CENTRAL GREECE
INTRODUCTION
From the spectacle of Ancient Delphi to the winter wonderland of Arahova and Karpenisi and on to the island charms of Evia and Skyros, Central Greece is a region full of diversity and wonder
Whether you love culture, walking, swimming or any other kind of outdoor activity, in Central Greece you’ll discover the heartbeat of Greece. The Oracle of Delphi and other historical landmarks and monuments, stone-built settlements, exciting hiking trails and national parks, beaches with turquoise waters, ski resorts and traditional customs and flavours … all tell the story of one of the most beautiful regions in Greece.
HISTORY
This land has been inhabited since the depths of history. It has been the scenery to great civilizations, legends, heroes, myths, battles, giving birth to ideas and arts that have affected and shaped what we now call western civilization. Athens and Thives are the main city states which grow in power and economy. The oracle of Delphi on Parnassus Mount was considered to be the centre of the world and was a very significant economic and political centre as many of the crucial decisions on war matters were taken on oracles. Central Greece knew instability being occupied by Romans, Byzantines, crusaders and Ottomans. In 1821, the War of Independence against Turks started and Central Greece or Roumeli as it was called was the first part of Greece to enjoy liberty after nearly four hundred years of Turkish occupancy.
CLIMATE
The climate of Central Greece varies according to the altitude. On the coastline is generally Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters and in the interior, to a higher altitude, is Continental, with snow during winter. In western lowland the winters are milder with more rainfall, while in summer there are very high temperatures, often exceeding the 40 ° C and high humidity. In eastern part of Central Greece, because of the mountains, winter is cooler and summer is cooler and drier in comparison to the west.
HIGHLIGHTS
the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. • In the historic settlement of Delphi, you will find the home-cum-museum of Angelos Sikelianos (the Greek poet that revived the Delphic Festival in 1927 and 1930), as well as the European Cultural Centre of Delphi. • Archaeological Museum of Delphi - the centre of the world • Museum of Delphic Festivals • Cultural Centre of Delphi
DELPHI
the energetic capital of Evia. • Ideal for a weekend getaway. Chalkida’s trademarks are the Euripus Strait and the old bridge, as well as a wonderful esplanade with fish tavernas and cafes. • Ancient Eretria and Theatre • Museum of Eretria • Karababa Castle
CHALKIDA
a rejuvenating experience. • In Edipsos, you’ll discover a Belle Epoque atmosphere in one of the most timeless spas in Greece. • Drimona Waterfall • Chiliadou Beach • Drakospita (Dragon Houses) • Kalamos Beach • Dimosari Gorge • Thapsa Beach • Saint John the Russian Church • Monastery of St David • Euripus Strait and High Bridge • Lighthouse of Kakokefali
EDIPSOS
a favourite winter hangout. • Cosmopolitan Arahova, below the ski resort of Parnassos, is popular for winter holidays – before or apres ski.
ARACHOVA
the mountain of winter adventure. • Polidrosos, Ancient Lilea, Tithorea, Amphiklia and Gravia (with the famous “Hani of Gravia”) are just a few of the attractions hidden on the other side of Mt Parnassos, a mountain made for winter sports. • Hiking on Mt. Parnassos (Arachova–Mana Springs – Baindánis / Tithorea–Cave of Odysseus Androutsos ) • Parnassos ski resort ( Downhill ski runs at Kellaria – Fterolakka) • Visit Aráchova “Mykonos of winter” by night
MT PARNASSOS
a historical gem in Central Greece. • The tiny port of Galaxidi has a special charm thanks to its many attractive sea-captain’s houses and wonderful maritime museum. • Itea town
GLAXIDI
Beauty, Myth and History are all here. • The pedestrianised Argonauts Way • The beautiful Papastratos building • Palia quarter (Take a tour of the Roman Baths, the ruins of the castle (mid-6th c. A.D.), the Ottoman powder magazine (1600), the Agion Theodoron square, and the former Tsalapata factory (1925) which now houses the Rooftile and Brickworks Museum. • The tree-shaded Rigas Feraios square • The extensive Agios Konstantinos park named after the church situated in it, and Anavros park where you can visit the open-air exhibition of sculptures. • Achilleion theatre (1925) • The green Goritsa hill • Alikes Beach • Hill of Goritsa • Castle of Volos • Theofilos Museum of Anakasia • Tsipouradika • Damouhari Port • Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos
