The Prefecture of Préveza is of remarkable beauty: profuse greenery, sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue seas. The modern town, at the mouth of the Amvrakikós Gulf, is a successor to the “Victory City” of Nikópolis. In the past it was invaded by the Romans, Venetians, Franks and Turks. At the delta formed by the rivers Loúros and Árachthos, a flora and fauna was developed, where over two hundred and fifty species of birds find shelter. This important ecological environment is a pole of attraction for scientists and naturalists the world over.
Nikópolis (8km) was founded by the Roman emperor Octavian on the site where his army had camped prior to the Battle of Actium in 31 BC when he defeated the combined fleets of Antony and Cleopatra. Over an area of 9,000 acres the visitor can see among the ruins, remnants of the baths, sixth-century Byzantine fortified walls, the theatre, the sunken outline of the stadium, and the well-kept Roman odeion, where cultural events take place.
Ancient Kassópi (22km) is memorable for its superb location some 600m above sea level with a magnificent view of the Ionian Sea and the Amvrakikós Gulf. The site’s ruins date mainly from the fourth century BC. Rebuilding took place in the second century. Highlights include the agora, the odeion, and the katagóyeion or hostelry for representatives of the Kassopian federation.
Zálongo (24km) is a short distance from ancient Kassópi, overlooking the lush village of Kamarína. In 1803, when Ali Pasha’s troops overrun the village, sixty-three Souliot women and children fled to the top of the cliff and danced one by one, with their children in their arms, over the edge of the precipice. This act is commemorated by a sculpture, the work of the famous sculptor Yórgos Zagolópoulos.
Lefkádha (25km). The island, accessible by ferries and boat trips from the mainland, is famous for its blue-green seas and much-advertised shores. Not far from Nydhrí, the island’s biggest resort, is Aristotle Onassis’ renowned islet of Skorpiós.
Nekromanteion of Ephyra - Ahérondas Gorge (48km). Above the village of Mesopótamo (ancient Ephyra) stands the sanctuary of Persephone and Hades. According to mythology, this was the spot from where Charon rowed departed souls across the lake of Acherousia to the gates of Hades.
Párga (65km) is a photogenic seaside town with fine beaches lining several successive bays. Its arc of tiered houses is set below the Venetian kástro. The ruined ramparts offer excellent views of the town, its waterfront, and the Ionian islands of Páxos and Antípaxos. More elaborate, intact and arguably more interesting is the castle above Anthoússa, rebuilt in 1814 by Ali Pasha. The town is ideally situated for excursions to Páxos and Antípaxos, the Nekromanteion of Ephyra, and the Ahérondas gorge at Glykí. Other convenient choices are the towns of Árta, Vónitsa and Ioánnina.
Visit Margarona Royal Hotel: www.margaronaroyal.gr
Nikópolis (8km) was founded by the Roman emperor Octavian on the site where his army had camped prior to the Battle of Actium in 31 BC when he defeated the combined fleets of Antony and Cleopatra. Over an area of 9,000 acres the visitor can see among the ruins, remnants of the baths, sixth-century Byzantine fortified walls, the theatre, the sunken outline of the stadium, and the well-kept Roman odeion, where cultural events take place.
Ancient Kassópi (22km) is memorable for its superb location some 600m above sea level with a magnificent view of the Ionian Sea and the Amvrakikós Gulf. The site’s ruins date mainly from the fourth century BC. Rebuilding took place in the second century. Highlights include the agora, the odeion, and the katagóyeion or hostelry for representatives of the Kassopian federation.
Zálongo (24km) is a short distance from ancient Kassópi, overlooking the lush village of Kamarína. In 1803, when Ali Pasha’s troops overrun the village, sixty-three Souliot women and children fled to the top of the cliff and danced one by one, with their children in their arms, over the edge of the precipice. This act is commemorated by a sculpture, the work of the famous sculptor Yórgos Zagolópoulos.
Lefkádha (25km). The island, accessible by ferries and boat trips from the mainland, is famous for its blue-green seas and much-advertised shores. Not far from Nydhrí, the island’s biggest resort, is Aristotle Onassis’ renowned islet of Skorpiós.
Nekromanteion of Ephyra - Ahérondas Gorge (48km). Above the village of Mesopótamo (ancient Ephyra) stands the sanctuary of Persephone and Hades. According to mythology, this was the spot from where Charon rowed departed souls across the lake of Acherousia to the gates of Hades.
Párga (65km) is a photogenic seaside town with fine beaches lining several successive bays. Its arc of tiered houses is set below the Venetian kástro. The ruined ramparts offer excellent views of the town, its waterfront, and the Ionian islands of Páxos and Antípaxos. More elaborate, intact and arguably more interesting is the castle above Anthoússa, rebuilt in 1814 by Ali Pasha. The town is ideally situated for excursions to Páxos and Antípaxos, the Nekromanteion of Ephyra, and the Ahérondas gorge at Glykí. Other convenient choices are the towns of Árta, Vónitsa and Ioánnina.
Visit Margarona Royal Hotel: www.margaronaroyal.gr