Beaches
The beaches are their specialty. It is honey-colored sand that is like never ending. And long strips of pebbles soaked by radiant jade-turquoise sea. The beaches in Parga are haven to all beach lovers in the world. If you are a beach lover then you couldn't want for more. It may get busy in summer, but you can always hotfoot it over the headland to Valtos. This crescent of sand is big, beautiful and brimming with tavernas, watersports and sunbeds.
Eating out
The most important thing that you should know about food in Parga is that's 99% Greek. Taverns, 'kafeneia' - traditional cafes and 'ouzeri' - simple snack bars, are the order of the day. From a visitor's point of view, we're talking about tucking into a dinner of local dishes. Think 'moussakas', Greek salads and vine-wrapped 'dolmades'. And that's nowhere near the whole list. Aside from that, the sizzling 'souvlakis' is skewers of pork and lamb marinated in lemon juice and herbs would surely make you want for more. In addition, 'Saganaki' that is made up of oozey chunks of fried cheese to the menu would even make you want for more and more. You should also look out for 'bourtheto' which is made out of clusters of tiny fish baked and smothered in rich tomato sauce. And we should say that Parga's perhaps the only exception to the 'strictly Greek' rule. Because the place is swarmed by tourists, you could also find international cuisines.
Nightlife
Whether you're in the dance-till-you-drop brigade or belong to the drinks-and-dinner camp, Preveza's got the lot. It just depends on which resort you plump for. For high-powered partying, there's no place but Parga. In high summer, its waterfront and old town simmer with packed out clubs and bars. And even then, there's still plenty for those who prefer a slower pace. Almost everywhere you go, cosy tavernas and romantic bars offer up intimate suppers to the soundtrack of the sea. In contrast, Lefkas is much lower key. In Nikiana, Periyali, Aghios Ioannis and Lazarata, we're talking cheerful waterside tavernas. However, if you're hankering after a higher tempo, there's always Nidri or Lefkas Town. Just a few minutes' cab ride from Nikiana and Periyali, Nidri's harbourfront ripples with music bars and popular outdoor cafes - it even has a couple of discos. There's plenty going on in Lefkas Town, too. Park yourself at a popular main square taverna and you may just be entertained by strolling jugglers, 'bouzouki' troupes and even fire-eaters. Alternatively, hang out with the locals at the cocktail bars along the harbour before hitting the town's discos.
Shopping
Parga's great for shopping. From the stepped streets of its warren-like old town to the narrow alleyways stuffed behind its waterfront, this is one place that'll definitely rev up your retail ramblings. Almost everywhere you turn, you'll stumble across jewellery shops, beach boutiques and gift shops. On Lefkas, the capital Lefkas Town is prime shopping territory. Here, pedestrianised streets fanning out from the main square tempt you into perfume shops, designer boutiques and quirky gift emporia. The usual souvenir suspects here include ceramics and lace scarves hand-made by islanders. Of course, Lefkas Town doesn't hold the total monopoly on shopping here. All over the island, the seaside and mountain villages are home to interesting curio stores, delis and roadside stalls choc-a-block with treats. How about some olive oil or thyme-infused honey from the village of Athani? Some embroidered linen from the mountain hamlet of Karia? Or a bottle of 'soumada', the rich almond liqueur? Just take your pick - they'll all be wonderful reminders of your holiday.
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