Things to Do in Oreini Nafpaktia: Chestnuts, Jazz and Waterfalls
The top things to do in Oreini Nafpaktia all circle back to appreciating the region’s mountainous nature. Here are the top things to do in this unique corner of western Greece.
Top Things to Do in Oreini Nafpaktia
If you’re seeking an autumn getaway that defines the loveliness the autumn season offers consider Oreini Nafpaktia which is about an hour north of the sea facing town of Nafpaktos. Think lush green slopes, dense chestnut forests and waterfalls.
Our local guides with Go Nafpaktia showed us some of the top things to do in Oreini Nafpaktia.
Pick Chestnuts
You know the holiday lyrics, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”
Well, that was all I had ever known about the chestnut before my trip to Oreini Nafpaktia: eating them after they’ve been boiled or roasted to a delicious state. I learned that before they get to an edible version, their raw brown shelled nut is housed in a pretty “dangerous” protective and prickly urchin like ball, not something I could hold comfortably for long with my bare hands. (Yes, I tried).
These fascinating things were hanging off branches, carpeting the paths of the Oreini Nafpaktia forest. Soon, I was an expert at smashing them with my shoe to retrieve the shiny chestnut prizes inside!
Head to the Chestnut and Jazz Festival
Collecting chestnuts was just part of a lively community festival that happened to be going on during our visit. The Chestnut and Jazz Festival was set in a dreamlike clearing of the Oreini Nafpaktia woods.
While a fantastic live jazz band played great tunes to dancing feet, a long-checked cloth table spread out an array of barbecue foods from hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salads and some delicious local recipe chestnut soup.
There was a kids’ section with a mini playground, drawing and activities. In the fresh autumn air, it was the perfect setting to appreciate nature. The Chestnut and Jazz Festival is organized every weekend for a month each autumn. Check the Go Nafpaktia website for more info.
Go Horse Riding
To add to the incredible community rich atmosphere that flowed so well with great music, dancing and delicious food, festival guests had opportunity to ride horses.
I went horseback riding for the first time in Lake Plastiras and, of course, was excited to do it again. It was lovely to trot through the wooded wonderland this time around!
Have a Greek Coffee with the Unconventional Greek View
Most people think Greece is about beaches and islands. However, for those who want a bit of green lush nature, especially in autumn, there are many unique Greek mountain regions to discover. While in Oreini Nafpaktia you can sit back and relax with a Greek coffee with this view at Ta Petrina, a traditional stone guest house with the warmest café.
Crystal Mountain Hotel offers this view. A perfect stop for a meal or coffee.
Go Hiking: Go Chase Waterfalls
A local guide led us on an hour-long hike into a gorgeously dense forest where we passed very funky looking mushrooms, beautiful old trees and stopped at a pretty waterfall.
We accomplished all the above for a day excursion out of Nafpaktos. There’s much to experience if you have more time of course.
How to Get to Oreini Nafpaktia
From Athens by Public Bus: First travel to Nafpktos by bus or car. There are buses scheduled between Athens to Nafpaktos. Buses depart from Kifissos KTEL Station.
From Athens by Car: Drive the road from Athens to Patra, follow the signs to Nafpaktos.
The trip takes about 3.5 hours. Along the way you’ll ride across the famous Rio-Antirrio cable bridge.
Oreini Nafpaktia is about an hour drive north of Nafpaktos.
You can also arrange transport from Athens or rent-a-car while in town with Avance Travel Nafpaktos.
Where to Stay in Nafpaktos
In Nafpaktos:
Hotel Nafpaktos – I stayed at this three-star option right across from Hotel Akti. I enjoyed the hospitality and appreciated the service. There was a nice breakfast spread and hearty Greek dinners at the restaurant. Our room was spacious, super clean and comfortable.
Another three-star option is right across the street called Hotel Akti Nafpaktos. Both hotels are just a short walk away from Nafpaktos Town.
In Oreini Nafpaktia:
Ta Petrina – As a member of the Guest Inn Network of Rural Accommodation you can be guaranteed a lovely traditional apartment stay. View is breathtaking. Minutes from hiking trails.
Crystal Mountain Hotel – Set on a mountain slope, this hotel has a beautiful view of the area. There is a pool and great outdoor activities for kids. Just minutes from hiking trails.
Head to the Go Nafpaktia website for more about this autumn getaway in Greece.
Have you ever been to the mountainous regions of Greece?
It is truly spectacular up there Marissa. I like to think of it as the top of the world. So much beauty to see and so much to do as well. I didn’t know about the Jazz festival, I’ll have a look at it. Thanks for all the great information.
Thanks, Mary! Yes, the jazz festival was really an experience. So much community in an unexpected place. We all felt like we were in some kind of fairy tale dream with the fall leaves, trees, great music and nature around us.