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The Venice of Greece
The Story of Aitoliko - One of The World's Most Beautiful Towns
Roy Ben Tzvi
September 18, 2024
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Aitoliko - The Venice of Greece
Aitoliko, often called the "Venice of Greece," is a hidden gem (don’t tell anyone we told you 🤫) in western Greece, located in the region of Aetolia-Acarnania. This picturesque island town is nestled on an islet in the middle of the Aitoliko Lagoon, connected to the mainland by two arched stone bridges. Its unique location gives it the charm of a floating city surrounded by serene waters.
The history of Aitoliko stretches back to ancient times. It was originally a small fishing settlement, but its strategic location between the Acheloos and Evinos rivers made it an important hub during various periods, including under Venetian and Ottoman rule. In the early 19th century, Aitoliko played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence, serving as a bastion of resistance against Ottoman forces. This rich historical past is still reflected in its traditional architecture and monuments.
Today, Aitoliko is home to a small, close-knit population of locals, many of whom are involved in fishing and agriculture. The town has retained much of its old-world charm, with narrow streets, stone houses, and a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle that contrasts with the more bustling tourist destinations (looking at you Santorini).
Though Aitoliko has yet to become a mainstream tourist hotspot (and hopefully stays that way), it attracts visitors who are drawn to its tranquility, natural beauty, and authentic Greek atmosphere.
Lesser-known facts about Aitoliko include its reputation as a center for traditional Greek embroidery, with intricate patterns passed down through generations. The town's unique location, surrounded by the lagoon, also gives it an exceptional microclimate, making the summers cooler and the air fresher than in other parts of Greece.
Accommodation
Aitoliko Island does not have many traditional hotels on the island, as it is a small and relatively unknown town. Most of the available accommodations are smaller guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, or rooms for rent by locals. The majority of proper hotels and more commercial accommodations can be found in nearby towns like Messolonghi or larger cities in the region.
However, we did find a couple of Airbnbs, like this one and this one, if you are interested in staying there for a few nights. These are very affordable, around $50 a night.
Fun (or frightening) fact, you make up your mind.
In September 2018, the town was at the center of a natural marvel that caught the world’s attention. Seemingly overnight, the landscape was transformed as a network of spider webs enveloped the area. Stretching over 300 meters of coastline, these thick, cloud-like webs created a mesmerizing spectacle, intriguing scientists and visitors. Personally, watching Spider-Man is as close as I like to get to spiders, but hey that’s just me. 🕷️
When you visit, you have to try this specialty. Smoked or salted avgotaraho—Greek caviar—is a local specialty that is world-famous for its unique taste and quality.
Avgotaraho, the egg of the fish called kefalos (grey mullet), is considered a superb specialty, some say even superior to caviar, which is the eggs of sturgeon. It is registered as having a Greek and European protected designation of origin (PDO)—one of only a small number of seafood products with a PDO in the EU—and is of significant commercial value to the local economy.