Sivota. Take one small, traditional Greek town in a sheltered bay that is sandwiched between tree-covered hills and the deep blue Ionian Sea. Add a busy little harbour, the quayside lined with tavernas and small shops, but don’t add too many and spoil the taste.
One Holiday, Three Islands Sivota Island Hopping
Destination Profile
Make sure there is a good mix of beautiful beaches along a rugged, twisting coastline, some long and sandy with sunbeds and beach bars, one or two with water sports, others secluded and private. Season it with beaches that can only be reached by boat and one on an island that you can wade to via a sandy causeway.
Place it all in the Riviera of Epirus, a gorgeous region of mountains, forests, picturesque villages, rivers and history that goes back to ancient times – and beyond.
And you have Sivota.
It’s a delightfully friendly little town in North-West Greece, immediately opposite the island of Corfu. Three uninhabited little islands stand guard and shelter Sivota’s horseshoe bay. Over the last decade or so it has become very cosmopolitan, but tourism hasn’t harmed Sivota.
It’s a great place to chill out. There are a couple of beaches in the town, plus Bella Vraka, the one you get to across a causeway. More sandy beaches can be found both north and south of the town. But if you want to explore further afield, the majestic resort of Parga is only 20 miles away. Or go to the charming village of Perdika, seven miles away. It has spectacular views and marvellous sunsets and is bursting with restaurants.
The nearby beaches of Arilas and Karavostasi are fantastic. One of Olympic Holidays' latest offerings, the luxurious MarBella Elix Hotel, overlooks the sparkling white sands of Karavostasi. Sivota has so much to offer those seeking amazing holidays in Greece.
Family Holidays in Sivota
Sivota is perfectly suited to family holidays. With so much to offer all ages, this resort is sure to please everyone in the family. Numerous calm beaches to pick from make it a great destination for relaxing and enjoying summer activities.
Things to See & Do in Sivota
Sivota is a small Greek town, but there are still many places to explore from here.
The Blue Lagoon: Take a scenic boat trip from Sivota to the secluded bay on Murtos Island, where you can swim and snorkel in vivid blue waters. This gem is inaccessible by car, so you can only access it by boat from Sivota.
Papanikolis Cave: Another iconic landmark accessible by boat from Sivota, this historic cave was used as a submarine shelter during WWII. There is room for a small sailboat to enter or visitors can swim inside.
Pindos Mountains: For hikers, this scenic mountain range is a must-see. It is a demanding trek, but well rewarded by picturesque scenery and remote villages located off the beaten track.
Sivota Village: A chill walk along the harbour is the perfect way to end any evening in Sivota. The village is truly beautiful, with plenty of fantastic tavernas along the seaside.
Best Time to Visit Sivota
When to visit Sivota depends on what sort of holiday you're seeking. Compared to the UK, Sivota enjoys very comfortable temperatures between April and October.
April to June is not best suited to swimming in the sea as it may be a bit cooler. However during this shoulder season, there are no crowds of tourists and the holidays are cheaper. The shoulder season is a great time for enjoying the resort without getting stuck in queues. Many enjoy boating, hiking and road trips around Greece during this time. After the peak of summer, September and October are also great shoulder season months.
The peak months (and also the warmest) are July and August. This is the best time to enjoy the hottest weather, the sun will be strong and the sea refreshing. There will be more people on holiday in Sivota, but all the businesses such as tavernas, pubs and cafes will be open all day.
It’s hot and mainly dry from June to September. There are more than 300 hours of sunshine in July and August when the average highest temperatures will be 30 degrees Centigrade or slightly higher.
The average maximum is around 25 degrees In June and September. There will be light breezes through the summer. In May and October there can be nine hours of sunshine every day, but the average temperature will be a bit lower.
Rainfall is surprisingly light in the summer for such a green part of Greece, but more rain can be expected towards the end of September and in October. The heaviest rain is in the winter months.
The lovely Ionian Sea does hold its heat. It will be about 19 degrees in May, will rise to a very pleasant 24 degrees in August and could still be 22 degrees in October.
Regardless of when you go to Sivota, it's a special gem that is never too busy (especially compared to other popular destinations in Greece that have been touched by mass tourism) and you'll never need a heavy coat!
