Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
achieved the stature of Delphi or Dodona, but its fame was sufficient to warrant a
mention in Homer where it becomes the site of Odysseus's visit to Hades.
A stand of trees marks the ostensible netherworld gateway. Homer spoke of poplars and
willows, but today's cypresses are appropriate enough, being emblems of the dead across
the Mediterranean. The ancient lake, which once made this spot an island, has now
receded, though the mythological rivers still flow in the area, under different names.
he
ruins
in some ways correspond with descriptions of the oracle by ancient
chroniclers, but based on archeological finds here, including such things as domestic
pottery and catapult parts, the site is actually consistent with a fairly large agricultural
enterprise that had occasion to defend itself against invaders - and, in fact, it has been
dated to only Hellenistic times, the third or fourth century BC at the earliest, nearly a
thousand years after Homer's account.
Préveza and around
At the mouth of the Amvrakikós Gulf, modern
PRÉVEZA
is fairly scruffy and
undistinguished, but its
old bazaar quarter and waterfront
, now pedestrianized
and full of appealing tavernas, are worth a look. Since international flights began
serving Áktio airport, the town has had a partial facelift, and more character remains
in the old quarter than at Párga. Préveza merits a stopover also for the nearby ruined
Roman city of
Nikopolis
.
3
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
PRÉVEZA AND AROUND
By air
Charters from London and Manchester arriving at
nearby Áktio airport
generally have transport laid on to the
various resorts; otherwise there are only taxis for the 7km
trip to town. The airport itself is a cheerless, overcrowded
shed at the edge of an air-force base, with two car-rental
booths, snacks at the bar, and no banking facilities or
anywhere to sit.
Destinations
Corfu (3 weekly; 25min); Kefalonia (3
weekly; 20min); Sitia (2 weekly; 1hr 40min); Zakynthos (3
weekly; 1hr).
By bus
The bus station
in Préveza is at the north edge of
town, 1km out at the start of the road to Párga; there are
sporadic shuttles into the centre.
Destinations
Athens (5 daily; 6hr); Ioánnina (8 daily; 2hr);
Lefkádha (5 daily; 25min); Párga (4 daily; 2hr); Igoumenítsa
(2 daily; 2hr 30min).
By car
A high-tech tunnel under the straits links Préveza
and Áktio (3min; €3 cars, €5 camper vans; no cyclists).
Drivers arriving from Párga or Préveza should follow
signposting for “Áktio” to find the entrance.
Tourist o
ce
Bálkou near the waterfront (
T
26820
21078; Mon-Fri 8am-2.30pm).
Services
The post office is on Spiliádhou, near the castle.
Several banks with ATMs are found at the north end of the
waterfront. There's a taxi rank on the waterfront.
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
None of the four in-town
hotels
is especially inviting or great value, though if you do stay after dark there is fairly lively
nightlife on offer. A dozen
tavernas
(many dinner only) are scattered around the inland lanes and alleyways of old
Préveza, with
cafés and bars
mostly lined up along the pedestrianized waterfront esplanade Venizélou.
Avra
Venizélou
19
T
26820 21230,
W
hotelavra.net.
This comfortable though quite spartan hotel is on the
seafront just steps away from the picturesque pedestrian
zone. It's run by two brothers, b
oth
very helpful and
friendly. Breakfast €5/person extra.
€45
Psatha
Dhardhanellíon
4-6
T
26820 23051.
One block
south of the Venetian clock tower along the main shopping
thoroughfare, this is the place to come for standard
mayireftá
. In addition, they do fish and grills, and the
kitchen always has something special on the stove, so have
a look. €15 or so for a full meal - in fact, you might have to
be careful not to order too much.
Daily lunch & dinner.
NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT
By night, the pedestrianized alleys of the
old bazaar district
, particularly around the fish-market building and the clock
tower, come alive with assorted
bars and cafés
patronized by locals, guests from surrounding resorts and denizens of
yachts moored at the esplanade. There's a summer outdoor
cinema
south of town on the road to Pandokrátoras; the
central winter one's on Ethnikís Andístasis.
