Aktio & Vonitsa traditional villages, top attractions - hidden gems: exotic Greece Guide
Actium (Greek: Ἄκτιον) was the name of an ancient town on a promontory of western Greece in northwestern Acarnania, at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf). Actium is chiefly famous as the name given to the nearby naval Battle of Actium, in which Octavian won a decisive victory over Mark Antony on September 2, 31 BC.
Actium is situated on the southern side of the strait opposite the later city of Nicopolis built by Octavian.
Since 2002 the peninsular of Actium has been linked with Preveza on the north shore of the Ambracian Gulf by the Aktio-Preveza Undersea Tunnel.
The Ambracian Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Arta or the Gulf of Actium, and in some official documents as the Amvrakikos Gulf (Greek: Αμβρακικός κόλπος), is a gulf of the Ionian Sea in northwestern Greece. About 40 km (25 mi) long and 15 km (9 mi) wide, it is one of the largest enclosed gulfs in Greece. The towns of Preveza, Amphilochia (formerly Karvassaras), and Vonitsa lie on its shores.
Vonitsa is a town in the northwestern part of Aetolia-Acarnania in Greece. The beach town is situated on the south coast of the Ambracian Gulf, and is dominated by a Venetian fortress on a hill. Vonitsa is 13 kilometres southeast of Preveza &18 kilometres northeast of Lefkada (city).
Vonitsa is built near the site of ancient Anactorium, an important city of Acarnania. Like the other cities of Acarnania, it went into decline when the Romans founded Nicopolis on the other side of the Ambracian Gulf after the Battle of Actium, and forced its inhabitants to move to that city. Vonitsa was founded during Byzantine rule. Vonitsa was controlled by the Republic of Venice between 1684 and 1797. After the Greek War of Independence, the town became a part of Greece in 1832.
Ambracian Gulf, wonderful wetland
Listed as a wetland of international importance protected under the Ramsar Treaty. In the Ambracian Gulf, about 280 species of birds have been recorded in its seven main lagoons.
THE NAVAL BATTLE OF ACTIUM, LOVE’S LABOUR LOST
One of antiquity’s most important naval battles occurred at Actium, Aktio today, on the south side of the entrance to the gulf, opposite Preveza. Octavian’s victory made him emperor Augustus of Rome and the most powerful man in the known world.
Famous avgotaraho and the flavours of Preveza
Preveza is heaven for seafood lovers. Grilled sardines, grey and red mullet, and shrimps are typical delicious local fare but it is the preserved roe of the grey mullet that takes pride of place. Called the caviar of the Ambracian Gulf by the locals, the roe is salted, dried and coated with beeswax. It is then usually sliced thinly and served with crusty bread and ouzo. Truly divine.
THE VAST SITE OF ANCIENT NIKOPOLIS
Octavian, later to become Augustus, won a truly decisive victory against the combined forces of Antony and Cleopatra at the naval battle at nearby Actium in 31 BC and he founded Nikopolis (victory city) to commemorate his triumph. Much later, the emperor Justinian reinforced the fortifications, leading to the walls still standing today. In this huge archaeological site you’ll come across the remains of 5th and 6th century basilicas, among much else. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum either for major finds from the city’s long history.
Discover the ‘island’ on the mainland
Preveza will make you think you’ve reached an island, particularly if you arrive by boat. Buy an ear of grilled corn from a sidewalk vendor and walk along the seaside esplanade where cafes and restaurants are sandwiched between neoclassical buildings. In the pedestrianised centre you’ll come across surprises at every corner; bookshops with the latest editions, belle epoque teahouses, outdoor tables overflowing with tasty titbits, cosy bars, restaurants and avant-garde photoshops. Preveza is a civilised delight.
Sights from across the centuries
Your trip to Preveza will be teeming with beautiful imagery and rare attractions. Among the many sights in Preveza that will keep you fascinated are the Seïtan Bazaar; the Archaeological Museum; the clock tower and its sun dial; the church of Agios Haralambos with its carved wooden iconostasis; the religious paintings from 1780 in the church of Agios Athanasios and Pantokrator Castle, built in 1807 by Ali Pasha to control the straits, and the eponymous chapel inside it.
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