Messolonghi is without doubt one of the nation’s most underrated locations. I’m fairly certain you’ll agree if you happen to determine to go to this gem your self.
Tucked away in western Greece, surrounded by shimmering lagoons, salt flats, and a soul-stirring historical past, it’s ideally suited for a quiet weekend escape.
This Sacred Metropolis boasts a novel mixture of pure magnificence, and it’s no surprise that nearly 300 chicken species name this a part of Greece their house.
Stuffed with character and cultural depth, Messolonghi welcomed us with its heartfelt hospitality and the freshest seafood. When you’re a foodie like me, you’ll notably love this place.
I’ve briefly visited Messolonghi prior to now, however this time spherical, I received to expertise it from inside, and it was really each instructional and enriching.
Let’s discover what Messolonghi has to supply so as to totally take pleasure in your keep.
The best way to Get to Messolonghi
Messolonghi is positioned within the area of Aetolia-Acarnania and is well accessible by automotive. From Athens, the drive takes roughly 2.5 to three hours. (Tip: When you’re planning on renting a automotive, I like to recommend DiscoverCars, which provides you varied automotive rental choices and could be very simple to make use of.)
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You may observe the Olympia Odos freeway towards Patras, cross the spectacular Rio-Antirrio Bridge, after which head west towards Messolonghi. The roads are scenic, particularly as you strategy the lagoon areas.
You can too mix your go to with a keep in Nafpaktos and Oreini Nafpaktia, which is a superb vacation spot for nature lovers.
For many who take pleasure in street journeys and have the time to discover extra of mainland Greece and the Ionian islands, you too can journey additional in direction of Preveza, one other seaside gem. The island of Lefkada, roughly a two-hour drive away, is linked to the mainland by way of a causeway and a floating bridge. Thus, you will get there by automotive.
You can too proceed additional and go to Parga, from the place you possibly can discover the close by space and even take a ship tour to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. From the port of Igoumenitsa, you possibly can catch the ferry and make your approach to the island of Corfu.
Greece has many stunning locations price exploring past the well-known vacationer spots.
A Transient Historical past of Messolonghi
Messolonghi has deep historic roots that stretch again to antiquity. Simply northwest of town lie the stays of historic Pleuron (fashionable Asfakovouni), a metropolis talked about by Homer and as soon as a key middle in Aetolia. It was destroyed in 234 BC by Demetrius II Aetolicus, however its legacy lives on by the ruins of its theater, water cisterns, and fortification partitions.
The fashionable city of Messolonghi was first talked about in Venetian accounts in the course of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The identify is believed to derive from the Italian phrases “mezzo” and “laghi,” that means “between lakes”—a becoming description of its distinctive geography.
Over the centuries, Messolonghi developed into a big hub for fishing and commerce.
Essentially the most defining chapter in its historical past got here in the course of the Greek Warfare of Independence. In 1826, after a year-long siege by Ottoman and Egyptian forces, the residents of Messolonghi tried a ultimate, determined breakout, which turned often known as the Exodus of Messolonghi. Hundreds died, however their braveness turned a logo of nationwide resistance.
Because of the heroic stance of its inhabitants, town acquired the honorary title of Hiera Polis (Sacred Metropolis) in 1937—the one metropolis in Greece to carry this designation.
Among the many most well-known supporters of the Greek battle was the British poet and philhellene Lord Byron, who died in Messolonghi in 1824. He’s honored with a cenotaph containing his coronary heart and a statue within the Backyard of Heroes.
At this time, town’s historical past is preserved in memorials, plaques, and historic landmarks. Even a quiet stroll by its streets reveals tales of bravery, sacrifice, and a deeply rooted spirit of independence.
12 High Issues To Do in Messolonghi
1. Go to the Backyard of Heroes
Positioned within the coronary heart of Messolonghi city, this inexperienced park is a transferring open-air memorial devoted to the Greek Warfare of Independence. Stroll among the many monuments and statues honoring native and worldwide heroes, akin to Lord Byron.
The Sacred web site of Messolonghi is taken into account the equal of the Alamo in Texas, the place historic occasions immortalized the legacy of those that took half, without end altering the course of historical past from then on.
