This is the most mythical and mountainous region in all of Greece. It has been inhabited since the remotest historical past, after all, the mythical city of Thebes is located here, and the greatest ancient writers of Greece, Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus, were so inspired by this land that they wrote the most dramatic and tragic . poetry about it. Also, here is the famous Oracle of Delphi, where throughout ancient times the Greeks came to seek the advice of the gods and worship their presence in their lives. And to this day, modern tourists will travel the same route to the region, albeit for other reasons.
All the great ancient battles have been fought in this very region, such as the Battle of Thermopylae, which was described in detail by the ancient historian Herodotus. The name Thermopylae is taken from the hot springs in the area, and central Greece is known for its natural hot springs that attract thousands of health-conscious visitors each year.
Some of the brightest personalities of ancient Greece came from the central Greek regions, including the poets Hesiod and Pindar, the Theban statesmen Epaminondas and Pelopidas, and the historian Plutarch.
Due to its geographical location, central Greece enjoys a variable climate that is dry and alpine in the mountains and temperate and Mediterranean in the coastal areas. The landscape is full of the most diverse surprises, full of undulating contours and thick green slopes covered with pines, holm oaks and poplars. Interspersed between the mountains are streams of crystal clear water. The landscape seems to change forever: mountains become plateaus, streams become lakes and bays, and rugged terrain becomes peaceful and idyllic.
The Central Greece region is often dismissed by first-time visitors to Greece, who will choose destinations that are much more popular and better-publicized tourist attractions, such as the Cyclades islands. But central Greece is evocative and offers excellent facilities for tourists, as well as unsurpassed natural beauty, the most varied landscape, opportunities for eco-tourism and sports tourism and, of course, a history that other regions cannot match.
In central Greece, there are five prefectures, each with their own unique character, and all of them are perfect options for summer and winter vacations. These are Etoloakatnania, Evritania, Fokida, Fthiotida, Viotia.
Eteloakarnania
Etoloakarnania is located in the western part of the region and combines the beauty of the mountains and the sea. The historical Messolonghi is its capital. Here it marks the site of the great Revolutionary War of Independence battle against the Ottoman Empire, where the locals withstood a Turkish siege and fought until they could no more and, exhausted, abandoned the city in the “Exodus of their Guards”. Since then, the city has been crowned the Holy City (Irea Poli) for its courageous stand against the Ottomans, and even the poet Lord Byron fought with them in their battle for independence and eventually died there.
As such, Messolonghi is steeped in history documenting the beginnings of modern Greece, which can be seen at the Messolonghi Holy City Museum of History and Art.
In addition to the history and picturesque town, the greater landscape is covered in green and woody trees and the pleasant sound of rushing water is heard everywhere. And then other surprises, such as the historic 17th century monastery of Agios Simeon, again a site of battle and siege. But there are idyllic getaways here, too, like the northwestern islands of Etoliko and Astakos, two thriving summer resorts with folk village centers. Here there are endless beaches at Agios Yorgis, Asprogiali and Vela and the coast continues to Mitikas where there are some idyllic fishing villages and more beaches.
For a taste of a bustling central city, Agrinio is modern and practical, but with limited quaint appeal. But Agrinio is interesting for its tobacco-producing industry, which makes it a wealthy city with good facilities for travelers, as well as an archaeological museum and a panoramic view of the city from the Agios Christoforos hill.
There are Byzantine monuments in Angelokastro, Venetian monuments in Nafpaktos, and the scenery around Lake Aheloos is stunning and a perfect destination for environmentally conscious travelers.
Evritania
This prefecture is often called the “Greek Switzerland” for its alpine climate, thick forested mountains, and rich waters. Karpenissi, the renowned ski resort, is the capital of the prefecture, and Mount Timfristos looms over the landscape with its imposing altitude of 960 meters. Karpenissi has excellent facilities for tourists, especially those with winter skiing in mind, and numerous restaurants, cafes and taverns, where cheeses, goat cheese and grilled feta are specialities.
There is the impressive church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and the historic mansions of Korishades, and ancient ruins, possibly the remains of Oichalia, the ancient capital of Evritania.
Two great summer vacations can be had in the prefecture in Mikro Horio, which literally means “small town” or Megalo Horio, “big town.” The beauty of these spaces resides in the natural environment, full of orchards and forests, but also in the relics and monuments of the Byzantine era, the church of Agios Athanassios, for example, or the monastery of the Virgin Proussiotissa, which was built in 1754 and is famous for its icons and wood-carved crafts. It is also interesting to visit a museum in honor of the hero of the War of Independence Karaiskakis.
In Proussos, a town that rises to a height of 800 meters, there is a lesser known oracle in the Black Cave or “Apokleistra”. There are numerous churches spread throughout the prefecture and reading the background on the Byzantine period of Greece will make them the most interesting to see.
A remote and fascinating village is Agrafa, which is buried in snow during the winter months, but in the summer it is a great destination for anglers who fish in the Agrafiotis River.
