Masterpieces of nature, antiquity and Orthodoxy in a harmonious coexistence
Water brings life and vigour to everything here; rivers, lakes and lagoons, sea and wetlands. In the midst are mighty mountains, picturesque villages and monuments that bear witness to the rollercoaster of history and intense religious traditions.
Images of nature
It is really a question of what to admire first!
Forty-fine villages are dotted across the summits of the Kravara mountains in MountainousNafpaktia. The River Evinos threads ribbon-like through the dense vegetation. Evinolimni lake, nestled in the mountains, looks like a blue brushstroke on a green canvas.
At the point where the Aetolian plain touches the sea, rises Varasova, one of the best abseiling centres in Greece.
Follow the riverside footpath along the life-giving Acheloos and wander around the exquisite ash tree forest in Lesini, embellished by the white of its suave willows. What photographer could do justice to the colours of the setting sun in the lagoon of Messolonghi and Aitoliko? Or in Lake Trichonida with a vastness that puts you in mind of the sea?
The first federal state of antiquity, which was based on democratic values, left its legacy in ancient Thermo. It was in Thermo that the missionary and rebel rouser St Kosmas Aetolos started his remarkable work.
The prefecture can boast of the largest number of ancient theatres. In Stratos, Oiniades, Kalydona, Plevrona and Nea Makynia the theatres reflect the rich spiritual heritage.
In heroic Messolonghi visit the Garden of Heroes as a tribute to the sacrifice of the locals during the Greek revolution while in beautiful Nafpaktos enjoy the view from the Venetian castle to the harbor and a new landmark of modern history, the bridge of Rio-Antirio.
Special flavours
The star of the table in Aitoloakarnania is the fish roe of Messolonghi. It is accompanied by gabares prawns from the Amvrakikos Gulf and the fried smelt of Trichonida which moved to the fresh water of the lake from the salty sea. The Greek salad is rich in olives of the Kalamon variety and sprinkled with exquisite local olive oil.
Get an authentic break in the Land of Discovery
Western Greece awaits!
Click on each area to discover its unique beauties, attractions and activities!
A seaside twon flirting with the Ionian islands, it sprawls down the hillside towards its sheltered harbor, which fills to the brim with yachts in the summer.
Gorgeous lake Trichonida, incorporated into the European Natura 2000 programme, will carry you off on a tide of enthusiasm for rowing, wakeboard and water skiing.
In Lake Kaiafa with the therapeutic waters that come straight from the cave you will enjoy the most natural hydrotherapy with a view of pine and eucalyptus trees.
In picturesque Andritsaina visit the historic library and from there walk up to Vasses to enjoy at close quarters the temple of Apollo Epicurius, a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture.
In the Holy Temple Kimisis tis Theotokou, admire the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary that has stood for years as a source of comfort and hope for the devout.
Nearby Diakopto is justly proud to invite you for a ride on its rack and pinion railway, the famous little train that crosses the gorge of the Vouraikos.
Proud beauty that speaks for itself. It captures your gaze, then your heart. You can view it at a distance from Rio, surrounded by lush forest and crowned by an imposing medieval fortification. One visit is enough to win you over with its unsullied beauty and the cultural aura exuded by its ever-present historic monuments. […]
A «magical» place which speaks volumes of history and culture and makes an ideal excursion destination for those seeking plenty of enthralling sights and experiences. «My eyes never saw a more glorious place…» Some of the most momentous events of the 1821 Revolution against the Ottoman occupation occurred here. Against impossible odds and under appalling […]
Nature, history and tradition in harmonious accord. Agrinio is a known and at the same time «unknown» city. We know it as one of the largest cities in Western Greece, an active financial and commercial centre, a living city. However, a tour of the surrounding area, with the city as your starting point, will come […]
Wonderful craggy coast, scenic seaside villages, a bite to eat and a swig of ouzo in lovely harbours. The long latticework coastline bejeweled with golden sands and pretty coves adds the finishing touches to a colourful mosaic of verdant mountains, lakes and rivers draped across the region. The Land of Discovery promises an unforgettable summer […]
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