One Of The Best Beach Towns In Greece Is A Haven For Fresh Seafood Lovers

Brimming with Mediterranean charm, sun-soaked beaches, and thousands of years of history that are rich in mythology and ancient wonders, Greece attracts more than 30 million annual visitors who hope to explore ancient ruins and sink into a slow-paced lifestyle. And while most travelers tend to flock to the iconic Acropolis in Athens or the white-washed island of Santorini to watch the sunset, there are plenty of other hidden corners of this historic country just waiting to be discovered.

One of these gems is the little town of Preveza. Tucked away on Greece's western coast, the port town is one of the country's best-kept secrets. Located at the entrance of the Amvrakikos Gulf, Preveza offers a refreshing escape from the tourist-heavy Greek islands of Mykonos and Corfu without sacrificing any of the coastal vibes Greece is known for.

A roughly four-hour drive from Athens — which takes you across the picturesque countryside — Preveza captures the essence of authentic Greek seaside life with the best combination of golden beaches and rich maritime tradition. However, what truly makes the destination stand out is its reputation for serving up some of the freshest seafood, plucked directly from the Ionian waters. With dozens of world-class local eateries in town to choose from, visitors are free to indulge their senses (and tantalize their tastebuds) with a culinary experience that's hard to find anywhere else. All of these ultimately come together to create the perfect blend of traditional Greek life and modern luxury.

Blessed with some of Greece's most impressive beaches, Preveza is paradise on Earth for sun worshipers and beach bums hoping to soak up some classic Grecian rays. First, there's the stunning Monolithi Beach. Stretching along an impressive 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), the sprawling beach offers visitors plenty of space to find their ideal spot along the glimmering shoreline. As for families traveling together, Alonaki Beach — known for its calm, shallow waters — is a perfect spot for some kid-friendly activities. Lastly, Kanali Beach is popular with travelers looking for a little more action. Lined with beach bars, the spot also features rows of umbrellas and beach chairs for a full day out.

As a thriving seaside town, Preveza also has another major draw going for it: a bounty of high-quality, fresh seafood. Specifically, the town is known for three local delicacies that define its culinary identity. These include prawns sourced from the Amvrakikos Gulf, local papalina (a.k.a. sardines), and red mullet. As for where to go to get your fill, foodies will be happy to know that the town is brimming with traditional tavernas — a word used to describe Greek restaurants that serve up an authentic experience — ready to serve up the day's catch.

One of the more popular picks is the famous Amvrosios. Operating since 1935, Amvrosios specializes in local seafood that's cooked to perfection. Alternatively, for a more contemporary take on local specialties, spots like Alati Sea Food & More serve up creative dishes that honor traditional ingredients while incorporating modern culinary techniques. Don't miss out on the "petali" — a type of fish that's split open, salted, sun-dried, and then grilled.

Beyond its world-class beaches and restaurants, Preveza offers plenty of other opportunities for visitors to soak up some authentic Greek experiences. The town's historic center is a maze of charming narrow streets. As a pro tip, make sure you head over to the colorful Saitan Pazar (Devil's Bazaar) for an afternoon stroll drenched in local history.

For a more immersive journey into ancient Greece, history buffs should head over to Nikopolis. Located a quick five-mile drive outside of town, the archeological site was founded in 28 BC by Emperor Octavian to commemorate his victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Once there, you'll find everything from well-preserved Roman walls to a theater and early Christian basilicas with some truly impressive mosaics.

Lastly, for nature enthusiasts, Preveza's surrounding countryside features a handful of excellent hiking opportunities — especially the Zalogo Trail, which passes historic areas and olive groves, and the popular Lekatsa Forest Path, which leads hikers into a pristine woodland. Finally, there's also the opportunity to sail along the Amvrakikos Gulf on a guided cruise where sea-faring adventurers can catch a glimpse of local bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.