Mesolonghi stands as a monument of history and culture, a symbol of Greece’s freedom.
It is a flat city, ideal for walking and cycling, situated among the largest continuous lagoon in Greece. It combines mountain and sea activities at very close distances and with varying degrees of difficulty.
It has distinctive gastronomic traits, is suitable for family getaways, and lies close to major cities with easy access.
The heroic exodus of besieged civilians and fighters in April 1826, a milestone in global military history, led to the city being declared sacred by decree in 1937.
The Mesolonghi lagoon is one of the largest wetlands in the Mediterranean. Formed over the last 10,000 years, it extends from the slopes of Varasova to the Ambracian Gulf, along a 50 km coastal front. It is among Greece’s most important wetlands and is protected by the Ramsar Convention. Over 200 bird species find refuge here.
Starting from SOCRATES ORGANIC VILLAGE WILD OLIVE (http://socratesorganicvillage.gr/el-GR/), our journey in Mesolonghi began.
SOCRATES ORGANIC VILLAGE WILD OLIVE is an organic olive farm in the Agrilia area of Mesolonghi, just 3 km from the historic city, perched on a hillside surrounded by the lush slopes of Arakynthos, with a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding hills and the unique Mesolonghi Lagoon, offering an escape from urban chaos into a serene natural environment.
Discussion with the MESOLLONGHI BY LOCALS team and presentation of the activity “Carving the Fisherman’s Life.”
The experiences designed and implemented by Messolonghi by Locals were developed through participatory processes and direct collaboration with local professionals, entities, and businesses, aimed at the sustainable development of the region and the promotion of its intangible and tangible cultural heritage. More at https://messolonghibylocals.com/ti-kanoume/
Visit to the Garden of Heroes
The tour was conducted by certified guide Georgios Apostolakos.
The Garden of Heroes lies at the entrance of the northern side of the city. It covers almost fourteen acres where fighters of the garrison of the Holy City of Mesolonghi fought and were buried during the War of Independence.
At the center stands the monument of Markos Botsaris, a copy by Georgios Bonakos from the French sculptor David d’Angers, and the statue of the British philhellene Lord Byron, created by Georgios Vitalis.
Today, about 70 monuments of Greeks and Philhellenes, as well as crosses, busts, and statues of those fallen for the independence of Mesolonghi, are found in the Garden of Heroes. Its monuments are of great historical and artistic significance.
Lunch at the “Toulida” Fish Tavern, https://tourlis.gr
In the heart of Greece’s largest lagoon lies the Toulida Fish Tavern. A unique culinary experience where we enjoyed seafood of exceptional quality in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
Visit to Kleisova’s Divari
The Kleisova lagoon forms the southeastern edge of the greater Mesolonghi-Aetoliko Lagoon ecosystem, covering an area of approximately 2,500 hectares.
Fishing in the “pelades” (traditional fishing nets) with the President of the Fishing Cooperative “Anagenissi,” Mr. Aristidis Mantzouratos.
The small fishing cooperative “Anagenissi” has achieved an important milestone: securing the Protected Designation of Origin for the Mesolonghi bottarga.
Boat ride in Kleisova. A traditional “gaita” boat trip and environmental tour
The tour of Kleisova lagoon is a unique experience. Guided by geologist-environmentalist and Messolonghi by Locals collaborator Ms. Sisia Roussi, we explored the lagoon’s rare ecosystem. Boarding the keel-less boat that comes from ancient times, we traveled among the Dalmatian pelicans, learned about the history, and experienced the magic of the city born from water.
Filleting and curing demonstration
Followed by a traditional fishing dinner beside the net accompanied by the unique local ouzo TRIKENE.
At the port of Mesolonghi, the Kapourdelis family briefed us about their fishing tourism activity aboard their boat, a unique experiential offering.
The family’s fishing boat “LAMBRINI” is one of the few offering unforgettable experiences of fishing and cooking the catch on board.
Visit to Pleurona
Ancient Pleurona, with its impressive wall, was one of the largest Aetolian cities. Nearby and adjacent to the wall lies the small theater, originally used as a council chamber. The panoramic view over the lagoon, across the Peloponnesian coasts and the mouth of the Acheloos, is unique. The stage building’s connection to the wall and defensive tower—once used as actors’ dressing rooms—adds important architectural interest.
The ancient theater was recently restored and re-opened on August 31, 2023.
The realization of the project crowns the long and extensive works to enhance the archaeological site of Pleurona from 2002 to today, through successive co-funded European Programs (3rd CSF and NSRF), making the ancient city one of the most organized archaeological sites in Aetolia-Acarnania.
Visit to the Salt Museum and guided tour by Director Ms. Despina Kanelli
Our journey concluded with another gastronomic meal at “Alatiera