2. Discover the Trikoupis Mansion Museum
Over the centuries, Messolonghi has been house to a number of outstanding figures, together with members of the Trikoupis household. The Trikouris Mansion is now a museum the place you possibly can be taught concerning the lifetime of Charilaos Trikoupis, Greece’s Nineteenth-century Prime Minister, who served on this function seven instances.
The ancestral house was constructed within the 1700s, and in the course of the heroic exodus, it was nearly torn to the bottom. It was repaired in 1900. Charilaos had a robust connection together with his household house and would keep there throughout all his election campaigns.
The museum showcases his varied works by digital copies of paperwork, pictures, and engravings. Furnishings, objects, and portraits are additionally on show to offer you a way of what this Nineteenth-century house appeared like.
3. Admire the Petropoulos Mansion
This elegant neoclassical mansion was in-built 1902 by the Smailogiannis household, with distinct Ionian and baroque influences—arched verandas, rounded corners, and finely carved stonework. It later turned the house of Konstantinos Petropoulos, a revered lawyer and politician, and has remained within the household ever since.
When the ocean was a lot nearer to this avenue, this spot was a well-liked assembly place for younger {couples}. When you look intently beneath the balcony, you’ll nonetheless see names written on the stone.
4. Uncover the Metropolis on a Bike
Messolonghi is without doubt one of the flattest cities in Greece, making it excellent for exploring on two wheels. With greater than 30,000 bicycles for simply 12,000 residents, biking is not only a pattern—it’s a part of the native tradition. Sadly, I don’t experience a motorcycle, what?! – Sure, I don’t and by no means received to be taught to really feel snug on two wheels, however the remainder of the group did take pleasure in a clean experience by town.
When you take pleasure in driving a motorcycle, head over to Escape Bike, the place Aris and his crew will assist you choose the right bike for you. Biking by the quiet streets and alongside the lagoon presents a novel perspective of town. Actions Messolonghi additionally provide different actions within the space, akin to boat excursions and kayaking, so you should definitely test them out. Biking is a relaxed and sustainable approach to join with Messolonghi’s soul.
5. Watch The Flamingos on the Lagoon
Are there flamingos in Messolonghi? Sure—and they’re undoubtedly one of many highlights of the area. The Messolonghi–Aitoliko lagoon is a part of a protected wetland ecosystem and serves as a significant stopover for migratory birds, together with flamingos, herons, and different waterfowl. We additionally noticed a pelican right here.
The very best time to identify them is in the course of the quieter hours of the day, notably in spring and autumn. They don’t like noise, so they have an inclination to maneuver away. We tried to {photograph} them the most effective we may, however in order for you the right picture, come ready with knowledgeable lens – as a result of the one I took with my telephone doesn’t do them full justice. Both manner, it’s really a magical sight.
6. Sail the Lagoon with a Native Fisherman
For me, the most effective illustration of the land is the folks and the tales they inform. Because the historical past of Messolonghi is so intently tied to the water, I consider that the native fishermen are the most effective ambassadors of their land. We had the pleasure of crusing with fisherman Takis.
On our manner in direction of the small islet of Vasiladi, we handed by the normal pelades—the enduring wood huts on stilts utilized by fishermen. These humble properties on the water have develop into a logo of the area’s identification.
Vasiladi holds strategic significance, having performed a key function within the Greek Warfare of Independence. Its identify, that means “king-like,” displays its place on the lagoon’s entrance. The world is dotted with remnants of outdated fortifications and a lighthouse in-built 1857.
There may be additionally the Agios Sostis, a small chapel devoted to the patron saint of fishermen, which serves as a religious and historic landmark for the local people.
7. Go to the Salt Museum
Set within the coronary heart of Messolonghi’s salt pans within the lagoon, the Salt Museum is a one-of-a-kind cultural expertise devoted to one of many area’s most significant pure assets. Based by Mr. Nikos Kordosis and Ms. Despina Kanelli, the museum presents a complete and heartfelt journey into the story of salt all over the world and its very important function within the native financial system.
It was among the finest museums I’ve visited and a very enriching expertise. Right here we received to discover the uncommon salts from all over the world and find out about how salt was as soon as extra invaluable than gold. However maybe probably the most highly effective tales come from Messolonghi itself. Salt manufacturing right here has formed lives for generations.
