Palairos Aitoloakarnanias

Welcome to Your Perfect Paleros Vacation

Paleros, a true jewel of the Ionian Sea, is the perfect setting for your next Paleros vacation. Located opposite the island of Lefkada, at the foothills of Etoloakarnania, this picturesque coastal town—formerly known as Zaverda—offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and modern appeal.

Its charming harbour, lined with seaside cafés and shops, the well-organised marina, the picturesque cobblestone alleys, and crystal-clear beaches like Vathiavali, Varko, and Pogonia, create an island-like atmosphere that captivates every visitor.

The diverse landscape—featuring a magnificent coastline, fertile plains, striking mountain views, serene lakes, and salt ponds—pairs beautifully with historical landmarks such as the ancient castle of Kechropoula, a masterpiece of Akarnanian fortification art. Together, they reveal the multi-dimensional beauty of the region.

A Paleros vacation is ideal for sailing enthusiasts, nature lovers, divers, hikers, and anyone seeking an authentic Greek seaside experience. This hidden gem promises unforgettable moments, whether you’re after adventure, culture, or pure relaxation.

Discover Palairos Beatches: Turquoise waters, sun-soaked shores, and secret beaches invite you to slow down, explore freely, and collect moments that will shape the heart of your Paleros vacation memories.

Enjoy The Sea on Your Paleros Vacation

Vathyavali beach

The crystal clear, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, combined with the unspoilt landscape, create the enchanting beauty of the beach of Vathiavali. Nestled just a few kilometres from Palairo in Aitoloakarnania, this hidden gem is conveniently located near Pogonia.

The pristine coastline and tranquil surroundings make Vathiavali an idyllic destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway and a chance to immerse themselves in the magnificent natural scenery of Greece's western coast.

With its stunning blue waters and untouched coastal charm, Vathiavalli beach is a true paradise waiting to be discovered by those who dare to venture off the beaten track.

Potamaki Beach

The Potamaki beach, located in the Ionian Sea, ranks 8th among 166 beaches in the Region of Western Greece due to its size.

It is a spacious bay with green water and fine brown sand. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, including permanent travelers, vacation and relaxation enthusiasts, the elderly, and families with children. It has become very popular in recent years, and in addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also participate in other activities such as sup-surfing and more.

Pogonia beach

The Pogonias beach in Paleros is one of the shallowest seas in Aetoloakarnania, with a sandy shore.

It is characterized by its fine sand and crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters, making it one of the most popular and crowded beaches in the area. Ideal for families with small children.

Varko beach

Varko is a stunning pebble and sand beach that gazes upon the shimmering turquoise waters of the Myrtoan Sea.

It's the perfect destination for travelers and vacationers seeking tranquility and relaxation. The idyllic landscape combines lush greenery that reaches right up to the shoreline, where it meets the crystal-clear, azure waters. This picturesque setting creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, making Varko an ideal spot to unwind and immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Beach of Ag. Ioannis

The beach of Agios Ioannis is a stunning small cove with turquoise waters and white, glistening pebbles

The waters of the beach are crystal clear, and the entire setting is reminiscent of an island paradise. The charming white chapel of Agios Ioannis Theologos, nestled among the trees at the back of the beach, adds to the idyllic atmosphere. The combination of sea and nature will provide you with unique moments of tranquility.This particular beach is located further away from the village, making it more secluded. It is, therefore, ideal for those seeking relaxation and a beach where they can spend their day at a leisurely pace.

Palouria beach

This pristine beach, nestled among olive groves, is located just outside Palairo, on the road to Mytikas.

The crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea are refreshed by a freshwater current that gushes through the sand and under the sea, creating an ideal spot for those who prefer cooler and more refreshing waters. The beach has a canteen, diving school and convenient on-site parking, making it the ideal destination for a day of relaxation and adventure.

Discover Palairos Activities: A Paleros vacation isn’t just about relaxation, it’s your invitation to adventure—hike scenic trails, cycle quiet country roads, dive into the Ionian Sea, or sail across calm, sunlit waters. This is Greece, untouched and waiting to be explored.

Enjoying the view!

Hiking in Palairos!

The countryside around Paleros is a paradise for hikers. Countless trails wind through olive groves, hills, mountain paths, historic chapels, and ancient ruins—making your Paleros vacation a unique holiday experience.

Join a guided hiking tour or set out on your own adventure and explore the rugged, scenic routes away from the tourist crowds. Make sure to pack proper footwear and supplies for off-the-beaten-track exploration

Suggested Routes :

Aghios Dimitrios – Aghios Nikolaos – Katasantoni Caves – Ancient Palairo
Port of Palairo – Ancient Kekropoula
Port of Palairo – Agios Dimitrios

🕗 Best time to hike: early morning, when the air is cool and the light is golden.

