The «blazing» harbor, the beautiful castle, strolls in the mountains and by the sea and all the reasons why Nafpaktos is one of the best Easter destinations.
Just 2.5 hours from Athens, Nafpaktos welcomes visitors year-round in a romantic setting that keeps its traditional character intact. Nestled between Antirrio and the mouth of the Mornos River, at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, the charming seaside town of Aetolia-Acarnania transports you back in time with its Venetian harbor and well-preserved castle. Also, Nafpaktos is an excellent springboard for every kind of escape in every season, uniquely blending mountain and sea.
Easter in Nafpaktos: The «blazing» harbor
The heart of Nafpaktos beats at the picturesqueVenetian harbor.It is the citys signature and one of the most beautiful harbors in Greece. Here, onGood Friday the scene is especially striking. Hundreds of candles and lit torches welcome the Epitaphios processions, while a flaming cross lights the harbors entrance. Immediately after, the night sky erupts with spectacular fireworks. This custom has been kept since the 1950s, when fishermen decorated the embrasures with lit torches, wishing to salute in their own way the meeting of the Epitaphios processions of the towns two churches (Agios Dimitrios and Agia Paraskevi) at the harbor.
Nafpaktos: What to see
The Venetian harbor, with the two towers that close off its entrance, formed part of medieval Nafpaktoss fortifications, while today it is a meeting point for locals throughout the day. The colorful boats and sailing yachts add their own splash of color. On the harbors western breakwater stand two statues of heroes: that of Miguel de Cervantes, who at the age of 23 took part in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 AD, where he lost one of his hands. The second, high on the harbors bastion, is of Georgios Anemogiannis from Paxos. He was the freedom fighter who in May 1821, at the age of 23, sacrificed himself in the struggle for liberty, setting fire to a corvette of the Turkish fleet that was anchored off Nafpaktos.
Next comes the Stenopazaro, the old market of the town, with its two-storey traditional buildings. The cobbled alley buzzes with color and life, with pretty cafes and shops. At the end of Stenopazaro stands the Metropolitan Church of Agios Dimitrios and a little further on the Town Hall. Directly opposite rises the mansion of the man of letters Georgios Athanasiadis-Novas.
The Venetian castle at the top of the hill captivates with the impressive views it affords. By night, with the illuminated Rio-Antirrio Bridge as a backdrop, the spectacle becomes even more striking. TheCastle of Nafpaktosis one of the best-preserved examples of fortress architecture in Greece. It owes its current form to the Venetians, who built upon the ancient fortifications, while the other "owners" added their own stamp.
On the way to the castle, youll come across theBotsaris Tower, an impressive 15th-century building that was used many times to house the towns rulers. Immediately after the liberation of Nafpaktos, in 1829, it came into the possession of General Notis Botsaris, while today it belongs to the "Dimitrios and Aigli Botsari Foundation" and hosts a permanent exhibition of copies of paintings and maps related to the Battle of Lepanto. You will also see the famedClock, the newest monument of the historic city of Aetolia-Acarnania, built in 1914 by Metropolitan Serafim Domvoitis and regarded as one of the citys most beautiful sights.
Day trips
Within easy reach of Nafpaktos there are crystal-clear beaches and picturesque places worth discovering, such as Chiliadou, Monastiraki, Skalomaand the small islet in the Gulf of Corinth Trizonia.If you prefer the mountains instead, within a short time you can be in Mountainous Nafpaktia with its picturesque villages (Ano Chora, Elatou, Platanos, etc.) and the wonderful nature that beckons you to explore it.
First published: 06/04/2023
