Western Greece is a diverse region spanning three regional units — Achaea, Aetolia-Acarnania, and Elis — encompassing the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Greece's third-largest city Patras, Europe's longest cable-stayed bridge, and sweeping lagoons teeming with flamingos. The region blends ancient archaeology, Byzantine monasteries, Carnival celebrations, mountain rack railways, and long sandy beaches into one of the country's most rewarding but least-crowded itineraries.
Historical sites
Places where Western Greece's past comes alive.
Historic
Ancient Olympia
Where: Olympia, Elis
Admission: €12 combined ticket (~$13)
Historic
Monastery of Agia Lavra
Where: Kalavryta, Achaea
Admission: Free
Historic
Nafpaktos Castle (Venetian)
Where: Nafpaktos, Aetolia-Acarnania
Admission: Free
Historic
Ancient Elis
Where: Ilida, Elis
Admission: €4 (~$4.40)