03/06/2026
Greece - off the beaten track.
We've just returned from a wonderful luxurious week on the Ionian mainland coast.
I’ve been in travel for close to 20 years and if I’m honest, I’ve been lucky to have experienced Mykonos, Rhodes, Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Santorini, etc… But I’d never even heard of Preveza Lefkada airport (PVK). But with Half Term fast approaching, we cashed in a load of AVIOS for this, off the beaten track destination. Flights from LHR were a bonus.
First impressions of landing in PVK is it’s like something out of Casablanca! The inside was modern, but the facade airside, is wonderfully dated. No air bridges here, and thankfully only 1 flight from outside the Schengen area (ours) so border control was a breeze. It was the same on the return.
We’d bagged the last 2 bed Villa with Private pool at Hooga (Feel the Coziness) a truly chilled out base to explore this lovely part of unspoilt Greece. Breakfast was included, and there are 2 small supermarkets nearby, selling all you’ll need for the well-equipped kitchenette (complete with Nespresso machine). There are handy QR codes in the accommodation and by the main pool for ordering delicious snacks and meals from the kitchen. Or dine in Mysa restaurant. Chef Patrik Svenberg has spent a lot of time in Asia and his menu reflects both this, and his Swedish origin.
Top tips:
Hire a car, there’s so much to see close by, and although Hooga have an agreement with Alexandros’s very nice (aircon) AMG Mercedes taxi (and very reasonable). TaxiPreveza comes recommended.
We spent most of a day at Barracuda Beach Bar on Monolithi Beach. Monolithi is widely celebrated as the longest sandy beach in Greece and indeed the whole of the EU. It’s a quiet, pebble-and-sand beach and as if faces West, the sunset was spectacular.
We also sent a morning on the Ambracian Gulf spotting dolphins, taking a dip and had a nice lunch onboard with Amvrakikos Cruises. Again recommended.
Set in Mytikas, a tranquil and unassuming fishing village with a scattering of taverna’s and bars. Hooga seems out of place, but delivers. Total relaxation.
a 10-15 walk through town is Akrotiri, and a great spot for dinner, let alone to watch another stunning sunset.
Close by is the archaeological site of Ancient Nikopolis, founded by Octavian Augustus, and a small museum.
Preveza itself is delightful town. And again not flooded with tourists.
Also worth a visit is the little cove of Alonaki Fanariou.
We’ve had a wonderful time and will return. And when we do, we’ll head down to Lefkada, Parga, Alonaki and Katsiki.
