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MotorwayMain asphalt roadAsphalt roadMain unsurfaced roadMinor unsurfaced roadLakeRiverKayakingHiking

Hotels

Archeological sites

Churches and monasteries

Caves

Water Birds

Wading Birds

Predatory Birds

Protected AreasManagement Body of Messolonghi Lagoon

Legend

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Areas protected by the Management Body of Messolonghi Lagoon. To visit these areas please inform the Management Body by email: info@fdlmes.gr

Archeological Sites

1. Kalydona: Ancient city of Aetolia near the Evinos river, founded according to mythology by Calydon, son of Aetolus and Pronoe. There are remains of an ancient theater and an acropolis, set against Mount Varasova in the background.

2. Pleuron (Plevrona): Built on a low rocky hill with remains of an acropolis. Its location near the Messolonghi salt marshes and lagoon may have been crucial for controlling the natural resources, maritime routes and land routes of the area.

3. Cemetary of Stamna: One of the biggest ancient cemeteries in Western Greece with rich archeological interest. The most important part was used for burial clusters in the flat areas northwest of the Etoliko lagoon.

4. Ithoria: The ruins of Ancient Ithoria lie next to the community of Agios Ilias in the Etoliko region. Archeologists have found tombs from the Mycenaean and Geometric eras, with many artefacts now in the Archeological Museum of Agrinio.

5. Oiniades: An ancient city of Akarnania built near the mouth of the Acheloos River. Probably named after King Oinias, this site boasts remains of an impressive ancient theatre and ancient stone walls.

6. Alikyrna: This ancient city from the 4th century ΒC came to light while excavating the Ionia Odos highway recently. Its foundations can be seen near the community of Hilia Spitia.

7. Roman Baths: A collection of baths from the Roman era in Agios Ioannis not far from . Visitors can see remains of a well, bathing chambers, changing rooms and a sudatorium.

National park of Messolonghi On the southwest tip of Mainland Greece this national park will captivate you with its lagoons, rivers, marshes, farmland, varied coastline and uninhabited islets teeming with birdlife, fauna and flora. The park falls under the RAMSAR convention and NATURA 2000 network, playing a role in maintaining European biodiversity. Its natural attractions include: • Dunes created by the debris of rivers and lagoons acting as a barrier against the open sea. • Hills formerly part of the Echinades Islands created by the flowing action of the Acheloos River • Mount Varasova, a wildlife reserve and part of the majestic Arakynthos Mountain • Kleisoura Gorge, officially an 'area of natural beauty' and in a protected zone to preserve endangered griffon vultures • Fraxos Forest (near Lesini) growing with laurel, silver birch trees, and creeping plants, home to the otter and several bird species (magpies, woodpeckers, etc.) • Echinades islands, several joined to the mainland by alluvial deposits. These islands were the site of ancient battles, mentioned in the writings of Homer, Thucydides and Pausanias.

Caves

1. Agion Apostolon Hermitages, Eastern Varasova: Three groups of caves (20 caves in total) which represent a complex of monastic cave hermitages from medieval times. 2. Agios Nikolaos Cave, Varasova: On the south side of the Varasova, this hermitage cave with a place for seclusion (Egleistra) holds ruins from the ancient 11th-century church of Agios Nikolaos. 3. Lake Cave of Gouva-Mastrou: The cave features interesting stalactites. Archeological research has unveiled findings from the Greek classical and pre-classical periods. 4. Agrioperisteron Cave: Located in Neochori near the Messolonghi lagoon, this cave is a refuge for wood pigeons and bats. 5. Dyo Fili Pothole, Arakynthos: The Pothole of 'Two Friends' near an abandoned quarry is spread over three different levels with impressive natural cave formations.

Ecotourism• Birdwatching: See left the impressive variety of birds and the map with areas where different kinds of birds can be spotted.

