Krikellos, Aitoloakarnania

Loutro or Krikellos is located in the north of the Prefecture of Aitoloakarnania near Arta and belongs to the Municipality of Amfilochia. It took its name from ancient baths found in the old village.

Sunset at "Arapis"

Near the village and before the village Anoixiatiko is the beach of Arapis. The beach has fine sand and the water is quite warm and shallow. In the summer there is a place for bathers and a refreshment room.

History

Loutro is located on the east coast of Amvrakikos and is one of the largest villages in the municipality of Amfilochia. The good roads of the village make it easier for the visitor to cross the whole area either on foot or by bicycle, while all the roads lead to the imposing church of Agios Nikolaos which is located in the center of the village. Around the square there are taverns with delicious local meat and cafes filled with people of all ages. It is worth trying, in addition to grilled meats and cheese products produced in local dairies.

Just 2 km from the village there is the sandy beach of Arapis whose shallow waters are suitable for young and old swimmers. There are organized beach soccer competitions in August, in which whoever wishes, while the continuation of the event is the festival of the village, lasting two days, with the dance and music bands giving a special note to the summer.

However, what makes the village famous is the famous Palio Loutro, which is 1.5 km away from the new settlement and is "sunk" in the old imposing plane trees. It is a relatively mountainous place, with dilapidated stone houses and lush green landscape, while the village is divided in two by the river Krikeliotis. The old church of Agios Nikolaos is preserved, which operates for baptisms and weddings, the old water level meter, the unique stone fountain in the center of the village, but also the newly built bridge that connects the eastern and western side of the village. A few kilometers above is the monastery of Panagia Xerkiotissa with a lone monk taking care of the place, while on August 15 in the monastery a large crowd gathers to honor the Virgin Mary. The almost eerie natural landscape of the old settlement gives the opportunity to lovers of mountain and nature for explorations. Walking before sunset and cycling escapes are indicated.

A few kilometers south of today's Loutro, the ruins of an ancient city, probably belonging to the ancient Amfilochiko Argos, are preserved.

Greek revolution of 1821

Ioannis Stratos