Valtos Beach

Valtos Beach is the main beach of Parga, a long curve of sand and fine pebbles on the western side of the town, tucked behind the hill that carries the Venetian Castle. The beach is about a kilometre long, and it is reached from the town centre by a short path over the headland, a walk of ten to fifteen minutes with fine views, or by the road, which has parking at the far end. The sea is the Ionian Sea, and the water here is clear and a pale green-blue, with a gently sloping bottom that makes swimming easy, especially for families.

The beach is the most developed in the Parga area. Sunbeds and umbrellas line much of the sand, and a row of beach bars and tavernas stands behind, serving lunch, coffee and cocktails, with some tables just a few steps from the water. Water sports are offered along the beach, including pedalos, canoes and jet-skis, and boats leave in season for trips to nearby islands and sea caves. Because it faces west, the beach is a good place to see the sunset, and the light across the water in the evening is attractive.

The setting is part of the appeal. At the north end, the headland carries the Venetian Castle, which rises above the town and the sea, and the colourful houses of Parga climb the slopes above the harbour. Behind the beach, the land rises in green hills of olive and cypress, and the pine-covered slopes give some shade on the edges. At the far end of the beach, there are quieter stretches where the sunbeds thin out.

Parga has an unusual history, which gives a visit more depth. The castle is of Venetian origin, and the town was a Venetian possession until the end of the Republic, after which it passed to the British and then, in 1819, to Ali Pasha of Ioannina, an event that led many of its residents to leave. It became part of Greece in 1913. You can climb to the castle from the town in about twenty minutes and see the town and the bay from above.

The beach is free to enter, and only the sunbeds are charged. It is busiest in July and August, with spring and September much calmer and the water warm well into the autumn. Mornings are quieter, and afternoon brings the wind. Bring sun protection, and consider a walk to the castle and a meal in the old harbour.