Nafpaktia

Nafpaktia is a historical-geographic region in western Greece, centered on the coastal town of Nafpaktos on the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth. The area extends from the Aegean-adjacent coast into inland parts of Aetolia-Acarnania and is part of the Western Greece region. Its landscape combines coastal plains with hills and mountains, and its economy has long relied on agriculture, including olive oil and citrus cultivation, as well as on fishing and increasingly tourism.

Historically, Nafpaktia has been a crossroads of cultures and rulers. In antiquity the area was associated with the district of Aetolia and developed as a harbor town under various powers during the medieval and early modern periods. The harbor of Nafpaktos gained prominence in the Ottoman–Venetian era, and the naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571 occurred off the coast near Nafpaktos, boosting its place in Mediterranean history. The town preserves a Venetian fortress and other relics that reflect its strategic past.

Notable features of the region include the castle of Nafpaktos overlooking the port, the old town’s narrow streets, and the scenic coastline along the Gulf of Corinth. The area is also known for traditional architecture, local churches, and coastal scenery that attract visitors.

In contemporary Greece, Nafpaktia lies within the Aetolia-Acarnania regional unit of Western Greece, with Nafpaktos as its principal town. The regional economy continues to rely on agriculture and tourism, leveraging the historic harbor, maritime heritage, and natural landscapes. The region is connected by major roads and is accessible from Patras and via the Rio–Antirrio crossing.