Parga, Sivota and Blue Lagoon Cruise

This full-day boat tour promises a blend of scenic coastal views, charming villages, and unique natural sights along Greece’s mainland. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to see the Ionian coastline from the water, with stops at picturesque towns and hidden coves. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary includes a visit to the legendary Sivota Cave, the colorful streets of Parga, and the famous Blue Lagoon, making it ideal for travelers eager to combine sightseeing, cultural exploration, and some relaxing swimming.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its balanced mix of cultural highlights and natural beauty. The chance to walk through Parga’s cobbled streets and then unwind in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon offers a satisfying day out. Plus, the inclusion of optional extras like a mini-tour with a tourist train and visits to local landmarks adds a layer of depth to the experience.

One potential consideration is the value for money, especially since some reviews mention the higher price compared to what was initially booked or expectations around the inclusiveness of food and drinks. Though the tour covers many sights and includes professional guides and transfers, travelers should be aware of additional costs for extras. This tour is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy scenic boat trips, love discovering coastal villages, and want a flexible, full-day experience.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal scenery and iconic locations like the Blue Lagoon.
• Cultural and historical highlights in Parga and Sivota.
• Flexible optional tours, including a mini-train ride and walking tours.
• Value for those interested in both natural beauty and cultural exploration.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and professional guides.
• Potential extra costs for food, drinks, and transportation from outside the designated pick-up zones.

An In-Depth Look at the Parga, Sivota, and Blue Lagoon Tour

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

This tour begins early at 9:00 am from Corfu Port, with a shared hotel transfer included. The convenience of hotel pickup means you won’t have to worry about navigating to the port yourself, though it’s worth noting that extra charges can apply if you’re staying outside the immediate vicinity. The full-day itinerary lasts approximately 10 hours, meaning you’ll return around 7 pm—long enough to soak in the sights but still manageable for a day trip.

The tour is operated by MTM TOURISM GREECE OE, a reputable provider with a maximum group size of 200 travelers, which is quite large but still allows for some personal attention from guides. The price is listed at around $77.56 per person, which covers your professional guiding, all fees and taxes, and insurance coverage. However, food and drinks are not included, so bringing your own snacks or planning to purchase at stops is advisable.

The Journey Begins: Corfu to Parga

The first stop, Parga, is a colorful seaside town famed for its Venetian castle and flower-filled neighborhoods. As you approach by boat, you’ll notice the town’s charm—its amphitheatrical layout, the small wooded island of Panagia, and the cobbled streets invite exploration. You might find that this stop provides a chance to wander at your own pace, soaking in the architecture and perhaps catching a spectacular sunset view from the Venetian walls, as some reviewers have enjoyed.

Walking through Parga’s streets is like stepping into a postcard, with arches, lively cafes, and brightly painted houses. The short three-hour visit offers enough time for a leisurely stroll, a coffee, and some photos. Be aware that some guests mention the town is quite touristy, but its charm outweighs the crowds, especially for first-timers.

Sivota and Its Hidden Treasures

Next, the boat heads towards Sivota, a small yet striking fishing village known for its lacy shores, lush islets, and clear waters. This part of the tour often stands out for its natural beauty—tiny coves and private beaches perfect for swimming. The highlight is the Sivota Cave, where legends say a submarine was hidden during WWII, adding a touch of intrigue to your visit.

Reviewer Laura describes Sivota as “super beautiful,” appreciating the crystal-clear waters and white sands at Pisina Beach. This is the kind of setting that makes for great photos and a refreshing dip. Some travelers take the opportunity to explore Mourtemeno Islet or walk on the peninsula to see the watermill and folklore museum, adding a cultural element to the natural scenery.

Blue Lagoon: The Showstopper

Finally, the tour arrives at the Blue Lagoon, often called Greece’s most famous lagoon for its exotic, turquoise waters. Historically, pirates used it as a mooring spot during the Middle Ages, and today, it’s a magnet for swimmers and sunbathers alike. The boat drops anchor near the shoreline, and you’re free to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the boat.

Guests frequently comment on the breathtaking scenery—the vivid blue waters contrasting with the surrounding lush greenery. It’s an ideal spot to cool off after a day of sightseeing, and many find the experience of swimming in such clear waters both exhilarating and calming.

Optional Extras and Cultural Stops

For those interested, there’s an opportunity for a mini-tour with a tourist train along the coast to a traditional stone watermill and folklore museum. Plus, a walking tour of the Venetian castle offers insight into the area’s history, with panoramic views of the coastline. These optional activities add some cultural depth but may require extra time and possibly additional costs.

Authentic Reviews and What They Reveal

One reviewer praised the tour as “topissime et très complète,” highlighting the convenience of pickup and the excellent organization. They appreciated the early arrival that allowed them to secure good spots on the boat, a tip worth considering.

However, another reviewer expressed disappointment over a miscommunication about the tour’s specifics and felt that they paid more than expected, indicating the importance of clarifying what’s included beforehand. This highlights that while the tour offers a lot, travelers should be prepared for potential extra expenses, especially if they want to indulge in food or additional activities.

The Practicalities

The tour offers mobile tickets, making it easy to manage your booking, and pickup from nearby accommodations is included, though outside certain areas may incur extra charges. The duration of 10 hours makes this a substantial day out—suitable for travelers comfortable with long boat trips and outdoor activity.

While the itinerary covers a lot, the lack of included meals means you should bring snacks or plan to buy at stops. The guide’s multilingual commentary, as mentioned in reviews, enriches the experience by providing context to the sights.

Value and Who It’s For

Considering the price and what you get—scenic cruising, cultural visits, time for swimming—the tour offers fair value, especially for those eager to see multiple highlights without the hassle of arranging separate transport. However, if you’re budget-conscious or prefer an all-inclusive experience with meals included, you might find the cost somewhat higher than expected.

This trip is best suited for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and swimmers who enjoy a relaxed pace and scenic settings. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive, guided day that combines sightseeing with swimming in one of Greece’s most iconic spots.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour to Parga, Sivota, and the Blue Lagoon offers an engaging way to experience Greece’s lesser-known but stunning coastline. You’ll love the crystal-clear waters, charming towns, and intriguing caves, all wrapped in a day that balances sightseeing and leisure.

While the experience is well-organized and offers excellent scenery, keep in mind the potential extra costs for food and optional activities. The large group size can be a plus for socializing but might limit intimacy with the guides, depending on your expectations.

This tour strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting to explore Greece’s coast from the water, with enough flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests. If you’re after authentic moments, beautiful vistas, and a memorable swimming spot, this trip will not disappoint.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation, but extra charges may apply if you’re staying outside the designated pickup areas.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, snacks, and possibly some cash for optional extras or purchases at stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but keep in mind the full-day boat experience involves some prolonged periods of outdoor activity.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the price. You can bring your own or buy at the stops.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 7:00 pm.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 200 travelers, which keeps the group lively but may feel crowded at peak times.

Can I customize the experience?
Some activities, like the mini-tour and walking in the Venetian castle, are optional and can be enjoyed if time allows.

Is there any indoor shelter during the trip?
The boat is mostly open-air, so come prepared for sun exposure, especially in peak season.

In summary, this boat tour offers a well-rounded day of Greek coastal beauty, cultural highlights, and refreshing swims. It’s best for those who value scenic views, cultural insights, and the fun of a guided boat trip—making it a memorable part of any Greek island-hopping adventure.