Parga & Sivota Islands Blue Lagoon Cruise

Description

A wonderful and relaxing way to explore the areas of Parga and Sivota. First, our departure from the Port of Corfu gives a unique view of the Old Town, it’s two overlooking Venetian fortresses, the Kanoni peninsula and the palace of Mon Repos, where Prince Phillip was born. Heading south, parallel to the mainland, we pass the capital city of the Thesprotia region, Igoumenitsa, the small fishing village of Plataria and the Sivota Islands, where the ship enters the breathtaking cave of Sivota. During the Second World War, the Greek submarine “Papanikolis” was hidden here beneath the lighthouse.

We sail around the historical small islands of Sivota, where the great naval battle between the Corfiots and the Corinthians took place in the summer of 432 B.C. Many of the vessels sunk in the fighting are still there at the bottom of the sea. Soon afterwards, we arrive at the picturesque Blue Lagoon bay, where historians say the Arabian pirates moored their ships in the Middle Ages. We drop anchor close to the beach, and you will have the opportunity to swim in the lagoon’s exotic blue waters.

Parga is a large picturesque village which is rich in beautiful colourful architecture, history, rare physical beauty, interlaced beaches, emerald water, calm bays, olive groves, a healthy climate, and romantic side streets.

One of Parga’s main attractions is the Venetian castle which sits on the hillside next to the port. It was built by residents in the 11th century to protect their town from both the pirates and the Turks. The Ottomans destroyed parts of the castle in 1452. The Venetians then started to rebuild it, but before it could be completed, it was demolished again by the Ottoman admiral Barbarossa in 1537. He razed the fortress and houses inside to the ground. For the third and final time, a stronger, impregnable castle was built in 1819.

Opposite the castle, at the entrance to the port, there is a small island dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with a church and several medieval Venetian and French buildings. Every summer, on 15th of August, the port hosts the famous Varkarola – a magnificent celebration dedicated to the Pargians who returned to Parga from Corfu.

Do not miss the chance to explore the Venetian castle, whose main building houses a photo exhibition of ancient Parga. There is plenty to see and do whilst in Parga and by using our walking map of hidden paths and sights you can explore the beaches and experiences whilst enjoying the stunning views and unspoilt nature.

During your trip, you can enjoy the sun and help yourself to refreshments, which may be purchased from the bar. We look forward to meeting you onboard one of our ships.

HIGHLIGHTS

Coach transfer to and from the hotel and the Port of Corfu

Full day multilingual professional guiding on board

Admire the scenery of the Old Town of Corfu (city sightseeing by boat)

Enter the breathtaking cave of Sivota.

Visit Parga, the “cosmopolitan princess” of Epirus

Explore the Venetian castle and the narrow streets of Parga

Sail in the narrow channels of the Sivota islands

Swim and snorkel in the exotic turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon.

Feast your eyes on the amazing landscapes of the Corfiot and the Mainland Greece coastline.

Be prepared to take pictures! Dolphins might occur!