Preveza is gaining popularity among tourists to Greece because of its pristine landscapes, nature areas, stunning beaches, and ancient and historical sites. The town of Preveza is found at the Amvrakikos Gulf, in Western Greece. The current town was built over the ancient town of Vereniki which was founded by the King of Epirus in 290 BC.
Beaches in Preveza
One of the most popular sights in Preveza is the beach. At Kyani Akti, Pantokratoras, Alonaki, Kalamitsi, Mytikas, and Monolithi, you have access to swimming areas and beach volleyball facilities. East of Preveza are Psathaki, Skafidaki, and Agioi Apostoloi beaches, which are known for their pristine waters.
Monolithi Beach is known worldwide as one of the safest beaches in Europe. The beach is 22 kilometers long and has clean, turquoise water. If you have the opportunity, take a day trip to Lefkada, which is just 14 kilometers from Preveza. You can reach Preveza by renting a car at the airport and driving from Preveza to Lefkada, which takes about 25 minutes. The route is also served by bus.
Holiday Homes in Kanali
Canali is located just 10 kilometers outside of Preveza and is found on one of the longest stretches of beach in Greece (13 kilometers in total.) Kanali is found in the middle of the Gulf, at a distance from any main towns. Because of this, the area is perfect for peace and quiet. The town has strong potential for tourism but is not yet developed. For this reason, prices in this area are better than in Parga or Syvota, which are better-known areas for vacation homes.
Life in Kanali
Right now, Kanali is a great place for a quiet holiday without a lot of touristic attractions. In town, there are a few rows of houses and hotels, a clinic, a park, a few restaurants, and a church. The ability to relax away from the crowds is its best feature – Kanali has even been referred to as “Canalifornia” for its long stretch of sandy beach.
Biking Preveza
A recommended seaside route on a rented bicycle starts from Androutsoy Square and heads toward Vathy, You will pass the Kyani Akti, the area surrounding Pantokratoras castle, Alonaki Beach, and finally the Drosia area. At Kyani Akti, you can visit the hot springs, which are best enjoyed in the spring and fall months. The water is healing and helps with rheumatism and arthritis problems. You will find the hot springs under the name “Paliosaraga.”
Food in Preveza
Preveza is also known for its seafood from the Ambracian Gulf. It is said that when Obama visited Greece in 2016, he chose one of his favorite foods – shrimp – to come from the Ambracian Gulf. In the town of Preveza there are many good seafood restaurants, like Gafa Fish Taverna and the Crazy Prawn. If you are lucky, the owner will let you into the kitchen to pick out your fish and shrimp, which are salted on the grill and finished with olive oil and lemon.
Other Sites in Preveza
Agios Haralambos Church
The church of Saint Haralambos is one of the most magnificent churches in the city of Preveza, and it was built in the 18th century. If you are an art lover, it is a great place to admire the paintings and iconography. For archaeology lovers, the Museum of Nikopolis is a must-see. The museum is found between the cities of Preveza and the ancient site of Nikopolis.
The museum focuses on the city founded to commemorate Octavian Augustus, who influenced the shape of the Roman Empire. The ancient Roman city of Nikopolis (Nicopolis) is found 5 miles north of Preveza and is open every day of the week except for Tuesday. Inside, you will find Roman walls, houses, an odeon, a stadium, and a theatre.
Preveza Town Center
In the historic town center of Prezeva, you will find The Venetian Clock Tower with its famous solar clock. The structure was built in 1752, and it represents the typical architecture of the Venetian occupation.
Zalongo Monument
Next, head up Mount Zalongo to find the famous “Dance of Zalongo” statue, which can be seen from a distance. It features outlines of women holding hands and symbolizes the mass suicide of women from Souli in 1803. In the famous story, the so-called “Souliotes” women danced on the cliffs when they were being pursued by Ali Pasha and the Ottomans. With children in hand, they danced their final dance and then stepped off the cliff to their death. You can also reach the Zalongo monument on foot.
Ouzo Roumpou: Made in Preveza
Ouzo Roumpou is supposedly some of the best Ouzo made in Greece. The family is now on its 3rd generation and the shop is the oldest existing store inside the city limits. The first distillations date to 1905, even before Preveza was liberated in 1912. Officially, they started selling their ouzo in 1949, and since then, they follow 2 rules: First, they never change the recipe, no matter the costs involved. Second, they always use the same ingredients, which are rare and hard to find.
Preveza: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Amvrakikos national park is located next to Preveza, and here you can see some of the most biodiversity in Greece. There are more than 20 lagoons, which are managed by the local fishermen of Bogonitsa. The area is protected by the Natura 2000 network and is home to 300 different bird species, including the Dalmatian pelican, which is the heaviest bird on the planet at 13 kilograms. Not far away from Preveza is also the Lefkada Lagoon on Lefkada island, where some 30,000 flamingos gather from October to March, living in huge colonies.
