The Caribbean of Greece and the perfect coast: We found a paradise without Israelis (for now ...)

You know the beaches and the color of the water, the food, the views and the prices, but you still do not know this place

Yaniv Granot

23/06/2022

Thursday, 23 June 2022, 06:00 Updated: 16:55

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Vacation on the island of Kos, Greece (Photo: Ziv Reinstein, Editing: Nir Chen)

The flight path to AKTION Airport in Parveza crosses quite a bit from Greece, and like any aerial flight in the skies of this wonderful country, it overlooks countless islands and land tongues, hidden beaches and potential locations for movies whose only superhero is watercolor.

Dark blue, and deep blue, Greek-blue and light blue and turquoise and transparent.

The wheels wake up from their morning sleep, the pilots lower, but this impossible view does not give up, and continues.

Another shady path leads to another symmetrical bay where perfect sand and perfect water and perfect life.

Touchdown.

Uptown.

hallelujah.

And the price?

A guide to the Greek island that has direct flights from Israel

To the full article

Impossible view, and incessant.

Sybtus (Photo: ShutterStock)

The inconceivable Greek abundance (and also infuriating and enviable of course, if you dig really little into your mind and dig for the simple truth) offers countless vacation-combinations, and a similar number of azimuths to take with getting off the plane.

Almost everyone (again, boils) is equal, and even when you think you more or less mapped the islands, filtered characteristics and got where you wanted to go, know that - the Caribbean of Greece and the perfect coast are still waiting.

Or in another wording, less tortuous, more focused and gypsy - Epirus.

An espresso that really was.

A cafe in the port of Pravza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

View from the runway.

Pravza Airport (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

The northwestern province of Greece is flirting with Corfu, almost touching a leopard and literally stroking the waters of the Gulf of Ambrecicus and the Ionian Sea.

Pruning this geographical description into Instagram coins gives, as expected, a huge wealth of photos, and a Greek story that is a story of a vacation.

This means, among other things, green mountains overlooking green beaches, ancient streets and even more ancient walls, and water.

So much water.

Seriously, even their mythological swamps are green enough and beautiful enough to maintain a thriving Israeli attraction.

A story of a vacation.

Pravza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

This is what they call "swamps."

Pravza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Parveza itself was our soft landing point.

This is a small resort town - about 30,000 inhabitants - that knows how to make a familiar Greek dish and season it with a local hand, which only adds more depth, and more flavor.

This defeat brings in colorful alleys and small ouzo makers, souvenir shops that do not sin in excess of tourist-pushing and taverns that remember to go out to the siesta, and also remember to come back from it.

Alongside them, an equally beautiful process of remembrance takes place, in the form of archeological sites intertwined on the outskirts of the settlement (including a compound that can talk to the dead and one spectacular amphitheater that will be resurrected in the coming years, and host shows again), and a mythological story of Nicopolis, too much.

Photographed during a siesta.

Pravza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Still the city of victory.

Pravza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

It's a great, shorter sailing experience, which is actually an exciting and cynically dissolved dolphin date (and believe me, I tried)

The bay itself will take you further, to the Greek horizon (and Israelis are already taking advantage of this location and climbing quite a few yachts), but will also provide those staying with a superior and shorter sailing experience, which is actually an exciting and cynical dissolved dolphin date (and believe me, I tried).

The Jivanus family is in charge of two small boats that are permanently moored in the marina, and leave every morning for the same meeting.

Father Yannis and mother Vaya on one boat, their son Dimitris and daughter Katya on the other, in a kind of charming and wonderful family dance that leaves you with inner doubts about Friday meals and Seder night, for example, and the priorities in life you have chosen for yourself.

Shortly after the boats depart, sea turtles join in the dance, and shortly afterwards the mammal stars arrive, fulfilling the early advertising promise of a "100% chance you will see dolphins."

The most up-to-date count put the band at about 150 individuals, which is noticeable.

They swim to the ships, happily cling to them, use the engine currents like a hot tub and disappear altogether only to return after a few seconds with contagious skipping energy.

When the show ends, the family cuts aside, leading the ships to one of the countless azure coves in the area.

Anchors are laid, ropes are tied, and small ladders are folded out, into the water.

Jump in, and you forget everything except the moment in and of itself.

The climb back, which might have been a little sad, thaws well thanks to the ouzo and bird that the father cooks himself, and especially thanks to the sumptuous meal the mother cooked in the lower kitchen - "a little mazat", as she puts it.

"Feast," as any person has seen Mazet at some point in his life.

The promise was fulfilled.

