Western Greece Car Hire

Guide of Western Greece

Geography

Western Greece is one of Greece’s 13 administrate regions. It borders West Macedonia and Thessaly in the east, Central Greece to the south, the Ionian Sea and the Ionian Islands in the west and Albania in the North. The capital of Western Greece is Patras, the third-largest city in the country. The whole region packs in a staggering amount of diversity, from snow-capped mountains to sun-blanched beaches.

Climate in Western Greece

Western Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The hottest months to visit are June, July and August, while December and January are the coldest months. However, Western Greece is a large region, and temperatures can vary depending on where you are. Snow is common in the Erymanthus, Panachaiko and Aroania mountains, while temperatures rarely drop below 10°C in lower-lying areas.

Culture

Western Greece is culturally distinct from the rest of the country thanks to its geographic diversity and vast natural ecosystems. Here, you’ll find sprawling valleys and dense forests sheltering a myriad of wildlife and native plants. There are hundreds of tiny settlements dotted across the region, which have retained their traditional pace of life.

Things To Do in Western Greece

Meander around Ioannina, the capital of Epirus

Set on the shores of the Pamvotida Lake, Ioannina is a vibrant university town in northwestern Greece. The town is crammed full of traditional houses, fascinating museums and historical sights, like the Ottoman Mosque of Veli Pasha and the House Matei Hussein. It’s home to some of the best-preserved Byzantine buildings in the region too.

Explore Ancient Olympia

Olympia is best known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which date back to 776 BC and were created in Zeus’ honour. Visitors today can take a tour around the original Olympic stadium, explore The Sanctuary of Zeus and dive into millennia of history at the Archaeological Museum. It’s where you’ll find the renowned Praxiteles’ Hermes marble statue.

Fall in love with Messolongi

Messolongi is steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Its crowning jewel is the Messalonghi lagoon, one of Europe’s richest wetlands. The twin lagoons sit at the foothills of Mount Varasova and are home to more than 200 species of birds. Beyond the wetlands, there are archaeological monuments, museums and Byzantine temples to explore too.

Relax in the ‘Caribbean of Greece’

Between its lush green islands, pristine waters and silky sand beaches, it isn’t hard to see how Syvota has gained the title ‘Caribbean of Greece’. Some of the best-known beaches here include Bella Vraka and Piscina, though there are dozens of secluded spots to explore too. You can also rent sailboats and explore the islets, with or without a skipper.

Visit the villages of Nafpaktia

Tucked into the steep slopes of Mountainous Nafpaktai are a handful of tiny villages famed for their traditional Greek hospitality. Platanos is the liveliest of them all. Don’t miss the city of Nafpaktos and its impressive castle, Venetian harbour and picturesque beaches.

Explore the second-deepest canyon in the world

The Vikos Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, second only to the Grand Canyon. Part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark, the area is a haven for extreme adventure enthusiasts, where trekking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting opportunities abound. Nearby, there’s the lovely Monastery of Agia Paraskevi.

Eating Out in Western Greece

Western Greece encompasses diverse landscapes, with fertile plains, pastures, orchards and olive groves that are ideal for growing fresh and delicious produce. Local specialities differ from town to town, but you’ll find a hearty emphasis on quality and taste wherever you go. Head to Messolongi for fish roe, Amfilohia for cheeses, Olympia for extra-virgin olive oil and Achaia and Ilia for excellent wines. If you’re in town in August, pop into Kryoneria for the honey festival.

There are hundreds of excellent eateries to choose from in Western Greece, ranging from rough-and-ready tavernas to upscale restaurants. Most tavernas will offer you a choice of bottle wines or house variety, sold by the quarter, half or full litre. Go where the Greeks go and seek out less obvious backstreet restaurants that offer a more authentic insight into local cuisine. Molos, in Ioannina, is one exception. Located right by the lakeside with some of the best sunset views in the city, the restaurant serves up a mouthwatering selection of local delicacies.

Transport

Airport

There is one major airport in Western Greece: Patra-Araxos Airport (GPA). Domestic flights serve the airport all year round, though international and charter flights only fly here during the summer months. Airlines such as TUI, airBaltic and Austrian Airlines offer seasonal flights from major European cities.

Alternatively, you could fly to Athens International Airport (ATH). Most domestic and international airlines serve the airport, including British Airways, EasyJet and Aegean Air. From here, you can either pick up a connecting flight or drive to the region, which is around four hours away.

Getting Around Western Greece

Train networks are extremely limited in Western Greece and the standard overland public transport system is the bus. You’ll find bus connections to most of the region’s biggest cities and some of its most famous attractions, but many of the more rural sights are inaccessible by public transport. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and would appreciate a little more flexibility, we recommend hiring a car. The region is blessed with dramatic mountain and coastal scenery, which is a joy to drive through.