The Best Beaches near Preveza: A Local Guide

Preveza sits at the tip of a peninsula, with the open Ionian Sea on one side and the calm Ambracian Gulf on the other. The beaches worth the drive are on the Ionian side, running north along the coast towards Parga. These are the four we have checked one by one, from the closest to the furthest.

Kiani Akti: the beach in town

If you are staying in Preveza without a car, start here. Kiani Akti is the sandy town beach at the southern tip of the peninsula, 1.6 km from the centre, an easy walk or bike ride. It has a designated swimming area and beach-volleyball facilities, and it looks across the channel to the marinas of Aktio. Come in the late afternoon, then walk back into town for dinner.

Beaches

Kiani Akti (Κυανή Ακτή)

Preveza's town beach: a sandy shore at the tip of the peninsula, 1.6 km from the centre, walkable from town, with the old thermal springs and Pantokrator Castle close by.

Kiani Akti, southern tip of Preveza town (1.6 km from the centre)

Monolithi: kilometres of open shore

Ten minutes north of town, Monolithi is one of the longest beaches in Greece: the mapped beach alone is about 12–13 km. Behind its southern part lies the protected pine forest of Monolithi, and the land belongs to the archaeological zone of Ancient Nikopolis, so the shore has stayed free of buildings. Some sections have sunbeds and beach bars in summer. Walk on and you can usually find an empty stretch, but bring your own shade. It faces the open Ionian, so afternoon wind and waves are common.

Beaches

Monolithi Beach

One of the longest beaches in Greece: kilometres of sand and fine pebbles on the open Ionian, backed by the pine forest of Monolithi, 10 minutes from Preveza.

Ionian coast north of Preveza, between Mytikas and Kastrosykia (about 8.5 km / 10 min drive from the centre)

Loutsa–Vrachos: the family beach

About 30 minutes north, Loutsa and Vrachos are two ends of the same 3 km beach of fine golden sand, more than 50 m wide in places. The sea is mostly shallow, which makes it one of the best beaches in the area for small children, and it is organised along its whole length with sunbeds, showers and changing rooms. The coast faces west, so stay for the sunset. Afternoon swells can build quickly, so keep children close when the waves are up.

Beaches

Loutsa – Vrachos Beach

A 3 km sweep of fine golden sand with shallow water, sunbeds along its whole length and some of the best sunsets on the coast. About 30 minutes north of Preveza.

Loutsa / Vrachos, Ionian coast between Preveza and Parga (about 34 km / 30 min drive from Preveza)

Alonaki: the emerald cove

Further north, near Valanidorachi on the Fanari coast, Alonaki is a small cove under pine-covered cliffs. The trees give it natural shade and the water its deep emerald colour. There are rocks in the water and no long shallows, so it suits swimmers and snorkellers more than toddlers, and confident swimmers can reach the islet across the bay. The last part of the drive is a dirt road through the trees. In high summer, go early: the cove fills up by late morning.

Beaches

Alonaki Beach (Fanari)

A small, sheltered cove of sand and pebbles under pine-covered cliffs, with emerald water and a little islet to swim to. About 40 minutes north of Preveza, near Ammoudia and the Acheron.

Fanari coast near Valanidorachi, Municipality of Parga (about 42 km / 40 min drive from Preveza)

Which beach should you choose?

• No car: Kiani Akti, walkable from the centre.
• Space and long walks: Monolithi, 10 minutes away.
• Small children: Loutsa–Vrachos, shallow and organised.
• Snorkelling and scenery: Alonaki.

Combine a beach with a sight

Monolithi pairs well with a morning at Ancient Nikopolis, a few minutes inland. Kiani Akti sits next to the Castle of Agios Georgios, and Pantokrator Castle, one of the best sunset spots in Preveza, is a short walk west. Alonaki is close to the Acheron river and the Necromanteion, so it fits into a day trip up the coast.