Agrinio is one of the largest cities in Western Greece. Here you will find all kinds of attractions. Despite the absence of the city from the “tourist map” of Greece, Agrinio has something to offer to all kinds of visitors. It is the largest city of Aitoloakarnania and at the same time the unofficial centre of the wider region. Read on to discover the places you should visit on your next visit !
Agrinio is the largest city of Aitoloakarnania and the third largest city of the wider Western Greece. It is built on a plain between Lake Trichonida and the Acheloos River.
The city has a rich history and culture, dating back to ancient times. In fact, several years ago the city was the centre of the tobacco production power of Greece, hence the several tobacco warehouses that have survived to this day. Today it is a modern and enterprising town, with intense activity in the fields of agriculture and animal husbandry.
It is a city that usually gets passed by. However, it has something to offer to everyone. It is also noteworthy that in Agrinio you will find some of the best places to eat at very good prices. So after your visit to the beautiful sights of the wider area, you can finish your trip in one of the city’s taverns!
Sightseeing in Agrinio
1. Municipal Park of Agrinio
In the heart of the city, you will find an oasis of greenery and tranquillity. The Agrinio Municipal Park was created in 1919 and was recently renovated. It is one of the most beautiful places in the city for a walk and a relaxing break. Furthermore, in the park, there is the chapel of Agia Sotiras and a children’s playground. In recent years in spring and summer, it hosts cultural, theatrical and musical events. We recommend visiting it in the morning or the afternoon.
2. Archaeological Museum of Agrinio
Near the city centre, you will find one of the most interesting and oldest museums of Western Greece. In the Archaeological Museum of Agrinio, you can admire an important collection of ancient findings from all over the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania. Among other things, the exhibition includes many stone parts and tombs, vases and stone tools of the Neolithic period, Mycenaean findings from vaulted tombs of the region as well as a set of marble sculptures of the late Hellenistic period. It is perhaps the best way to get to know the great history of the region. The admission price is 3 Euros for the regular ticket and 2 Euros for the reduced ticket. Before visiting make sure of the opening times by calling the numbers shown here.
3.Agios Christoforos forest (“dasylio”)
Northeast of the city you will find the lush forest of Agios Christoforos. The forest was created by the citizens and the forestry service several years ago and today it is the “lung” of the city. Most of it is covered with pine trees but it also includes small islands of eucalyptus and cypress. Its area covers 473 hectares so there are several paths and routes to follow either on foot or by bicycle since other vehicles are not allowed to enter the area. We suggest you start your route on the wide dirt road that starts from the Old Church of Agios Christoforos. Along the route, apart from the beautiful lush landscape, you will find many points with unobstructed views over the city of Agrinio from where you can admire the sunset in the afternoon hours.
4. Municipal Gallery of Agrinio
The Municipal Gallery of Agrinio was founded in 2013 and is one of the most important cultural sites of the city. The collection of the Municipal Gallery of Agrinio includes about 160 works of painting, engraving, sculpture and photography, from old and new important artists with origins in the Aitoloakarnan region. If you find yourself in the city centre, do not hesitate to visit it. For visiting hours and other information click here.
5. Holy Church of “Zoodochos Pigi” in Agrinio
One of the largest and most impressive churches of the city. It is located in the center of the city and is the main cathedral of the city of Agrinio. If you find yourself in the city center, make sure to admire it up close.
6. St. Constantine Observatory
If you want a glimpse of the best view over the town of Agrinio then you should visit the observatory of Agios Konstantinos. The road to the observatory starts after the steep hill of the church of Agia Paraskevi. From the top of the watchtower, you will admire the biggest part of the city as well as the whole valley that surrounds it. Both in the afternoon at sunset and in the evening when the city lights are on, the view is breathtaking.If you want a glimpse of the best view over the town of Agrinio then you should visit the observatory of Agios Konstantinos. The road to the observatory starts after the steep hill of the church of Agia Paraskevi. From the top of the watchtower, you will admire the biggest part of the city as well as the whole valley that surrounds it. Both in the afternoon at sunset and in the evening when the city lights are on, the view is breathtaking.
7. Other attractions near Agrinio
Finally, Agrinio also offers many attractions outside the city. It is an ideal starting point for sightseeing in the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania. Do not hesitate to read our articles such as “Waterfalls of Aitoloakarnania” to discover the other attractions of the region.
