Preveza is a hidden gem in Epirus, northwest Greece – a seaside town famous for its long sandy beaches, authentic food, and family-friendly vibe. In this insider’s travel guide, local entrepreneur and mom Efi Paboukidou shares the best things to do in Preveza, where to eat, and how to experience Greece off the beaten path.

Efi Paboukidou spent part of her childhood years in Preveza and after many years living in other places in Greece, she returned to the city in 2012. Today, she is the owner of Abali concept store, which was the motivation for her to return to Preveza. Now as a mother and a woman in her forties, Efi appreciates this unpretentious small city more, enjoying the nature, the sea and the gentle rhythm of daily life.

In this article, she shares her valuable tips about the family-friendly spots, the cultural highlights, the food, the beaches and much more.

About Preveza – A Hidden Gem in Epirus

Preveza is not as famous as nearby destinations like Lefkada or Parga, but that is part of its charm. With Aktion Airport just 10 minutes from the city, it’s also one of the easiest seaside towns in Greece to reach.

The town still maintains its unpretentious, authentic atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Preveza

• April – June: warm, quiet, perfect for couples & families.
• September – October: low season, still great weather, fewer crowds.
• Avoid July & especially August if you don’t like the high season

Where to stay in Preveza, Greece 

Activities to do in Preveza, Greece 

How to Get There – Check your Airplane Tickets Here 

How to Get There – Book Your Ferry Tickets Here (it is possible to take the ferry from Italy towards the port of Igoumenitsa. Preveza is about 75 minutes drive away from Igoumenitsa.)

Efi, could you tell us a few words about yourself and your background?

I was born and raised in Nea Samsounta, Preveza. I went to Gymnasium (12-15 years old) and High School (15-18 years old) in Preveza. I studied “Archives and Library Science” at the Ionian University in Corfu. I have two sisters and my partner, and I have a son called Manos, who is now 4 and a half years old. I have owned the Abali concept store in Preveza since 2012.

Abali concept store – When and how did you open the shop? Which are the creators/products you are currently offering? What does “Abali” mean?

After my studies in Corfu, I moved to Thessaloniki where I worked for about 7 years at the bookstore Eleftheroudakis. The bookstore closed because of the economic crisis, and I suddenly found myself without a job just before the summer of 2012.

All these years, especially while I was in Thessaloniki, I was very involved with DIY, with various constructions, jewellery, sewing, etc. It was the time when blogs were in their heyday and then arts and crafts and DIY were popular themes, which influenced me a lot. I always loved fashion, art and everything related.

One day my mother called me and told me that a shop was for rent on the main pedestrian street of Preveza and asked me if I wanted to rent it and open a shop with my creations and other objects. Back then, the idea seemed outrageous to me, and I hung up on her. But then I gave it some thought, and I decided to do it as an experiment during the summer. I still remember when the first customer came in and bought something; I couldn’t believe it!

The name “Abali” comes from a game played with balls (it’s called “petanque” in French). The concept behind it was that fashion, just like life, is a game and the name somehow works as a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously.

Abali is a concept store where one can find products we like from Greek and foreign designers/companies. For me, Abali is an entire universe seen through my aesthetics: a universe where one can find hair accessories, clothes, shoes, scarves, jewellery, beauty products and many more.

Some of the brands we currently host are Peace and Chaos, Nidodileda, Chaton, Efimaron, Compania Fantastica, Nice things, Yerse, Salt n Pepper, Coucou Suzette, Freedom Moses, Not today, Cat black, Nasilia and many others. There is also our eshop www.abalishop.gr and a large community on Instagram. 

ABOUT PREVEZA

What are your memories growing up in Preveza? Where else did you live and how/when did you decide to return to the city?

I was born and raised in Nea Samsounta, a Pontian village near Preveza; my grandparents were refugees. My memories when growing up include lovely, breezy yards, smells of piroski and pissia (traditional Pontian dishes, both savoury treats), weddings, festivals and carefree childhood summers.

When I was 12, we moved to Preveza so that I could attend higher education, but also because of my parents’ work. In the beginning, the adjustment was difficult, but I quickly made friends. Basically, I stayed in Preveza during my high school years (12-18 years old).

