Explore the beautiful village of Mytikas
The historic land of Etoloakarnania envied the green emerald sea and decided to dive, to steal some of its beauty. Thus Mytikas, the fairytale fishing village, was created. It is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, opposite the island of Kalamos, near Lefkada.
Mytikas is a relatively new village. Residents of the surrounding area and mountain villages organized the settlement at the beginning of the 19th century. It is a picturesque village, with deep roots in the land of Xiromero, surrounded by high mountains and with its face turned towards the rejuvenating sea breeze.
Visit the nearby islands of Kalamos and Kastos
In the Ionian archipelago, between Lefkada and Etoloakarnania, there are many small and larger islands, with the most famous being Meganisi and Onassis’ Scorpios. However, the magic of the route starts from two small, unknown to most, islands that are located opposite Mytikas, Kalamos and Kastos.
Kalamos is for the most part a mountainous green paradise. It has a population of about 600 permanent residents. There are four settlements on the island: Kalamos, Episkopi, Kastro and Kefali. There are no vehicles on the island. You may travel on foot or by bike. The distances are short and easy. In Kalamos you will find pebble beaches with turquoise deep waters and small taverns with great food! Wherever you go, the peace and quiet you will encounter will make you feel as if time has stopped!
Discover nearby quiet Beaches
Visit monuments of ancient Alyzia
Under the ancient stones of Greece, there lies its nostalgic past. Archaeological sites of minor or major importance could not be missing from our area.
Ancient city of Alyzia: An ancient city, founded in the 6th century BC by Alyzeas, brother of Penelope, Odysseus’s wife. Ancient Alyzia greatly prospered during the Hellenistic times. At its peak the population exceeded 30,000 inhabitants. The city stretched from present-day Kato Kandila to present-day Mytikas, where the port and shipyards were located. It was a unique city, decorated with magnificent sculptures by the most famous sculptors of the time, such as Lyssipos.
Visit chapels and old monasteries
Countless Byzantine churches, temples and monasteries, monuments of faith and reverence, are waiting to be discovered in this area of Xiromero.
Church of Agia Paraskevi in Kandila: The church is located 10 km from Kandila. It dates back to the 11th century AD. It is a very impressive church, one part of which is built inside a cave. Agia Paraskevi is celebrated on July 26.
Chapel of Agia Eleousa: Taking the road from Mytika to Paleros, at the beginning of the route, we will come across a sign that shows us the way to Agia Eleousa. The small temple is built in a cave! The biggest part of the short walk is on foot. The climb is difficult, but the view is unparalleled! Agia Eleousa is celebrated on the 22nd of August.
Walk the Children's path (Hiking trail)
Discover this new trail called Children’s Path in Panagoula (nearby Mytikas).
A beautiful trail starting from Daphnoula, passing Creek of Pyrgos, Old Path Zavitsas (Stone road section), Pyrgos – Observatory tower of Ancient Alyzia, Xera small village, Agia Kyriaki, Daphnoula.
Enjoy walking and running on Mytikas - Archontochori long beach
Experience the refreshing and energizing benefits of walking and running on the 3.5 km Mytikas – Archontochori beach which is also the longest beach in the Etoloakarnania area.
Attend or participate to the diving competition Authentic Big Blue West - The Ionian Sea Edition
Authentic Big Blue is the one and only international free diving competition in Greece. Through the “magic” sport of free diving, spreads the word about the clean and safe seas of Greece and praises its authenticity with parallel actions on local cuisine, customs and culture. Free diving is not just a sport. It’s a way of life and Authentic Big Blue is more than a sports event.
Participate and swim the Open Water Swimming Crossing Kalamos - Mytikas
Participate and run the Varnakas - Mytikas 5Km Road Race
From 2018 and every year on August 18 or 19, takes place the Varnakas – Mytikas 5Km road race. A nice and pleasant route, with a slight downhill.
Starting from Varnakas, the athletes pass through the main street of Kandila and the finish is on the main pedestrian street of Mytikas.
Discover Climbing field Kablafka
Kablafka Crag in Mytikas, a great spot in Western Greece to start your climbing trip. Surrounded by the Akarnanian mountains and the green island Kalamos it creates the microclimate of Mytikas, which makes it cool in summer and mild in winter.
Having this favorable climate, it is a place that can be visited at all times of the year, either doing water sports, or doing TRAD climbing on the steep slopes of the Akarnanian mountains or sport climbing in the organized field of Mytikas – Kablafka.
Cycle part of the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route
EuroVelo 8 (EV8), named the Mediterranean Route, is a 7,500 km (4,660 mi) long EuroVelo long-distance cycling route running from Cadiz, Spain to Athens, Greece, and then continuing to Izmir, Turkey and to the island of Cyprus. The route runs east-west across Europe mainly along or close to the Mediterranean coast, passing successively through 12 countries.
