Where to Stay in Arta: The Best Areas and 13 Hotels

Arta is a city you don't rush to see, because it holds you at its own pace. Built on the banks of the Arachthos river, with its castle dominating the houses and the bridge – which we've all heard about in traditional folk songs – standing just below, it's a destination that combines history, nature, and a quiet daily life away from tourist crowds. If you're thinking of visiting, the first question that will arise is where exactly to stay.

The city isn't large, so distances between accommodation areas aren't a major issue, but choosing the right neighbourhood makes a difference to your experience. It's one thing to wake up to a view of the bridge and walk to the square, and another to stay in a quieter corner surrounded by natural greenery. In Arta, you'll find both, depending on what you're looking for from your trip.

In this guide, you'll find a detailed overview of the best areas for accommodation in Arta, what you can do in and around the city, and 13 recommended accommodations categorised by area, so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.

What to See and Do in Arta

Arta has a long history, starting from ancient Ambracia and continuing through the Byzantine years, when the city became the capital of the Despotate of Epirus. From that era, over thirty Byzantine churches remain, the most significant being Panagia Parigoritissa, a 13th-century monument with an impressive interior and mosaics worth seeing up close.

Arta Castle, built on older Byzantine foundations, stands on a hill above the city and offers views of the Arachthos and the surrounding plain. Today, a hotel operates within its walls, but the area is open to visitors, and an evening stroll there, with the light falling on the ramparts, is one of the best moments you'll experience in the city.

The Bridge of Arta, the city's most famous symbol, is a 17th-century stone bridge over the Arachthos, around which the legend of the 'goblin' has been built and is still sung nationwide. The area around it has been landscaped with a pedestrian walkway and cafes, and it's a meeting point for both locals and visitors, especially on summer evenings.

The local gastronomy is based on Arta's oranges, famous throughout Greece, as well as fish and seafood dishes from the nearby Ambracian Gulf. In the old town, you'll find traditional tavernas serving local dishes, while around the main square, cafes and meze restaurants fill with people in the evenings, especially on weekends.

A few kilometres southwest of the city lies Koronisia, a fishing village within the Ambracian Gulf, known for its pelicans and sandy coves. It's an ideal destination for a day trip, and if you're interested in mountain nature, Tzoumerka is about an hour's drive away and offers hiking, stone bridges, and mountain villages.

Getting around Arta is easy on foot, as the historic centre is compact, while for excursions outside the city, you'll need a car or local KTEL buses. The city is approximately 20 minutes from Preveza and Aktio, where the closest airport is located, making it a convenient destination for short breaks.

The best time to visit is spring, when the orange trees blossom and the whole city is fragrant, as well as autumn, with milder temperatures for walks and excursions in the surrounding mountains. In summer, the heat in the plain is intense, so if you visit Arta during that period, it's a good idea to combine your stay with a day in the Ambracian Gulf or at a nearby beach in Preveza.

The Best Areas for Accommodation in Arta

1. City Centre, around the main square, Ideal for a first visit, with everything within walking distance

Arta's city centre, around Ethnikis Antistaseos Square, is the most convenient base for those who want to explore the city on foot. From there, you're just a few minutes from Panagia Parigoritissa, cafes, and shops, while the castle is also a short uphill walk away. This is the busiest area, meaning more options for dining and coffee, but also a bit more hustle and bustle on weekend evenings.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Plenty of dining and coffee options
• Easy access to attractions

Disadvantages:

• More limited parking
• A bit busy on Saturday evenings

Recommended accommodations:

1. Hotel Vyzantino
A classic hotel in the city centre, a few minutes' walk from the square and major attractions. A good choice for those who want simple, reliable accommodation without unnecessary expenses.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

2. Hotel Cronos
A functional hotel in the centre, convenient for business trips or short stays. The rooms are simple and clean, with easy access to the city's central points.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

3. Arta Palace
One of the city's most renowned hotels, with greater capacity and more comprehensive facilities, suitable for families or extended stays in Arta's centre.

• Average cost: approximately €65 per night

4. Hotel Iliana
A small, family-run hotel in the centre, offering personal service and reasonable prices. Suitable for travellers looking for simpler, no-frills accommodation.

• Average cost: approximately €45 per night

2. Around the Arachthos Bridge, For those who want to stay next to the city's most famous landmark

The area around Arta's historic bridge is quieter than the centre, with the Arachthos river flowing nearby and the pedestrian walkway filling with people in the afternoons. It's the ideal base if you want to wake up close to the scenery that inspired the folk song, with access to cafes and tavernas overlooking the river. From here, the centre is a short walk away.