Top Hotels in Sivota
Sivota Travel Advice
There is only one direct bus a day from Sivota – it goes to Igoumenitsa, the regional capital – but there are plenty of other ways to get around this beautiful area. And some of the best beaches are only a stroll away.
Car Hire: Cars, motorbikes and scooters can be hired in Sivota. Some people who arrive via Preveza Airport book a vehicle online and collect it when they land. The roads are good. You will need the appropriate full UK licence. Check out Olympic Holidays’ car hire service.
Taxis: There is a taxi rank in the town square. Hotels will book cabs for guests.
Road train: It runs regular return services in the summer from the town to two of the most popular beaches that are two or three kilometres away.
Water taxis: Find them in Sivota harbour. They are convenient and popular ways to get to beaches.
Boat hire: Be captain for a day. Small motorboats for up to four people can be hired in Sivota harbour. It’s a great way to find those deserted coves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Sivota from the UK?
Olympic Holidays provide two choices: fly to Preveza Airport on the mainland or fly to Corfu, an island close to Sivota.
From Preveza Airport, take a taxi to Sivota or hire a car. It’s a drive of about 90km on good roads and takes about 1hr 30mins. Options for taxi transfers and car hire are available when you book with us.
Or from Corfu Airport, there are taxi transfers to the harbour, a ferry to Igoumenitsa and a taxi to the Sivota accommodation. The journey from Corfu airport to Sivota is roughly 2hrs total (with the scenic ferry ride at 1hr 30mins). The ferry and taxi costs can be included in the package holiday when you book with us.
Where do you fly to for Sivota?
You have the option of either flying to Preveza Airport (PVK) or Corfu Airport (CFU) for a holiday to Sivota.
How far is Sivota from the airport?
Sivota is about 90km from Preveza Airport, or 1hr 30min by car.
What is ‘Mega Ammos’ in Sivota?
It means big sand and that’s exactly what it is – Sivota’s biggest beach. It’s about 2 km from the centre of Sivota and has sunbeds, sunshades, showers, changing rooms, tavernas and pedalo boats to rent. There is a smaller beach nearby called Mikri Ammos which has facilities and a restaurant.
Does Sivota have a beach?
Yes, Sivota has many beaches. It's known for its gorgeous coastline with numerous sandy and pebbled beaches, offering something for everyone.
Mega Ammos is a notable beach in Sivota as well as a blue flag winner. This beach is well known for its beauty and facilities. Other popular beaches include Bella Vraka, Zavia, Zeri and Pisina.
Where is Sivota in Greece?
Sivota is located on mainland Greece on the northwestern coast, opposite the island of Corfu.
Is Sivota good for families?
Sivota is ideal for those travelling with little ones. There are plenty of calm sandy beaches to spend time relaxing or playing. There are some activities for kids, and plenty of great Greek food options for all tastes (and lots of tavernas for ice cream fixes).
If you're looking for a private beach to enjoy with your family, travel with a water taxi and choose any number of secluded beach areas to spend the day at.
Can you go island hopping from Sivota?
Yes, Sivota is perfectly located for an island hop to Corfu, with only a ferry journey of 1hr 30mins in between.
If you're looking to explore multiple Greek locations all on one great package holiday, consider our tried and true route of Corfu - Sivota - Lefkada.
All of our island hopping packages can be designed with your plans in mind, give us a call so we can create your dream bespoke package.
Is Sivota good for couples?
Yes, Sivota is considered a great destination for couples.
While most of the Greek coastline and her islands have a lot to offer in terms of romantic views and perfect date night restaurants, Sivota definitely has plenty of unique gems for couples to enjoy together. Intimate candlelit dining experiences, romantic boat trips and private beach spots can all be found here.
Can I get around Sivota without a car?
Yes, Sivota is definitely navigable without a car. While renting a car in Greece can offer more flexibility in terms of what you can see and when, you can access almost everything within Sivota town on foot.
Sivota is a relatively small town with all the main attractions within a short walk of each other.
If you want to travel around more of Greece, you can rent a car or arrange taxis.
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