Greece
Greece has three main mobile network operators: Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova (rebranded from Wind). All have good coverage in Parga. Purchase prepaid SIM cards at official provider stores or kiosks. Your passport for registration will be needed.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in Parga. Most hotels, apartments, cafes, and restaurants have complimentary Wi-Fi for their customers. Signal quality supports typical browsing and communication needs.
The official language is Greek. English is widely spoken in Parga, especially by tourism staff. In smaller, local establishments, English proficiency may be less common.
Learning a few basic Greek phrases shows respect and makes your interactions better with locals.
Purchase a local prepaid SIM card for reliable data and calls. This provides continuous internet access while exploring. Consider Airalo for eSIMs.
Parga businesses follow typical Greek operating rhythms, with seasonal variations.
Generally open from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, then close for a traditional long afternoon break (siesta), reopening from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Typically open for lunch from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM/4:00 PM. They often close for a few hours and reopen for dinner from 7:00 PM until late (11:00 PM or later, especially in summer).
These establishments generally open early in the morning for coffee and breakfast items and remain open continuously until late at night, often until 2:00 AM or later in the summer months.
Generally operate on a continuous schedule from morning until late evening (e.g., 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM). They often have shorter hours on Sundays or may be closed on Sundays outside peak season.
Plan your shopping trips around the traditional Greek siesta. Many smaller shops close for a few hours in the afternoon.
Respectful interactions with locals contribute to a positive Parga experience.
A simple "Geia sas" (YAH-sas - formal hello) or "Kalimera" (good morning) / "Kalispera" (good evening) is an appropriate and appreciated greeting.
Dress appropriately for different settings to show respect.
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Meals are often leisurely, so do not feel rushed.
Generally acceptable to photograph public places and historical sites. Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
When visiting churches or monasteries, cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Keep a light scarf handy for this purpose.
Parga's unique topography poses challenges for travelers with mobility needs.
Parga's terrain is generally hilly, characterized by narrow, cobbled streets and numerous stairs in the Old Town area. This creates challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
While the Old Town poses challenges, some areas have more ease of movement.
Public transport can present limitations for mobility impaired travelers.
Specific services catering to visual or hearing impairments are limited in Parga. Guide dogs or service animals are generally accepted but may need documentation.
If you have mobility challenges, research specific hotel accessibility features carefully. Parga's hilly, cobbled streets pose challenges. Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
