Tuesday 21^st September – Messolonghi (Oiniades)

38:21.668N 21:25.004E

Today it was time to go touring.  We went off in the car, travelling west, first stopping at the small island of Etoliko which is attached to the mainland by two causeways, one at each end. 

We drove on to the ancient site of Oiniades.  This was really good; entrance was free and, as the overall site is large and on a very steep hill, I asked if we could drive to the different sites (not wanting to walk too far in the heat).  The lady at the entrance said that we could drive right up to all the sites, just close the gates as we went through!  What a brilliant place to visit!  As it turned out we had the place to ourselves too.

We called first at the amphitheatre and then struggled on up the winding dirt track to the citadel before calling at the agora on the way back down.  At the bottom of the site we then drove around to the ancient shipyard which was very impressive and well worth the visit.

Messolonghi:  Oiniades

Afterwards we continued along the road as far as the bay enclosed by Nisís Petalas; this is a place that we had anchored and it was interesting to see it from the shore, along with the shanty town and fish farms.

Messolonghi:  Limani Petala

On the way back, we stopped for lunch beside the road near a bridge over the River Achelos, the longest river in Greece.  Returning through Etoliko, we parked and walked down the edge of the lagoon to show the P’s the small shipyard where they are repairing the traditional wooden fishing boats.

Messolonghi:  Katochi

Messolonghi:  Etoliko

As we returned to Messolonghi, we drove up to another ancient site, Plevron, but as it was now getting late it was closed.  However, driving up the access road afforded great views over the salt flats and wetlands of Messolonghi.

We stopped at the supermarket for some fresh supplies on the way in and back at Pyxis fired up the Cobb for a BBQ.

Messolonghi:  Plevron

© Pyxis 2010