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Water Birds Wading Birds 3 Predatory Birds

Protected Areas Management Body of Messolonghi Lagoon

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Areas protected by the Management Body of Messolonghi Lagoon. To visit these areas please inform the Management Body by email: [email protected] National park of Messolonghi Birdlife Historical Buildings in Messolonghi Ecotourism The Messolonghi region On the southwest tip of Mainland Greece this national park Around 290 bird species have been observed in the region of • Birdwatching: See left the impressive variety of birds and • Trikoupi House: Built near the lagoon and could be the will captivate you with its lagoons, rivers, marshes, farmland, the Messolonghi Lagoon. Some 60 species of these are the map with areas where different kinds of birds can be spotted. oldest building in the city. This is where Greek statesman, A map for ecotourism varied coastline and uninhabited islets teeming with birdlife, considered protected species. diplomat, author and orator Spiridon Trikoupis was born and fauna and flora. The park falls under the RAMSAR convention • Horseback Riding: A family business in Etoliko that is raised. His son Charilaos Trikoupis became Prime Minister Μanagement Body of and NATURA 2000 network, playing a role in maintaining seven times in the late 1800s. MESSOLONGHI dedicated to horses and is open for those who want an European biodiversity. Its natural attractions include: excursion on horseback. +30 6973662836 LAGOON www.imperialandalusianhorses.blogspot.com • Palamas House: Famous scholar and teacher Panagiotis • Dunes created by the debris of rivers and lagoons acting as Palamas was born here in 1722. His son, the famous poet a barrier against the open sea. • Rafting: At the entrance of Hani Bania not far from the Kostis Palamas who wrote the Olympic Hymn also lived here. Evinos river, Rafting House offers rafting tours for all. • Hills formerly part of the Echinades Islands created by the +30 6936746764, www.evinosriver.gr • Byron House: Belonging to the Kapsali family, the mansion flowing action of the Acheloos River is home to the Messolonghi Byron Society dedicated to Lord • Caving: A number of caves in the area can be explored with Byron's life and poetry. The celebrated English poet and • Mount Varasova, a wildlife reserve and part of the majestic a guide, as detailed in the 'Speleological Guide of Philhellene came to the city to support the Greek Arakynthos Mountain Aitoloakarnania by Archaeologist-Speleologist Yiannis revolutionary cause and died in Messolonghi in 1824. Zavitsanakis. +30 6932778164, www.cavemania.blogspot.gr • Kleisoura Gorge, officially an 'area of natural beauty' and in • Valvi House: Home of politician Zafeirio-Zenovio Valvis, a protected zone to preserve endangered griffon vultures • Biking: The city of Messolonghi has several rental shops for featuring his notable collection of books. The building has bicycles. The area around the city, lagoon and marshes is become a public library. Valvis served as twice as Prime • Fraxos Forest (near Lesini) growing with laurel, silver birch ideal for biking as it is all flat with no ups and downs. Minister of Greece in the mid 1800s. trees, and creeping plants, home to the otter and several bird species (magpies, woodpeckers, etc.) • Paragliding: The Messolonghi Aero Club is a non-profit • Trikoupio Cultural Centre: The old railway station was organization that also offers paragliding. renovated and redesigned for hosting cultural events, as well • Echinades islands, several joined to the mainland by alluvial +30 26310 22879, +30 6978942423 as film screenings. deposits. These islands were the site of ancient battles, www.mesolonghiairclub.blogspot.com mentioned in the writings of Homer, Thucydides and Pausanias. Historic sites of Messolonghi city • Mountain Climbing: The Greek Mountain-climbing Club of Caves Messolonghi organizes mountain climbing, hiking, rock- • Wall of Messolonghi: As you arrive to the city you'll be climbing and caving tours. Get in touch with them for more. impressed by the wall and gate of Messolonghi. The wall was 1. Agion Apostolon Hermitages, Eastern Varasova: Three +30 26310-25503 built by King Otto in 1838 over the remains of an older one groups of caves (20 caves in total) which represent a complex www.facebook.com/Oreivatikos.Syllogos.Mesologgiou from the city's historic Third Siege in 1825-1826 against the of monastic cave hermitages from medieval times. Ottoman Empire.

2. Agios Nikolaos Cave, Varasova: On the south side of the Kayaking around Messolonghi • Garden of Heroes: Dedicated to all the heroes and Varasova, this hermitage cave with a place for seclusion politicians in the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman (Egleistra) holds ruins from the ancient 11th-century church 1. Port – Agios Sostis – Port Occupation in the early 19th century. A statue of British poet of Agios Nikolaos. Perfect for kayaking all year round. From the port of Lord Byron and a monument dedicated to Greek Messolonghi to Agios Sostis and back. A natural paradise, independence general Markos Botsaris grace the garden. 3. Lake Cave of Gouva-Mastrou: The cave features interesting great for photos. Length: 14.5 km Around 2.5 hours stalactites. Archeological research has unveiled findings • The Windmill: Built in 1962 where the historic one stood from the Greek classical and pre-classical periods. 2. Tourlida – Louros – Tourlida* during the Third Siege of the city, commemorating the A lovely route in a wonderful natural environment and sacrifice of the revered bishop Iosif Rogon who lit the last 4. Agrioperisteron Cave: Located in Neochori near the protected area that must be preserved at all costs. Length remaining gunfire in the windmill during the siege. Messolonghi lagoon, this cave is a refuge for wood pigeons with return: 38 km. About 7 hours and bats. • Dolma Monument: Built on the small island of Dolma whose 3. Port – Vasiladi – Port inhabitants supported the besieged in Messolonghi during 5. Dyo Fili Pothole, Arakynthos: The Pothole of 'Two Friends' Great route, slight difficulty with the tides on the channel and the Third Siege. It marks the great sacrifice that the island's near an abandoned quarry is spread over three different the bridge under the road. Length with return 6.5 km. About 2 citizens undertook during the battle of Dolma in 1826. levels with impressive natural cave formations. hours 10 minutes

