Vathiavali: The jewel beach of Aetolia-Acarnania

The Ionian Islands have won the admiration and preference of vacationers worldwide, but the many beaches of mainland Greece are less known and equally charming. One of them, perhaps the most beautiful of Etoloakarnania, is Vathiavali, a few kilometres west of Palairos.

Until a few years ago, Vathiavali was known mainly to those who vacationed with a sailing boat or lived and came from this part of Aetolia-Acarnania. After all, access to it was difficult because of the road. Now, it is a much more well-known beach and gathers visitors from all parts of Greece who are vacationing or passing through the area.

The waters are crystal clear and calm. The beach is large enough to accommodate umbrellas and sunbeds in the summer and enough space to spread a towel. However, the waters at Vathiavali are deeper than those at the other beaches in the area, which might make it less attractive to families with small children.

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The road to Vathiavali is not paved in parts, but it is generally better maintained in the summer. We suggest you leave the car at the top and walk down to the beach. The view from where you leave the car is amazing, towards the Ionian Sea.

The orientation of the beach and its geographical position protect it most of the time from the winds.

Vathiavali, like the beaches of Aetolia-Acarnania in general, is an excellent holiday option if you want to enjoy beaches that rival those of the Ionian Islands without having to board a ship or plane.

Some suggestions and tips for an excursion in the area

Vathyavali is half an hour's drive from Vonitsa and 45 minutes from the city of Lefkada. The touristically developed settlement of Palairos is less than 20 minutes away.

Other beaches near Palairos are Varko, Potamaki and Pogonia.

Palairos is ideal for diving and is suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Indicative diving spots are Agia Paraskevi Bay, Adelfonisia and Agios Nikolaos.

Indeed, if you find yourself in the area, it is worth visiting Vonitsa, the charming town of the Ambracian Gulf, ideal for fishing and seafood culinary experiences. You can read more about her here.

If you want more than the seaside, visit the Sepetos waterfall and Monastiraki. They are about half an hour away from Palairos and ten minutes from Vonitsa. There, you will find a path leading to the Sepetos waterfall and the nearby fairy cave with stalactites.

In addition to tourist infrastructure and an elegant marina in Palairo, there are also important buildings. One such is the majestic mansion of Ragos, a building from the second half of the 19th century.

READ MORE: Insider’s Guide to Parga, Greece's Little Piece of Paradise.