REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE

The Region of Central Greece stretches over the heart of mainland Greece, encompassing a mainland section composed of Evrytania, Fthiotida and Phocis and two island sections, Evia and Skyros.

The Region of Central Greece is home to the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, the most famous Oracle in antiquity, which was known as the “centre of the world”. The Delphi archaeological site has been recognised as a world heritage site, attracting tourists from around the globe who are interested in immersing themselves in the local history and experiencing the unique energy which made this place such a renowned destination in antiquity.

Visitors to Central Greece will find one-of-a-kind natural landscapes, with the beauty and variety of nature on full display everywhere you look. From its imposing mountain ranges and tranquil forests to its azure beaches with their crystal-clear waters, the region boasts a natural wealth that is sure to enchant.

Central Greece is full of mountainous areas where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and participate in a plethora of outdoor activities. Numerous mountains in the region, including Gkiona, Vardousia, Parnassos, Tymfristos, Agrafa and Oiti, rise to over 2,000 metres above sea level. Visitors are sure to be impressed by their scenic diversity, with their pristine nature and the picturesque villages dotting their foothills.

Aside from its rich cultural heritage, Central Greece is also blessed with incredible natural beauty. With its imposing mountains split by rivers that pass through Evrytania – the Acheloos and its two tributaries, the Agrafiotis and the Tavropos – and empty into Lake Kremasta, an impressive Bouzonikos Gorge, ideal for hiking and trekking, the verdant forests of Oiti and Pavliani, the vital wetlands of the Spercheios river delta, or Lake Dystos on Evia, which has been recognised as a “Special Protection Area” and a “Natura” biotope, the Region of Central Greece is an ideal destination year-round, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in authentic natural beauty.

Central Greece has a wealth of choices for autumn and winter tourism, with activities such as rock climbing and skiing. Spring is when the local nature is in full bloom, but the region is also an excellent choice for summer holidays: its beaches on the mainland, such as Aghios Nikolaos in Boeotia, Monastiraki in Phocis, and its island beaches, such as Pefkos on Skyros, with its azure waters, or Megali Ammos at Marmari in southern Evia and Lichadonisia in northern Evia, just to name a few, are sure to impress even the most demanding of visitors.

Hikers through the region’s enchanting natural landscapes will find plenty of opportunities to sample exceptional local products and dishes bursting with flavour. The land is highly fertile, supporting extensive livestock farming as well as producing such delectable products as “konservolia” black olives, a wide variety of choice wines – for which the Region is famous – and dairy products such as katiki from Domokos, formaela from Arachova and touloumotyri from Karystos, not to mention fruits such as Kymi Figs, all of which are sure to please. The local cuisine is especially well known for its various pies – filled with cheese or greens, wrapped in phyllo dough or cooked with flour batter –, tyropitaria from Evia and kserotigana from Skyros, as well as its wide variety of spit-roasted or grilled meats, such as kontosouvli, kokoretsi, pork and lamb chops, and the local varieties of pasta and egg noodles. Local confections include syrupy sweets, spoon sweets, marmalades, as well as more unique recipes such as Semolina Cake with rice from Galaxidi.