Ammoudia Village

Ammoudia is a small seaside village on the coast of Epirus, a short drive from Parga, at the point where the Acheron River reaches the Ionian Sea. Its name means sandy place, and the long, wide beach of pale sand that stretches in front of the village explains it. The setting is a low coastal plain with reed beds and farmland behind and the hills of Thesprotia in the distance, a quieter and flatter scene than the rocky coves around Parga.

The beach is the main reason people come. It is long enough to give plenty of room, the sand is fine and the sea shelves gently, so the shallows are warm and suitable for children. Waves are usually small, though the afternoon breeze can bring a little chop, and a few water sports are offered in season. A row of tavernas and cafes runs along the front, many with tables on the sand, serving grilled fish, salads, and dishes made with local cheese and vegetables. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available at several points, and there is a stretch at either end that is quieter.

Ammoudia is also tied to one of the oldest stories in Greek myth. The Acheron was the river of the underworld in ancient belief, and the Necromanteion, the oracle of the dead, stands a few kilometres inland near the village of Mesopotamos. The river mouth by the village was often described in antiquity as a gateway to the realm of Hades. The area has a hushed atmosphere at the river's edge, where the fresh water slows and meets the sea among reeds, and the mythology adds an extra layer to a day on the beach.

The village is a practical base for exploring the area. Boats run up the river from Ammoudia in season, and the Acheron River springs at Glyki, with their cold, clear water and plane-shaded tavernas, make a refreshing outing on a hot day. The Necromanteion can be reached by a short drive or a longer walk, and the Venetian Castle of Parga and the beaches near the town are a half-hour away. Valtos Beach, longer and more developed, lies on the other side of Parga.

The village is easy to reach by road from Parga, Preveza and Igoumenitsa, and parking is free along the front. Evenings are calm, with the sun setting over the sea, and tavernas stay open late in summer. Spring and September are quieter, with warm days and fewer visitors, and the water is cooler in May than later in the season. Take sun protection, since shade is limited on the sand.