Astakos is a coastal town (10m high) of the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania, built on the bay of the homonymous bay and at the foot of Veloucha, which is the end of the Acarnanian Mountains. It is the capital of the Municipality of Xiromero, formerly known as Municipality of Astakos. It is less than 2.5 hours from the port of Igoumenitsa, 1.15 from Aktio airport, 1.15 hours from Patra and 3.5 hours from Athens.
Astakos is well-known for its port and its ferry link to the Ionian Islands. The shipping company “Ionion P. Lines” serves the route throughout the year, joining mainland Greece with Kefalonia and Ithaca via Astakos-Sami and Astakos-Piso Aetos, while in periods of high passenger mobility, Astakos-Vathi routes are also available. Itineraries between Astakos, Kefalonia and Ithaca are served by the ferry boats “Ionion Pelagos” and “Ithaki Diamond” and in the summer months the number of daily routes increases considerably, thus giving passengers the possibility of a one-day excursion to the islands, in very low prices. Passengers traveling without a car are served by the KTEL of Aitoloakarnania bus lines, with frequent routes from the Kifissos Bus Station in Athens, as well as from Patras.
Astakos is picturesque, combining mountain and the sea. The mountainous beauty with its rich biodiversity, the alternating ecosystems from north to south, combined with the iono-peculiar charm, constitute a tempting proposition for the traveler, by providing the possibility of many alternative forms of activities and being the connecting link between Acarnania and the Ionian Islands.
In the city of Astakos you will find beautiful hotels and rooms to let, as well as taverns with fresh fish and local meat from local producers, and there is also nightlife. Close by one can find beaches with crystal clear and blue waters and long coves to enjoy swimming (eg Vela and Skala) diving and snorkeling. Close are the islands of Echinades, where the famous Lepanto naval battle, (1571 AD) took place.
For this reason, many people visit Astakos for their holidays, while many prefer to go to Sami and Ithaca from the particular port. There are also a lot of people who choose to have a morning coffee, a swim in a nearby beach of Astakos and eat at one of the region’s fine restaurants before traveling.