Parga's a picture of Greece. Bright buildings jostling for space around a harbour, a headland overlooking the town crowned by a castle and an island with a gleaming white chapel out in the bay. This full day experience combines a guided tour of this scenic spot, including the castle, and plenty of free time to find a taverna for lunch, shop, swim or relax. Dimitra, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Panagia islet sits just across from Parga town – it's incredibly pretty, and close enough to swim to. On August 15th, there's a special service to honour the Virgin Mary and hundreds of worshippers flock to the island in dozens of boats.'
Kick off with a ferry ride from Corfu to Igoumenitsa on the mainland, and then transfer by road to Parga. Your guide will take you on a walking tour through the narrow, twisting streets, then uphill on a trail with old stone steps to visit the Venetian castle. Dominating the city from its hilltop perch, you'll get fantastic views over the harbour, the bay and the terracotta rooftops of the town.
Once you've had time to soak up that wonderful panorama, it's back down to the town for an afternoon of free time. Swim in one of Parga's lovely coves, go for lunch or enjoy some shopping in the historic centre. There's a clutch of al fresco cafés and boutiques to look around – keep an eye out for Lianolia, the highly regarded local olive oil variety – before making your journey back to Corfu over land and sea.