In those years, the feeling of running away was very intense for me, as well as for most children of my age. The city felt deserted in the winter; in the summer there were more people, but not as many as today. Back then, even the summers were quiet. From that period, I can strongly remember that I wanted to leave!

However, I also remember vividly how it felt to go out and always meet someone for a coffee ((this was still a period before the internet). Our haunts were the cafe Mitropolis (at that time it was called “Georgiou”), the Noname bar and the legendary rock bar Paraskinio.

I returned to Preveza because I opened the store, but for a long time, I believed that it was only temporary and that I would leave again. In the end, my partner also decided to return to Preveza to stay together.

What do you like most about life in Preveza today? Is there anything at all that you would like to change?

Now as a mother and woman in her forties, I appreciate my city much more. What I like most is that nature and the sea are very close, the distances are short, and the rhythms are reminiscent of the sixties. Preveza is a small town that has changed a lot in the last decade, and especially during winter, you don’t feel so isolated anymore. I think if you can combine it with travel, it’s an ideal place to live and raise children.

What annoys me the most is the indifference of the authorities and the citizens to basic issues. What I would change is related mainly to the public space: cars parked on sidewalks, vehicles passing on pedestrian roads, buildings left to collapse. Something that annoys me a lot as a mother is that there are very few playgrounds and parks, and they are poorly maintained or inappropriate.

Where to stay in Preveza, Greece 

Activities to do in Preveza, Greece 

How to Get There – Check your Airplane Tickets Here 

How to Get There – Book Your Ferry Tickets Here (it is possible to take the ferry from Italy towards the port of Igoumenitsa. Preveza is about 75 minutes drive away from Igoumenitsa.)

Top Things to Do in Preveza

• Cultural Highlights
  • Archaeological Museum & Ancient Site of Nikopolis
  • Kassopi Archaeological Site
  • Castle of Pantokratoras
  • Bust of poet Kostas Karyotakis
  • Saitan Pazar (traditional market street)
• Events & Festivals
  • Preveza Jazz Festival (summer)
  • International Choir Festival
  • Greek Orthodox Easter with the clay pot tradition (“botia” smashing)
• Nature & Excursions
  • Boat trip in Amvrakikos Gulf
  • Sunset at Monolithi Beach
  • Excursion to Acheron River & Lake Ziros
  • Excursion to Agios Georgios springs

Best Beaches in Preveza

• Monolithi Beach – Europe’s longest sandy beach, with eucalyptus trees for shade
• Artolithia
• Lefka

Where to Eat in Preveza – Foodie Guide

• Coffee & Brunch: Hooga Spot, Barrio, Celest
• Street Food: Chubbies, Joel, Pick a Pocket, Nikolos, Mondo pizza
• Fusion: Deli and bar

• Mediterranean with a twist: Olanthi (Ολάνθη), Akrotiri (Ακρωτήρι)

• Seafood: Filippas, Treli Garida
• Traditional Tavernas: Mageireio Psatha, Menta (Plateia Dikastirion), Saitan Pazar

• Meat: Alatopipero (Αλατοπίπερο)

• Pastries & Ice Cream: HB Café, Praline, Spitiko, Karanika Bakery (near the Clock Tower)
• Café / Bars: Apothiki, Botilia sto Pelago, Tserki, Aposperitis (Αποσπερίτης στον Παντοκράτορα)
• Specialty coffee: There isn’t any specialty coffee shop yet, but you can find good coffee at Hooga, Barrio and Piccolo.
• Various: Traditional donuts called “loukoumades” at Androutsos Square / Corn roasted at the street vendors across the coastal road of Preveza

Shopping in Preveza – Local Stores & Artisans

• Abali Concept Store – curated Greek & international designers
• Simoun Books & Coffee – https://www.instagram.com/simoun.books.and.coffee/
• Saca Studio (wood & leather handmade products) – https://www.sacastudio.gr/
• Ipovrixio (creative toys) – https://www.instagram.com/ipovrixio_toys/?hl=en
• Ceramics Studio (local pottery) – https://www.instagram.com/ceramics_studio_gr/
• My Bio (organic products) – https://www.instagram.com/mybio_preveza/
• To Mati concept store – https://www.instagram.com/to_mati_conceptstore/
• Xrysw (clothes)

Wellbeing Places in Preveza

• Anasa yoga studio (yoga and massage)
• Yogamas (yoga)
• Morfi beauty center
• Nailspot

Where to stay in Preveza, Greece 

Activities to do in Preveza, Greece 

How to Get There – Check your Airplane Tickets Here 

How to Get There – Book Your Ferry Tickets Here (it is possible to take the ferry from Italy towards the port of Igoumenitsa. Preveza is about 75 minutes drive away from Igoumenitsa.)