4. Tourlida – Kato Vasiliki – Tourlida Head from the estuaries of the Evinos River to Krioneri and to Notable churches and monasteries Museums and galleries Archeological Sites the outskirts of Varasova. Many beaches along way, generally Country Hotels City Hotels Information Center wavy waters. Length with return: 44.7 km. Around 8.5 hours and Guesthouses Messolonghi 1. Kalydona: Ancient city of Aetolia near the Evinos river, Management Body of Messolonghi Lagoon 1. Small churches around the lagoon: Agia Triada in Kleisova, • Museum of History and Art: Lying in a neoclassical building Agios Sostis on the island by the same name near the Vasiladi in Messolonghi, the museum holds artwork about the historic founded according to mythology by Calydon, son of Aetolus P.C. 30400, Etoliko 5. Port – Prokopanistos – Panagia – Port 1. Alexandra Hotel 9. Elektra Rooms lighthouse and the Virgin of Prokopanistos built on a small exodus or 'sortie' of Messolonghi, along with portraits of and Pronoe. There are remains of an ancient theater and an Explore the islets of the lagoon, Tourlida, Ai Sostis, Komma, Tel: 26320 55094, Fax: 26320 55094 Etoliko, +30 26320 23019 +30 26310 25570 island in the middle of the lagoon. heroes and philhellenes. Weapons, coins and busts of five acropolis, set against Mount Varasova in the background. Schinias, Prokopanistos and Panagia. Length with return: www.fdlmes.gr www.elektrarooms.gr Prime Ministers from the area are also on display. 27.4 km. Level: medium. Around 4 hours 20 minutes. 2. Althaia Hotel [email protected] 2. Pleuron (Plevrona): Built on a low rocky hill with remains of 2. Monastery of Agios Symeon in Arakinthos: The most Petrohori, +30 26440 23133 10. Liberty hotel an acropolis. Its location near the Messolonghi salt marshes famous in the region, known as the meeting point for those • Folklore Museum of Etoliko: Found at the entrance to the 6. Port – Dolmas Island – Etoliko – Port www.hotelalthaia.gr +30 26310 28089 and lagoon may have been crucial for controlling the natural who successfully escaped during the Exodus of Messolonghi. little 'isand' in a stone-build little building that was once an A magical route through the Messolonghi lagoon among www.hotelliberty.gr Local summer and winter festivals are held here. olive mill, it houses objects, tools and clothes that formed resources, maritime routes and land routes of the area. Acknowledgements islets, lake birds and lovely nature. Length with return: 26 3. Apollon Hotel part of everyday life in Etoliko over the last two centuries. km. Level: medium. Around 4 hours 15 minutes Thermo, +30 26440 24024, 11. Theoxenia hotel 3. Cemetary of Stamna: One of the biggest ancient cemeteries 3. Panagia tis Finikas: On the salt marshes of Etoliko, this +30 26440 24330 +30 26310 22493 Hiking and kayaking sections: church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and lies on an islet • Vaso Katraki Museum: A modern building on Etoliko island in Western Greece with rich archeological interest. The most Panagiotis Skarmoutsos, President of the Messolonghi *This protected area falls under the Ramsar Convention. www.apollonhotel.gr www.theoxenia-hotel.gr between Messolonghi and Etoliko. housing a comprehensive collection of this famous Greek important part was used for burial clusters in the flat areas Mountain club Please don't disturb the wildlife, particularly bird breeding artist's and engraver's work. Her unique style is a must see in northwest of the Etoliko lagoon. areas such as the Prokopanistos sandbar, and do not collect 4. Drymonas Hotel City Hotels Caving section: 4. Church of Taxiarchs: In addition to an intricate iconostatis what is possibly the only European museum on engraving and any rare plants or flowers such as the Madonna lily. Thermo, +30 26440 41046 4. Ithoria: The ruins of Ancient Ithoria lie next to the community Giannis Zavitsanakis, Archeologist-Speleologist from the 18th century, this church in Etoliko is home to the printmaking art. www.drymonashotel.com.gr Agrinio tomb of Kyra Vasiliki, the influencial Greek wife of Ali Pasha, of Agios Ilias in the Etoliko region. Archeologists have found tombs from the Mycenaean and Geometric eras, with many Hiking: Mt. Arakynthos*, Varasova Photos: powerful Ottoman ruler from Epirus. • Christos and Sofia Moschandreou Art Gallery: Housed in an 5. Glyka Apartments 12. Esperia Boutique Hotel Fotis Pergantis, Messolonghi Air Club artefacts now in the Archeological Museum of Agrinio. old building dating from 1835 in Messolonghi, this gallery Krioneri, +30 26310 41392 +30 26410 23033 5. Agios Nikolaos Kremastos Monastery: Dating from the 10 houses significant sculptures and paintings by Greek artists 1. Mt. Arakynthos: Hounista – Portes – Agia Paraskevi – Hounista www.esperiahotel.gr Bird Photos: www.glyka-apartments.gr century AD, the 'Hanging Monastery of Saint Nicholas' in of the 20th century. 