About Sivota
Why Sivota?
Sivota (also known as Sivota Thesprotia) is a coastal village in Epirus, about 30 km north of Parga and 70 km from Corfu across the sea. Defined by an archipelago of small islands off its coast - Mourtos, Mavro Oros, Bella Vraka - with turquoise water and sandy beaches that recall the Caribbean. A Sivota holiday in 2026 is for travellers searching for mainland Greece's most beautiful beaches without Parga's crowds.
The character is elegant but not exaggerated. Sivota has around 600 permanent residents; in season it triples, but the centre keeps an intimate feel - a small harbour with yachts, waterfront tavernas, stone buildings. It differs from Parga in smaller tourist numbers and a quieter mood; it differs from Vrahos in its dramatic sandy island-character beaches.
The position is excellent: 60 km from Corfu airport, 25 km from Parga, with direct boat access to the Ionian islands (Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos). Sivota's prettiest beaches (Bella Vraka, Mega Ammos) are called "Greek Caribbean" in marketing - and that is not entirely an exaggeration.
Beaches and the sea
Sivota beaches are the definition of a Greek holiday poster. Bella Vraka is sandy with water that is impossibly turquoise, accessible on foot or by boat from the centre. The water is shallow for the first 100 metres - you can wade out to the small islet across the sand.
Mega Ammos ("big sandy") - a longer beach with pines behind, less dense than Bella Vraka. Accessible by car.
Mikri Ammos ("small sandy") - smaller, with access through a forest, popular for those who want quiet.
Pisina ("the pool") - an unusual name for a bay with water so calm it resembles a swimming pool. Loveliest in the morning.
Mourtos island beaches (one boat crossing, 10 minutes) - several small bays with sandy beaches, tavernas on the island for lunch.
The Ionian water is warm and has excellent visibility. Blue Flag is regular. Snorkelling in the bays around Mourtos and Bella Vraka is among the best in Greece.
Where to stay
Sivota centre along the harbour - small boutique hotels, apartments in stone houses, tavernas and cafés on foot. Picked for atmosphere and proximity to restaurants.
Above the harbour (on the hills) - villas with views over the bay and the islands, with pools. A car is essential, but the view is worth it.
Bella Vraka end - a small number of apartments near the most famous beach.
Plataria (5 km south) - a smaller resort with a sandy beach, quieter than Sivota, cheaper.
Browse all current Sivota and area listings.
Getting there
Sivota sits between two airports:
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Corfu airport (CFU, 60 km across the sea + ferry) - more flights with low-cost carriers. Direct seasonal flights from Belgrade. After landing - the Corfu–Sivota ferry (1.5 hours, 4 to 6 daily departures in season) or Corfu–Igoumenitsa then by car.
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Preveza airport (PVK, 80 km south) - smaller but closer. Seasonal direct flights from Belgrade, transfer 1 hour by car.
By car from Belgrade - 1,000 km, 11 to 13 hours. Borders Đevđelija, Evzoni. After Thessaloniki the A2 motorway to Ioannina, a local road to Igoumenitsa, then 25 km north of Igoumenitsa is Sivota.
Boat from Corfu to Sivota - 1.5 hours, 12 to 18 € per person. Departs 4 to 6 times daily in season.
Best time to visit
May - cool, sea 18–20 °C, land 22–25 °C. Sivota quiet, half the tavernas closed.
June - the season starts. Sea 21–23 °C, land 26–29 °C.
July and August - peak. Sea 23–25 °C, land 28–32 °C. Bella Vraka and Mourtos beaches full, but given the size of the bay never overwhelming.
September - the best month. Sea still warm, land settling, tourists leaving after the first of September. Ideal for couples and those who love quiet.
October - first half warm and sunny, second half slides into off-season.
Things to see and do
Archipelago boat trip - a full-day boat trip around Mourtos and the neighbouring islands with swimming in crystalline bays. 25 to 40 € per person with lunch.
Boat to Paxos and Antipaxos - similar to from Parga, a full-day trip (40 to 55 €).
Boat to Corfu - Sivota–Corfu 1.5 hours, a day trip to the old town of Corfu with the Venetian fortifications.
Old Sivota village - the old hillside settlement above the new Sivota, with stone houses and the atmosphere of Greece 50 years earlier.
Acheron gorge and river - 30 km south, the mythological river and gorge with swimming and kayaking tours.
Margariti castle - a Byzantine/Ottoman fortress in the hills, with views of the coast and the islands. A day trip by car.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 60 to 130 € per night in shoulder, 90 to 200 € at peak. Villas with pools 120 to 280 €. Boutique hotels in the centre from 100 € per room with breakfast.
Weekly cost per person: 400 to 620 € shoulder, 580 to 880 € peak. Prices higher than Vrahos due to the premium location.
Restaurant prices: main course 10 to 16 €, fresh fish 16 to 28 € per kilogram, glass of wine 4 to 6 €. The Sivota centre is more expensive than the surroundings - local tavernas away from the centre are cheaper.
Archipelago boat: 25 to 40 € per person.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sivota really resemble the Caribbean? The water colour on Bella Vraka and Pisina beaches is genuinely turquoise (the photos do not lie), and the fine sandy bottoms look like tropical scenery. Realistically - it is the Mediterranean, not the Caribbean, but in that context probably the prettiest beaches on the Greek mainland.
What is the difference between Sivota and Parga? Parga is a larger town with developed infrastructure (restaurants, supermarkets, nightlife). Sivota is smaller, focused on the prettiest beaches and boutique stays. Parga is for travellers who want both coffee and beach; Sivota is for those who want only the most striking beaches.
Is Sivota more expensive than other Epirus destinations? Yes - Bella Vraka and Mourtos are a brand. Accommodation prices are 20 to 30 percent higher than in Vrahos. Food is also slightly more expensive in the centre.
Can I walk to Bella Vraka? From the Sivota centre - 15 to 20 minutes on foot along the coast. Or by boat 5 minutes from the harbour. Most visitors take the boat.
Is renting a car worth it? For a stay focused only on Sivota with boat trips - not really. For exploring Epirus, the Acheron gorge, Ioannina and the Epirus villages - absolutely.