Discover Greeces Little Venice. Its called Aitoliko and lies in the middle of the serene Aitoliko-Messolonghi lagoon. It is a unique place with its own charm and a very interesting history.
Ten kilometers from Messolonghi, a small islet in the midst of the tranquil lagoon is home to Aitoliko, otherwise known as Greeces «Little Venice», as it is often called. No, Aitoliko has no canals. Yet it is a distinctive, picturesque place that offers the visitor a blend of simplicity, beauty and harmony.
Aitoliko lies 250 km from Athens, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway that can also include nearbyMessolonghi.The small town of Aetolia-Acarnania spreads across an islet roughly in the middle of the Aitoliko-Messolonghi lagoon, which is connected east and west to the mainland by two 300-meter-long stone arch bridges.
Aitoliko: Escape to Greece’s «Little Venice»
Greeces «Little Venice» (or «Watery City») has a very interesting history. Aitoliko began as a small cluster of islets in the middle of the lagoon, where fishermen joined their shores with wooden footbridges. Gradually these islets merged, creating the first single island. Aitoliko took its present form in 1972, when large landfills expanded its area. The bridges that connect Aitoliko with the mainland have been designated listed historical monuments and have particular architectural interest as a noteworthy example of late 19th-century infrastructure works. They were built in 1848 and widened to their current width in 1882-1885. Until the end of World War II, Aitoliko was a commercial port and the center of the entire region with significant trading activity. It is also worth noting that the trial of Karaiskakis took place in Aitoliko on April 1, 1824.
Around Aitoliko, the serene lagoon is a large and important wetland that serves as a refuge for more than 250 different bird species, including many that are rare and endangered. The entire ecosystem has been included in and is protected by the international Ramsar Convention. You will see herons, flamingos, wild geese, coots and other seabirds, while to the west, on Katsa Hill and towards the hills of Agia Paraskevi and the communities of Agios Ilias, Stamna and Chrysovergi, partridges, hoopoes and blackbirds abound.
What to do in Aitoliko
- Stroll along the seafront lined with palm trees and through Aitolikos narrow lanes. Visit the churches that hide treasures of inestimable value, such as the Dormition of the Theotokos (here, in April 1824, the famed trial of Georgios Karaiskakis took place) and the Church of the Archangels.
- Take a stroll at the Aitoliko Limanaki, or as it is also called Aitoliko Limanaki Park, one of the islands most beautiful spots.
- Visit the «Vasso Katraki» Museum of Engraving Art (it houses over 500 works by the award-winning engraver), as well as the Folklore Museum.
- In the local tavernas, try fresh-caught fish from the lagoon (sea bream, sea bass, mullet, etc.) and of course the world-renowned Messolonghi bottarga. The fish taverna Monomatos is famous.
- The lagoon is ideal for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, as well as for birdwatching in spring.
- Sunset over the lagoon is magical and its worth staying until late afternoon to enjoy it.
- Aitoliko is just 15 minutes from Messolonghi, where you can continue your journey.
- Within half an hour of Aitoliko you will find the organized beaches of Louros, Tourlida, Kavourotrypa and Kryoneri.
See photos and video from Aitoliko