Dolphins in Ambrecicus Bay

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Another attraction, also water-based and wet of course, awaits you in the canyon of the Acheron River, which meanders from the green hills and offers calmer tributaries along the way, at the level of children and the photogenic experience, but also particularly challenging routes, climbing to difficulty levels 4.

around Gliki village ) A tiny industry of tutorials and friendships has already developed, and quite a few experiences that leverage nature into a smile.

Rafting, as mentioned, but also Omega and at least one cafe with a strategic location between water and trees.

The prices are reasonable and definitely non-Israeli, and most of the service providers there seem to do their job well, but above all, "Trekking Hellas" led by Dimitri Papagiorgio, a local version of Gerard Butler, stood out, if the Australian movie star had a little more charisma and a little more Hebrew. .

Charisma, smiles and Hebrew.

Akron River (Photo: ShutterStock)

About an hour's drive from Parveza, Parga awaits, a more modest and friendly version of the Italian Positano.

It is a very tall tree, I know, but an entrance to its old city, and a light evening stroll in the fortress overlooking it from above, brings the cities and comparison a little closer.

An even lighter descent between the alleys and shops, and a soft landing on the boardwalk, attaches final receipts to this dramatic statement.

Tiny Prague - a few thousand live in it routinely - but explodes with food and entertainment options, surpassing them with elegant souvenir stalls than usual in the genre and towards sunset loads more and more tourists, without giving a feeling of flooding.

Looking up and to the side, a panoramic rotation with the eyes (and with the phone), and the heart begins to speak Greek.

There are receipts in Italian.

Farga (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Without flooding.

Farga (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Early talk branded the region as the Caribbean of Greece.

They were right this time too

Prague mornings behave a little differently, of course, and draw visitors to the coastal area.

One of the most beautiful of these, Valtos enjoys a solid hotel backing but also accepts outside guests with open arms, and charges a nominal fee (about 10 euros) for beach services that in other parts of the continent were much more expensive.

Other beaches, such as the more rural and quiet Monoliti, and the secluded Karavostasi, are no less invested and offer a spacious and charming marine experience.

Apart from these, it is highly recommended to devote at least half a day to the wonder which is Sivota, a small village with a turquoise location that slowly awakens from its evening sleep, leading its people immediately to the marina.

There, in what is probably the happiest car park on the continent, motorboats, sea taxis and mini-yachts await their guides, and also what is not much bigger than an average double oboe that requires no more than a driver’s license and some local tips.

Everything for rent, everything goes, just go out to sea.

The area is steeped in clarity and crystallinity, and a few minutes after the start of the "Anchor" people you are easily addicted to the feel and color palette.

This abundance also allows you to get to places that are not too crowded, and enjoy in some of them even a private beach, or just a mooring point that does not put anyone else in the frame, and takes you out of the wooden deck into the water.

Early talk branded the region as the Caribbean of Greece.

They were right this time too.

Plenty and clarity abound.

The shores of Sybtus (Photo: ShutterStock)

Where to sleep?

The area includes, by its very nature, thousands of accommodation options that define very wide demarcation boundaries.

There are luxury hotels and colorful hostels, a collection of Air B&B apartments and resorts, as well as free campsites.

The Salvator Hotel where it sleeps is located a few minutes drive from Prague, but overlooks what is happening (and the sea) from above.

It has very large rooms with a huge terrace, there is an infinity pool overlooking the hills and the beach, there is a restaurant and spa and a bar that knows how to mix cocktails and an excellent breakfast, and most of all there is a lot of quiet.

Further down, right up to the sand, is Parga Beach Resort, a flat and beautiful complex, which has learned to keep green and blue without shouting its presence, and to welcome both young couples and families with children.

Side by side, in the Thesprotia area, the construction of the MarBella Elix Hotel, a local ambassador to an old and prosperous Greek chain, was recently completed.

The stunning hotel overlooks the whole sea and offers many rooms with a private pool, as well as an intense and invested pursuit of food, but somehow does all this luxury in an unobtrusive way, and with a conduct that makes you want to stay, and return.

Infinitely quiet.

Salvatore Hotel

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what are we eating?

The latter category, large and varied as it may be, is still dominated here by mythological tomatoes that are preserved treasures of family recipes and generations upon generations of cooks

The diverse area utilizes its resources to produce quite a bit of food on its own, and in its area.

In the mountains grows a lot of cattle and a wide fan of weeds, including fragrant oregano, sage and thyme.

Alongside them, you can also find aromatic herbs for healing and tea, including what is defined here as Wild Mountain Tea, three words that automatically bring people closer to the glass.

Down below, in the coastal areas, the fishing is rich and the seafood is bursting with juiciness.

On the plains you can find chamomile and lavender, grain, olive oil, unfiltered fruits and colorful vegetables.