• Horseback Riding: A family business in Etoliko that is dedicated to horses and is open for those who want an excursion on horseback. +30 6973662836 www.imperialandalusianhorses.blogspot.com

• Rafting: At the entrance of Hani Bania not far from the Evinos river, Rafting House offers rafting tours for all. +30 6936746764, www.evinosriver.gr

• Caving: A number of caves in the area can be explored with a guide, as detailed in the 'Speleological Guide of Aitoloakarnania by Archaeologist-Speleologist Yiannis Zavitsanakis. +30 6932778164, www.cavemania.blogspot.gr

• Biking: The city of Messolonghi has several rental shops for bicycles. The area around the city, lagoon and marshes is ideal for biking as it is all flat with no ups and downs.

• Paragliding: The Messolonghi Aero Club is a non-profit organization that also offers paragliding.+30 26310 22879, +30 6978942423 www.mesolonghiairclub.blogspot.com

• Mountain Climbing: The Greek Mountain-climbing Club of Messolonghi organizes mountain climbing, hiking, rock-climbing and caving tours. Get in touch with them for more. +30 26310-25503www.facebook.com/Oreivatikos.Syllogos.Mesologgiou

Kayaking around Messolonghi 1. Port – Agios Sostis – PortPerfect for kayaking all year round. From the port of Messolonghi to Agios Sostis and back. A natural paradise, great for photos. Length: 14.5 km Around 2.5 hours 2. Tourlida – Louros – Tourlida*A lovely route in a wonderful natural environment and protected area that must be preserved at all costs. Length with return: 38 km. About 7 hours 3. Port – Vasiladi – PortGreat route, slight difficulty with the tides on the channel and the bridge under the road. Length with return 6.5 km. About 2 hours 10 minutes 4. Tourlida – Kato Vasiliki – TourlidaHead from the estuaries of the Evinos River to Krioneri and to the outskirts of Varasova. Many beaches along way, generally wavy waters. Length with return: 44.7 km. Around 8.5 hours 5. Port – Prokopanistos – Panagia – PortExplore the islets of the lagoon, Tourlida, Ai Sostis, Komma, Schinias, Prokopanistos and Panagia. Length with return: 27.4 km. Level: medium. Around 4 hours 20 minutes. 6. Port – Dolmas Island – Etoliko – PortA magical route through the Messolonghi lagoon among islets, lake birds and lovely nature. Length with return: 26 km. Level: medium. Around 4 hours 15 minutes

Hiking: Mt. Arakynthos*, Varasova 1. Mt. Arakynthos: Hounista – Portes – Agia Paraskevi – HounistaGreat views of the lagoon and Arakinthos forest in a Natura 200 protected area. Length: 6.12 km, Level: easy. Around 4 hours. 2. Mt. Arakynthos: Ellinika – Greveno – Ai SymiosWalk by a stream and into a forest, an asphalt road for 500 meters, and then dirt road through Ai Lia and up to the hiking refuge on the summit of Greveno. Pass by an oak forest with great views of the lagoon, Etoliko and Ionian islands. Length: 18 km, Level: medium. Around 7 hours 3. Varasova: CavesHead through thick greenery to a well and then to the summit of Varasova before you get to the caves with remains of old churches inside. Fantastic views towards Patras and the Rio-Antirio bridge. Length: 7.7 km. Level: easy. Around 3 hours 15 minutes 4. Mt. Arakynthos: Kefalovriso – Kato AmbeliaGorgeous ancient route with a fantastic view of the Messolonghi lagoon and Etoliko. Pass by the cave-church of Agios Nikolaos and the waterfalls. Length: 4.33 km. Level: easy. Around 2 hours 40 minutes

Country Hotels and Guesthouses

1. Alexandra Hotel Etoliko, +30 26320 23019

2. Althaia Hotel Petrohori, +30 26440 23133www.hotelalthaia.gr

3. Apollon HotelThermo, +30 26440 24024, +30 26440 24330www.apollonhotel.gr

4. Drymonas HotelThermo, +30 26440 41046www.drymonashotel.com.gr

5. Glyka Apartments Krioneri, +30 26310 41392 www.glyka-apartments.gr

6. Philoxenia Apartments Krioneri, +30 26310 41300www.philoxenia-hotel.com

7. Socrates Organic Village Krioneriwww.organic-village.gr

8. Thestios Guesthouse Vlochos, +30 26410 46878www.thestios.gr

Birdlife

Around 290 bird species have been observed in the region of the Messolonghi Lagoon. Some 60 species of these are considered protected species.

