In the calm waters of the lagoon, you will see the reflections of herons, egrets and wild ducks. This place is a shelter for many species of birds. Some of them live here permanently and some of them only stop here for a while and then continue their long journey. On the lake you will also see the famous “gaites” (“Γαΐτες” in Greek) which are boats specially made for the shallow waters of the lake. They cross the fish pens and fish the famous breams of Messolonghi. Also, around the lake you can notice the “pelades”, the old wooden shelters of the fishermen.
This lagoon is the biggest lagoon of Greece and it is formed between the estuary of Acheloos and Evinos. It occupies 22.000 acres and the water level is about half a meter high although it goes up to 5-6 meters at very few places. The lagoon of Messolonghi with its countless winged and aquatic residents has been proclaimed as an Environmental Park and is protected by the Ramsar Convention. The lagoon is crossed by an asphalt road that leads to Tourlida island which is ideal for swimming, drinking coffee or eating at the local coffee shops and restaurants or just relaxing while looking at the serene landscape. Besides being a wetland, the waters of the lagoon are also known for their healing powers. Every summer, on the road leading to Agia Triada and on the banks of the lake, you will see bathers covering their bodies with the beneficial clay of the lagoon. The chapel seen from the road is famous for the heroic battle that took place there on March 25th, 1826 when 150 defenders of the town managed to defeat the supernumerary invaders.
