Acheloos, also known as Aspropotamos or Aspros, is the largest river (water volume) that originates and flows into Greek territory and the second longest river in the country. Its headwater (source) is in Mount Lakmos of Pindos, on the border between Epirus and Thessaly regions. It is approximately 220 kilometers long, crosses the region units of Trikala, Karditsa, Arta, Evrytania, Aitoloakarnania and empties into the Ionian Sea (Echinades Islands) near Messolonghi. Along its route, it encounters gorges, stone bridges, water mills, mountain villages, monasteries, dams and artificial lakes.

Our ancestors were impressed by its size and power. The ancient name of the river Acheloos probably comes from the root “αχ” (ah) meaning water and the comparative adjective “λώων” (lo-on) meaning best. There are several theories about the origin of the name “Aspropotamos”. One theory relates the name to the foamy image of the river during the spring months when the snow melts, while others to the white colour of the gravel on its banks and its crystal clear waters.

According to mythology, Acheloos was a river deity. Homer places it before Oceanus. The seas, springs, and waters that flow from the earth come from him. Acheloos was the beginning of all rivers, all seas and springs. On the contrary, Hesiod includes Acheloos among the children of Tethys and Oceanos, among the river deities. His daughters were the Sirens, the Nymphs and many other springs (Castalia, Kallirroi, etc.).

In its waters, it hosts the famous wild trout, brian, ospreys, otters, crabs, water otters and rarer eels, species which have been reduced due to the construction of the dam and will disappear in the waters of the lake. In addition to the destruction of the fish fauna of the area, myriads of animals will drown in the lakes of upper Acheloos. All the biodiversity of the region will suffer a severe blow.

Acheloos is the main axis of development of settlements and other activities on both sides of the bed and along the entire basin, together with the tributaries. The river is a fertilizing force, it is the one that gives life to people, plants, and animals and it must be saved! The entire ecosystem must be protected.