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Sterea
Ellada (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. |
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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 the town. |
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Heronia
is a village with significant archaeological interest, with the famous
statue of the Lion of Heronia. Green Orhomenos, and Plates, famous
as the site where the Greeks won a fabulous victory against the Persians,
Lefktra, Tanagra and Ancient Avlida, as well as the wonderful beaches
of Distomo at Antikira, Agios Isidoros, Vatis Avlidas, Pharos and
Sarantis. |
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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 lie to the east of it. |
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Thiva
is a modern town built on a 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 oak trees are to be found
in the district of Fthiotida.
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Lamia,
the commercially busy district capital, is built on the pine wooded
south-western slopes of Mt. Othrys, close to the river Sperhios. To
the south-east of Lamia is Thermopiles known since antiquity for its
spas and the last stand of three hundred Spartans.
Further
south is Kamena Vourla, among the most popular spas, and the seaside
towns of Agios Konstantinos and Arkitsa. There are lovely sandy beaches
at Livanates. |
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Atalanti
is a commercial and agricultural centre. To the west of it are the
wooded areas Elatia, Tithorea and Amphiklia which are of archaeological
interest.
Ipati
is built on the slopes of Mt. Itis, among the 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, shelter from the summer
heat. Makrakomi, in the Sperhios valley is today a transport hub and
a commercial centre. |
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There
are also spas at Platistomo, west of Lamia, while to the north,
Domokos calmly gazes upon the plain of Thessaly before the road
leads to Stilida, to Karavomilos and to the coast 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.
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Closer
to the coast, just before Itea, is the picturesque little village
of Hrisso, full of plane trees and babbling brooks. 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. To the west is Eratini, Agios Nikolaos, Spilia
and Glifada. Opposite are the islets of Trizonia, Agios Ioanis and
Prassoudi. |
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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 as well as for the summer,
when it can be a spring board for excursions to nearby places, such
as Gorgianades, Kefalovrisso, and the traditional village Korischades,
whose stone houses are still in excellent repair. A small fir tree
forest and garden with apple, cherry and pear trees in Mikro Horio.
On the slope of Kaliadouda, 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 in enchanting surroundings.
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West
of Karpenissi are Fragista, Granitsa and Agrafa, lovely mountain
villages which in winter are cloaked under a thick blanket of snow.
Etolaokarnania
is the last district of Sterea Ellada. The capital Messolongi played
an important part in 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.
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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
peaceful 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. |
