Antirrios

Antirrios is a small village located in the region of Aetolia-Acarnania in western Greece. Situated on the northern shore of the Gulf of Patras, it is part of the municipality of Nafpaktia. Historically, Antirrios gained prominence due to its strategic position overlooking the narrow strait that connects the Gulf of Patras to the Corinthian Gulf. This strait, known as the Rio-Antirrio strait, is a crucial waterway in Greece.

The most significant modern development associated with Antirrios is the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, officially the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge. This impressive cable-stayed bridge spans the Rio-Antirrio strait, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece. The bridge, inaugurated in 2004, has dramatically improved transportation links and boosted economic activity in the region. Antirrios itself serves as the northern anchor point for the bridge.

The village offers views of the strait and the Peloponnese. Its economy is influenced by its proximity to the bridge and the associated tourism and transport infrastructure. While not a major tourist destination in itself, Antirrios is a point of transit and offers a glimpse into the daily life of a coastal Greek community that has been shaped by its maritime environment and its newfound connectivity.