Located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, Preveza is a bustling city built on the site of ancient Vereniki. It lies at one end of Greece’s only undersea tunnel, which connects Preveza to the archaeological remains of Aktio. Preveza’s atmospheric harbour is clustered with beautiful old buildings and traditional tavernas.
Things to do in Préveza
Near the southern tip of Preveza is the Castle of Pantocrator, a large fortress that was built by Ali Pasha in 1807 on a design by the French engineer, Guillaume de Vaudoncourt. It’s shaped like a pentagon and features high walls that plunge into the Ionian Sea. Once used as a prison by the Greek government, its courtyard now provides a setting for cultural events.
A short drive north of Preveza is the ancient city of Nicopolis, which was founded in 29 BC by Caesar Augustus to commemorate his naval victory at the Battle of Actium. Its impressive ruins include Roman-built fortifications, Byzantine walls and basilicas dating from the early Christian period. At the Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis, you’ll find artefacts uncovered at the site.
Combine your visit to Nicopolis with a stop at Monolithi, which is one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe. It's a deservedly popular destination in the summer months, with clear waters that are ideal for swimming and beach umbrellas dotting the sand. On the opposite side of the peninsula is Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park, which provides a habitat for dolphins, turtles and migratory birds.
Getting around Préveza
Preveza is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Ioannina and just 10 minutes from Aktion International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Preveza and travel throughout the city. Ferries are available from Preveza to the nearby island of Paxos.