Region of Western Greece
One of the thirteen Regions of Greece, a special place, which combines everything, the majesty of nature with the glorious historical and cultural heritage, as well as the gastronomic-culinary wealth with the carefreeness of the holidays. The three prefectures that make up the mosaic of Western Greece: Aitoloakarnania, Achaia and Ilia, invite you to an unforgettable gastronomic and cultural journey across the Olympian Land!
AITOLOAKARNANIA
Aitoloakarnania is a place gifted by nature. It is famous above all for the salt and rice of Messolonghi, and for its fine, gourmet seafood that comes from the waters of the Messolonghi-Aitoliko lagoon, Amvrakikos gulf and lake Trichonida: avgotaracho (bottarga) of Messolonghi, eel, salted fish, atherina of lake Trichonida, shrimp of Amvrakikos gulf, crabs, clams and much more. Other local products that stand out with their distinctive taste are dairy and livestock products: kefalograviera and kefalotyri of Amfilochia, feta cheese, meat of Μountainous Nafpaktia and lamb of Xiromero. The region also boasts exceptional olives, virgin olive oil and honey, as well as wine made from varieties like Mavrodaphne, Malagousia and Avgoustolid
ACHAIA
Achaia is well known for its gastronomic wealth. It boasts a wide variety of dairy products, most notably feta cheese of Kalavryta and formaela cheese, and it also produces a wide range of traditional, handmade pasta, such as toutoumakia and trahanas. Besides, the region is home to olive oil and olives of the highest quality, and also fine local meat and fish are available in abundance. Its exquisite wine, primarily Mavrodaphne of Patras and Muscat of Rio Patras, is world-renowned, and the same goes for Tentoura, the irresistible liqueur of Patras. Last but not least, the traditional Turkish delights (loukoumia) and the black raisin of Achaia are pieces of a gastronomic puzzle that will satisfy even the most demanding palate.
ILIA
Ilia is one of the most fertile regions of Greece. It stands out thanks to its delicious and high-quality products, starting with its extra virgin olive oil and olives. A dark-colored raisin, which belongs to the wider variety of the Corinthian raisin, is also named and historic. The Ilian land also boasts cereals, handmade pasta and local cheeses, especially anthotyro cheese. Special mention must be made of the region’s exquisite fruits, which are produced in very large quantities, and consumers enjoy them throughout Greece: citrus fruits, watermelons and strawberries. Moreover, the list would be incomplete without the constants of Ilia: potatoes and tomatoes. Last but not least, its unique wine, mainly made from Roditis and Mavrodaphne varieties, gracing every meal or dinner.
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