5. Oiniades: An ancient city of Akarnania built near the mouth Great views of the lagoon and Arakinthos forest in a Natura Tzina Trabazali, Ethnologist-Sociologist of the Acheloos River. Probably named after King Oinias, this Arakinthos lies within two caves in a cliff and features 200 protected area. Length: 6.12 km, Level: easy. Around 4 6. Philoxenia Apartments 13. Galaxias Hotel site boasts remains of an impressive ancient theatre and amazing religious paintings in Cappadocian style. • DIEXODOS Centre of Culture and Art: Situated in an 18th hours. Krioneri, +30 26310 41300 +30 26410 23551 ancient stone walls. century building and once the home of a local hero. Features www.philoxenia-hotel.com www.galaxiashotel.com.gr 6. Episkopi Mastrou: Paying tribute to Agios Ioannis (St. John) historical and ecclesiastical heirlooms, rare documents and 2. Mt. Arakynthos: Ellinika – Greveno – Ai Symios 6. Alikyrna: This ancient city from the 4th century ΒC came to of Rigana, this impressive Byzantine temple from the 14th manuscripts, plus hundreds of works by Greek artists mostly. Walk by a stream and into a forest, an asphalt road for 500 7. Socrates Organic Village 14. Hotel Selini light while excavating the Ionia Odos highway recently. Its century AD was built over another paleo-Christian Basilica. It meters, and then dirt road through Ai Lia and up to the hiking Krioneri +30 26410 22798 This map was created by foundations can be seen near the community of Hilia Spitia. was undoubtedly an important church. • Folklore Museum of Paravola: Established by the Women's refuge on the summit of Greveno. Pass by an oak forest with www.organic-village.gr www.selini-hotel.gr Association of the village of Paravola, this museum has an great views of the lagoon, Etoliko and Ionian islands. Length: 7. Roman Baths: A collection of baths from the Roman era in impressive collection of old objects, tools, clothes, carpets, 18 km, Level: medium. Around 7 hours 8. Thestios Guesthouse 15. Leto Boutique Hotel Agios Ioannis not far from . Visitors can see remains of a well, and machines used in recent times by the area's inhabitants. Vlochos, +30 26410 46878 +30 2641023043 Wineries bathing chambers, changing rooms and a sudatorium. 3. Varasova: Caves www.thestios.gr www.leto-hotel.gr Head through thick greenery to a well and then to the summit • Thestia: This region has an ideal microclimate and conditions Τhermal Baths Botargo*, PDO Gourmet Delicacy of Varasova before you get to the caves with remains of old 16. Marpessa Hotel for vine cultivation, leading to exceptional wines such as those churches inside. Fantastic views towards Patras and the +30 26410 47500 www.medventure.eu found at the Thestia winery. It produces wine grom • Thermal Springs of Agia Triada Messolonghi: The water • Botargo Stefos: Messolonghi is known for its very fine Rio-Antirio bridge. Length: 7.7 km. Level: easy. Around 3 www.marpessa.gr Malagouzia graps (an ancient local variety from emanating from these natural springs and the mud in their Botargo, a gourmet delicacy of cured, salted fish roe which is hours 15 minutes Aitoloakarnania), as well as Sauvingnon Blanc, Syrah and depths are considered therapeutic as they contain large classified as a product with a Protected Designation of Origin Merlot/Cabernet Franc. You can taste and buy wines, as well quantities of salt and iodine. Recommended for those with (PDO). The Botargo Stefos production plant is open to visitors 4. Mt. Arakynthos: Kefalovriso – Kato Ambelia as tour the winery. arthritis, muscle pain and skin ailments. in Mpouza, Etoliko. Gorgeous ancient route with a fantastic view of the www.thestia.com www.botargostefos.gr Messolonghi lagoon and Etoliko. Pass by the cave-church of Agios Nikolaos and the waterfalls. Length: 4.33 km. Level: • Sotiriou Winery: With the Lesser kestrel as its symbol, this * You can buy botargo from the fishmongers and fish farms easy. Around 2 hours 40 minutes delightful family winery has succeeded in reviving local and of the region. forgotten grape varieties to produce quality wines. Grapes

include Malagouzia, Avgoustolidi and Maroudi among others. *Please do not gather any plants or herbs as many are rare Wine tasting and onsite visits! οr endangered. www.facebook.com/SotiriouWinery