Messolonghi is house to the biggest salterns in Greece, producing between 50–70% of the nation’s salt. There are two essential salterns: one state-owned (12,000 acres) and the opposite managed by the Municipality (2,000 acres), the one non-state-owned saltern within the nation.
The museum, operated as a non-public initiative below the umbrella of the non-profit cultural group Diexodos, has acquired a number of awards, together with recognition from the European Museum of the 12 months. Ms. Kanelli’s guided tour introduced the reveals to life—her storytelling and keenness have been transferring.
One other spotlight of the journey was the magical dinner, which was arrange for us on a wood deck proper contained in the lagoon. With the sundown as a backdrop, it felt like one thing proper out of a portray.
8. Strive the Native Trikine Ouzo
A go to to the Trikene Distillery is a should. Positioned within the coronary heart of Messolonghi, it is without doubt one of the oldest conventional distilleries in Greece.
Established in 1901 by the Trikene brothers, Panos and Tasos, whose household initially moved to Messolonghi from Kefalonia within the late 1700s, this ouzo store has develop into an everlasting native establishment.
Inside, you’ll discover a stupendous marble bar since 1901, worn clean by time. Right here, we met Mr. Pantelis and his daughter Ioanna, who proceed the household custom of manufacturing ouzo and liqueurs like Triantafylla(rose), mint, and triple sec. The air is full of the mild scent of herbs—anise, fennel, coriander, and batiana—used within the distillation of ouzo.
Traditionally, the store served as an off-the-cuff noon cease for locals of all lessons—from fishermen to attorneys—who would collect for a fast glass and dialog earlier than lunch. Within the Eighties, demand surged with the rise of ouzeris, cementing its place in Greek culinary tradition.
9. Style Avgotaracho – A Native Delicacy with International Recognition
I’ve a deep reference to caviar. Coming from Russia, it was one thing my grandmother would feed me once I was a younger youngster to spice up my delicate immune system. Visiting the Stefos workshop and studying extra about this gourmand delicacy was an absolute spotlight of my go to.
Messolonghi’s lagoon ecosystem has lengthy been ideally suited for fishing, particularly for the gray mullet (kefalos), whose roe is the premise for avgotaracho. We realized that the identify “bottarga” was tailored from the native dialect, as is frequent follow on this area, the place phrases are sometimes shortened. So, “avgotaracho,” which accurately means “mummifying of eggs,” turned “bottarga” internationally.
The method begins in late summer season (mid-August to September) when mature fish are rigorously chosen. The prized roe sacks are gently harvested, cleaned, and massaged with native sea salt from the lagoon, then left to dry and treatment naturally.
What units Messolonghi’s bottarga aside is its preservation in beeswax—a standard methodology that seals within the wealthy, briny taste and permits the product to age gracefully. At Sefos, the beeswax course of begins with handbook dealing with, after which it’s hooked to a patented machine.
This method has been used right here for hundreds of years, contributing to the deep orange coloration and agency texture that meals lovers hunt down.
Petros Paragios, who married into the household enterprise, shared his ardour for high quality and heritage. He defined how he works intently with trusted fishermen to make sure the gray mullet is caught within the cleanest waters. Stefos additionally presents smoked variations, grated bottarga for pastas and meze, in addition to smoked octopus and shrimp. I cherished all of the variations, however I did discover that their basic bottarga tastes very very like the pink caviar, solely in a dry model.
10. Kousoulas Household Natural Olives
For an inspiring glimpse into sustainable Greek agriculture, go to the Kousoulas household workshop. They not solely produce unbelievable cold-pressed further virgin olive oil and scrumptious desk olives, however they’ve additionally pioneered a line of revolutionary zero-waste merchandise.
Utilizing the olive pulp left over from oil extraction, they’ve created plant-based burgers, dried olive snacks, tapenades, and even olives mixed with pickles.
Their efforts are a real celebration of sustainability and creativity and a terrific instance of how custom and innovation can coexist deliciously.
11. Cultural Cease: Diexodos Centre of Tradition and Artwork
Positioned in an 18th-century mansion, this cultural middle hosts artwork exhibitions, live shows, and academic occasions and likewise contains a small historic museum.
12. Go to Aitoliko and the Fishing Museum
Aitoliko is a mere quarter-hour from Messolonghi. This pure island sits like an ideal oval in the course of one other lagoon. Surrounded by water on all sides, Aitoliko appears like a floating village, quietly current in concord with its environment.
