Information
City: PrevezaCountry: Greece
Continent: Europe
Preveza, Greece, Europe
Overview
Preveza sits on Greece’s northwestern coast, in the Epirus region, where narrow streets lead to the scent of salt drifting in from the sea.Preveza sits at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, where you can wander past ancient ruins, breathe in the salty air, and still find cafés buzzing with modern life.Preveza, with its mild Mediterranean breeze, sunlit hills, and deep roots in history, draws both visitors and locals who want to unwind while discovering its culture.The ancient city of Nicopolis, just outside Preveza, ranks among the region’s most important archaeological treasures.Founded in 31 BC by Roman Emperor Augustus, it marked his triumph over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, a victory still echoed in its weathered stone walls.The ancient city holds remarkable ruins-a weathered stone theater, the echoing halls of Roman baths, and the open expanse of a Roman agora.At the Nicopolis Archaeological Museum, you’ll find mosaics, marble statues, and other treasures that shed light on the city’s Roman and early Christian roots.Just a short walk away, the 17th‑century Venetian Fortress of Saint Andrew, built to guard Preveza from Ottoman attack, still towers over the shoreline.The fortifications remain in remarkable condition, inviting visitors to walk the ramparts and take in sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the deep blue Ionian Sea.In 31 BC, near Preveza, the waters witnessed the Battle of Actium-a decisive naval clash between Octavian, who would become Emperor Augustus, and the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.The Battle of Actium played a crucial role in founding the Roman Empire, and the region still honors it with monuments, including one standing on a small island at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf.Preveza’s Old Town, with its neoclassical facades, winding cobblestone lanes, and lively street cafés, hums with life.Eleftherias Square, the heart of town, buzzes with cafés, restaurants, and little shops where the smell of fresh coffee drifts through the air.The town has a relaxed charm, with weathered homes showing touches of Venetian arches and Ottoman woodwork that hint at its layered past.In the center, the Clock Tower rises over the square, giving sweeping views of the city and the hills beyond.Just outside town, Preveza’s coastline offers sandy beaches and clear water-a perfect spot for anyone who loves the sea.A few of Preveza’s favorite beaches sit close by, and Kanali Beach tops the list-only a short drive away, it greets you with a wide sweep of golden sand and water so clear you can see the pebbles beneath your feet.Vrachos Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and lazy afternoons, with nearby tavernas grilling fish so fresh you can smell the sea on it; Monolithi, stretching for nearly 25 kilometers, offers endless sand for both quiet walks and water sports; Margariti, tucked away from the crowds, draws those who crave stillness and crystal-clear shallows; and just beyond, the Ambracian Gulf teems with wildlife, making it one of Preveza’s most remarkable natural treasures.This protected wetland is a haven for birdwatchers, especially when flocks of migratory species sweep in and settle along the reeds.This spot draws plenty of visitors for kayaking or boat tours, where you can skim across glassy water and take in the rugged, green hills around you.Just outside Preveza flows the Acheron River, once feared in ancient Greece as a passage to the underworld.You can drift along the river by boat or wander the shaded banks, pausing to explore the lush greenery and step inside the nearby Necromanteion, an ancient temple once devoted to the dead.All year, Preveza comes alive with festivals like the Preveza Festival, filling the streets with music, theatre, and the rhythmic stamp of dancers’ feet.You’ll also find smaller festivals celebrating local traditions, with the smell of grilled fish drifting through the air and music spilling into the streets-perfect for diving into the region’s culture.Preveza’s food scene brims with classic Greek flavors, spotlighting fresh seafood and produce straight from nearby farms.Don’t miss bougatsa, the flaky pastry filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat that’s especially loved in northern Greece.Grab a souvlaki or gyro hot off the grill-both classics served with soft pita, cool tzatziki, and crisp vegetables.Along the seafront, tavernas fry up the day’s catch, from tender white fish to calamari.Share a spread of Greek meze-briny olives, tangy cheese, smoky grilled vegetables, and creamy dips-with friends over a glass of wine.And if you’ve got time, take a short drive to Lefkada, where beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni dazzle with turquoise water and towering cliffs.Lefkada’s perfect for watersports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, with bright sails skimming across the waves.South of Preveza, Parga charms visitors with its Venetian castle, a harbor splashed in color, and beaches that glow in the late afternoon sun.Just an hour’s drive from Preveza, near the town of Ioannina, the Archaeological Site of Dodona makes an ideal day trip, blending ancient history, wild mountain scenery, and a touch of coastal breeze.The site honored the god Zeus and housed an oracle, where whispers of prophecy once drifted through the stone columns.The ancient theater still commands attention, and the crumbling temple walls whisper of centuries past.Preveza may feel laid-back by day, but in summer, its nights buzz with music and voices spilling into lamplit streets.The town’s waterfront buzzes with cafes, bars, and clubs, where you can sip a cold cocktail while watching the Ionian Sea glitter in the afternoon sun.In the central square and along the nearby streets, you’ll find tavernas spilling warm light onto the cobblestones, their live music drifting into the night air.So why visit Preveza?It’s where history, culture, stunning landscapes, and laid-back coastal charm all meet.You might wander through the ancient ruins of Nicopolis, stretch out on the bright sands by the Ambracian Gulf, or savor a plate of fresh grilled fish, but in Preveza you’ll find a slower, more genuine pace than in Greece’s busier tourist spots.Because it’s so close to landmarks like Lefkada, Parga, and the ancient ruins of Dodona, it’s a perfect starting point for exploring the whole region.Preveza greets you with warm smiles, centuries-old stories, and views of sunlit shores, making it perfect for lazy beach days and for diving into its vibrant cultural roots.
Landmarks in Preveza
