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Guide to Igoumenitsa
IGOUMENITSA · ITINERARY

Igoumenitsa (Thesprotia, Epirus, Greece) in 7 days – Complete Itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Sea, archaeology, villages, nature

Based in Igoumenitsa, you can discover the Ionian coast, the villages of Sivota and Perdika, and some of the most significant places in the Thesprotian hinterland with day trips. The route is organized by area to limit transfers and alternate beach days with cultural visits. For the more distant stops, such as Parga and the Acheron Valley, a car and early departures are recommended. The beaches are mostly free, while entrance fees, parking, boat trips, and dining costs vary depending on the season and the services chosen.

Stops
4 · 4 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
4.8 km · 58 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 258 m · 4 min
  2. 2.9 km · 34 min
  3. 1.6 km · 21 min

Day 1 – Igoumenitsa between the museum, port and northern beaches

10:00–20:30 Easy walks and relaxation

Get your bearings in town and spend the afternoon on the long sandy coastline north of the port.

10:00

Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa

Start at the museum to discover the history of Thesprotia through finds from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Allow around 60–90 minutes; admission is roughly €3–6, though hours and prices may vary.

Check the museum’s opening hours before your visit, especially outside the high season.

11:45

Walk to the port

Reach the port on foot from the center and watch the ferry traffic and the city’s position on the gulf. The walk is free; allow 30–45 minutes and stay out of restricted operational areas reserved for passengers.

12:45

Lunch in the center

Stop at a taverna to try local dishes, Greek salad, or the catch of the day. A simple lunch usually costs €12–22 per person, with drinks either excluded or included depending on the place.

14:15

Drepano Beach

Drive to the Drepano peninsula, about 10–15 minutes from the center, and stroll along the sandy shoreline. Access to the beach is usually free; sun loungers and an umbrella, if available, may cost around €10–25 per couple.

17:00

Makrigiali Beach

Continue to Makrigiali for a swim and a quieter stop, checking on site which services are operating. The beach is free to access; bring water and sunscreen, as outside the equipped areas shade can be limited.

19:30

Return and dinner in Igoumenitsa

Head back into town in about 15 minutes and choose a taverna on the seafront or in the center. For a casual dinner, expect €18–30 per person, depending on dishes and drinks.

Day 2 – Sivota and the Ionian coves

09:00–19:30 Beach day with short transfers

Explore the port of Sivota and alternate between a beach within walking distance and coves to visit by land or by boat.

09:00

Transfer to Sivota

From Igoumenitsa, drive for about 25–35 minutes, following the coastal road and allowing for summer traffic. Fuel for the round trip is approximately €6–12, depending on the car.

09:45

Sivota Harbour

Stroll around the harbor among fishing boats, pleasure craft, and cafés, then consider a boat trip to the surrounding bays. A shared tour can cost around €20–45 per person, while renting a small boat has higher and variable rates.

11:00

Bella Vraka Beach

Reach the beach by following the trail from the Mourtemeno area; in favorable conditions, you can cross the shallow stretch of water on foot. Access is free, but bring suitable shoes and check tides and seabed conditions.

13:00

Lunch in Sivota

Head back to the harbor or choose a nearby taverna for a break during the hottest hours. Budget €15–28 per person for a meal with a main course and drink.

14:30

Mega Ammos Beach

Drive to Mega Ammos in just a few minutes and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing. Entry is free; facilities, parking, and sunbed rental may vary and can add around €5–25.

16:30

Agia Paraskevi Beach

Continue along the coast to Agia Paraskevi, a sheltered bay ideal for a quieter stop. Allow about 15–20 minutes’ drive from Mega Ammos and expect beach access to be free, apart from any private services.

18:00

Blue Lagoon Beach and return

If you’ve booked a boat trip, reach the Blue Lagoon during the excursion; routes and stops depend on the sea and the operator. Otherwise, head straight back to Igoumenitsa, about 30 minutes’ drive, and have dinner in town.

Perdika, Karavostasi, and the Dimokastro peninsula
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 3

Perdika, Karavostasi, and the Dimokastro peninsula

09:00–19:00 Cultural and seaside, with moderate walks

Discover the village of Perdika and the southern coast, leaving time for the archaeological site overlooking the sea.

09:00

Transfer to Perdika

From Igoumenitsa, reach Perdika in about 30–40 minutes by car. Once there, park in the village and explore the central streets on foot; parking can cost from €0 to about €5 depending on location and season.

