Preveza is a charming commercial harbor and a significant tourist hub located in northwestern Greece, at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf. It's known for its ancient and historical sights, as well as local roe caviar. Unlike many coastal towns, Preveza has managed to maintain much of its original character, avoiding the changes often brought by mass tourism. The port area, specifically the St. Nikolaos area, is currently undergoing construction. Visitors can enjoy local events such as a choral festival in July and a sardine festival in August.
Getting Around from the Port
Your ship will likely dock in the St. Nikolaos area. From here, the town center is approximately a 20-minute walk. For added convenience, a minibus service has recently been introduced, providing routes between the St. Nikolaos port area and the town center. To reach attractions further afield, such as Ancient Nicopolis, local taxis would be the primary option. The Aktio–Preveza Undersea Tunnel, completed in 2002, significantly shortens travel times to the other side of the gulf and the nearby island of Lefkada.
Attractions and Activities
Preveza offers a mix of historical sites and opportunities for leisurely exploration:
- Wander Preveza's Old Town: The town itself is a delightful place to explore on foot, with its narrow, winding, pedestrian-only streets and historic buildings.
- Explore Preveza's Castles: Visit the Castle of St Andrew's located to the north of the city, and the Castle of St George's at the southern end. For a more remote experience, the Fortress of Pantokrator is situated 2 miles west of Preveza on the Ionian Sea coast. While abandoned and showing signs of deterioration, it is easily accessible.
- Relax at Nearby Beaches: Preveza boasts several great beaches close to the town, perfect for a swim or sunbathing.
- Discover Ancient Nicopolis: Located just 7 km north of Preveza, the ruins of the ancient city of Nicopolis are a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts. This site, famous for the Battle of Actium, features well-preserved Byzantine walls, a theater, and evidence of Roman baths and an aqueduct. An on-site museum houses numerous artifacts from the period.
- Day Trip to Lefkada Island: Thanks to the Aktio–Preveza Undersea Tunnel, the popular tourist destination of Lefkada Island is now much more accessible for a day trip.
Dining
The town's charming streets offer numerous places to eat, though specific recommendations near the terminal are not provided.
- Shopping Hours:
- Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, then 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Supermarkets: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: During summer months, these typically operate with extended hours, often from dawn until well past midnight.
Safety
No specific safety concerns or warnings are noted for Preveza. Standard precautions for travel apply.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. The primary language spoken is Greek, but English is commonly understood in tourist areas.