Arta brings together ancient and Byzantine history, river landscapes and wetlands. When planning your trip, you can first decide what to focus on: the city’s history and museum, walks and relaxation by the Arachthos, or the natural and cultural sites near Koronisia. These different themes can be explored without combining them into a single fixed itinerary.
Ancient Traces and Byzantine Buildings
The Historic Bridge of Arta is 142 metres long and 3.75 metres wide. It took its present form between 1602 and 1606. There is history beneath the modern city too: the ancient city of Amvrakia occupies half the area of present-day Arta. The Byzantine castle stands on a hill in the northeast of the city and incorporates sections of Amvrakia’s ancient fortifications. It dates from the Middle Byzantine period and is a typical example of Byzantine fortification architecture, as well as an impressive testament to medieval Arta.
The Archaeological Museum of Arta opened in 2009 near the Arachthos and the Historic Bridge. Its permanent exhibition is divided into sections on public life, burial customs and private life. On 16 July 2024, the museum received certification as a certified museum, making it one of the first fully modernised state museums in Greece. Another testament to antiquity is the Small Theatre of Amvrakia: it was built between the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC during the reign of Pyrrhus.
Among the important religious and art-historical buildings is the Panagia Parigoritissa, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and holding a prominent place in the history of Byzantine art. The Faik Pasha Mosque, also called Imaret, is one of the two surviving mosques in Arta, along with the Faizul Mosque.
The Arachthos, City Forest and Trails
On the eastern edge of Arta lies Riverside Park on the Arachthos, beyond Krystalli Square and the central bus station. The park covers approximately 165,000 square metres. A small lake ecosystem and a thriving wetland shape the landscape; walking and relaxing are among the activities available there. Fishing is prohibited. Peranthi Hill is Arta’s city forest and is suitable for walking, running, cycling and exploring.
The Vidra Trail is a route option in its own right. It is 17.560 kilometres long, extends in part through the municipalities of North Tzoumerka and Arta, and runs mostly along the western bank of the Arachthos. The trail starts at Plaka Bridge, passes over Tzari Bridge and ends at the hydroelectric complex in the lowlands of Skoupa.
Koronisia: Lagoon and Cultural Heritage
The fishing village of Koronisia was developed as a tourist destination for its natural beauty and fresh fish. A paved road connects it to the mainland. The Tsoukalio Lagoon lies near Koronisia and is home to the rare and endangered Dalmatian pelican. Approximately 35 pairs are reported at the lagoon; this number can vary seasonally. The Salaora Information Centre features an exhibition on the human and natural environment of the Amvrakikos Gulf, a relief map of the region, live images from the pelican colony and audiovisual information for visitors.
Koronisia’s buildings also give the place a distinctive cultural and historical character. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin is a Middle Byzantine building dating from the late 10th century. The small, well-preserved Koulia Castle is in the southern part of the settlement of Koronisia on Koronisia Island and is now used as an event venue.
Events and Trip Planning
The Cultural Summer runs from June to September and features more than a hundred events. The festival is organised by the Municipality of Arta, local cultural associations and private organisers. The Sardine Festival takes place in August in the village of Aneza and is organised by the local cultural association and the Municipality of Arta. Sardines are offered to the public free of charge; the festival also features traditional songs and dances, as well as local dishes. If you want to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates and current programme in advance.
Consider which of these aspects you want to shape your trip before you start searching for suitable accommodation.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Lákka, Árta, Trapezaki, Anatolí, Theodoriana, Kypseli, Katarraktis, Vourgareli, Agnanta, Mytikas, Melissourgoi, Athamanio, Rodavgi, Agios Spiridon, Koronisia, Mesopirgos, Kostakii.
For the main travel overview: Epirus.
