“Nafs” («Ναύς» meaning “ship”) and “Pignimi” («Πήγνυμι» meaning “build”) are the words that compose the name of Nafpaktos since 1104 B.C.
Nafpaktos combines harmonically the beautiful natural environment and the preservation of its traditional style. It is built amphitheatrically, at a coastal hill of the mountain assembly of Nafpaktos, across Peloponnese, between Delphi and Missolonghi.
There is a strong presence of historic and architectural monuments, such as the Venetian port and the impregnable Castle with the five zones of defence. By walking on the paved cobblestones from the port up to its Venetian castle, you have the opportunity to discover the Clock, Botsaris Tower, the house Tzavela, Asclepeion. The top of the castle will reward you with the unique view that takes your breath away, when you will gaze upon the Corinthian Gulf, previously known as the Gulf of Nafpaktos, where it took place one of the largest naval combats of history, the naval battle of Lepanto.
The city’s picturesque port is delimited by two branches of the castle, which close its entrance with two towers. Over there, they dominate the statues of Georgios Anemogiannis, famous fire ship captain of 1821, that died a martyr’s death, after an operation of burning of Turkish ships at the city port and Miguel de Cervantes, writer of Don Quixote, who was seriously injured at the Naval Battle of Lepanto (1571) incapacitating his left hand.
The incomparable beauty of the city, the enchanting beaches of the Corinthian Gulf in combination with the fairy-tale nature of Mountainous Nafpaktia, the extensive programme of events as well as the warmth of the people, make Nafpaktos the ideal destination for all the seasons of the year.
Nafpaktos is ideal for sea tourism, since the visitor, apart from the shaded beaches of the city (Psani: Western beach, Gribovo: Eastern beach) can visit many beautiful coasts with crystal clear water at a proximal distance. Riza and Makineia in the West, sandy and shallow and the beaches of the picturesque coastal villages of Phocis (Chiliadou – sandy, Monastiraki, Skaloma, Marathias, Sergoula – pebbly) will satisfy the tastes of the most demanding visitor.
During the summer, there are also organized mini cruises from Nafpakos to the stunning island of Trizonia with the amazing natural port, as well as excursions to the sightseeing of Missolonghi.
For those that demand alternative activities for their holidays, they can try rafting, canoeing, kayak in the river Evinos, as well as kite surf, paintball or horse riding.
For the nature lovers, Mountainous Nafpaktia with the dense forests, the ravines and picturesque villages is the ultimate destination. Cross the verdant hills by car, by motorbike or even by foot at the specific routes-paths.
The wider area is known for its numerous monasteries, important monuments of our religious heritage and pole of attraction for Orthodox Christians from the entire world (Monastery of Panagia Varnakova, Monastery of Metamorphosis Sotiros, Monastery of Panagia Ambelakiotissa, Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, Monastery of Agios Avgoustinos and Seraphim Saroph).
And if you simply want to relax, enjoy your coffee under the shade of plane trees or your food at the exotic restaurants of the city.
For the fans of night-life, the port is adorned and welcomes all its guests that swarm about the streets of the port, ready to have fun.
During Tsiknopempti you will see a re-enactment of the Rustic Wedding.
The last Sunday of Carnival have fun with the carnival parade.
On Good Friday, the Epitaphs are assembled at the port, the lights are turned off, fires are lighten up at the bastions of the walls and candles float in the port creating an otherworldly image and absolutely devout atmosphere.
In July 26, the festival of Agia Paraskevi.
During the summer the city organizes various athletic and artistic events with participation of Greek and foreign bands.
In the beginning of October, you can watch the impressive re-enactment of the historic naval battle of Lepanto.
In the middle of October, visit Ano Chora and enjoy the traditional folk party that is organized, on the occasion of the collection of chestnuts and the tsipouro production of the year.
In October 26, the city celebrates with every formality its patron Saint Dimitrios. During your visit to the city, you will visit the popular street fairs, the famous market at an especially covered location in the eastern end of Gribovo beach that lasts for 7 days and you will succumb to the irresistible smells from the roasted suckling pigs at the outdoor barbecues of the city’s stores, as tradition dictates.
