Cheap Flights to Preveza

Quick facts

Identity

Where Octavian became Augustus, master of Rome

On the site of modern Preveza once stood Berenice, a city founded around 290 BC by Pyrrhus, King of Epirus. But a far more consequential event marked the region: on 2 September 31 BC, just off the gulf, the naval Battle of Actium pitted Octavian against the allied forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. His decisive victory ended the Roman civil wars and paved the way for the principate of Augustus — the beginning of the Roman Empire itself. The present-day town of Preveza took shape in the late medieval period, first mentioned in writing in 1292, before falling under Venetian rule in 1499 and, after a brief spell under French control, under Ali Pasha in 1798. Greek only since 1912, Preveza today remains off the main tourist trail, offering an authentic experience far from the crowded islands in peak season.

Don't miss

Nikopolis, Augustus' "City of Victory"

About 5-7 km north of Preveza, the archaeological site of Nikopolis was founded by Octavian Augustus himself to commemorate his victory at Actium. At its peak the city held up to 300,000 residents and covered nearly 180 fully walled hectares, with two harbours; it was visited by the Apostle Paul and the philosopher Epictetus in the 1st century AD. The UNESCO-listed site preserves a Roman theatre that could seat up to 5,000 spectators, an odeon, baths, a nymphaeum, an aqueduct and long Roman and Byzantine walls, plus several early Christian basilicas with rare mosaics. The small on-site museum (entry around €5) displays two statues representing Augustus and his defeated rivals; it's best to visit the museum first for context, then the site itself in the late afternoon, when the low light dramatically brings out the ruins.

To discover

A Venetian old town between two seas

Built on a peninsula at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, Preveza is surrounded by crystal-clear water on three sides, with the Ionian Sea to the west and the calm waters of the gulf to the east. Its historic centre, distinctly Venetian in character, weaves narrow winding streets, vine-shaded cafés and restaurant terraces along a particularly lively waterfront. The Venetian fortress, built in 1499 on the site of the ancient city and today occupied by the military, is a reminder of that era, while the grand quay lined with neoclassical buildings makes for a perfect evening stroll. Since 2002, the town has been connected to Epirus and the rest of the mainland by Greece's first underwater tunnel, running beneath the strait toward Aktion.

Day trip

The Acheron River, mythical gateway to the Underworld

Near Preveza, the Acheron River winds for 64 km through a spectacular narrow canyon. In Greek mythology it was linked to a branch of the Styx, the underground river on which Charon ferried the souls of the dead into the Underworld — a legend reinforced by the presence of the Nekromanteion, the oracle of the dead of the ancient city of Ephyra, on the road between Parga and Preveza. Today the river is descended by kayak on a beginner-friendly route, or explored on horseback and by swimming. Further north, Parga (64 km) charms with its Venetian castle overlooking an amphitheatre-shaped bay surrounded by islets, beaches and dense pine forests — one of the finest stops on the Ionian coast.

Food

Bottarga, ouzo and Epirus feta

Preveza's economy was built on the gifts of the sea and agriculture: the shallow lagoons of the Ambracian Gulf have long favoured fishing, as well as the production of avgotaracho, a cured grey mullet roe prized as a local delicacy. A traditional distillery, operating for 70 years out of a historic building in the town centre, still produces ouzo and a range of flavoured liqueurs, and remains a local attraction in its own right. On the plate, the classics of Greek cooking — taramasalata, pastitsio, souvlaki — are elevated by feta from the Epirus region, well worth trying at one of the many eucalyptus-shaded cafés and tavernas along the seafront.

Beaches

Monolithi and 60 km of still-unspoiled coastline

The beaches around Preveza stretch across roughly 60 km, most of them undeveloped and natural. Monolithi, about a ten-minute drive from town, is the best known for its exceptional length; it actually runs for nearly 13 km and changes name along the way through Kanali, Kastrosikia and Mitikas. Alonaki and Pantokratoras also rank among the area's most popular beaches, well suited to diving and snorkelling. Closer to the centre, the small green oasis of Kiani Akti, shaded by fragrant eucalyptus in summer, offers a cool break right across from the beach of the same name.

Getting around & budget

Aktion Airport, across the gulf

Preveza Aktion Airport sits opposite the town, at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, connected to the centre by the underwater tunnel or a small ferry link for pedestrians and cyclists (the tunnel being reserved for vehicles). Small but busy, it handles seasonal flights to several European cities as well as routes to Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos with Sky Express, plus a connection to Athens. Preveza also serves as the main air gateway to the nearby island of Lefkada and the town of Parga. In town, everything is easily reached on foot or by bike across this flat terrain surrounded by wetlands and saltpans; for farther trips such as Nikopolis or the Acheron valley, renting a car is recommended, as public transport is limited outside the centre.

Best time to go

When to visit Preveza?

Preveza Airport

The gateway to coastal Epirus

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