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 Evia
and Korinthos is the first district Viotia,
with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, mountains and
lots of life.
Viotia
The capital Leivadia, built amphitheatrically up
the foothills of Mt. Elikon, was famous in antiquity for the oracle
of Trofonios Zeus and the two Springs of Forgetfulness
(Lethe) and Memory (Mnemosyne), to the north of town. Chaironeia
is a village with significant archaeological interest, witn the famous
statue of the Lion of Chaironeia, and Plataies is
famous as the site where the Greeks won a fabulous victory against
the Persians.
Arachova is a mountain town hanging on to the Parnassos
slopes with an intensely traditional flavour, picturesque houses,
and the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas to the
east of it. Thiva is a modern town built in fertile plain, with archaeological
significance (ancient Thebes) and Byzantine churches.
Fthiotida
Imposing mountains, beautiful deserted beaches or Thermopyles:
King Leonidas Statue 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
Sperchios.
To the southeast of Lamia is Thermopyles known
since antiquity for its spas and the last stand of three hundred
Spartans against a horde.
Fokida
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 Chryso, 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 ship-building centre.
Evritania
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. Karpenisi, the district
capital is built on the foothills of Mt. Tymfristos,
at an altitude of 960 metres. Among the plane, fir, and chestnut
trees, Karpenisi is ideal for winter vacations and an alternative
proposal for the summer.
In the Summer Karpenisi can be a springboard for
excursions to nearby places such as Gorgianades, Kefalovryso,
and the traditional village Koryschades, whose stone houses
are in good repair. West of Karpenisi are some lovely mountain
villages which disappear in winter under a thick blanket of
snow.
Etoloakarnania
Etoloakarnania is the last district of Sterea
Ellada. The capital Mesologi, 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 picturesque town of Astakos,
amphitheatrically built It around the gulf of the same name,
is a splendid resort. 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 Amfilochia, amphitheatrically situated
on the slopes of two hills, looking towards Arta.
Evia & Skyros
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.
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 grow 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 Istiaia, and beautiful Aidipsos,
known since antiquity for its spas and the miraculous
waters with medicinal powers.
Southern Evia has been home to important cities for centuries, cities
like Chalkida, the island's capital, and significant
archaeological sites such as Eretria. The listed
old houses of the ship masters and the seaside villages on quiet scenic
beaches are real jewels. And here, in the interior of southern Evia,
we encounter pine, oak, fir, and poplar Chorests. Running water such
as the mineral water of the famous spring of Choneftiko.
Picturesque villages with churches and monasteries but also an authentic
island feel, like the port of Kymi from where boats
leave for the Sporades. If we take the road further
south it will lead us to Karystos, a town with excellent
beaches and a very ancient history, which the Venetians named Castel
Rosso because of the red stone with which they built their
fortress there.
The largest island of the Sporades group, Skyros,
is low hills, good underwater fishing and diving, crystal clear water,
and beaches, little seaside tavernas, sea caves, and Skyrian
ponies. From the castle above the Hora,
which combines Byzantine and Venetian ruins with
older fortifications, the town spreads out below you in a cubists
dream. Each of the houses has an interior that reminds one of a folk
art museum, and much of the handmade folk art is sold.
