DAY TRIP IN BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS
THE MAGIC OF THE IONIAN, THE BEAUTY OF HISTORY
PREVEZA
Preveza is a beautiful coastal town in Epirus, which borders the Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf. Its name means “passage”. Being intertwined with the sea and port, it is a popular destination among those who love seafood and water sports, and are looking for a place where they can find rest and relaxation. A stroll through the old town will reveal its many faces, its bustling stone-paved alleys with their many fish tavernas which give the area the air of an island, and the popular Şeytan Pazar, for an authentic traditional experience of Preveza’s entertainment scene. It’s waterfront is lined with cafeterias, where you can enjoy your coffee and the view of the fishing boats and marina, which has turned the town into a pole of attraction for boat lovers. Also, Aktion Airport is just 3km from the town of Preveza and can be accessed via the undersea tunnel connecting the two areas.
FLAVOURS
Fresh seafood is Preveza’s trademark. Tavernas and restaurants serve local fish dishes freshly-fished by the local fishermen. Preveza sardines, striped prawns and grey mullet (petali) are just some of the 33 fish species that reproduce in the Ambracian Gulf. Don’t forget to try local botargo with a glass of local tsipouro (pomace brandy).
A STROLL THROUGH THE COBBLED STREETS
Preveza’s cobbled streets will lead you on an enjoyable shopping trip in the central commercial district, where you will also find the Venetian Clock Tower, a popular meeting spot and place where you can relax and enjoy a coffee. Right next to it lies the Metropolitan Church of Agios Charalampos, which was built in the 18th century and features a gilded iconostasis. Bougainvilleas and other flowers will accompany you every step of the way.
MYTIKAS
Iraklis Hotel is situated in the idyllic seaside village of Mytikas, just 7km from the town of Preveza. With a population of only 1,142 permanent residents, the village of Mytikas has a pharmacy, bakery, two mini markets and many fish tavernas, cafeterias and restaurants serving quality food at good prices and offering a view of the Ionian Sea. It is just a few metres from Monolithi beach, the approximately 18-metre-long beach that made it to the very top of the Forbes list, having been voted as the safest European beach for 2020. At Minolithi you will also find organized spots with free access to beach bars from where you can buy coffee, drinks and snacks.
Let us talk about Preveza’s unique tourist attractions. The name Preveza brings to mind Nicopolis, the jewel of Roman Emperor Octavian, whose walls leave visitors in awe. At a short distance from the walls you will find the Odeon of Nicopolis, which hosts a number of cultural events every year.
The new Museum of Nicopolis was created with great dedication and a lot of hard work. It houses a host of exhibits that cover the historical period from ancient, classical Greece and the Roman era to Byzantium.
The Necromanteion, situated at the site of ancient Ephyra, near the modern-day village of Mesopotamos, approximately 48km from the town of Preveza, was the place of worship of Persephone and Hades, and was a pole of attraction for people from across Greece who wished to talk to the dead. Πρέβεζας, ήταν τόπος λατρείας της Περσεφόνης και του Άδη, αποτελούσε πόλο έλξης ανθρώπων από όλη την Ελλάδα που επιθυμούσαν να συνομιλήσουν με τους νεκρούς.
Cassope is sometimes referred to as the Greek Machu Picchu. Built on a plateau high on Mount Zalongo, it serves as a balcony offering a magnificent view of the Ionian Sea, Ambracian Gulf and the entire plain. It was once the capital of Cassopaea, which occupied a space approximately as large as today’s Preveza Prefecture. It was built around the 4th century BC and thrived both economically and socially. The Theatre of Cassope can be found in the same spot. It lies 25km from the town of Preveza, between the village of Kamarina and the Monastery of Agios Dimitrios on Zalongo. There you will also find the Monument of Zalongo, which is known for the sacrifice of the women of Souli.ο π.χ. αιώνα και γώρισε μεγάλη οικονομική και κοινωνική άνθιση. Στο ίδιο σημείο θα βρείτε και το θέατρο της Αρχαίας Κασσώπης. Βρίσκεται 25χλμ. από την πολή της Πρέβεζας, ανάμεσα από το χωρίο Καμαρίνα και το μοναστήρι του Ζαλογγου Άγιος Δημήτριος. Στην ίδια περιοχή υπάρχει το μνημείο του Ζαλόγγου γνωστό από την θυσία των Σουλιωτισσων.
It is the ancient Orraon, a town of the Molossians of Molosson της EpirusIt is the ancient Orraon, a town of the Molossians of Epirus - there are still 4 buildings of the late classical period, three private houses and (probably) a public building. The mere existence of these buildings, with their walls standing upright to the height of the roof of their second floor, transforms the insignificant hill of 345 meters high, into an impressive archeological landmark. 345 meters high, into an impressive archeological landmark.
The area of Kokkinopilos of Preveza is a group of hills about 150 meters high, of particular geological and archaeological interest. Their nature has created about 6 km north of Filippiada in Preveza. If you are in the area and see a sign with the village of Agios Georgios you will know that you are only 2 km away. The wonderful and impressive Kokkinopilos administratively belongs to the Municipality of Ziros.
