Aktio Preveza

Aktion is the last Cape of Acarnania, at the entrance of Amvrakikos Gulf, across from Preveza, which lies just 725 meters. Aktion is known worldwide, beyond the Battle of Actium, by the NATO namesake airport (stationed here aircraft electronic warfare AWACS) and the civilian airport with daily domestic and international flights.

In Aktion cape, was in the 5th B.C. Century the famous Temple of Apollo Aktion, built by the inhabitants of the ancient city of Anactorium (located near Vonitsa). This temple has been demolished by an earthquake and subsidence of the sea. Around 100 carved stone blocks of the Temple of Apollo Aktion transferred in Preveza, today located on the beach of Kyani Akti.

Every two years at Actium were taking place the «Aktion», horse races, athletic and celebrations to commemorate the Akarnanikes cities God Apollo (God of music and arts). In the sea area of ​​Actium (and the current Preveza), was in the 2nd of September of 31 B.C. the naval battle that decided the fate of the top leadership of the Roman State.

Today Aktion communicates with the coast of Preveza through underwater tunnel length of 1.5 km. for vehicles.

The undersea road crossing channel Aktion – Preveza ensures faster connection with Etoloakarnania,

Southern Greece and the coastal zone of the county of Preveza – Thesprotia and the port of Igoumenitsa.

City of Preveza

A magnificent Ionian city to its present name was first mentioned in the late 13th century. Its unique and unforgettable sun, combined with the green and endless lacy coastline, with the wide sandy Ionian coast makes Preveza an ideal place to stay.

A special feature is the many beaches that are integrated in the urban fabric giving the insular features. The wealth of the region consists of the combination of its natural resources, the historical evidence of monuments and cultural heritage, the mild Mediterranean climate and its people, who are polite and friendly.

The city is located at the entrance of Amvrakikos Gulf, surrounded by the old Venetian olive grove and the beaches of the Ionian and Amvrakikos Gulf. It provides access to the Ionian coast, with sandy areas and total length of beaches over 50 km,( in a short distance from the Preveza – Igoumenitsa roadway), to the Amvrakikos Gulf, with numerous lagoons on the north side, and the nearby river mouth of Louros and Arachthos rivers, with great ecological interest. South of Preveza is Etoloakarnania and the island complex of Lefkada, while in the northwest, there are countless small seaside semi-mountainous villages, like Parga (traditional resort, located one hour by car).

Walking through the pedestrian streets of the market and the narrow streets of the historic centre, you will enjoy traditional dishes that accompany the famous “ouzo” city. You will see many old houses of Preveza and the famous Venetian clock tower (1756), the Cathedral of Saint Charalambos with carved gilded iconostasis (1828), rare photographs and paintings from 1804 influenced by Venetian painting.

The Theatre, the Odeon, the baths, the Nymphaeum, the Roman and Byzantine Walls, the Gymnasium, the Aqueduct and the Basilica with famous mosaics witness the splendour of a glorious city that flourished until the 10th and 11th century. Preveza quickly developed into a big city, after acquiring exceptional privileges and franchises, as a «free» Greek city. The population reached 300,000 inhabitants.

North of the city and about 8 km., in a green landscape, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Amvrakikos, are the ruins of Nicopolis, built by Octavian ​​in commemoration of his victory over Antony and Cleopatra in the naval battle of Actium on 2 September 31 B.C. In the main market, awaits you the museum Aktion, a reminiscence of the past and the bust of the poet interwar, K. Karyotakis.

Hiking to the outskirts of the city you will find the aesthetic forest of Kyani Akti, a forest of trees throwing the shadow at sea. By bike around the city, you will admire the castles and bastions, monuments of Venetian and Turkish occupation and at the end of your day, you will enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Greece, in Pantokratoras.