10:00

Walk through the village of Perdika

Explore the square and narrow lanes, taking in the stone houses and the village’s relaxed pace. The visit is free and takes about an hour, with a coffee break costing roughly €2–5.

11:30

Dimokastro

Reach the site by car and continue on foot along the trail, wearing closed shoes and bringing water: the terrain can be uneven and exposed to the sun. Set aside 60–90 minutes for the remains of ancient Elina and the views over the Ionian Sea; admission may be free, while availability and visiting arrangements should be checked on site.

13:30

Lunch in the Perdika area

Stop at a taverna in the village or along the coast for a leisurely meal. Allow about €15–28 per person, depending on fish, meat, and drinks.

15:30

Karavostasi Beach

Head down to Karavostasi for a long seaside break, with a wide beach and open views over the gulf. Access is usually free; sun loungers and an umbrella, if available, may cost around €10–25 per couple.

18:00

Return to Igoumenitsa

Take your time heading back and allow about 35–45 minutes to return to the city, taking beach traffic into account. For dinner in the center, budget €18–30 per person.

Day 4 – Parga, the Venetian castle and Valtos Bay

08:30–20:30 Full day with some walking

Visit Parga's old town and its castle, with a break by the sea and a viewpoint inland.

08:30

Transfer to Parga

Set off early: from Igoumenitsa it takes about 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Allow €8–15 for fuel for the round trip and park outside the busiest area.

09:45

Venetian Castle of Parga

Walk up to the castle through the narrow lanes and take in the bay from above, along with the remains of the fortifications. The visit takes about an hour; access is often free, but conditions and opening times may vary.

11:15

Kryoneri Beach and seafront promenade

Head down to the town beach and stroll along the promenade, with views of the islet of Panagia. Access is free; if you stop at a beach club, sun loungers and an umbrella can cost around €10–25 per couple.

12:45

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a taverna between the harbor and the inner lanes, keeping in mind that places on the seafront are often more in demand. Expect around €18–32 per person for a full meal.

14:30

Valtos Beach

Reach Valtos on foot from the center via the scenic route, or by car if you’d rather avoid the uphill return. Set aside a couple of hours by the sea; entry is free and equipped facilities have variable prices, often in the €10–25 range per couple.

17:30

Ali Pasha Castle

Drive to the castle above Anthousa, about 15–20 minutes from Parga, and round off the visit with a short walk. The location offers lovely views over the coast; access may be free, but check on site for any restrictions.

19:00

Return to Igoumenitsa

Allow about 50 minutes for the return trip and stop only in a safe area, not along the roadside. A light dinner in town can cost around €12–22 per person.

Day 5 – The Necromanteion and the Acheron Valley

08:00–20:00 Nature excursion with long transfers

Combine a visit to an important ancient site with a day among the river mouth, springs, and river landscapes.

08:00

Departure for the Necromanteion

Drive toward Mesopotamos for about 60–75 minutes, bringing water and a snack for the morning. For the car journey, allow roughly €12–20 for fuel, depending on route and vehicle.

09:15

Necromanteion of Acheron

Visit the sanctuary associated in antiquity with the cult of the dead and see the archaeological remains and the small museum, if open. Allow about 60–90 minutes; admission may cost roughly €3–8 and opening hours and prices should be checked before departure.

11:00

Ammoudia Beach

Head down to Ammoudia, about 15–20 minutes by car, for a walk on the beach and along the river mouth. Access is free; bring cash for any parking or services, which may vary by season.

12:30

Lunch in Ammoudia

Stop at a village taverna, where you can find fish and local dishes. Plan on about €15–30 per person, depending on the menu and drink choices.

14:00

Acheron River Mouth

Spend some time enjoying the landscape at the river mouth, where the river meets the sea, without venturing into wetland or private areas. The visit is free; check locally for trail conditions and whether it is safe to swim before entering the water.

15:00

Transfer to the springs

Reach Glyki in about 45–60 minutes by car, following the road inland. Avoid planning a rushed return: the route takes time and the roads can be winding.

16:00

Acheron Springs

Walk along the river and choose an easy section, respecting the signs and water conditions: the bottom can be cold and slippery. Access to the natural area is free; guided or adventure activities can cost around €15–50 per person.

