Missolonghi–Aitoliko Lagoons, Protected wetland complex in western Greece.
The Missolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoons form a wetland system in western Greece consisting of interconnected water bodies and sandy islands. The complex includes brackish and freshwater areas that create diverse habitats throughout the landscape.
The lagoon system developed naturally over centuries through river sediment deposits between two major waterways. The 20th century brought major changes when sections were dammed and drained to create farmland.
Local fishing families have preserved age-old techniques for catching fish and producing avgotaracho from flathead grey mullet, a regional specialty. These inherited practices remain central to how people relate to and depend on the water.
Access is available year-round through marked paths and viewing areas scattered across both sections of the site. Plan to spend time moving slowly through different zones to spot birds and wildlife comfortably.
The Aitoliko section reaches depths exceeding 25 meters in places, functioning more like a lake than a shallow coastal lagoon. This unusual characteristic makes it a rare example of its kind in the Mediterranean region.
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