5 good reasons to choose Sivota for your next summer holiday
- By Simpson Travel
- 02 Jul 2026
- Where to go
Some places have that indefinable quality that makes people come back for a holiday year after year, and judging by our guest reviews and the people you meet in the local restaurants, Sivota – or Syvota – is one of those special places. It’s located on the Greek mainland, close to the border with Albania, lapped by the mesmerising blue-green waters of the Ionian Sea. Whilst a lot of people tend to forget about the mainland and head straight for the islands, choosing Sivota for your holiday gives you the best of all worlds, blessed with pristine beaches, pretty little islands just offshore, and just enough seaside tavernas to give you choice without crowds. So if the mainland has been on your travel bucket list for a while, a holiday in Sivota is the perfect place to start; here are a few reasons why…
1. Some of the Greek mainland's most beautiful beaches are around Sivota
One of Sivota’s biggest attractions are the beaches. They are all gorgeous, but if we had to pick a favourite then it would be Bella Vraka, nestled on a tiny islet that you can wade out to through calm, turquoise shallows. Other top choices would be Mega Ammos, where there are some watersports available, or a few kilometres down the coast towards Parga you can get to Karavostasi, escribed by The Telegraph as “one of the best unsung beaches in Europe”. Whether you want to swim, snorkel or simply relax in the sunshine, the combination of islet beaches and forested cliffs on the mainland makes the Sivota coastline scenically very special.
2. Into the blue in your own motor boat
No holiday in Sivota is really complete without hiring a boat, at least for a few hours. One of the most popular things to do in Sivota is exploring the secluded bays and small islands scattered just offshore. Rental boats under 30hp generally don't require a licence in Greece, so the sea is all yours to discover sea caves and peaceful anchorages at your own pace. Piscina beach – aka the Blue Lagoon – is one of the most photogenic spots to take your own little boat.
3. A more genuinely Greek holiday
Laid back and low key, Sivota holidays offer a more relaxed and authentic experience than the well-known resorts. The tavernas are mostly family owned, and even during the peak summer months, Sivota retains its friendly village atmosphere, making it ideal for couples, families and anyone looking for simple summer pleasures. Fishing boats still work out of the harbour here, giving you a glimpse of Greek life before tourism.
4. The best base for exploring Epirus
With its mainland position, Sivota is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Epirus region, including the colourful town of Parga, the ancient city of Nikopolis, the Acheron River and its famous springs, and the dramatic mountains of northern Greece. With Albania lying just over the border, this is also a great opportunity to see another unspoilt destination – before any mass development gets there!
5. High quality accommodation
Whether you're looking for a private villa by the water, a luxury property with a pool for groups and extended families or a small, exclusive hotel that’s just for adults, Sivota offers both style and luxury to meet any occasion. The vibe is local but the architecture is contemporary, backed up by a local concierge service on hand to arrange everything you need, from boat hire to restaurant bookings.
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