STEREA ELLADA
Sterea Ellada (Central Greece) is a 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 southwestern coasts.
The varied landscapes of the region remain beautiful no matter
the season.
Between the gulfs of Euboea and Corinth is the first district
Boeotia, with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches,
mountains, and lots of life. The capital Livadia, built
amphitheatrically 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, Letktra, Tanagra, and Ancient
Avlida, as well as the wonderful beaches of Dlstomo at Antikira,
Agios Isidoros, Vathi Avlidas, Pharos, and Sarantis. Arahova is
a mountain town hanging on to the Parnassos slopes, with an
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 viliages 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
southwestern slopes of Mt Othrys, close to the river Sperhios.
To the southeast of Lamia is Thermopiles known since antiquity
for its spas and the last stand of thtee hundred Spartans
against a horde. Further south is Kamena Vourla, among the most
popular spas, and the seaside towns of Agios 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
archaeological interest. Ipati is built on the slopes of Mt.
Iti, among plane, cypress, and oak trees of the Ipati National
Forest. One of Greece's most important spas, the Loutra Ipatis
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 Platistomo, west of Lamia, as well, while to the north
Domokos calmly gazes upon the plain of Thessaly before the road
leads to Stilida, to Karavomilos and to the coasts of Pelasgia
and Glifa.
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
Hrisso, full of plane trees and running water. Seaside ltea has
beaches that are perfect for swimming. Further on is scenic
Galaxidi, the traditional Rumeliot port, in other times a famous
maritime and ship-building centre. To the west is Eratini, Agios
Nikolaos, Spilia, and Glifada. Opposite are the islets of
Trizonia, Agios loanis and Prassoudi.
The spectacular countryside of Evritania 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. Timfristos, 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, Kefalovrisso, and the traditional village
Korischades, 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 Krikelo close to Kokalia a historic location
among the fir trees just before Domnitsa 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 Sterea Ellada. The
capital Messolongi, 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 here
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 Etoliko
is joined to the mainland by a multi-arched stone bridge.
Agrinio is to the north of Messolongi; it is an important
production centre with good tourism infrastructure. The
picturesque town of Astakos, amphitheatrically built around the
gulf of the same name, is a splendid resort. White sand graces
the endless beaches at Agios Giorgis, at Asprogiali, and at
Vela, all perfect for quiet and special holidays. The coastal
road leads to Mitikas and from there opposite to the islets of
Kalamos and Kastos. Further north is Aktio with its Venetian
castle, seaside Vonitsa, and Amfilohia, amphitheatrically
situated on the slopes of two hills, looking towards Arta.