Archaeological Site of Thermo

Ancient Thermo is located just outside the village and its history dates back to the Bronze Age. The most important findings from the excavations in Thermo are buildings and arcades of the market of the Aetolians, and the pedestals of statues and other offerings which stood in front of the arches. Two arcades have been discovered (East and West) and they date back to the late 4th or early 3rd century B.C. The eastern portico is 170 meters long. These two arcades are two of the greatest ancient arcades and were located beside an oblong square of about 200 meters long and 21 meters wide.

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Castle of Nafpaktos

The Castle, currently uninhabited, can be found on the hill above the picturesque town of Nafpaktos. It is one of the best preserved castles of Greece. It is built on the site where the ancient Acropolis was and after many attacks it still remains imperious till nowadays. The Castle owes its current appearance to the Venetians. However, the walls which go all the way down to the sea and the port are part of the ancient wall. It is definitely worth visiting the castle and enjoying the wonderful view of the Gulf of Patras.

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Aitoliko

This is a town built literally inside the sea, on a little island that is connected to the banks of the lagoon with narrow, stone-built bridges. The town is surrounded by a rare ecosystem of wetlands which shelters at least 250 species of birds, many of which are under extinction. Herons, wild ducks, pelicans and other seabirds find food in the calm waters, while partridges, grouse and quails can be found everywhere in the surrounding hills.

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Messolonghi Lagoon

In the calm waters of the lagoon, you will see the reflections of herons, egrets and wild ducks. This place is a shelter for many species of birds. Some of them live here permanently and some of them only stop here for a while and then continue their long journey. On the lake you will also see the famous “gaites” (“Γαΐτες” in Greek) which are boats specially made for the shallow waters of the lake. They cross the fish pens and fish the famous breams of Messolonghi. Also, around the lake you can notice the “pelades”, the old wooden shelters of the fishermen.

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Vonitsa

Built on the shores of Amvrakikos Gulf, Vonitsa is a small town with approximately 4.500 inhabitants. You can visit the Venetian castle on the hill and swim in the nearby beaches (Panagia Beach and/or Sotiras Beach). Vonitsa has a small port that offers shelter to the sailing boats that sail around the Ionian Sea. The taverns on the port are popular with visitors because of the delicious and fresh seafood they offer. Do not hesitate to try the traditional “gampara” (=dish made of Amvrakikos shrimp).

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Villages of Mountainous Nafpaktia

Mountainous Nafpaktia has recently become one of the most popular destinations. However, it still retains its purity and authenticity and offers a taste of traditional Greek hospitality. Following the provincial roads, you can reach the little villages on the steep slopes of the mountains. Most of them are completely deserted in winter, but full of life in summer as all the locals spend their holidays there. Platanos is probably the liveliest and most crowded village of the area and it even possesses some tourist facilities.

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Lake Trichonida

Trichonida, the largest lake in Etoloakarnania - Greece, has a surface of 97 square km, a perimeter of 51 km and a maximum depth of 58 meters. It probably owes its name to the ancient Aetolian town, Trichoneion. Trichonida has great aesthetic, ecological and fishing value as it hosts a large number of rare or endangered plants and animal species.

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Evinos

Evinos is the second biggest river of Aetolia. Based on a Greek myth, it took its name by the King of Calydon, Evinos, who drowned in the waters of the river when his daughter Marpissa was abducted by Ida. The river is curvy and this is why it is called Fidaris (=Snake). It is 92 kilometers in length and it starts from Vardousia (West) to end up in the Gulf of Patras, between Evinochori and Krioneri. It passes through mountainous Nafpaktos where the conditions are perfect for sports like rafting and canoeing. The area is also ideal for hiking, mountain bike or horse riding.

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