West Greece Region

West Greece Region encompasses three administrative units: Achaea, Elis, and Aetolia-Acarnania spread across western Peloponnese and adjoining areas along the Ionian Sea coast. The terrain mixes coastal plains with mountains, creating a varied landscape with different climates from the seaside to inland heights.

The region was established in 2010 through the Kallikratis administrative reform, which reorganized Greece's governance by merging smaller districts into larger units. This restructuring simplified administration across the country and reshaped how western Greece was managed.

Communities throughout the region celebrate traditional festivals with folk performances and regional cooking that reflect local pride and customs. These gatherings remain an important part of how people connect with their heritage today.

The region connects to other areas through national highways that link the main towns and neighboring regions. The port of Patras offers ship departures to Italy and provides maritime connections across the Mediterranean.

The regional unit of Elis contains Olympia, an ancient site where the Greeks held athletic competitions that became the foundation for today's Olympic Games. This historical connection to world sports makes the area remarkable for visitors interested in athletic history.

Location: Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian Islands

Capital city: Patras

Part of: Peloponnese, Central Greece

Website: https://pde.gov.gr/gr

GPS coordinates: 38.20000,21.40000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 00:22