Medieval Fortress City of Nafpaktos

It is a small historical and picturesque city, 216 kms from Athens, between Messolonghi and Delphi, opposite the Peloponnese. Built amphitheatrically on a hill at 200 metres, it has a small picturesque Venetian port at its foot.

In the 3.500 years of Nafpaktos history it has seen glorious chapters of Ancient, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. On top of the hill is the Castle of Nafpaktos with well preserved walls. The magnificient view from the top of Nafpaktos’castle encompasses the panorama of Corinthian and the opposite Peloponnesian line.

Its expansive beaches, pastel buildings set beside Venetian Walls, and veil of pine, palm, orange, and elm, make it one of the most beautiful cities of the Gulf of Corinth. Its climate is considered one of the best of the country. It is mild with a soft winter and a cool summer. For those who love sea and sun, there are some great beaches on the east and west ends.

Things to do:

Beaches: Two glourious golden sand blue flag beaches Psani and Gribovo, endowed giant trees by the seashore and showers and changing room facilities.

Nature Pursuits: Canoeing, rafting or kayaking on the river Evinos; a hike up mountains of Nafpaktia; for water sports visit the beaches of Chiliadou (11 km), Platanites/Monastiraki (12 km) and Marathias (17 km).

History: The Castle of Nafpaktos, The Clock & Bell Tower & Archaeological Museum.

Tip: Visit in the summer time for the Papacharalabia which sees a plethora of sports / arts events and participants from Greece and other countries. Ancient dramas are enacted within the nostalgic atmosphere of the castle. Also a perfect time for a visit is early October; the anniversary of the naval battle of Nafpaktos, when various events take place. Another great time for a visit is Easter. Especially on Good Friday all the town lights go out and big fires are lit by the castle guard rooms.

How to Reach

By Car: It is approx 3 hrs from Athens & from Delphi approx 2 hrs.

By Bus: From Athens (via Rion-Antirion) to Nafpaktos (2 departures per day) Departure: Terminal, 100 Kifissou Street, Athens. For information on departures and tickets: Athens Bus Authoritity (KTEL), tel.: (210) 51.29.292

From Thessaloniki to Nafpaktos (1 departure per day). For information on departures and tickets: Thessaloniki Bus Authoritity (KTEL), tel.: (2310) 52.15.18

By Flight: From Athens - The nearest airport to Nafpaktos is Aktion and is served by 6 flights per week from Athens