A small and idyllic lake of Preveza that is crowned by a dense lake forest and is suitable for an easy exploration and environmental education with children. Lake Ziros, or which is also referred to as Lake Ziros, is located east of the prefecture of Preveza. The name comes from the Slavic word "ozero" which simply means lake. To the west rise the Thesprotian mountains and very close to the east flows the river Louros with which it communicates underground. A little further north is the famous Kokkinopilos, a group of red clay hills of great geological and archaeological interest.
Σύμφωνα με την ελληνική μυθολογία, ο Αχέρων αποτελούσε τον ποταμό όπου ο «ψυχοπομπός» Ερμής παρέδιδε τις ψυχές των νεκρών στο Χάροντα, προκειμένου να καταλήξουν στον Άδη.
Η κάθε ψυχή, περνώντας από το πορθμείο του Χάροντα, έπρεπε να δώσει από έναν οβολό για τη μεταφορά, ενώ αξιοσημείωτη είναι η περίπτωση του Μένιππου, τον οποίο αναφέρει ο Λουκιανός, ως τον μοναδικό που διέσχισε τον Αχέροντα χωρίς να πληρώσει.
Αυτό το μαγευτικό ποτάμι διασχίζει τρεις νομούς. Ιωαννίνων, Πρεβέζης και Θεσπρωτίας. Η ονομασία του, πιθανότατα, προέρχεται από τη λέξη «άχος» δηλαδή «θλίψη» και σημαίνει>«ο ποταμός της θλίψης».
Από πολύ παλιά, το φυσικό κάλλος στις πηγές του Αχέροντα προσέλκυε πλήθος τουριστών. Τα δέντρα γύρω από τις πηγές και τα κρυστάλλινα (και εντελώς παγωμένα) νερά του ποταμού τραβούν σαν μαγνήτης τόσο λάτρεις της φύσης όσο και εραστές των extreme σπορ.
Για να φτάσει κάποιος στις πηγές θα πρέπει αν πάει οδικώς στους πρόποδες των βουνών του Σουλίου. Εκεί η φύση θα τον ανταμείψει με ένα τοπίο, απέραντης γαλήνης και μοναδικού φυσικού κάλλους.
At the northern end of the Louros valley, near the village of Ag. George, north of Philippi, dominates the Roman aqueduct of ancient Nikopolis. The Roman aqueduct covers a distance of more than 50 km with visible remains in the areas of Rizovouni, Thesprotiko, Stefanis, Skala Louros, Sfinotou, Oropos, Archangelos - Nea Sinopi and Nikopolis. The Roman aqueduct was built by -August (1st century BC - 1st century AD) according to the prevailing view, while newer studies suggest its construction during the reign of Hadrian (2nd century AD). The emperor Julian took care of its maintenance, while after the middle of the 5th c. A.D. does not appear to have continued to operate.
DESTINATIONS
LEFKADA
Αν σας αρέσουν οι εξορμήσεις τότε βρήκατε το κατάλληλο μέρος. Από το Iraklis hotel μπορείτε να κάνετε day trip σε ακτίνα 30 χλμ ανακαλύπτοντας παραλίες όπως το Αλωνάκι Φαναρίου, ο όρμος του Οδυσσέα, η Λυγιά, η Καστροσυκιά, ο Βράχος, η Λούτσα και άλλες.
If you are one for excursions, then you are in the right place. From Iraklis Hotel you can go on a day trip within a radius of 30km and discover beaches like Alonaki (Fanari), Odysseus Bay, Lygia, Kastrosykia, Vrachos, Loutsa and others.
Discover the island of Lefkada, approximately 18km from Preveza, with its beautiful beaches like Nikiana, Egremni, Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and many others. It offers countless options for food and entertainment, with its refined gastronomy having made it a popular destination. Don’t forget to visit the Nydri waterfalls. Other choices include the Phonograph Museum, the Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Lefkada.
PARGA
The well-known coastal town of Parga, which lies approximately 60km from Preveza, is an amphitheatrically-built resort known for its lacy beaches and small bays. It is the ideal place for many different activities like scuba diving and water sports, and is also famous for its many gastronomic establishments and “in” spots for you to enjoy your drink. A visit to the imposing castle of Parga with its archways, bastions and shooting rooms is a must. You can also take the ferry from the port of Parga and go on a day trip to the beautiful islands of Paxos and Antipaxos.
SIVOTA
Syvota is yet another magnificent destination, forming part of the Kingdom of Epirus during the Byzantine era, and is known for its sparkling beaches of unparalleled beauty, such as Bella Vraka, Mega Ammos, Drafi and many, many others. You must also make sure to visit the Acheron River, which during antiquity was home to the Gates of Hades. The natural landscape is absolutely spectacular and has been designated as a Natura 2000 protected area. Cross the Acheron river canyon by walking in its frozen waters, accompanied by the age-old plane trees along the way. There you will have the opportunity to take part in various activities like horse riding, canoeing, kayaking, river trekking and enjoying your meal by the river.
