ASTAKOS
Astakos is a small fishing town on the western coast of mainland Greece. The mainland region of Aetoloacarnania and the Ionian Islands. Often used as a less busy and cheaper alternative to Piraeus, the word Astakos also means lobster in Greek!
A brief history of Astakos
During the Ottoman period, between the 16th century until the Greek War of Independence, Astakos is in a region that was formerly called Karleli and formed the province (sanjak) in the Rumelia Eyalet. Today the region is named Aetolia-Acarnania, built after the Greek War of Independence in the late-1820s. The area included Evrytania at the time, ranking the second largest in Greece. At the beginning of the 20th century, ferry services between Rio and the Peloponnese began. The ferries between Italy and Astakos began; this developed the region's tourism industry. In the 1950s and the 1960s ferry services began to transport vehicles too, which allowed people to explore central inland Greece in more depth. Several buildings were destroyed during World War II and the Greek Civil War.
Things to do around Astakos
While in Astakos, take a walk among the ruins of the ancient city and see the remains of the temple of Zeus; it is also possible to trace the remains of an acropolis and the remains of dwellings dating back to the Helladic period. Walking through the streets of the modern centre, you can admire the buildings dating back to the end of the 1800s by architects from Bavaria. Don't miss a trip to the picturesque coastal village of Mytikas, on the west coast of Akarnania, between Astakos and Vonitsa.
Beaches around Askatos
The most central beach in Astakos lies in front of Stratos Hotel at the beginning of the coastal road. The beach in Goulia also nearby, located a km from the centre of Astakos. The most beautiful beaches are Aitoloakarnania, Vathyavali, even though they are a little further afield. You can also take a day trip to the picturesque seaside village of Mytikas, located on the west coast of Akarnania, between Astakos and Vonitsa.
There are some local beaches near Askatos, along Paraliaki, the coastal road. Head south-west around the bay, where you'll find a couple of sandy beaches unnamed in English. These little known beaches are lovely as they lie on the west coast and have fantastic sunsets with views over the little islands in the distance. If you continue further along this coast road, around the peninsula, you reach a bay called Marathías. It has beautiful turquoise waters, vegetation and golden sands. If you feel like going further afield, then take a ferry to the island of Kastos. The journey is less than 2 hours and the beaches on the island are famously good, numerous and fully equipped with sunbeds, bars and restaurants. The water around the island is crystal clear.