Getting from Mykonos to Parga

Parga is one of the most beautiful small towns on the Greek mainland and not enough people make the effort to get there. It sits on the Epirus coast in northwestern Greece, a cluster of Venetian influenced architecture tumbling down to a harbour with a castle above it and a string of small beaches within walking distance of the centre. The water is clear, the setting is cinematic and the town has managed to stay on the right side of development despite being popular with Greek holidaymakers for decades. It feels like a proper place rather than a resort and that is increasingly rare on the Greek coast.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry connection between Mykonos and Parga. Parga sits on the mainland coast of Epirus and while it has a small port with summer boat trips to the nearby Paxos and Antipaxos islands, it is not served by the main ferry network. Getting there from Mykonos means flying or travelling overland.

What about flying?

Parga does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Preveza, also known as Aktion Airport, which is around 50 kilometres south of Parga and serves the wider Epirus and Lefkada region. The journey from Mykonos goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Preveza, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door. From Preveza Airport to Parga takes around 45 minutes by car or taxi.

Drive or bus from Athens

Driving from Athens to Parga takes around 4.5 to 5 hours heading northwest on the E55 motorway through Ioannina and down to the coast. It is a good drive through some impressive mountain scenery and the Epirus landscape in the final section is particularly striking. KTEL buses run between Athens and Parga with a change at Preveza or Igoumenitsa depending on the service. Check the schedule carefully as direct connections are not always frequent.

Your best option

Fly to Preveza and hire a car for the final leg to Parga. It is the quickest way to get there and having a car gives you the freedom to explore the coast, drive up to the castle in the evening and make the short trip down to Ammoudia at the mouth of the Acheron river if you have an extra day. Parga is best used as a base for the surrounding area and a car makes all the difference.