Family-Friendly Preveza Travel Guide

• Ideal Itinerary with Kids
  • Morning swim at Monolithi Beach
  • Lunch at Olanthi in Agios Thomas
  • Afternoon walk along the seafront with roasted corn or ice cream
  • Play at Luna Park & Androutsos Square
  • Evening drink for parents while kids play

Here is my favourite family-friendly itinerary in Preveza: early in the morning at the sea in Monolithi under the shadow of the eucalyptus trees; then for lunch in the yard of Olanthi in Agios Thomas. During the afternoon, walk at the beachfront of Preveza city while enjoying corn from the street vendors or a stop for the most delicious and pure ice cream at HB CAFE. A visit to Luna Park which reminds of past decades is a must and in the evening playtime in the main square for the children and a drink for the parents in one of the cafes.

• Family Activities: Luna Park, playgrounds (Nautakia & Svourakia), bowling center, equestrian park, summer cinema, water slides at Kanali Beach Hotel, Summer cinema at Kyani Akti
• Best Areas to Stay: Preveza city center, or an area next to the sea such as Kyani Akti, Pantokratoras, Alonaki, and Kalamitsi.

Are there any family-friendly restaurants and cafes?

I believe that most of them are family-friendly because almost all have outdoor space. Ideal for children are “Menta” (Plateia Dikastirion), “Celest” in the marina of Preveza and all the cafes located in Androutsos Square. Another great choice is the “City Café Baths” “Dimotiko Kafenion Loutra).

Are there any interesting festivals & events?

In general, during the summer, many theatrical performances are organized in Kipotheatro (Theater) and at the Roman Odeon of Nikopolis. An interesting event is the Jazz Festival with participating bands from Greece and abroad. Also, the International Choir Festival organized by the “Armonia” Choir with participating choirs from all over the world that sing in all the neighbourhoods is another great event in the city.

Another interesting period is the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations in Preveza where the custom of the First Resurrection takes place. On Holy Saturday, the early crowds gather on the central pedestrian road to smash the “botia” or “stamnakia” (clay pots). After this, the people are served the traditional sweet called “soutzouki”.

 

Websites where one could check information about events/festivals/activities in Preveza

Travelpreveza (Greek and English)

Prevezatoday (Greek only)

Prevezabest (Greek only)

Atpreveza (Greek only)

Topotiritis (Greek only)

Thank you, dear Efi, for all the great tips and knowledge you shared with us!

I hope you enjoyed this Insider’s Guide. Stay tuned for more.

 

Photos: some photos in this article are kindly provided by Efi Paboukidou

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Preveza

Is Preveza worth visiting?
Yes – it combines beautiful beaches, authentic food, and cultural heritage without the tourist crowds of other Greek islands and cities.

How do I get to Preveza?
Preveza is served by Aktion Airport (PVK), with flights from Athens and several European cities.

What is Preveza famous for?
Its endless sandy beach Monolithi, fresh seafood, and the ancient city of Nikopolis.

Is Preveza family-friendly?
Absolutely – short distances, safe atmosphere, kid-friendly restaurants and activities.

Read more articles here:

What to pack for a trip with a baby or toddler

Travel & food guide to Sithonia, Halkidiki

Family holidays in Preveza, Greece – What to do

Insider’s Guide – Discover Naxos with Lena Vlastara 

Insider’s Guide – Syros for families by Betty Chatzisavvidou

Zagori, Greece – Family-friendly Travel Itinerary 

Insider’s guide to Ikaria island, Greece – by Areti Kotsore 

 

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