Travel: Sun, sea, sand and a splash of superb dining in Parga

You may think that Greece is about flopping on to a sunbed and just sunbathing, but if you head to the mainland you can get a good dollop of culture, great scenery and tasty Mediterranean food, all while still topping up your tan.

But I headed to the north-west coast, where the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea kiss the lush, rolling hills of Epirus – and my home for the duration was the impossibly pretty Parga Beach Resort.

Jet2 operate direct flights from Edinburgh to Preveza from May onwards while Jet2 and easyJet also fly direct from Edinburgh to Corfu, and Parga is something of a hidden gem, a little more than a two-hour drive from the airport. Popular with locals, it is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Greece. From rocky coves to long stretches of sand, you just wish you could swim forever in these turquoise waters.

The hotel

A more upmarket dinner is served at Alselea

Situated with direct access to the white sands of Valtos Beach, Parga Beach Resort enjoys an unrivalled location as the shimmering blue sea unfurls in front of your eyes as you plan your day over breakfast.

Boasting 158 rooms and 60 suites set amongst ancient olive trees, fragrant orange and lemon bushes, banana trees and laurel and rosemary hedges, the vibe is laid-back luxe, and the cottages and apartments are dotted far enough from each other to be private, but the little gardens and shared pools give them a sense of community, so families, friends and couples can all enjoy their holiday without being disturbed.

With different types of accommodation, each boasts a homely aesthetic, featuring whitewashed walls, earthy tones and splashes of vibrant blue. With the hotel working on an expansion this winter, it plans to open up even more rooms plus a large restaurant and central pool, which will enhance activities on offer

These range from morning yoga and guided power walks to night-time film screenings on the beach and regular Greek nights (complete with plate smashing).

Children can mingle in a dedicated indoor playroom, kids club and outdoor playground, and adults have plenty of space for lounging on the beachside recliners, or take the opportunity to use a stand up paddleboard, or utilise the gym and Blossom Wellness Centre.

The food

Breakfast is hearty and you can help yourself to hot and cold international options from the buffet. Start your day with a Bucks Fizz or an iced coffee.

The lunchtime menu at the beachside Thalasso restaurant offers all kinds of treats based around  an extensive mezze selection, salads and child-friendly burgers and pizza. The location means you get the sea breeze too.

Dinner is a slightly more upmarket menu, and is served at Alselea. The a la carte menu focuses on premium modern Greek cuisine and is included in the hassle free Ultra All Inclusive option. With an unforgettable open-air setting, reserve a table for sunset and make it a night to remember.

The Location

You could not get a more desirable location for a seaside resort. Situated directly on the Blue Flag-awarded Valtos beach, the long, white stretch of sand offers uninterrupted views of the castle on the cliff.

The cliffs that surround it make you feel like you have the whole beach to yourself, but make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen as there’s no shade.

The hotel has beach loungers and umbrellas and access to non-motorised water sports are at a kiosk less than five minutes away.

The beach also boasts a small jetty where you can get the water taxi  to Parga town (€2, or a 30-minute stroll, although there is a steep incline at the start).

Ai Giannakis beach is more secluded and can be found on the opposite side of the town from Valtos Beach and it’s great for swimming and snorkelling as the water is calm and beautifully clear.

Head a little further south to the town beach: Piso Krioneri, where the rocky coastline is perfect for rock jumping and diving. The next town boasts a beautifully white sand beach called Lichnos Beach which is a great option for families with safe swimming areas and lots of traditional tavernas and cafes.

The Town

Home to meandering cobbled streets and colourful buildings, the old town of Parga is situated on a hill overlooking the sea and is picture-postcard pretty.

Along with the soothing sound of the sea and the scent of jasmine, it sums up the Mediterranean and a slower pace of life. The beautiful vista can best be appreciated from one of the many cafe-restaurant terraces that are built into the cliffside, and whether you are stopping for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the meals are all home cooked using local produce.

The shops are a haven for anyone who loves trinkets and souvenirs, and you should dedicate at least one afternoon to exploring these quaint alleys that are nestled behind the harbourfront.

Gifts to pick up include handmade glass and leather goods and linen clothing to suit the heat.

You also can’t miss the 14th-century Medieval Castle which has pride of place on the hilltop, built with the help of the Normans when the locals asked for protection against the Ottoman Turks.

The ruins boast panoramic views of the sea, and if you take a guide, you’ll get a rundown of the town’s history.

Things to do

A boat trip to the nearby islands adds an extra layer of adventure, and there are plenty of local companies that can charter a beautiful boat plus skipper to take you cruising around the outstanding coastline. Perfectly situated to explore Antipaxos, Paxos, Syvota and the Blue Caves, you can stop for snorkelling, lunch and  out-of-this-world picture spots.

Verdict

If you had to describe an idyllic seaside destination, Parga would  be a good place to start, with Parga Beach Resort and its friendly,  laid-back vibe and all-inclusive offering giving you peace of mind for a chilled fly ’n’ flop, or as a great base for exploring.

It is notoriously difficult to park in Parga so visitors tend not to hire a car and instead get about by water taxi.

Factfile

For more information  www.pargabeachresort.gr