Aitoliko – Greece’s Little Venice
This section encompasses islands that don’t neatly fall into or are not formally part of the primary island groups. Generally, these are minor islands near the Greek mainland, which, in terms of local governance, fall under mainland administrative regions.
Aitoliko just about sticks out of the shallow lagoon that shares its name and is part of a National Park. It lies off the west coast of Greece, 7 km north of the “sacred city” of Mesologgi and is connected to the mainland by two road bridges that carry a main road route across it. There are regular buses to and from Mesologgi, which are supplemented by a large fleet of local taxis.
Given its position, I had assumed that Aitoliko had originally been some sort of medieval fortified island, protecting the lagoon against unfriendly forces. However, there are no obvious signs of medieval constructions and there are very few buildings of any substantial age. It is predominantly constructed with modern houses and apartment blocks, arranged in a tight grid pattern that is atypical for Greek design.
The only buildings of any note, are what looks like a derelict school at the south end of the island (complete with “Ghetto” graffiti scrawled on its walls) and three churches in its center, the largest and most modern of which overlooks the main square that appears to be the hub of local life.
Photo Credit: www.Instagram.com/greekislands_fbgroup
