castle behind, the tour proceeds to the picturesque Lichnos beach, where olive groves line the golden sands and crystal-clear waters beckon visitors to dive in and explore the nearby Aphrodite’s Cave.
The tranquil setting offers ample opportunities for relaxation, with:
- Swimming in the refreshing waters and snorkeling to observe the vibrant marine life.
- Unwinding on the beach, soaking in the sun, and taking in the serene atmosphere.
- Venturing into the hidden Aphrodite’s Cave, a natural wonder with its own unique history and mythological significance.
After spending two hours immersed in the beauty of Lichnos, the tour group returns to the starting point in Ioannina, having experienced the highlights of the Parga coastline.
Inclusions and Exclusions
With the captivating sights of Lichnos beach and the Venetian Castle now explored, the tour’s inclusions and exclusions come into focus. The tour package covers the transfer to and from Ioannina, the services of an English-speaking guide, and admission to the Venetian Castle. However, meals, drinks, and water sports equipment like stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling, and scuba diving gear are not included in the tour price.
Here’s a breakdown of the inclusions and exclusions:
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Transfer | Meals |
| Guiding | Drinks |
| Photographic/video material | Water sports equipment |
| Bottled water | |
| Castle tickets |
Booking Information
To book the Ioannina Guided All Day Tour to the Coastline (Parga Town), travelers can contact the tour operator directly through their website or via email.
The tour price is typically €85 per person, and groups of up to 8 you can be accommodated. Customers are advised to make reservations in advance, as availability may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
The booking process typically involves:
- Providing the desired tour date, number of participants, and any special requirements.
- Completing the payment securely online or via bank transfer.
- Receiving a confirmation email with the tour details and meeting location.
Getting to Mavili Square
Travelers can make their way to Mavili Square, the starting location for the Ioannina Guided All Day Tour to the Coastline (Parga Town).
The square is situated in the heart of Ioannina, the capital city of the Epirus region in northwestern Greece.
Easily accessible by public transportation or on foot, Mavili Square is a bustling hub that features a mix of shops, cafés, and historical landmarks.
Visitors can explore the square’s picturesque surroundings, including the nearby Old Town and the iconic Ioannina Castle, before embarking on their guided tour to the Parga coastline.
With its central location and abundance of amenities, Mavili Square provides a convenient and engaging starting point for this unforgettable day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for the Private Tour?
The private group tour has an unspecified group size. According to the details provided, the tour is a "Private group" tour, indicating the group size is flexible and not restricted to a set number of participants.
Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized?
The tour itinerary can be customized to meet the group’s preferences. The private tour allows flexibility to adjust the duration, activities, and destinations based on the interests and needs of the participants.
Do We Get Free Time for Lunch?
The tour itinerary provides free time in Parga Town, which would allow participants to have lunch on their own at one of the local restaurants or cafes. The duration of this free time is approximately 1 hour.
Is the Van Transfer Air-Conditioned?
The van transfer is air-conditioned to ensure a comfortable journey for the tour participants. The air conditioning will help keep the group cool and refreshed during the 75-minute drive from Ioannina to the Parga coastline.
Can We Book Additional Activities for This Tour?
Yes, guests can book additional activities for this tour. The tour operator offers options like water sports equipment rentals, scuba diving, and other activities that can be added to the itinerary for an additional cost.
Recap
The guided tour of Parga from Ioannina provides a comprehensive exploration of the town’s captivating history, stunning coastal scenery, and cultural charms.
From wandering the charming streets of Parga Town to uncovering the secrets of the Venetian Castle and relaxing on the golden sands of Lichnos Beach, this excursion offers an immersive experience that leaves visitors with unforgettable memories of Greece’s enchanting coastal region.
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