The Ambracian Gulf in Arta is one of the most striking wetlands in Greece, where water, land, and air come together to create a vibrant landscape of unique beauty. Its name comes from ancient Ambracia, a city-state located on the banks of the Arachthos River, in present-day Arta. The gulf was formed following intense tectonic activity and was initially filled by the Arachthos and Louros rivers, and later by the waters of the Ionian Sea.
The Ambracian Lagoon hosts a unique complex of internationally significant wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention. Lagoons, reed beds, sandbars, and river estuaries form a natural mosaic. Among the 20 lagoons, Rodia, Tsoukaliou, and Logarou stand out. Rodia is home to the largest reed bed in the country, while all the lagoons serve as natural fish farms with remarkable productivity. Around 250 bird species have been recorded, many of which are threatened, with the dominant species being the Dalmatian pelican, the largest pelican in the world. In addition, there are 33 fish species, 15 of which are traditionally fished. In summer, visitors can take a cruise in the gulf and watch dolphins playing in the waters.
The formation history of the gulf began millions of years ago, when the tectonic depression filled with sediments and later connected with the Ionian Sea. Today, the Ambracian Gulf covers 405 square kilometers and constitutes a rare natural ecosystem.
The biodiversity is astonishing: more than 160 bird species inhabit the wider ecosystem, including rare migratory birds that find refuge here, along with dolphins, sea turtles, and fish such as sea bass, gilt-head bream, red mullet, eels, and the renowned black shrimp. The lagoons are not only landscapes of beauty but also breeding grounds that ensure the balance of nature.
The tour of the Ambracian Gulf begins in the city of Arta and heads toward the lagoons. In Koronisia, the picturesque fishing village that dominates almost the center, the road seems to stretch over the water. From there, visitors enjoy a unique view of the reed beds and lagoons, and it is worth visiting the 10th-century Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary that stands on the hill.
The coastline of the Ambracian Gulf is characterized by sandbars, natural strips of land that separate the sea from the inland waters. At their openings, fishermen traditionally set up “ivaria,” reed constructions that allow fish to enter but not exit, practicing an ecological form of fishing. In Rodia, the reed beds form a green veil, while in Tsoukaliou, the white shell-covered beaches give the landscape a dreamlike quality.
In Kopreina, travelers encounter old buildings, such as a customs house and warehouses, reminiscent of the area’s commercial past. There is also the stone lighthouse from 1907, serving as a viewpoint and stop for visitors.
A visit to the Ambracian Gulf is enriched with boat trips or cruises from Preveza. Ecotourism guides highlight the balance between humans and nature and often lead travelers to areas where they can encounter dolphins. Since 2008, the Ambracian Gulf has been designated a National Park and is part of the Natura 2000 network, SPA, and Sites of Community Importance.
Access is easy: it is about 26 kilometers from Arta, while from Athens and Thessaloniki, the Egnatia Odos leads directly to the area. Along the way, travelers pass through farmlands and wetlands, enjoying landscapes that set the stage for the Ambracian Gulf experience.
In the heart of the Ambracian Gulf, every moment tells a story. The flight of a pelican, the reflection of the sun on the water, and the sound of the wind through the reeds turn the place into a living legend. The lagoon is not just a destination; it is an invitation to experience the authentic serenity of nature in one of Greece’s most beautiful treasures.
