Antirrio

Antirrio is a coastal town in Achaea, in western Greece. It lies on the northern shore of the Gulf of Patras, opposite the town of Rio, and serves as the southern gateway to Patras across the gulf. The name Antirrio means “opposite Rio,” reflecting its position facing the rival town across the strait.

The town has long been part of the cross-strait area that connects the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. The most prominent feature in modern times is the Rion–Antirion Bridge (Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge), a cable-stayed structure completed in 2004 that provides a fixed link between the Peloponnese and the mainland. Before the bridge, the crossing was primarily by ferry. Today the bridge is a major transportation corridor, forming part of the highway network that links Patras with Athens and the rest of Greece, and it has influenced regional development and traffic patterns.

Economically, Antirrio's coastal location supports fishing and small-scale trade, while the bridge and associated infrastructure have contributed to growth in services, logistics, and tourism in the area. The town remains a point of transit for travelers heading to and from the Peloponnese, with nearby facilities that serve both residents and visitors.

Administratively, Antirrio is part of the Achaea regional unit in the Western Greece region. The presence of the bridge and its role as a cross-strait entry point are central to the town’s identity and its connection to the broader Patras metropolitan area.