Villas Plataria

Villas Plataria can be found built into the hillside of picturesque Plataria, a small holiday resort on the west coast of mainland Greece, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. You can get to your destination by flying to the adjacent island of Corfu, or Athens, and then taking the ferry to the nearby port of Igoumenitsa. From Igoumenitsa is it only a short ten-kilometre drive to the villas, and your holiday home.

The traditional seaside village of Plataria is built into a beautiful bay, between the capes of Agionisi and Ieronisi, and near the ports of Igoumenitsa and Sivota. In the village, you will find local minimarts for provisions to cater for your holidays, family-run bars and tavernas, and a natural beauty beach. The town of Igoumenitsa is the capital of the area, and the busiest port, with regular ferries in the season to Corfu and Paxos. Only twelve kilometres away is the holiday hot spot of Sivota, with its unspoilt landscape, bustling harbour, and a sixth-century castle. Take the opportunity to sail aboard a luxury yacht, enjoy an ocean dip, and swim in bays and caves. Relax at one of the fabulous beach clubs, many of which offer water skiing and wakeboarding. If you are feeling active, hike or bike the Pindos mountains, or take to a kayak on the Ionian Sea. Souvenir shop at the marina boutiques before the sun sets on Sivota, then share a drink with friends, before dining off freshly caught fish at a seafront restaurant. Go back in time with a day trip to Ioannina, with its sixth-century Cathedral of St Athanasius, and lilac-hued mountain views at sunset. See mother nature at its best at the Ikos-Aoos National Park, with its scenic lakes, rivers, canyons, ancient trade paths, dramatic landscape, and free-roaming wildlife.

Slightly further away is the must-see town of Parga, with its eleventh-century Venetian castle, colourful architecture, lush greenery, and selection of fabulous beaches offering water sports. Five kilometres north of Parga is the Byzantine village of Anthousa, with an early nineteenth-century castle built by the Turkish ruler Ali Pasha, and has great views over the town. Make sure you visit the Old Olive Oil Factory, a private museum that has a restored olive press and shows you the process of making oil using traditional tools, have a taste and take some home with you. Lose yourself in the ancient legend of the River Acheron, with its mythological connections to the Greek underworld, stroll along its banks, and combine your visit with a hike, horseback riding, or a spot of canoeing.

After all that sight-seeing you’ve earned yourself a day at the beach, Sivota is renowned for its golden sandy shores and crystal clear waters, Valtos and Lichnos for their selection of water sports, Parga Town Beach for its family-friendly small harbour, and Sarakiniko for its organised facilities. For those with itchy feet, venture further afield, take a ferry from Igoumenitsa, and island hop to the adjacent Ionian isles.

Read more about Parga

A stay on the Ionian coast allows you to soak up the natural beauty, idyllic beaches and ancient history of this captivating part of mainland Greece. You can also dip into island life by sailing across to Paxos and Anti-Paxos.

The beautiful town of Parga, just an hours drive from Preveza Airport, is backed by imposing hills and verdant landscapes. Wander around the old town’s cobbled lanes admiring colourful houses, inviting shops and restaurants by the waterfront. Climb to the ruins of the Venetian Castle dating back to the 15th century and marvel at the extraordinary views of the Ionian and its islands.

Considered one of the finest beaches in Greece, Valtos Beach awaits on the other side of the castle, a calm and protected bay with turquoise-coloured water and a range of watersports including jet-ski. There’s another gorgeous bay at Lichnos with crystal-clear sea and an incredible natural outlook whilst the peaceful Agios Giannakis is a paradise for snorkellers. 

Back by the harbourfront, excursions depart Parga to Paxos and Anti-Paxos for a wonderful day out. Boat trips also take you to the famous Aphrodite’s cave, only accessible by sea - for a truly amazing experience, explore the caves by kayak. Meanwhile, ferries to Corfu and beyond depart from the bustling port of Igoumenitsa, around a 45-minute drive away.

Away from the coast, adventurous guests will adore the Acheron River for kayaking, rafting, river trekking, hiking and horse-riding surrounding by magnificent landscapes, located between Glyki and Ammoudia.