Central Greece

Central Greece, known in Greek as Sterea Ellada, stretches from Mount Parnassus and the Oracle of Delphi to the long island of Euboea off the east coast. A vacation in Central Greece combines ancient sanctuaries with mountain villages, hot springs and beaches that mostly only Greeks know – and all of it just a few hours' drive from Athens.

Landscape and Location

The region includes Boeotia, Phocis, Phthiotis, Evrytania and the island of Euboea. In the west you'll find rugged mountains such as the Agrafa and the valleys of Evrytania with Karpenisi, while Mount Parnassus and the plain of Boeotia lie in the center. Euboea is the second-largest island in Greece after Crete and is linked to the mainland by bridges at Chalkida, where the current in the Euripus Strait changes direction several times a day. In the south of the island, the port town of Karystos sits beneath Mount Ochi. In Evrytania, Karpenisi draws visitors in winter for the ski area on Mount Velouchi and in summer for rafting and hiking. On Euboea, the Dirfys mountains rise to over 1,700 meters.

Sights in Central Greece

In antiquity, Delphi was considered the center of the world. On the slope of Mount Parnassus you'll find the Temple of Apollo, the theater, the stadium and the Athenian Treasury, as well as the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with its famous Tholos; the museum displays the bronze Charioteer. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a few kilometers away lies Arachova, a mountain village that attracts skiers from Athens in winter and is known for its colorful rugs. The Monastery of Hosios Loukas near Distomo boasts magnificent gold mosaics from the 11th century. Livadia charms with the Krya springs and a castle, and Thebes with its myths about Oedipus. On Euboea, you'll find Loutra Edipsou, a thermal spa since antiquity, the Dimosaris Gorge in the south and pine forests in the north. Kamena Vourla on the coast of Phthiotis is also a spa town. Above Arachova lies the ski area on Mount Parnassus, the largest in Greece. In Boeotia, Orchomenos has a Mycenaean tholos tomb, and Galaxidi on the Gulf of Corinth is a charming sea captains' town with a harbor. On Euboea, Limni and Rovies in the north offer quiet beaches, while Karystos in the south has the Venetian castle Castello Rosso.

History

At Thermopylae, near Lamia, the Spartan king Leonidas defended a narrow pass against the Persians in 480 BC; a monument commemorates the battle. Lamia itself, the administrative seat, has a castle with views over the plain. In the mountains of Evrytania, part of the Greek resistance began during World War II. Chalkida, the largest city in the region, is a lively center with its bridge over the Euripus and a waterfront promenade.

Food, Getting There and Best Time to Visit

Typical dishes include spit-roasted lamb, formaela cheese from Arachova, beans and herbs from the mountains, and honey and fish on Euboea. A highway connects Athens with Lamia and Chalkida, and Delphi is about two and a half hours away by car or bus. The best time to visit is spring and fall, and Arachova is also worth a trip in winter. In Galaxidi and along the coast, fresh fish is served, and Euboea is known for pine honey. A rental car is ideal for road trips, since bus connections into the mountains are limited.