This coastal town on the Ionian Sea has 15th-century Venetian walls, a waterfront lined with cafes, and the nearby ruins of ancient Nikopolis.
Preveza sits at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf in northwestern Greece. Walk through its narrow streets to find waterfront cafes serving fresh-caught sardines, explore the massive Roman theater at ancient Nikopolis, or swim in the clear waters of Monolithi Beach. Three coastal castles from the 18th and 19th centuries overlook the Ionian Sea, while the cold waters of Acheron River canyon invite you to cool off during summer days.
Transport Connections
You can reach Preveza through the Preveza-Aktion International Airport, which connects to major European cities from May to October. An undersea tunnel opened in 2002 lets you cross the gulf in 5 minutes. KTEL buses depart every hour to nearby towns and beaches from the main station in the city center, a 20-minute walk from the harbor.
Swimming and Beach Areas
The 22-kilometer Monolithi Beach stretches along the Ionian coast, with both developed sections and quiet spots. The beach surface changes between coarse sand and small pebbles, and the water gets deep gradually. At Kyani Akti, a 20-minute walk from the city center, you'll find shallow waters and fine sand ideal for families. In the adjacent park, locals play pétanque under pine trees during late afternoons.
Food and Local Specialties
In the old quarter, fishermen sell their daily catch directly to tavernas, including prawns and sardines from the Ambracian Gulf. Small ouzeries in Seitan Bazaar's winding streets serve meze plates and local spirits until late. Each August, the Sardine Festival transforms the waterfront with grilling stations and live music, where you can taste fresh sardines cooked by local fishermen.
Three Historic Castles
At Agios Andreas Castle, built in the 1700s, you can walk along stone walls and guard towers, or attend cultural events in its inner courtyard during summer. Pantokratoras Castle gives you views of fishing boats returning at sunset and the mountains of Lefkada island across the water. Agios Georgios Castle combines Ottoman and Venetian architecture, with original cannon positions facing the sea near Kyani Akti beach.
Ancient Nikopolis Site and Museum
The Nikopolis ruins lie 7 kilometers north of Preveza. Emperor Augustus built this Roman city in 31 BC after his victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra. You can explore a 5,000-seat Roman theater, an odeum, and early Christian basilicas with preserved floor mosaics. The Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis displays Roman sculptures, Byzantine jewelry, and objects from daily life throughout the city's history.
Natural Areas and Activities
Wade or swim in the Acheron River as it flows through a 13-meter-deep canyon, where the water maintains 8°C year-round. Morning boat tours in the Amvrakikos wetlands take you close to bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and herons. Behind Monolithi Beach, walking paths wind through a forest of pine and oak trees for several kilometers.
