Mega Drafi: The stunning triple beach of Thesprotia

For most people, Epirus may be identified with the high peaks and forested areas of Pindos, excluding the part facing the Ambracian Gulf. But the fact that it has beaches washed by the Ionian Sea has also endowed it with further seaside landscapes, in which various famous resorts have blossomed over time – such as Sivota, for example.

Thesprotia's coastline hosts many beautiful locations, such as Mega Drafi Beach, which are slowly becoming known beyond the local population.

Spread over three different coves, each with its profile, Mega Drafi is a destination that will satisfy those looking for organised beaches and those who want pure relaxation.

In both cases, however, the triple beach maintains its wild beauty, intertwined with the mountainous green of the surrounding landscape.

One beach, three coves

Although Mega Drafi is generally quieter than Sivota, without the cosmopolitan air that distinguishes the more famous beaches there (e.g. Bela Vraka), it shares some common advantages in terms of landscape: namely, it is a beach with thick sand and pebbles, "broken" into three coves, with calm, clear and deep blue waters associated with the Ionian Sea.

The only downside is that, as the water deepens relatively quickly, you'll encounter some pretty large rocks going in – so water shoes are recommended for those who think they'll struggle.

However, the seabed is lovely, so on the quieter days of summer, you might even see some fish if you swim with a mask. Some do not hesitate to snorkel on the right side (where the deepest waters are), while careful observers will see that there are also two sea caves in the area, which you can approach (with due care).

Arriving at the beach, you will find yourself in the first and largest part of it, where you will see a wooden canteen with a canopy and a veranda in the vegetation of the surrounding landscape.

Here, things are organised, with umbrellas and sunbeds, while the small shop offers everything you want: coffee, water, and snacks. In fact, if you get hungrier, you will discover that it also serves local grilled meats as appetisers—try the chicken.

If you prefer unorganised beaches, coming from the road, you should find the path that leads to the second cove and cross it carrying your umbrellas, mats, and everything related.

Of course, you can also come by swimming from the first part of the coast, although it is not recommended to attempt it on days with waves – the distance is around 150 metres.

Another 150 metres further on is the narrow third cove with a very small beach. There is no road here: you must swim or arrive by boat.

How to get to the Mega Draft

After Mikri Ammos Beach, which is also the last one in Sivota, you go on the road to Perdika and Parga. Around four kilometres, you will come across a sign guiding you to the Mega Drafi.

You will see two streets, and here you will need to pay a bit of attention: in periods when there are no people, you can take the right, which will take you directly to the beach. In peak season, however – especially on the weekends in July and August – you risk traffic if you attempt it, so it's better to take the left.

This will take you to the area used for parking. Most, as you will find, park under the road and then walk down the path that leads to the aforementioned wooden canteen.

Of course, you can also come to Mega Drafi by pleasure boat, again starting from Sivota.

At the height of the Greek summer, you will see many arriving here this way (either with their boats or rented ones), heading to all three coves of the beach. On some weekends, in fact, the traffic of inflatables and speedboats coming and going in the area is huge.

READ MORE: Ammoudia of Preveza: The village and the beach at the mouth of a mythical river.

Hari Simvoulidi is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.