The latter category, large and varied as it may be, is still dominated here by mythological tomatoes that are preserved treasures of family recipes and generations upon generations of cooks.

This means garlic-rich sauces for oven-baked fish, shakshuka that may embarrass Israelis in its excellence, great pastas and bites, and also the perfect simplicity - toast, reddish juice and olive oil.

This kaleidoscope of flavors serves, naturally, avowed and declared vegan carnivores, kosher observers from Israel and all nutritionists wherever they are.

Tomato control.

Risotto in Farga (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Kaleidoscope flavors.

Pancakes in Parabase (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

These are, quite simply, the most delicious shrimp I have ever eaten.

These are also, in my estimation, the only shrimp that can be served as a dessert

Four nights in the area enclosed within them about 125 meals, doubled by sitting for coffee, triangular by living (Yamas) with the same ouzo and bird, and countless additions to the amazing local wine.

Each of these happenings is a world full of small bites and big tastings.

The cheeses slap you for daring to do weeks without them.

The fish is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, smoked from the grill and fresh from the morning swim.

The meat is professional.

The pastries are non-refundable.

The vegetables make you come home without the constant complaint that abroad there is no salad in the buffet.

There are also sardines, a very high mound of sardines that lowers itself as the snack progresses. There’s crispy-crackling-sexy spankopita and also a tricky, sticky portoclopita.There’s a morning milk cream pie and a surprising evening baklava.

And also shrimp.

Pravza's Shrimp.

James Bond Roger Murray knew how to ask for them very specifically in "For Your Eyes Only".

Four decades later, I accept them without asking, peel them off - first with my eyes, then with my fingers - and fully understand the demand.

These are, quite simply, the most delicious shrimp I have ever eaten.

These are also, in my estimation, the only shrimp that can be served as a dessert.

Never-ending.

Light Greek brunch

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And there was also a lunch close to perfection, the kind that satisfies you already in the middle of the first, and continues to satisfy you twice more because you can not stop eating

The marina of Pravza is studded with modern restaurants (Celest, for example) and cafes with a blue and panoramic view, and other food stalls will close you an equally delicious culinary corner, with grilled corn, different versions of delicacy, locomods and also halabas, a very successful local and caramel take on flan.

The "Thalassa" restaurant is part of the dining options at Farga Beach Resort and offers a wide and comprehensive menu, but without falls.

Excellent meat, and a lot of it, can be found in the "Petros" tavern in Farga.

The "Ionion" restaurant in Sibuta has given us a near-perfect lunch, the kind that satisfies you already in the middle of the first, and continues to satisfy you twice more because you can not stop eating.

The restaurant "Anemolia" leverages an almost secluded coastal location for an exceptional dining experience, its members from "Alati" take an equally good location - on the water of Perveza - to serve a spectacular fish carnival, while "Castello" slips aside from the alleys of Farga,

Feta.

Philo.

honey.

Pastry of the 12 Gods in Parveza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

The requirement is justified.

Shrimp in Parveza (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Five days here, and it seems to you that you control the map, understand directions and already know how to recommend to those who follow you where to go and where to stand in line for the gyrus.

A small part of this is the result of strenuous listening to explanations.

All the other 99 percent is the instructive knowledge and the astonishing personality of Abrinomi and Anna, two companies that have set up a kind of boutique embassy for everything there is to know about the area, and in general.

A few seconds later you zoom out, and realize that all in all, a promile-promile experience of one region in one district of one region in the number one country.

A short drive away, and you hike in the green mountains that in winter change into a white ski outfit.

A little east, and you have reached cliffs that allow you to have breakfast over the clouds.

Further to the side, and the other sea opens before his eyes.

Another planned trip, another journey will await realization.

There is no choice, we will have to go back.

the road to happiness.

Farga (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Hundreds of shades of blue, and sand.

Farga (Photo: Walla !, Yaniv Granot)

Pravza Airport is small, efficient and bastard, with a Thai vibe and a view that does not waste much time on a small-talk.

During the hot season, it receives two weekly flights from Israel (led by the efficient and sympathetic Tus Airways) and regularly provides excellent connectivity to the whole of Europe.

It also, we did not think otherwise, maintains an impressive underwater road that puts you very quickly in proportions on Israeli transport infrastructure.

Workers at this air port do not enjoy air-conditioned sleeves and advanced escalators.

Some walk back and forth on the sunny route, leading the tourists in, and saying goodbye to the sad tourists on their way out.

They do it all with a completely uncharacteristic smile to an industry not known in the world for its smiles.

This is, as we will understand very quickly, a promo for what is going to happen here in the coming days - people and smiles, smiles and people.

Greece, in short.

The reporter was a guest of the Greek Tourism Bureau in Israel and the Tourism Division of Epirus

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