NAFPAKTIA… the place to be!
Nafpaktos is a seaside town in western Greece, on the southern edge of Aitoloakarnania, built on the shores of the Corinthian Gulf. Here, in this blessed place, history meets myth and culture meets local hospitality. From the Venetian port and the town Castle to the Museum of the Lepanto Naval Battle and the unique “Stenopazaro” neighborhood, the visitor will certainly find what he is looking for.
Built amphitheatrically, on the slopes of a green, pine-clad hill dominated by its impressive Venetian castle, one of the best preserved in the country and accessible in its most part, it unfolds wonderful images for the visitor wherever he turns his eyes.
The view from the top of the castle will compensate you. The town lies at your feet and if you look southwest, where the horizon touches the sea, you can see the impressive Rio – Antirio suspension bridge. The horseshoe-shaped Venetian port with its two piers in its opening, constitutes both the trademark and the heart of the city. To the left and right of the harbor there are two beautiful beaches, Gribovo and Psani, which allow visitors to relax and enjoy the sea under their centuries-old oak trees.
Stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets, in the Stenopazaro neighborhood with its traditional two-story buildings, and discover the traces of the town’s long history combined with a wonderful natural setting.
A place blessed by nature!
Nafpaktia is a place blessed by nature. Its fertile fields, plains, pastures, orchards and olive groves give the inhabitants and visitors a wealth of goods. This is where the gastronomic tradition of the area is based, which will satisfy even the most demanding palates!
Chestnuts, mushrooms, honey and other products, are enjoyed all year everywhere in the mountainous region of Nafpaktia. Locals celebrate their traditional products with local festivals dedicated to them throughout the year.
Live the experience of Nafpaktia
The best way to discover the wonderful natural environment of Nafpaktia is the many outdoor leisure activities you can experience. Walk along the mountain trails, enjoy the waves of the Corinthian gulf, explore the landscape with a bike run, discover the magic of the River Evinos, live the experience of climbing Mount Varasova and enjoy Nafpaktia in a different way!
Special Events
A special event for Nafpaktos is the celebration of the anniversary of the Naval battle of Lepanto. The anniversary is celebrated every year with all its grandeur on the first Sunday after the 6th of October. Ambassadors, foreign missions, delegations of authorities and organizations, warriors dressed in traditional medieval costumes and large crowds gather to watch the re-enactment of the naval battle. At the same time, various events (art exhibitions, speeches, sports events, etc.) are organized throughout the week, concerning history and culture.
Thousands of visitors and worshippers gather every year on the night of Good Friday, in the Venetian port of Nafpaktos for the procession of the Epitaphs. A one-of-a-kind spectacle and spiritual feast that is for most visitors a lifetime experience. The candle-lit port welcomes the two Epitaphs, with the backdrop of the city’s castle with the flaming torches placed in its towers. The procession of the two epitaphs – from the churches of St. Demetrios and Agia Paraskevi – takes place on the streets of the city accompanied by the City’s Philharmonic Orchestra playing mournful music. The procession stops in the center of the harbor amongst the thousands of candles held by the people and once it leaves to go back to the church, a fireworks show lights the night sky.
Almost all villages carry out summer events and wonderful festivals, that reward local people and visitors, for the purpose of entertaining and reviving customs. One of the most important ones is the fairs on 15 August for the celebration of Virgin Mary, which is celebrated widely in the mountainous villages Nafpaktia, and the fairs that take place in Easterand for the celebration of Saint Demitrios, the town’s patron Saint.
