Koutavos lagoon is a wetland area of ​​1300 acres, a maximum length of about 6.5 kilometers and a minimum of 1.1 kilometers. The length of the coastline is 4 km. It is shallow as its depth does not exceed 2 meters (6 feet) with an average depth of 80 cm. It took its name from the ancient Greek word “kottavos” which means basin, as its shape is ellipsoidal.

Prior to the construction of the De Bosset Bridge, which is the artificial boundary of Koutavos with the sea, this area was a rough and dangerous place that people avoided as much as they could. However, there has been human activity since ancient times in the area. During the Venetian era, it was used as a port and later as a nursery, while some salt-pits were also created.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a large part of the area was dried and eucalyptus trees were planted, a work donated by Marinos Korgialenios. In 1930 the construction of the perimeter road was completed and the eastern side was paved. In 1976 and 2005 the area was further developed by paths, pedestrian walkways, botanical interventions and infrastructure projects.

Today, Koutavos lagoon has a great ecological and pedagogical significance, as it shows that not only humans can coexist with nature, but also benefit from this coexistence. The lagoon is a regulator of the region’s climate and offers great opportunities for sports and recreational activities! It is a favorite spot for walking and jogging all year round, a lively part of the city that people enjoy the rich flora and fauna. Acorns, truffles, reeds, eucalyptus, pine trees and many cultivated trees and plants are just some of the natural ornaments that the visitor will encounter. As the lagoon is also a migratory station for several wild bird species, depending on the time of year, a walk in Koutavos includes meetings with swans, ducks, geese, gulls, cormorants, kingfishers, flamingos, caretta-caretta turtles, and many other birds and fishes! Especially the caretta-caretta turtles with their striking size attract the interest of visitors, even those familiar with them, as they appear suddenly to make … “pirouettes”! The turtles are quiet and not aggressive, but it is good not to put your hand in the water because they may think they are food and bite it, or of course disturb them as they are easily afraid and will want to defend themselves. It is estimated that dozens of turtles swim in the lagoon and the bay of Argostoli during their breeding season before heading to nesting beaches. Of course, hunting and fishing are strictly forbidden in the lagoon area.