Cycling

Cycling is a fantastic way to discover Paleros and its surroundings during your Ionian coastal vacation. Choose from a variety of quiet roads, scenic paths, and hidden routes that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Cycling allows you to really get to know the place and its people, immersing yourself in the peace and tranquillity of the area. Explore secluded beaches and indulge in the beautiful waters of the Ionian Sea. You can find bicycles for hire for the whole family.

Route suggestions

Palairo Port to Pogonia
Palairo to Mytikas
Palairo to Vonitsa

Visit to the estate “Gerokostopoulos”

Salling

Paleros offers a rare mix of strong winds and gentle waves that cater to both novice and advanced surfers. The winds provide the necessary power for thrilling rides, while the gentle waves ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This balance makes Paleros a sought-after spot for surfers looking to improve their skills in a supportive setting.

Wide Range of Sailing Opportunities

In addition to surfing, Paleros is renowned for its sailing opportunities. You can rent boats of various sizes, suitable for different skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re interested in a small dinghy for a solo adventure or a larger yacht for a group outing, Paleros has options to suit your needs.

Scuba Diving

Agia Paraskevi Bay This protected, enclosed bay is an ideal location for beginners. The dive starts in the shallows, and after a short swim, you find yourself in a sponge garden teeming with fish, invertebrates, and seaweed.

Adelfonisia In this small group of islands, fishing is prohibited, resulting in an impressive population and variety of fish!

Agios Ioannis Pogonias Named after the old Greek church located in the bay, this spot is perfect for beginners who need protected conditions and shallow waters for their practical training.

Agios Nikolaos For the diver with some experience who wants to go a little deeper, the island of Agios Nikolaos offers the best wall diving in the bay. The vertical rock face starts at about 5 meters and plunges to 20 meters, with countless nooks and crevices throughout the surface that make ideal homes for all kinds of marine life.

Pyrgiskos Invisible from the surface, a peak rises from the depths of the Ionian and reaches up to 10 meters below the surface. The underwater mound is teeming with aquatic life, including large schools of various fish species, red mullet, and groupers.

Windsurfing Palairos is considered an ideal place for individuals who want to “tame” the Ionian Sea, surfers from beginners to experienced. A unique combination of strong wind and low waves will allow you to unfold your techniques.Due to the climate, the beauty of the landscape, the crystal-clear and calm waters, and the wind, it is definitely the ideal place for the less experienced who want to dedicate themselves to this activity.

Excursions

Day Trip: Acheron River

Myth, nature, and timeless beauty on your Paleros vacation

Rising in the mountains of Epirus and flowing through dramatic canyons and forests, the legendary Acheron River lies just 78 km from Paleros. In ancient Greek mythology, Acheron was believed to be one of the rivers of the Underworld—its icy waters thought to guide souls to Hades. The name itself means “River of Woe.”
Close to the river lies the Ancient Necromanteion (Manteio of Acheron)—a sanctuary dedicated to Hades and Persephone. This mysterious site was once believed to be a gateway to the underworld. Its underground chambers were engineered with astonishing acoustics, designed to create echoing voices that mystified ancient visitors and priests alike.
Today, the river is a haven for eco-tourism, offering a cool escape into nature. Walk through ankle-deep turquoise waters, wade between sheer canyon walls, and enjoy one of Greece’s most memorable natural landscapes.

Why visit

Experience a mythological river in a lush, fairytale-like setting
Hike or swim through crystal-clear waters (12–14°C)
Explore the historic Necromanteion, one of ancient Greece’s most intriguing spiritual sites
Ideal for hiking, canyoning, swimming, or quiet reflection

What to bring
Water shoes (available on-site for approx. €12), a swimsuit, a waterproof bag, and bottled water.

📍 Distance from Paleros: 78 km | Distance from Parga: 25 km

Tip: After your Acheron adventure, consider a short detour to Parga, a postcard-perfect coastal town with colourful buildings, a Venetian castle, and Ionian charm. It’s a fitting way to end a day immersed in both myth and beauty.

NIMA Resort

How to Get Here!

By air - We are located 23 km from Aktio State Airport (PVK)

By Ferry - You can reach the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa from Italy with fast, luxurious and state-of-the-art ferry boats. Palairos is accessible from any port within 1,5 hours.

By boat - Just 50 meters from the sea (Palairo Bay, with a private marina and a picturesque port in the middle of the Ionian Sea) and 6 nautical miles from Skorpios - Lefkada

By road - Just three (3) hours from Athens and via the Egnatia road, four (4) hours from Thessaloniki

You can reach Palairo by seaplane that lands at the adjacent port of Lefkada. There are regular services from Ioannina, Patras, all the major Ionian Islands and Italy (www.airsealines.com).