Fókida
Fokida (or Phocis) is a lush area known for its olive groves, but also for its beaches. Amfissa is the capital here, with a varied architecture of Byzantine and Frankish elements. The Museum of Folk Art has an interesting exhibition documenting the local traditions of Roumeli. Of course, the great tourist attraction in the area is Delphi, for the Oracle of Apollo, the mythical mountain of Parnassus. the rocks of Phaedriades and the Gulf of Itea.
The atmosphere in Delphi is truly magical, with the sanctuary of Athena, the ruins of the temple of Apollo, the Gymnasium, the Stadium, the 4th century theater and the museum displaying all the important artifacts found in the area, such as the famous 5th century bronze statue of the Charioteer. This is truly the “Navel of the World”.
In addition to the ancient past, the area is friendly to tourists seeking relaxation and sun. The beaches along the Itea coast are stunning and the best thing about these regions is that the sandy beaches are lined with lush green and woody forests. The coastal town of Itea is a thriving commercial center with many tourist facilities, while the port of Galaxidi, to the west of Itea, is packed with action on the waterfront with the best seafood taverns in the region. For history buffs, there’s a decent Naval and Archaeological Museum here with exhibits documenting the War of Independence and its battles, among other things. Easter is always a good time to be in Galaxidi, because the locals here are faithful to both the spiritual traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church and the pagan traditions of their ancestors.
Phthiotide
Again you will find mountains and beaches here, the perfect combination of idyllic and rugged terrain. There are numerous summer resorts in the area, but you may be drawn to the mountains. The best of all in the area are the thermal baths, excellently organized with good facilities for tourists. These healthy springs, renowned for their therapeutic powers, are found in Ypati, Kamena Vourla and Platystomo. The Greeks flock to them for their annual dose of nutrients and if you are traveling in the area, they are a must.
Lamia is the capital of the prefecture and is a busy city, with its public squares and imposing municipal buildings, which is built on the impressive slopes of the mountains of Mount Othris. The skyline is dominated by the castle on the acropolis and also by the church of Agios Loukas, which was built in the 18th century. There is an excellent museum in the area, which includes artifacts documenting the country’s prehistoric era through to the classical and Hellenistic periods.
The legendary Thermopylae lies just 18 kilometers southeast of Lamia. You can see the statue of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans from him, testimony of the heroic battle of more than 2000 years ago. The city’s name refers to the ancient thermal springs, which are popular to this day and attract hundreds of visitors each year.
For a perfect summer vacation, there are numerous seaside towns, such as Agios Konstantinos and Arkitsa, with the best beaches in the area, Aspronero, Agios Serafim and Agios Nikolaos. Livanates Beach combines Byzantine history and beach culture with Agios Theodoros Church in the background. Of greater historical interest are the catacombs of Agios Athanassios, near the city of Atalanti, and the archaeologically rich area of Elatia and Tithorea. The last stop in this prefecture should be Ypati, or Ipati, and not only for its famous spas or loutra, but for its historical interest and the 15th century Agathonos Monastery.
Viotia or Boeotia
Viotia is the region where you will find the best ski resort in all of Greece at Mount Parnassus and the ski town of Arahova, the mythological river of Lethe (Forgetfulness) and Mnemosyne (Memory) in Livadia, the Oracle of Zeus Trophonios, the medieval castle of Profitis Ilias, and even the birthplace of Plutarch in Chaironia.
The capital of the prefecture is Livadia, nestled comfortably between two mountains and the Erkina Gorge. The climate is Mediterranean and dry and the landscape is mostly bare and dry, with few fertile and leafy areas in the region.
There is, however, much archaeological interest in the area, such as the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Orhomenos, a Byzantine church from the 9th century. In Orhomenos there are many ruins, including a tomb from the Mycenaean period, temples and an amphitheatre. For a more folksy appeal, visit Arahova, even if you don’t intend to ski. This small town seems timeless and static, and is a great place to see folkloric Greece and shop for traditional handcrafted items such as rugs, bags, fabrics, as well as fresh, homegrown produce. Of course, you can’t go very far without more history and archeology and this is what happens just 10 kilometers from Arahova in Distomo (Two Mouths), another historic town that also made a brave appearance in the War of Independence. Here you should definitely visit the most famous of the Byzantine monasteries in the area, the 11th century Ossios Loukas, known for its divine mosaics and frescoes.
But the real jewel of Viotia is found in ancient Thebes. Visit the archaeological museum, see the Mycenaean tombs, the Temple of Apollo and the Oedipus fountain. And just enjoy the atmosphere of the land that inspired the dramatic and tragic stories of Oedipus and Antigone, written by the best tragedians of Greece, Sophocles and Euripides. Their stories will stay with you even after your visit to Thebes and Central Greece has concluded. Because they are the essence of this country of the mountains and the sea, the myth and the legend, the spiritual and the pagan.