Historical Buildings in Messolonghi

• Trikoupi House: Built near the lagoon and could be the oldest building in the city. This is where Greek statesman, diplomat, author and orator Spiridon Trikoupis was born and raised. His son Charilaos Trikoupis became Prime Minister seven times in the late 1800s.

• Palamas House: Famous scholar and teacher Panagiotis Palamas was born here in 1722. His son, the famous poet Kostis Palamas who wrote the Olympic Hymn also lived here.

• Byron House: Belonging to the Kapsali family, the mansion is home to the Messolonghi Byron Society dedicated to Lord Byron's life and poetry. The celebrated English poet and Philhellene came to the city to support the Greek revolutionary cause and died in Messolonghi in 1824.

• Valvi House: Home of politician Zafeirio-Zenovio Valvis, featuring his notable collection of books. The building has become a public library. Valvis served as twice as Prime Minister of Greece in the mid 1800s.

• Trikoupio Cultural Centre: The old railway station was renovated and redesigned for hosting cultural events, as well as film screenings.

Historic sites of Messolonghi city

• Wall of Messolonghi: As you arrive to the city you'll be impressed by the wall and gate of Messolonghi. The wall was built by King Otto in 1838 over the remains of an older one from the city's historic Third Siege in 1825-1826 against the Ottoman Empire.

• Garden of Heroes: Dedicated to all the heroes and politicians in the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman Occupation in the early 19th century. A statue of British poet Lord Byron and a monument dedicated to Greek independence general Markos Botsaris grace the garden.

• The Windmill: Built in 1962 where the historic one stood during the Third Siege of the city, commemorating the sacrifice of the revered bishop Iosif Rogon who lit the last remaining gunfire in the windmill during the siege.

• Dolma Monument: Built on the small island of Dolma whose inhabitants supported the besieged in Messolonghi during the Third Siege. It marks the great sacrifice that the island's citizens undertook during the battle of Dolma in 1826.

City Hotels Messolonghi

9. Elektra Rooms+30 26310 25570

www.elektrarooms.gr

10. Liberty hotel+30 26310 28089

www.hotelliberty.gr

11. Theoxenia hotel+30 26310 22493

www.theoxenia-hotel.gr

City Hotels Agrinio

12. Esperia Boutique Hotel+30 26410 23033

www.esperiahotel.gr

13. Galaxias Hotel+30 26410 23551

www.galaxiashotel.com.gr

14. Hotel Selini+30 26410 22798

www.selini-hotel.gr

15. Leto Boutique Hotel+30 2641023043

www.leto-hotel.gr

16. Marpessa Hotel+30 26410 47500

www.marpessa.gr

Notable churches and monasteries

1. Small churches around the lagoon: Agia Triada in Kleisova, Agios Sostis on the island by the same name near the Vasiladi lighthouse and the Virgin of Prokopanistos built on a small island in the middle of the lagoon.

2. Monastery of Agios Symeon in Arakinthos: The most famous in the region, known as the meeting point for those who successfully escaped during the Exodus of Messolonghi. Local summer and winter festivals are held here.

3. Panagia tis Finikas: On the salt marshes of Etoliko, this church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and lies on an islet between Messolonghi and Etoliko.

4. Church of Taxiarchs: In addition to an intricate iconostatis from the 18th century, this church in Etoliko is home to the tomb of Kyra Vasiliki, the influencial Greek wife of Ali Pasha, powerful Ottoman ruler from Epirus.

