Dawn finds the fisherman at the small port of Preveza. The night slowly retreats, and the dim light reveals the nets carefully stacked on the deck. The sea air smells of salt and seaweed, while the waters of the Ambracian Gulf reflect the first crimson hues of the morning. The fisherman prepares his boat, as around him the only sounds are the soft click of the ropes and the awakening of the seagulls.
With the first light, the boat casts off its ropes and gently glides away from the pier. The town fades into the distance, and the fisherman sails toward the rich waters of the Ambracian Gulf, a bay of unique ecological value and a National Park since 2008. Slowly, only a few other fishermen appear in the distance at the break of day, while the morning breeze awakens his face.
At his familiar fishing grounds, the fisherman casts his nets at spots passed down to him by the older generations. Time drifts slowly, filled with patience and expectation, until the moment comes to haul the nets back in. Silver sardines, crimson red mullets, sea bass, gilt-head bream, and shrimp fill the boat, while the renowned Ambracian prawn stands out like a small treasure. Each fish brought aboard is a reminder of the gulf’s richness and generosity.
Nature in the Ambracian Gulf accompanies every moment. Dolphins play and dive near the boat, Dalmatian pelicans glide low, and a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) surfaces for air. The fisherman pauses to admire the living creatures of the gulf, knowing that his own life depends on the care and preservation of this fragile ecosystem.
The sun rises higher, warming the tranquil waters. The fishing boat returns to the harbor, laden with crates full of fresh fish. Along the way, it passes other boats, and with a nod or a smile, the fishermen share the same sea and the same labor. The harbor comes alive as the fisherman brings the crates to the quay.
The tavern owners and passersby are already waiting to get the red mullets, sardines, and shrimp that will fill the city’s plates. The fishermen continue a centuries-old tradition, connecting the town to the waters of the Ambracian Gulf and offering visitors an authentic taste of Preveza.
As the sun sets, the fisherman gathers his nets and secures the boat, ready for the next dawn. The cycle repeats, just as his ancestors did, keeping alive the bond between man and sea. The Ambracian Gulf remains a source of life, wealth, and inspiration for locals and travelers seeking the authentic experience of Preveza.
