About Preveza
Why Preveza?
Preveza is a town and port on the Ionian coast of Epirus, at the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf. With an old fort, a seafront promenade and a yacht marina, Preveza combines a historic atmosphere with access to the whole Epirus region. A Preveza holiday in 2026 is for travellers who want an urban base with access to Lefkada (30 km), Parga (60 km) and Sivota (90 km).
The character is urban-Mediterranean. Preveza has around 17,000 residents - the largest town in Epirus after Ioannina. The old town has Venetian and Ottoman remains, a waterfront promenade with cafés and restaurants, and an active marina. It differs from Parga in being more urban and lacking sandy beaches in the centre itself.
Position: airport 10 km north, Lefkada bridge 5 km south, Ioannina 100 km northeast.
Beaches and the sea
Preveza has no first-class town beach - the nearest are:
Monolithi beach (8 km west) - 20+ km, the longest sandy beach in Greece. Mostly unorganised, with pines behind.
Kanali beach (8 km north) - sandy, organised, family-oriented.
Aktion beach (5 km south) - by the airport, a short sandy strip.
The Ionian water is warm with excellent visibility. Blue Flag on sections of Monolithi.
Where to stay
Preveza centre - town hotels and apartments in two-storey old-town houses. For atmosphere and restaurants.
Kanali or Monolithi (8 km) - family apartments by the beach.
Villas inland - stone houses in the hills with bay views.
Browse all current Preveza and area listings.
Getting there
Preveza has its own airport (PVK):
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Belgrade–Preveza flight (1 hour 30 minutes) seasonal. The airport is 10 km north of town.
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By car from Belgrade - 1,020 km, 11 to 13 hours. Standard route.
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Bus from Athens - 5 hours, 35 to 45 €. From Thessaloniki - 6 hours, 40 to 55 €.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C. Ideal for coastal walks.
July–August - peak, sea 23–25 °C.
September - excellent, fewer crowds.
Things to see and do
Preveza old town - Venetian fort, harbour promenade, cafés.
Ancient Nicopolis - 8 km north, a UNESCO archaeological site, one of the most significant in Epirus.
Ambracian Gulf - a lagoon with dolphins and pelicans. Organised boat tours from the harbour.
Aktion - the remains of an ancient city and the site of the Battle of Actium (31 BC).
Lefkada - 30 km south via the bridge, a day trip.
Acheron gorge - 60 km north.
Ioannina - 100 km northeast, a lakeside town.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 45 to 95 € per night in shoulder, 65 to 135 € at peak. Three-star hotels 65 to 95 € per person.
Weekly cost per person: 300 to 460 € shoulder, 440 to 640 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 8 to 13 €, fresh fish 14 to 22 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €. Waterfront restaurants are more expensive.
Frequently asked questions
Is Preveza better as a base than Parga? Depends on the goal. Preveza is more urban with easier airport access. Parga is for atmosphere and beaches directly on the coast. For travellers who value culture and a base - Preveza; for those who want only the beach - Parga.
Does Preveza have a real beach? Not in the centre. Monolithi (8 km west) is 20+ km of Greece's longest sandy beach - a car is essential.
Are the Ambracian Gulf dolphins reliable? Yes, the population is permanently resident. Organised boat tours have a high success rate.
Is renting a car worth it? Absolutely. The whole Epirus region is reachable by car - without one you stay tied to the Preveza centre.