A journey to Preveza goes beyond its famous beaches, inviting you to discover the authentic coastal villages with their rich history and vibrant traditions. Instead of focusing only on the shoreline, we highlight the character of the villages of Mytikas, Kanali, Kastrosykia, Riza, Vrachos, and Loutsa. Through their picturesque squares, churches, and cafés, you can experience the roots and daily life of the locals, making each village a genuine gateway to the culture and natural beauty of Preveza.
Mytikas was once a small fishing village and still keeps much of its traditional character. Built on a low hill above a small sandy bay, the village grew around its little harbor. Even today, fishing and farming coexist alongside tourism services. Stone-built houses and cobbled alleys lead to the central square, where you will find the small church of Taxiarches. In the village, there are traditional tavernas serving homemade dishes and fresh fish, as well as cafés for a morning or afternoon coffee. The whole area is surrounded by olive groves and gardens, while just 5 km away stands the historic monastery of Agios Dimitrios, built in the 17th century, offering a beautiful view of the sea. Every autumn, local fairs and celebrations with traditional music take place in the village, keeping the community spirit of the locals alive.
Kanali is a quiet village about 15 km north of Preveza, at an altitude of 70 meters. It stretches along the coastal road to Igoumenitsa, and its residents are mainly engaged in farming and trade. The nearby sandy beach is an important natural habitat, as the Acheron River flows into the sea there. Families visiting the area appreciate its shallow waters and the stunning view of the Ionian Sea. In recent decades, Kanali has become a popular summer destination, offering organized rental rooms and small hotels, while still keeping the peaceful atmosphere of a village. Above the beach lies a pine forest that provides shade and coolness, while in the village square you’ll find a traditional café and fish tavernas, where locals cook seafood dishes in wood-fired ovens. Walking through the narrow lanes of Kanali reveals the simplicity and warmth of traditional life in Epirus.
Kastrosykia is a picturesque village of Preveza, located 22 km north of the town. Its name comes from a large rock at the edge of the settlement that looks like a castle and is covered with wild fig trees. The area was first inhabited in the 17th century by refugees from Lamari, who sought protection from Turkish raids. Today, the village is known for its beautiful traditional houses with tiled roofs and small flower-filled courtyards. At its center lies the main square and the church of Agia Pelagia, built in 1770. Kastrosykia stands out for its long golden sandy beach that stretches endlessly, along with its charming seascape and wide-open horizon to the Ionian Sea. The beach has been awarded the “Blue Flag” for its cleanliness, while the pine forest that spreads amphitheatrically behind the village adds a special charm. In the village cafés and tavernas you can enjoy fresh fish and home-cooked dishes with local flavors. Every year on May 4th, the feast of Agia Pelagia is an important religious event, where locals gather at the church for the service and celebrate with traditional songs.
Riza is a mountain village of Zalongo, built at the foot of Mount Lekatsa at an altitude of about 120 meters. It stands out for its blooming olive groves, natural springs, and the Byzantine Castle of Riniasa (also known as Thomokastro), a 14th-century fortress preserved in ruins but offering impressive views of the sea. The settlement is a mosaic of traditional stone houses scattered among the lush olive groves. Daily life revolves around farming and livestock, yet visitors will also find small cafés and tavernas serving fresh fish and local home-cooked dishes. On August 6th, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, the village hosts a local festival where crowds head to the church for the procession of the icon, experiencing a living piece of the area’s religious tradition. Riza is also touched by the Ionian Sea on its northern side, where a small sandy beach with crystal-clear waters makes it an ideal spot for relaxation in nature.
The village of Vrachos takes its name from two large rocks on its southwest side that dominate the coastline. Built at an altitude of about 270 meters with a view over the sea, Vrachos keeps its mainly rural character: its residents are engaged in farming, livestock, and traditionally fishing. The village square and its cafés are located on the highest hill, offering panoramic views of the horizon. From there, a pine-covered path leads down to the beach, while the surrounding valley is filled with olive groves and fields. Every year, on July 6th and 7th, the village celebrates Agia Kyriaki (its patron saint) with religious services and a local festival. In the tavernas of Vrachos, visitors can enjoy local meats and fresh fish, while the village’s old “coffee-grinding shop” gathers the elderly for conversation over coffee. The area is also known for its stunning sunsets: the western coast, wrapped in lush pine trees, turns into a “sieve” of silver rays as the sun sets into the Ionian Sea.
Loutsa is a seaside village that belongs to the Municipality of Parga but forms an integral part of the unified tourist area “Vrachos–Loutsa.” Built at a low altitude, it has about 330 residents and is surrounded by dense pine forests. The village has five churches: Agios Georgios (the patron saint), Panagia, Agios Nikolaos, Agia Varvara, and the Transfiguration of the Savior. The main religious center is the Church of the Transfiguration, celebrated on August 6th, when the annual festival takes place with strong participation from both locals and visitors. From the northern edge of the settlement down to Loutsa beach stretches a pine forest of about 800 acres, adding unique natural beauty to the landscape.
These villages, though close to Preveza’s popular beaches, keep their historical and cultural identity alive. Their unique architecture with houses built from local materials, the squares shaded by old plane trees, the small churches, and the cafés along their streets all connect the past with the present. Combined with the impressive natural surroundings—olive groves, forests, and amphitheatrical views of the Ionian Sea—they offer an authentic experience, true gateways to the genuine Epirus. Visitors leave having discovered another side of Preveza, less touristy but deeply human and authentic.
