Continuous turns through a rocky landscape, that although it seems to be infertile it is inhibited by oak trees and wild goats. Once the road starts to descend the magnificent spectacle of Astakos and Veloutsa (southern peak of mount Akarnanika) above it, starts revealing. Astakos, which was originally built a bit further down from its current position, is already known since the ancient times and was actually mentioned by Thoukididis in the Peloponnesian war. According to the findings, it seems that it flourished during the Hellenistic Period and decayed during the Roman Period. Nowadays, the village has 2500 residents and spreads around a well-protected harbor.
Inside the picturesque village there are lots of stone houses that are well preserved while in the port, flooded by sailing boats and sloops in summer, multiple cafes and restaurants are the gathering point for locals and visitors.
A small beach next to the harbor covers the need for a summer swim, but there are also many other swimming options just outside Astakos, on the road to Mitikas.