아이톨리아 - 아카니아 주변 최고의 교통량 없는 자전거 라이딩 코스

The Rio Fortress (also known as Kastro Riou or the "Castle of Morea") is a historic defensive structure built in 1499 by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II in just three months on the site of an ancient temple to Poseidon. Together with the Antirrio Fortress opposite, it controlled the strategic entrance to the Gulf of Corinth. The complex has a distinctive triangular shape and is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The fourth side is protected by a wide, seawater-filled moat. The site is open to visitors and offers a stunning view of the modern bridge and the sea. In the summer, the fortress is often used as a venue for cultural events and concerts.

In addition to the East Pier, there is a West Pier located west of the bridge approach, which is used as a backup under certain wind conditions. The same applies to the Antirrio side. The ferries operate 24/7/365; cyclists and pedestrians have free passage.

Riou Beach (Paralia Riou) is known for its easy accessibility and impressive views of the Rio-Antirrio Bridge and Rio Castle. The beach is primarily pebbly and boasts clear water. It is an organized stretch of coastline with numerous beach bars, cafes, and restaurants (such as Yukatan), which are particularly lively during the summer months. The promenade is currently undergoing renovation (as of early 2026).

The bridge is considered an engineering masterpiece, as it must withstand extreme environmental conditions, including deep water (up to 65 m), earthquakes of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale, and tectonic shifts. The bridge significantly reduces travel time and is used by the A5 motorway (Ionia Odos) as well as the E55 and E65 European routes. In addition to two lanes in each direction, it has a safety lane and a pedestrian walkway. Cyclists can only use the ferry.

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge (Greek: Γέφυρα Ρίου-Αντιρρίου) is officially named the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge. It spans the Gulf of Corinth and connects the city of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula with the city of Antirrio on the Greek mainland. With a total length of approximately 2,880 meters, it is one of the longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges in the world. It was opened in 2004, in time for the Summer Olympics in Athens. The original vision for this project dates back to the 19th-century statesman Charilaos Trikoupis.

This is the western ferry terminal (pier), which only operates under certain wind conditions. Despite the bridge, the ferries continue to run around the clock (every 20-30 minutes) because they are significantly cheaper than the bridge toll (approx. €7 instead of €13.70 for cars; pedestrians and cyclists travel free).

The water area is part of the wide, seawater-filled moat that protected the landward side of the fortress.

The entrance fee has increased to €5 (2025). Since there are no tickets and no price list, I doubt that this is an official charge. A visit is worthwhile in any case.