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| Delphi - Galaxidi |
 The prefecture of Fokida holds "the heart" of Sterea Hellas (Central Greece) reaching down south to encounter the Corinthian Gulf.It offers all nature lovers an idyllic and heavenly location for recreation. “The panorama from the western ridge is truly magnificent. The Parnassian Nape, while more easily viewed from Mount Cirphis, is fully captured in the view as far as Arákhova. To the south, the view stretches beyond the Corinthian gulf to the majestic Cyllene, to the right of which one can see the gulf of Galaxídhi, and the plain of Sálona, covered with olive trees, and hence even more beautiful than it was in ancient times, when according to Pausanias it was quite bare. Beyond, the great Locro-ætolian range reaches heights almost equal to that of Mount Parnassus. It is clothed with woods above, adorned below with the picturesque town of Salona and several of its dependent villages, and extends northwards in almost a direct line towards the great summit of Oeta, near Neopatra. The most remarkable point in the range is equally conspicuous from many parts of Boeotia and Phocis, where it is called Mavrolithari, named after a nearby village. At a distance of 6 hours from Neopatra and 12 hours from Salona, it lies on a straight line between the two, as depicted by W.M.Leake in his Travels in Northern Greece, 1835. The town of Amphissa, the capital of the prefecture, lies in the largest of the few valleys of Fokida. It is a beautiful town situated among vast olive tree plantations with breathtaking views of Mt. Elatos.  Below, small villages and communities are strung along the coast, the most famous of which is Galaxidi, a community of great cultural and historical importance. Wandering along the pebbled alleys, through the architectural masterpieces of the 18th and 19th century, the visitor happens upon its picturesque little harbour. The navy museum which exhibits the old tradition of building ships and boats is an absolute must-see.A few kilometres along the bay we reach Itea, the most important port in the area. Enjoy the divine presence of the “Apollonian Light”, treat yourself to the luxury of a dive into the clear, crystal blue waters on any of the many stunning beaches such as Kirra, and let your spirit hover over the impressive views of the green mountains dipping into the blue waters of the Corinthian Gulf. The ancient town of Delphi holds a special place in the prefecture of Fokida. Delphi was considered by the ancient Greeks as the “omphalos” - the centre of the world. To this day it continues to earn this title by attracting scores of visitors from all over the world to its historical remains and majestic view of the mountains and the sea below. The area is surrounded by ancient monuments and the ruins of the oracle. If you want experience a modern version of the ancient myth, free your spirit and open your heart to the challenges of travel. |