5. Agios Nikolaos Kremastos Monastery: Dating from the 10 century AD, the 'Hanging Monastery of Saint Nicholas' in Arakinthos lies within two caves in a cliff and features amazing religious paintings in Cappadocian style.

6. Episkopi Mastrou: Paying tribute to Agios Ioannis (St. John) of Rigana, this impressive Byzantine temple from the 14th century AD was built over another paleo-Christian Basilica. It was undoubtedly an important church.

Τhermal Baths

• Thermal Springs of Agia Triada Messolonghi: The water emanating from these natural springs and the mud in their depths are considered therapeutic as they contain large quantities of salt and iodine. Recommended for those with arthritis, muscle pain and skin ailments.

Wineries

• Thestia: This region has an ideal microclimate and conditions for vine cultivation, leading to exceptional wines such as those found at the Thestia winery. It produces wine grom Malagouzia graps (an ancient local variety from Aitoloakarnania), as well as Sauvingnon Blanc, Syrah and Merlot/Cabernet Franc. You can taste and buy wines, as well as tour the winery. www.thestia.com

• Sotiriou Winery: With the Lesser kestrel as its symbol, this delightful family winery has succeeded in reviving local and forgotten grape varieties to produce quality wines. Grapes include Malagouzia, Avgoustolidi and Maroudi among others. Wine tasting and onsite visits! www.facebook.com/SotiriouWinery

Museums and galleries

• Museum of History and Art: Lying in a neoclassical building in Messolonghi, the museum holds artwork about the historic exodus or 'sortie' of Messolonghi, along with portraits of heroes and philhellenes. Weapons, coins and busts of five Prime Ministers from the area are also on display.

• Folklore Museum of Etoliko: Found at the entrance to the little 'isand' in a stone-build little building that was once an olive mill, it houses objects, tools and clothes that formed part of everyday life in Etoliko over the last two centuries.

• Vaso Katraki Museum: A modern building on Etoliko island housing a comprehensive collection of this famous Greek artist's and engraver's work. Her unique style is a must see in what is possibly the only European museum on engraving and printmaking art.

• Christos and Sofia Moschandreou Art Gallery: Housed in an old building dating from 1835 in Messolonghi, this gallery houses significant sculptures and paintings by Greek artists of the 20th century.

• DIEXODOS Centre of Culture and Art: Situated in an 18th century building and once the home of a local hero. Features historical and ecclesiastical heirlooms, rare documents and manuscripts, plus hundreds of works by Greek artists mostly.

• Folklore Museum of Paravola: Established by the Women's Association of the village of Paravola, this museum has an impressive collection of old objects, tools, clothes, carpets, and machines used in recent times by the area's inhabitants.

*This protected area falls under the Ramsar Convention. Please don't disturb the wildlife, particularly bird breeding areas such as the Prokopanistos sandbar, and do not collect any rare plants or flowers such as the Madonna lily.

*Please do not gather any plants or herbs as many are rare οr endangered.

Botargo*, PDO Gourmet Delicacy • Botargo Stefos: Messolonghi is known for its very fine Botargo, a gourmet delicacy of cured, salted fish roe which is classified as a product with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The Botargo Stefos production plant is open to visitors in Mpouza, Etoliko.www.botargostefos.gr

* You can buy botargo from the fishmongers and fish farms of the region.

The Messolonghi regionA map for ecotourism

Information Center Management Body of Messolonghi LagoonP.C. 30400, EtolikoTel: 26320 55094, Fax: 26320 55094www.fdlmes.grinfo@fdlmes.gr

This map was created by

Acknowledgements Hiking and kayaking sections: Panagiotis Skarmoutsos, President of the Messolonghi Mountain club Caving section: Giannis Zavitsanakis, Archeologist-Speleologist

Photos:Fotis Pergantis, Messolonghi Air Club

Bird Photos:Tzina Trabazali, Ethnologist-Sociologist

www.medventure.eu

Μanagement Body of

MESSOLONGHILAGOON