18:00

Return to Igoumenitsa

Set off with a buffer and allow about an hour and a quarter to reach the city, with a possible stop along the way. For a simple dinner after the excursion, budget €15–25 per person.

Day 6 – Northern Thesprotia: Gitana, Filiates and Kalamas

08:30–19:30 Itinerant, with short visits and rural views

Explore the northern inland part of the region, alternating archaeology, a settlement, and a river landscape.

08:30

Departure for Gitana

Reach the archaeological area in about 25–35 minutes by car, checking the route before setting off because the final stretches can be less straightforward. Allow €5–10 for fuel for the round trip to the Igoumenitsa area.

09:15

Gitana Archaeological Site

Visit the remains of the ancient city of the Thesprotians, taking in the walls, the theater, and the urban layout, if accessible. Allow about an hour and a half; admission may be free or subject to local conditions, so check opening times and signage.

11:15

Filiates

Continue to Filiates, about 20–30 minutes away, and stroll through the center for a coffee break and a glimpse of everyday life inland. The walk is free; a coffee costs roughly €2–5.

12:45

Lunch in Filiates

Choose a village taverna and go for simple local dishes. Expect around €12–22 per person for a casual lunch.

14:15

Giromeri Monastery

Drive to the monastery, allowing about 25–35 minutes from Filiates, and visit the permitted areas in respectful clothing. Entry is usually free; donations are optional and opening hours may be limited, so it is wise to check in advance.

16:00

Kalamas Delta

Head down to the delta area and look for an observation point that is accessible without entering private land or sensitive habitats. The visit is free; bring binoculars and water, and keep in mind that paths and facilities may be basic.

18:00

Return to Igoumenitsa

Return at a relaxed pace, allowing about 45–60 minutes from the delta depending on your starting point. For dinner in town, budget €18–30 per person.

Day 7 – Plataria and a peaceful stop before departure

09:00–18:30 Relaxed, with short transfers

Wrap up the trip with a morning by the sea, a religious visit, and free time to return or get ready to depart.

09:00

Departure for Plataria

Reach Plataria in about 15–20 minutes by car from Igoumenitsa, along the coastal road. The drive is short; check traffic conditions if you need to board a ferry or reach the airport the same day.

09:30

Plataria

Stroll along the harbor and through the streets of the small town, watching the boats and the sheltered bay. The visit is free and can take about an hour; breakfast at a café costs roughly €4–9.

11:00

Plataria Beach

Spend late morning with a swim or a walk along the shoreline. Beach access is free; check on site for the availability of sunbeds, showers, and refreshment facilities.

13:00

Lunch in Plataria

Stop at a tavern in town or by the sea for one last unhurried lunch. The approximate cost is €15–28 per person, depending on dishes and drinks.

14:45

Panagia Ragio Monastery

On the way back to Igoumenitsa, inquire about the monastery’s accessibility and visit the areas open to visitors in appropriate clothing. Allow 30–45 minutes; access is generally free, but it is advisable to check the opening hours before arriving.

16:00

Free time in Igoumenitsa

Return to the city for a stroll, a coffee, or any last useful purchases for the trip. Budget €5–20 depending on what you choose and leave enough time for the port or the next transfer.

17:30

Early dinner or departure

If you’re spending another night in the city, opt for a light dinner and budget €12–25 per person. If you have a ferry, check the ticket schedule and reach the port early, taking boarding procedures into account.

Estimated budget

Accommodation in a double room, per night€55–140
Meals and drinks, per person per day€30–60
Rental car, per day€35–85
Fuel for the itinerary, per car€70–130
Admissions to museums and archaeological sites, total€6–25
Boat trip to Sivota, per person€20–45
Sunbeds and an umbrella, per couple per day€10–25

Indicative amounts in euros (€), the official currency of Greece; these are not verified rates and may change depending on the season, availability, services, and booking method. Accommodation estimates are for a double room; other items are per person unless otherwise indicated. Ferry, flights, and insurance are not included.

Practical tips

  • To get around Sivota, Perdika, Parga and the inland stops with flexibility, consider renting a car; in peak season, book ahead.
  • Check opening hours and schedules for museums, archaeological sites and monasteries before you go: they can vary by season, and some places have limited access.
  • Bring water shoes or walking shoes, water and sunscreen: access to coves and riverside trails can be uneven, hot or slippery.
  • In summer, book boat trips and head out early for the beaches; parking and coastal roads can get crowded at peak times.