What we realized is that fishing right here is not only a job—it’s a lifestyle. It has formed the tradition, the food plan, and the identification of this small group for generations.
On the Fishing Museum of Aitoliko, we met Mrs. Evgenia Plexida, who runs the museum with ardour and care. Coming from a fishing household herself, she is deeply dedicated to preserving the historical past and heritage of the lagoon and the individuals who stay by it. Her tales have been extremely insightful and touching.
Contained in the museum, each object walks the customer by the artwork of fishing, from the superb mesh nets to handmade instruments and images capturing on a regular basis life by the water. The area presents a tangible hyperlink to an easier, extra respectful relationship with nature.
Fishing strategies handed down by generations listed here are extremely sustainable. Native households use flat nets designed to catch solely mature fish, permitting smaller ones to develop and preserving the stability of the ecosystem. The native fishermen use a selected sort of boat referred to as stafnokari, and there’s a video that explains its uniqueness and use.
We realized that ladies, too, have lengthy performed a vital function locally. In earlier instances, they labored simply as arduous as the lads, supporting the family financial system by getting ready hand-woven fishing baskets every day, a meticulous job accomplished by hand.
The place to Keep: Socrates Natural Village – Wild Olive
Simply exterior Messolonghi in Agrilia, Socrates Natural Village – Wild Olive is a peaceable retreat nestled inside a 10-acre natural farm. Based by a neighborhood household who’ve a deep-rooted ardour for sustainable and eco-friendly hospitality, it’s a super selection for {couples}, households, or solo vacationers in search of to reconnect with nature.
The property options 5 unbiased bungalows and a essential constructing with ten guestrooms, providing family-friendly facilities akin to two swimming swimming pools, gardens, and panoramic views of the Arakynthos mountains and lagoon.
Visitors staying on the can take part in seasonal farm actions, together with olive harvesting, gardening, and feeding the animals. The farm contains a greenhouse, which is at the moment present process an improve, and is house to a number of cattle, together with chickens and geese.
Breakfast is served in the principle constructing, providing a selection of freshly baked desserts, pies, and tiganites—a neighborhood sort of pancake that may be loved with quite a lot of do-it-yourself jams. The orange jam was scrumptious. Additionally, you will discover eggs from the farm and may request a freshly made omelet. Youngsters are welcome to affix the early morning egg-picking exercise.
The city of Messolonghi is only a five-minute drive away.
The place to Eat in Messolonghi
When you’re a seafood lover, Messolonghi is a hidden paradise. Past its historic significance, town is a real culinary gem, providing a few of Greece’s most beautiful native delicacies.
Tourlida Sundown Taverna:
Positioned beside the pelades (fishermen’s huts on stilts) within the lagoon, this taverna is ideal for a sundown meal or any meal. Strive native specialties like pasto (salt-cured gray mullet), grilled squid, and taramosalata topped with dry avgotaracho (bottarga).
Their potatoes have been glorious, too, an ideal pairing for the fish-roe dip (taramosalata). We had lunch right here on two events. We additionally loved completely grilled eel, which, as Mrs Evgenia from the Fishing Museum advised us, is a delicacy that the locals take pleasure in on Easter Sunday. Not one thing you hear daily, as Greeks are likely to eat lamb.
To Archontiko tis Persefonis:
This elegant but welcoming restaurant, located within the pedestrian coronary heart of Messolonghi, is famend for its high-quality Greek delicacies and heat hospitality. It’s excellent for each informal meals and particular events.
All of the appetizers we had have been distinctive, however what stood out probably the most for me have been do-it-yourself beef and rooster patties (biftekakia).
Spitiko Fountas
This family-run taverna is famed for its grilled meats, do-it-yourself pies, and produce grown simply steps from the kitchen. They’ve a small vegetable backyard proper subsequent to the restaurant, and we notably appreciated their Greek salad, often known as horiatiki.
The tomatoes have been juicy and flavorful. They’re additionally recognized for making scrumptious grilled liver, so if you happen to take pleasure in it, you should definitely attempt it.
I used to be invited to go to Messolonghi, together with Journey Bloggers Greece, by BioEffect Greece. As all the time, all opinions expressed are my very own.
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