Central Greece is the central region of Greece, and one of the most
mountainous. The climate is dry in the interior and temperate along the
coasts. The slopes are forested with pine, beech and poplar trees. Running
water and calm lakes interchange with uncounted coves and beaches. Hidden
shores and picturesque islets bejewel the south-western coasts. The varied
landscapes of the region remain beautiful no matter the season.
Βetween the gulfs of Euboea and Corinth is the first district Boeotia (Veotia),
with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, mountains, and lots of life.
The capital Levadia built like an amphitheatre up the foothills of Mt.
Helikon, was famous in antiquity for the oracle of Trophonios Zeus and
the two Springs of Forgetfulness (Lethe) and Memory (Mnemosyne), to the
north of town.
Heronia is a village with significant archaeological interest, with the
famous statue of the Lion of Heronia. Green Orhomenos, a town on the plain
with lots of running water and Platees, famous as the site where the Greeks
won a fabulous victory against the Persians, Lefktra and Tanagra, as well
as the wonderful beaches of Distomo at Antikyra, Aghios Isidoros, Pharos
and Sarantis.
Arahova is a mountain town hanging on to the Parnassos slopes, with a intensely
traditional flavour, picturesque houses, and the Byzantine monastery of
Ossios Loukas to the east of it. Thiva is a modern town built in fertile
plain, with archaeological significance (ancient Thebes) and Byzantine
churches.Imposing mountains,
beautiful deserted beaches or cosmopolitan resorts and mountain villages
swamped by plane and acorn trees, are to be found in the district of Fthiotida.
The commercially busy district capital, Lamia, is built on the pine-wooded
south-western slopes of Mt. Othrys, close to the river Sperhios.
To the south-east of Lamia is Thermopyles known since antiquity for its
spas and the last stand of three hundred Spartans against a horde.
Further south is Kamena Vourla, among the most popular spas, and the seaside
towns of Aghios Konstantinos and Arkitsa. There are special sandy beaches
at Livanates.
Atalanti is a commercial and agricultural centre. To the west of it are
the wooded areas Elatia, Tithorea and Amphiklia which have archaeoligical
interest.
Ypati is built on the slopes of Mt. Iti, among plane, cypress, and oak
trees of the Ypati National Forest. One of Greece's most important spas,
the Loutra Ypatis is located here as is the Agathonos monastery.
Lost among the trees, the villages of Mt. Iti, such as Pavliani, shelter
from the summer heat in their shade. In the Sperhios valley Makrakomi is
today a transport hub and a commercial centre.
Spas at Platystomo, west of Lamia, as well, while to the north Domokos
calmly gazes upon the plain of Thessaly before the road leads to Styilida,
to Karavomylos and to the coasts of Pelasgia and Glyfa.
Fokida is coloured by the silver-green of olive groves and the gold of
tiny beaches. The picturesque capital Amfissa is built among peaks and
crowned by the Frankish castle, itself surrounded by olive trees.
The famous oracle of Apollo is at Delphi, perched on the sides of Mt. Parnassos.
Closer to the coast, just before Itea, is the picturesque little village
of Hrysso, full of plane trees and running water.
Seaside Itea has beaches that are perfect for swimming. Further on is scenic
Galaxidi the traditional Rumeliot port, in other times a famous maritime
and shipbuilding centre. To the west is Eratini, Aghios Nikolaos, Spilia,
and Glyfada. Opposite are the islets of Trizona, Aghios Ioannis and Prassoudi.
The spectacular countryside of Evrytania enchants anyone who approaches
it. The healthy climate, the forested slopes, and the countless streams
give the impression of heaven on Earth.
Karpenissi, the district capital, is built on the foothills of Mt. Tymfristos,
at an altitude of 960 metres. Among the plane, fir and chestnut trees,
Karpenissi is ideal for winter vacations and an alternative proposal for
the summer, when it can be a springboard for excursions to nearby places,
such as Gorgianades, Kefalovrysso and the traditional village Koryschades
whose stone houses are in good repair. A small fir tree forest and gardens
with apple, cherry and pear trees in Mikro Horio. On the slope of Kaliakouda,
opposite Helidona, is Megalo Horio. Proussos is at an altitude of 800 metres
and east of Karpenissi is Krikello close to Kokkalia a historic location
among the fir trees just before Domnista itself a village of many chapels
located in enchanting surroundings.
West of Karpenissi are Fragista, Granitsa and Agrafa lovely mountain villages,
which disappear in winter under a thick blanket of snow.
Etoloakarnania is the last district of Central Greece. The capital Messolonghi,
wrote a heroic page of modern Greek history when fighters in the besieged
city broke out of it during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830).
To the east is the third large city of the district, Nafpaktos which charms
visitors with its beautiful Venetian castle and old port.
The road from herea moves into mountainous Nafpaktia, which boasts Greece's
largest fir tree forest and plenty of tiny villages lost in the woods at
altitudes from 700 to 1,000 metres. The little island of Aetoliko is joined
the mainland by a multi-arched stone bridge. Agrinio is to the north of
Messolonghi; it is an important production centre with good tourism infrastructure.
The picturesque town of Astakos built around the gulf of the same name,
is a splendid resort. White sand graces the endless beaches at Aghios Giorgis
at Asproghiali and at Vela, all perfect for quiet and special holidays.
The coastal road leads to Mytikas and from there opposite to the islets
of Kalamos and Kastos. Further north is Aktio with its Venetian castle,
seaside Vonitsa and Amfilohia, situated on the slopes of two hills, looking
towards Arta.
Evia is one of the largest islands
of the Aegean, the second after Crete. It extends along the mainland
coast, separated from it by the Evoikos Gulf and the straits of Evripos.
All of Evia, from end to end and from corner to corner, presents many peculiarities
and offers ideal conditions for the development of tourism. In northern Evia
one will find towns with intense tourism activity. Villages that are nearly untouched
by modern life are scattered among olive groves leading to scenic beaches. Villages
with a strong sense of traditional colour maintaining their customs and celebrations.
Lush fertile valleys. Wooded slopes and mountains made for climbing. Organized
beaches and magical, out-of-the-way shores. The northern part of the island hosts
the alpine view of Evia.
Oak, fir, pine, and other trees gow on the banks of streams. Pleasurable walks
in the unsullied countryside between the strictly traditional villages are the
best way to get to know Evia better.
Villages and towns like Limni, a beautiful town with a long history and tradition,
bedecked with fine white houses reflected in the sea.
The fertile plain of Istiea and beautiful Aedipsos, known since antiquity for
its spas and the miraculous waters with medicinal powers.
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