Discover Arta: History, Trails and Lagoon

The town of Arta brings together archaeological and Byzantine remains, green spaces and trails. Koronisia offers a distinctive combination of its lagoon, a church and a fortress. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between these locations and themes, and to look for a hotel in Arta that suits your interests.

Cultural history in Arta

The Historic Bridge of Arta took its present form between 1602 and 1606. It is 142 metres long and 3.75 metres wide. The Archaeological Museum of Arta opened in 2009 near the Arachthos River and the bridge. Its permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: public life, burial customs and private life. On 16 July 2024, the museum was recognised as a certified museum, making it one of the first fully modernised state museums in Greece. The three themes provide a clear framework for distinguishing between different aspects of life in antiquity.

Arta’s Byzantine castle also brings together different historical references. It stands on a hill in the north-east of the town and incorporates parts of the ancient fortifications of Amvrakia. The castle dates from the Middle Byzantine period and is considered a typical example of Byzantine military architecture as well as an impressive testament to medieval Arta. The ancient city of Amvrakia lies beneath the modern city of Arta and occupies half its area. The Small Theatre of Amvrakia was built between the late 4th and early 3rd century BC, during the reign of Pyrrhus.

Among the important religious buildings is the Panagia Parigoritissa, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It holds a prominent place in the history of Byzantine art. The Faik Pasha Mosque, also known as the Imaret, is one of the two surviving mosques in Arta, alongside the Faizul Mosque. These buildings offer distinct cultural and religious points of reference in the town’s history.

Green spaces and trails

Peranthi Hill is Arta’s urban forest and is ideal for walking, running, cycling and exploring. Riverside Park lies along the Arachthos River on the eastern outskirts of town, beyond Krystalli Square and the central bus station. It covers approximately 165,000 square metres. The park includes a small lake ecosystem and a thriving wetland, offering opportunities for walking and relaxation. Fishing is prohibited there.

Peranthi offers a range of outdoor activities, while walks and relaxation in the wetland are the focus at Riverside Park. The Vidra Trail offers a different way to explore the area: it is 17.56 kilometres long, lies partly within the municipalities of North Tzoumerka and Arta, and runs mostly along the west bank of the Arachthos. The trail begins at Plaka Bridge, passes over Tzari Bridge and ends at the hydroelectric complex in the lowlands of Skoupa.

The Salaora Information Centre focuses on the human and natural environment of the Amvrakikos Gulf. Its exhibition includes a relief map of the region, live footage from the pelican colony and audiovisual information for visitors. Alongside the trails and green spaces, the landscape and wildlife are also featured as distinct themes.

Koronisia and its surroundings

The fishing village of Koronisia has been developed as a tourist destination for its natural beauty and fresh fish. A paved road connects it to the mainland. The Tsoukalio Lagoon, home to the rare and endangered Dalmatian pelican, lies near Koronisia. Approximately 35 pairs of pelicans are reported there; the number can vary seasonally.

The Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God stands in Koronisia. It is a Middle Byzantine building dating from the late 10th century. Koulia Castle is a small, well-preserved fortress in the southern part of the settlement on Koronisia Island and now serves as an event venue. The lagoon, church and fortress each offer a different focus: wildlife observation, Middle Byzantine architecture and a fortress within the settlement.

Festivals to include in your itinerary

At the Sardine Festival in the village of Aneza, sardines are offered to the public free of charge. The festival also features traditional songs and dances as well as local food; it is organised by the local cultural association and the Municipality of Arta. The Cultural Summer is organised by the Municipality of Arta, local cultural associations and private organisers. It runs from June to September and features more than a hundred events. If you plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the latest dates and the programme in advance.

When looking for a hotel in Arta, start by considering which places and themes you want to shape your stay: the historic town, green spaces and trails, or the area around Koronisia. This will help you decide on the focus of your trip before choosing a specific hotel.

Discover more destinations: Lákka, Árta, Trapezaki, Anatolí, Theodoriana, Kypseli, Katarraktis, Vourgareli, Agnanta, Mytikas, Melissourgoi, Athamanio, Rodavgi, Agios Spiridon, Koronisia, Mesopirgos, Kostakii.

For the broader travel overview: Epirus.