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Beaches in Parga: how to choose the right shore

Parga’s beaches range from central shores beside town to bays farther along the coast. Here’s how Kryoneri, Piso Kryoneri, Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko differ.

Published 3 min read

By Niels Van Roon

The beaches in Parga range from central shores beside town to larger bays and beaches farther along the coast. Kryoneri and Piso Kryoneri suit a beach stop close to the waterfront, while Valtos, Lichnos and Sarakiniko offer different settings beyond the centre. Central Hotel, a two-star hotel in Parga, is about a 2-minute walk from the city centre.

  • Beside town: Kryoneri is Parga’s central beach; quieter Piso Kryoneri is next door.
  • Across the bay: Valtos sits below Parga’s Venetian castle and has a sandy, fine-pebble shore.
  • Farther along the coast: Lichnos lies a few kilometres from Parga, while Sarakiniko is west of town.
Kryoneri and Piso Kryoneri beside town

Kryoneri and Piso Kryoneri beside town

Kryoneri and Piso Kryoneri are the two beaches to consider for a swim close to Parga’s town centre and seafront. Kryoneri is the central beach, and Piso Kryoneri sits beside it.

Visit Greece describes Piso Kryoneri as more sheltered and quieter than its neighbour. That makes the pair a useful comparison if you want to stay close to town but prefer a less exposed setting. You can also fit time on this stretch of shore around a walk through Parga’s waterfront and old town.

Valtos across the bay

Valtos across the bay

Valtos is a large beach below Parga’s Venetian castle, with a shore of sand and fine pebbles. Its position and scale give it a different feel from the central beaches.

Visit Greece describes Valtos as one of Parga’s largest beaches, with water sports and access to tavernas and shops. Those facilities can make it a good option if you want more than a swim in one spot; availability can vary, so check before making plans around a particular service.

Lichnos for a separate beach day

Lichnos for a separate beach day

Lichnos is a bay a few kilometres from Parga, with turquoise water, Mediterranean vegetation and modern amenities.

Choose Lichnos when you want a beach outing beyond the central shore. Parga Municipality includes it among the local beaches suitable for swimming and sea activities.

Sarakiniko and the farther coast

Sarakiniko and the farther coast

Sarakiniko is one of the beaches west of Parga, making it another choice beyond the beaches beside the centre. Parga Municipality identifies it, along with Kryoneri, Piso Kryoneri and Valtos, among the beaches west of town; Lichnos and Ai Giannakis lie to the east.

The municipality identifies these shores as suitable for swimming and sea activities. For Sarakiniko, the useful distinction in this comparison is its location on the western side of Parga rather than a specific facility or shoreline feature.

How to choose a beach in Parga

Choose by how close you want to stay to town and what kind of setting you want. Kryoneri is the central option, while adjoining Piso Kryoneri is described as quieter and more sheltered.

  • For a beach beside town: Start with Kryoneri or Piso Kryoneri.
  • For a larger shore with activities and nearby services: Consider Valtos.
  • For a bay beyond the centre: Lichnos has Mediterranean vegetation and modern amenities.
  • For a western-coast option: Add Sarakiniko to your shortlist.

Parga Municipality also identifies the Venetian castle, the town’s ecclesiastical museum and the church of Agios Nikolaos among the area’s attractions. These give you options to combine with a central beach stop or time in town.

What to check before you go

Check current access and facility details before setting out for a beach beyond the centre. Although Valtos is described as having water sports and access to tavernas and shops, that does not mean every service is open on a particular date.

Parga Municipality’s tourism page identifies local beaches but does not provide current boat or bus timetables. Check the official site before you go.

FAQs

Which beach is in central Parga?

Kryoneri is Parga’s central beach, close to the town centre and seafront. Piso Kryoneri is next to it.

Which Parga beach is described as quieter?

Piso Kryoneri is described by Visit Greece as a more sheltered, quieter option beside Kryoneri.

Which beaches are west of Parga?

Kryoneri, Piso Kryoneri, Valtos and Sarakiniko are west of town. Lichnos and Ai Giannakis are to the east, according to Parga Municipality.

Is Lichnos close to Parga?

Lichnos is a few kilometres from Parga. It is a bay with Mediterranean vegetation and modern amenities.

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