Astakos took its name from the local legend, who was the son of Poseidon and Olvia. Thanks to its position and port, Astakos played an important role throughout Greek history. Preceding the Trojan War, it belonged to the territory of Odysseus, king of Ithaca. At the time of the Peloponnesian War, the city sided with the Athenians. Later, Astakos sided with all the Acarnanians under the command of Alexander the Great. During the Turkish occupation, Astakos was a significant commercial port, and during the Revolution, it was a renowned port and refugee spot for Greeks. In the Gulf of Astakos, the famous naval battle of Dragamestos took place, which triggered the Second Siege of Messolonghi. Finally, throughout the 19th century, Astakos functioned as a commercial, administrative, and communication center, a major factor that contributed to its infrastructure and touristic development of the area. Today, Astakos is a small town where locals mainly engage in agricultural and fishing activities.

Before you rent a boat in Astakos, the area has many attractions that you can visit. The Holy Monastery of St. George, the ancient city of Astakos, and the hill known as Kastro are great options. At the top of the rugged hill, you will find ruins and cyclopean walls of the ancient fortified city. Astakos consists of the rarest type of Oak in all of Europe, you can see for yourself by walking through the Oak forest. In the earlier days, Astakos used acorns as a means of trade. Finally, you can visit the "Cave of the Cyclops", a huge cave in a rather steep location.  According to mythology, the Cyclops Polyphemus lived here, and, Odysseus blinded him along with his companions.