Advantages:

• Quiet surroundings by the river
• View of the bridge
• Cafes and tavernas with views of the Arachthos

Disadvantages:

• A bit further from central shops
• Fewer accommodation options

Recommended accommodations:

5. Piccadilly House - Arta
A renovated apartment near the bridge, with spacious rooms and a fully equipped kitchen. A good solution for couples or small families who want more independence.

• Average cost: approximately €60 per night

6. Korte Apartment 1 - Arta
A comfortable apartment in a quiet location near the river, ideal for a few days' stay with the option to cook your own meals.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

7. Reggina Apartment Arta
A simple and functional apartment near the historic centre, suitable for those looking for affordable accommodation with easy access to the bridge and the old town.

• Average cost: approximately €45 per night

3. Old Town, around the castle, A quieter neighbourhood with character, near Arta Castle

The area around the castle, on the hills above the centre, has a quieter character and traditional houses that have been converted into accommodations. It's a choice for those who prefer to stay a little more secluded, with views of the city and easy access to the castle for an evening stroll. A small uphill walk is required to reach the centre, but the distance isn't great.

Advantages:

• Quiet, traditional neighbourhood
• Views of the city and castle
• More affordable accommodation prices

Disadvantages:

• Slight uphill walk to the centre
• Fewer shops nearby

Recommended accommodations:

8. Detached house in the centre of Arta - Arta
A whole detached house with a courtyard, suitable for families or groups of friends who want more space and privacy near the city's historic centre.

• Average cost: approximately €75 per night

9. Centro casa - Arta
Comfortable accommodation in a quiet location near the old town, with simple decor and all the essentials for a comfortable stay of a few days.

• Average cost: approximately €55 per night

10. Garden house - Arta
Accommodation with a garden in a quiet neighbourhood, ideal for those who want some greenery around them without moving too far from Arta's centre.

• Average cost: approximately €60 per night

4. Outskirts, towards the Ambracian Gulf, For accommodation closer to nature, with a car at the ready

If you're more interested in the nature around Arta, you can choose accommodation on the city's outskirts, closer to the road leading to Koronisia and the Ambracian Gulf. This is a suitable option for those who have a car and want to combine a city visit with nature excursions, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

Advantages:

• Quieter and greener surroundings
• Close to routes towards the Ambracian Gulf
• Usually more affordable prices

Disadvantages:

• Car needed for the centre
• Fewer dining options nearby

Recommended accommodations:

11. Hotel Marathia
A hotel in a quiet location on the city's outskirts, suitable for those who want peace and easy access by car to Arta and the Ambracian Gulf.

• Average cost: approximately €50 per night

12. Karma The Breath of Luxury - Arta
Accommodation with a more modern aesthetic, in a quiet area near the city, suitable for couples who want a bit more comfort in their stay.

• Average cost: approximately €70 per night

13. Delfini Hotel
A simple, affordable hotel on the outskirts of Arta, a good base for those who want accessible accommodation and don't mind the short distance from the centre.

• Average cost: approximately €40 per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book early in spring. During the orange blossom season, the best accommodations in the centre fill up quickly, so book several weeks in advance.
• You'll need a car for excursions. The city is easily traversed on foot, but for Koronisia, the Ambracian Gulf, or Tzoumerka, a car is essential.
• Try local dishes with orange. In the area, you'll find sweets and dishes based on the famous Arta orange, especially during harvest season.
• Pay attention to parking access. If you're staying in the centre, inquire beforehand about available parking, as the streets around the square are narrow.
• Combine your visit with Aktio. If travelling by air, Aktio airport is approximately 20 minutes away and facilitates travel planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are needed to see Arta?

Two days are enough to comfortably see the centre, the bridge, Parigoritissa, and the castle, while a third day gives you time for a trip to Koronisia or Tzoumerka.

Where is the best place to stay in Arta without a car?

The city centre around the main square is the best option, as all major attractions and shops are within walking distance from there.

Is it worth staying near the Bridge of Arta?

Yes, if you want quieter accommodation with a view of the Arachthos, while the centre remains accessible with a short walk.

What is the best time to visit Arta?

Spring, due to the orange blossoms, and autumn, with milder weather for walks and excursions, are considered the most pleasant periods.

How far is Arta from Preveza?

The distance is about half an hour by car, which allows you to combine your visit with a day at Preveza's beaches.

Are there affordable accommodations in Arta?

Yes, in the centre and on the outskirts there are several affordable hotels and apartments with prices around €40 to €50 per night.

The Conclusion

Arta is a destination that suits both those seeking a short cultural getaway and those looking for a base for nature excursions around it. If you want everything close by, the city centre around the main square is the safest choice. For quieter accommodation with character, the area around the bridge or the castle offers a different perspective of the city, while the outskirts suit those who have a car and want to combine the city with the Ambracian Gulf and Tzoumerka.

Also see our guides on where to stay in the Kissamos area (Kasteli Kissamou) and accommodation in Serres.