The good weather, the turquoise waters and the history that is found in every corner of Greece make the Ionian coast one of the best places to visit. If you don't want to miss a single detail, this driving tour along the Ionian coast will take you to the main points of interest.
Aktion
This small town located on the cape of the same name is steeped in history. Here you can visit the remains of the temple of Apollo Actius and stroll through the area where emperor Octavian established his camp. In fact, from the monument that commemorates his victory you have incredible views of the Ambracian Gulf.
After a quick visit to this town, grab the car and start the route to discover the secrets of the Ionian coast.
Preveza
You reach this city via the only underwater road tunnel in all of Greece. After just over four miles you find yourself in Preveza, one of the most visited cities in the area.
Its historic centre stands out, with narrow streets and an atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy yourself. If you have enough time, be sure to stop at one of its traditional taverns.
A must-see is Pantokrator Castle, a Venetian fortress overlooking the sea. From there, grab your swimming costume and towel and head to Monolithos beach. It is one of the longest in Europe and ideal for resting after the journey you have made to arrive in Greece.
Parga: second day of the Ionian coast driving tour
On the second day of your trip you can complete the Preveza-Parga route. The distance between both cities is about 40 miles, so you will be there in under an hour.
Parga is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. It has spectacular beaches such as Valtos and Lichnos, which stand out for being surrounded by vegetation. But there is also a lot to see. Make a note in your sightseeing plans of the Venetian castle, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the bay.
You can also take a small boat that makes the trip from Parga to the island of Panagia. This small island faces the port and is a good option to watch the sunset.
Parga - Syvota - Igoumenitsa
On the third day, take the car and drive to Syvota, about 30 miles away. In this municipality the most outstanding feature are its beaches. Options such as Bella Vraka or Pisina Beach are accessible by boat, although you can also walk along a small isthmus.
Both offer an exclusive and quiet environment. If you like swimming, here you will find crystal-clear waters that invite you to dive right in.
After a stop in Syvota, continue your trip to Igoumenitsa. This port city is a good way to spend a relaxed afternoon and rest. If you want to keep exploring, from there you can take the ferry to Corfu.
Lefkada
On this day of your driving tour along the Ionian coast you will cover a longer distance than the other days, about 75 miles. Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a floating bridge, so you don't need to take the ferry, you can get there in your vehicle.
Upon arrival, the charming village of Agios Nikitas awaits you. It is small, but perfect to enjoy lunch or dinner in peace and quiet, and even for an overnight stay.
Somewhere that you simply have to visit is the Dimosari waterfalls. They are found a few miles from Nidri, and you won't regret taking the time to visit them.
After taking in the sights, it's time to don your swimming costume to enjoy some of the most spectacular beaches of the Ionian Sea. You can choose between Porto Katsiki, Egremni or Kathisma, among others.
Head back to Aktion
If your return flight is also departing from Aktion, it is only about 12 miles from Lefkada. However, you will probably have already realised by this point that it may take a little longer than you are accustomed to to cover these distances due to the area's orography. To avoid running into trouble, leave in plenty of time to get to the airport.
Recommendations for your driving tour along the Ionian coast
Driving in this area is quite pleasant. The roads are mostly in good condition and you will see beautiful scenery along the way. However, in mountainous areas like Lefkada, extreme caution should be taken, because the back roads can be narrow and have sharp curves.
A road trip along the Ionian coast is an unforgettable experience. We recommend choosing a compact car for easier parking. And if you're planning your trip, by renting a car in Aktion with OK Mobility, you’ll be able to explore Greece in total comfort, choosing from the best rental vehicles we have to offer.
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