Description of Aetoloakarnania
Although, the region of
Aetoloakarnania is the “terra incognita” of
Greece in terms of tourism, the region has beautiful scenery of plains, mountains and lakes and is one of the secret gems of
Central Greece. Being less famous in comparison to neighbouring region has given
Aetoloacarnania the privilege of keeping authenticity and offering good quality facilities in good prices in both
hotels and
restaurants.
Geography of Aetoloakarnania
Aetoloacarnania is a region situated in the west part of the
Central Greece and its neighbouring regions are
Fokida to the east,
Fthiotida and
Evrytania to the northeast,
Arta to the north and
Achaia of
Peloponnese to the south.
Aetoloakarnania faces the
Ionian Sea on the west and the islands of
Ithaca and
Kefallonia. The region spans an area of 5.461 sq. km. and a total population of 223.188 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is
Messologhi but the largest city of the region is
Agrinion. The region is surrounded by mountains: Panaitoliko, Acarnanian Mountains, Nafpaktia Mountains, Arakynthos and Kravara. The region has also many lakes: Amvrakia, Lysimachia, Ozeros, Kastraki, Kremasta and the largest of all being
Trichonida, one of the largest natural lakes in
Greece.
History of Aetoloakarnania
The region of
Aetoloacarnania was highlighted during the War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottoman Turks. The brave and fearless residents of the city of Messologhi had also inspired the poet Dionysios Solomos for his work “The Free Besieged”.
Aetoloakaranania has been among the first parts of modern state of
Greece and since then has played a vital role in agricultural economy as till recently tobacco was the main product of the region. The region has developed in terms of trade because of the improvement of the main transportation roads and especially the
Rio – Antirio Bridge that connects the region with
Peloponnese.
Sightseeing in Aetoloakarnania
The nature is the main site in
Aetoloakarnania. The lake of
Trichonida is one of the largest natural lakes in
Greece with rare fauna and flora. The mountains of Nafpaktia and the villages scattered on their slopes are also famous for weekend excursions. The town of
Nafpaktos facing the sea and the fortress with the panoramic view of the Gulf of Patras is also a well known venue. For both a historical connection to the past and leisure, visit
Messologhi built by a lovely lagoon. The summer destinations of the region are
Mytikas,
Palairos and
Astakos that spread to the west facing the
Ionian Sea.
Useful Phone Numbers in Aetoloakarnania
Police of Messologhi: +30 26310 55710
Hospital of Messologhi: +30 26310 25911
Bus services in Agrinion: +30 26410 22538
