What are the best areas to buy a home in Epirus if I am Dutch? How does it rank compared to other destinations in Greece for me? In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of Epirus with the help of the @thecookietraveller.
Meet @thecookietraveller
Eleanna is a Greek TikToker in the field of travel, alternative tourism and hiking in Greece. Her main area of focus is the mountains of Epirus, but she also travels to other regions of Greece and to other mountainous countries abroad, like Switzerland.
Eleanna’s experience living in the Netherlands as part of her Erasmus exchange studies also makes her an ideal candidate for today’s blog post, as she knows how to seamlessly blend Greek and Dutch cultures from having lived both lifestyles.
Find Eleanna on social media on TikTok and Instagram
Top Areas in Epirus
We’ll guide you on a tour of Epirus with the help of The Cookie Traveller, from the seaside to the mountains.
Parga
We start our journey in Epirus on the coast, which is where most Dutch visitors search for a home in the region. Parga is one of the popular seaside towns in Epirus. The town has colorful houses built on a hill that leads up to a Venetian castle.
Parga feels like a Greek island even though it is on the mainland, and the center of town is full of flowers. The hills around Parga are full of olive trees. The Venetian Castle of Parga is truly a must-see attraction known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding countryside!
Beaches in Parga
There are many beaches, bays, and small islands near Parga on the west coast of Greece. The beaches are great for families, they have crystal clear water, and the surrounding areas have a lot of greenery. The most popular beaches next to Parga are Valtos and Lichnos. They are organized and have many tourist facilities.
Preveza
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 on 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 Near Preveza
Monolithi Beach
Monolithi is the longest sandy beach in the EU, a stunning 25 kilometres long. It stretches along the Ionian Sea next to Preveza, extending from the village Mytikas (Cape Komarus) until the village Kastrosykia. The name “Monolithi” comes from the Greek roots “Μόνος” and “Λίθος”, which translate to “single” and “stone.” It was named after a 10 x 10 meter boulder, which used to be on the beach.
Sivota
Sivota is a seaside village north of Parga and south of Igoumenitsa. The destination is also a seaside village full of greenery and incredible beaches. In the summer, visitors come from all over the world to enjoy Sivota’s laid-back Greek atmosphere. The restaurants in Sivota have delicious seafood and of course fresh fish from the Ionian Sea.
Sights in Sivota
The harbor of Sivota is a great place to stroll in the afternoon. The waterfront is ideal for a romantic walk and there are many traditional taverns, cafes, and bars to choose from. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the sunset over the harbor after a delicious taverna meal.
About Zagorochoria
Now, we move to the mountains. The “Zagorochoria” are also known as the “Zagori villages” or “the place beyond the mountains.”
For centuries, because these villages were hidden in the mountains, they kept a unique character compared to the rest of Greece and were protected naturally by the mountains from many intruders. This is why you will find local food and customs found only in this area.
Some of the Most popular Zagorochoria villages are Ano Pedina, Papigo, Tsepelovo, Vitsa, Monodendri, Asprageli, Aristi, and Greveniti.
What to Do in Zagorochoria
Mount Tymfi and Mount Smolikas are nearby and offer fantastic hiking opportunities with nearby peaks and plenty of trails. In Zagorochoria there are also many rafting opportunities from the Voidomatis bridge to the old bridge of Kleidoneias.
Additionally, the Aoos River, which flows through the region, provides another exciting rafting option, with its challenging rapids and stunning surroundings adding to the adventure.
Zagorochoria Architecture
The houses of Zagorochoria are made with raw materials that are available in the area. This means mainly stone, wood, and slate, which are assembled by master craftsmen and builders.
The building style is unique to the area and also extends to the paths that connects between the villages. Local churches, stone squares, and alleyways also are built with this style and blend into the natural surroundings.
Rating Epirus for Dutch Buyers
How did we decide what factors are most important for Dutch home buyers? To solve this challenge, we first asked our sales and legal team, who offer consultation and legal handling to dozens of Dutch clients (both those who do and don’t purchase a property) – what are the most common questions Dutch people ask?
We then combined this data with a small survey of Dutch clients who ultimately purchased a home to find out their highest priorities.
Sea View
Epirus has 80 kilometers of coastline, making it a great place to find a beachfront home in Greece. Compared to other areas of Greece, it’s coastline is not as long, but it is full of picturesque villages along the Ionian sea.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Direct Flights
Preveza International airport is the largest airport in the Epirus region. From Preveza, you can get almost anywhere in Epirus within 2.5 hours driving. It is even closer to the most popular beachfront towns of Sivota and Parga.
Only 5 regions of Greece have an international airport with direct flights to the Netherlands, so this is a big bonus. Compare this to the Cycladic islands, where you will need a boat ride to reach your destination from Athens.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Property Prices
Prices in Epirus highly depend on the area where you buy a home. According to national averages from Spitogatos, prices range from 800 Euros per square meter in Arta to 1800 Euros/sqm in Preveza.
Relative to areas like Lefkada, which offers similar views and is only a few miles from the border with Epirus, prices in Epirus along the Ionian Coast are reasonable. For example, the same view of the Mediterranean from Preveza costs 2600 Euros/sqm in Lefkada.
Compared to the “hot” areas of Greece, like Athens, the Cycladic islands, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu, you will have a traditional Greek experience without facing large crowds of tourists.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Internet Speed
Internet Speeds are available in Epirus via Speedtest by Ookla. Out of the towns listed in Epirus, Ioannina’s speed is 40 MBPS. Compared to other areas of Greece, this is average. You can expect slower speeds in the mountains.
Rating: 8 out of 10
English Speakers and Expatriate Community
If you choose one of Epirus’s up-and-coming towns, like Preveza, Kanali, or Sivota, you will surely find English speakers or even Dutch speakers. This area of Greece is growing a lot in popularity, so you can expect to see many visitors. If you choose to buy a home in the mountainous area of Epirus, the community of English speakers will definitely be smaller.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Epirus Overall Rating: 9.2
Epirus has many benefits for the Dutch, like its sea views and direct flights to Preveza. Property prices are very reasonable and let you have a sea view for much less than other coastal areas in Europe. It’s no wonder that this area is one of the most popular destinations for Dutch citizens searching for a home in Greece.
