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.

Eight fishing cooperatives lease the lagoons and run fixed barrier traps whose position and design have stayed the same for centuries. The catch is mainly eel and grey mullet, and the mullet roe is made into avgotaracho Messolongiou, salted, sun-dried and sealed in wax, a Greek product with protected designation of origin.

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 lagoon is connected to the central lagoon by a narrow neck and reaches a maximum depth of 28 metres, so it behaves like a deep lake rather than a lagoon. Repeated anoxic crises there drove the diversity index of its fish landings close to zero.