Viotia or Boetia is a Prefecture located in central Greece. Viotia’s capital is Livadeia and Thebes is its next largest city. Viotia lies just north of Attica. The landscape in Viotia includes the Parnitha ranges in the southwest and a mining district in the southeast. There are mountainous areas in the south and the west. Mount Parnassus, Viotia’s ski resort is located in the western region. The climate in Viotia is typically mild during winter and hot during the summer. In the mountainous or higher areas, temperatures turn quite a bit colder during the winter, and cooler in summer.
Viotia’s capital, Livadeia, is built between two hills on the sides of a gorge. The springs of Erkina run through the gorge, and on top of the hill, Profitis Ilias, you will find a wonderfully preserved medieval castle from the 14th century. Livadeia is credited with being the site of the famous Oracle of Zeus Trofonios. Easter in Livadeia is celebrated with festivals in the Livadeian tradition. The entire township comes out for an open air barbecue and spitted lamb and kebabs are served, along with red wine made locally. Folk dancing and music carries the celebration well into the night.
Arhova is a mountainous town that has seen little change from modern development. It sits at an altitude of 940 meters, and the homes are built up the slopes of Mt. Parnassos. It sits above the valley where a river flows to Livadeia and the Cephissus River below.
Local inhabitants create beautiful handmade rugs and bags, and the local cuisine and tavernas are very popular. St. George’s day is celebrated in Arhova each year on april 23rd. The celebration endures for three days and includes men dressed in local costume racing, followed by a feast on roast lamb. Just 10km east is Distomo, where you can view rare and important archaeological finds. The monastery of Ossios Loukas holds mosaics and frescoes from the 11th century, thought to be some of the finest in Greece.
In Chaironia you will find many archaeological interests. Among them is the birthplace of Plutarch, near the battlefield where Philip of Macedonia defeated allied forces from other Greek states in 338 BC. The site of the battlefield was discovered in 1818, along the with Lion of Chaironia The Lion of Chaironia, an almost 20 foot tall symbol of bravery and courage, lies at Chaironia’s entrance. The ruins of the acropolis and theatre are near this spot.
The Byzantine Church of Dormition of the Virgin from the 9th century is found in Orhomenos, as well as the Mycenaean tomb, the Treasury of Minyes. The trout prepared in Orhomenos is well known throughout Greece as one of its most delicious locally prepared dishes.
In the city of Thebes, you will find many other archaeological interests. Thebes is said to have been the birthplace of Hercules. Oedipus is another hero of Thebes, and is known as one of mythology’s most tragic heroes. Also be sure to visit the remains of the Cadmea, the central fortress of ancient Thebes.
Just 18 kilometers from Thebes is Plataiai and Lefktra. Thebes also lies very close to Vathi, where the ruins of ancient Avlida is found. Avlida is the spot where Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to the goddess Artemis.
While you are in the area, be certain to visit the beautiful beaches of Distomo, Andikira, Vathi, and Sarandi Beach, where you fill find lovely sand or pebbles. All the beaches in this area are beautifully clean, and offer wonderful clear sea water.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Fthiotida Greece
Fthiotida offers a beautiful and scenic retreat year round that caters to every taste. In a land of beautiful majestic mountains, and clean, sandy beaches, Fthiotida is a picturesque destination located in central Greece. Fthiotida is well known for its beautiful summer resorts and mountain villages covered in oak trees, as well as the modern ski resorts and the many facets of Greek history scattered around the region. There are also many thermal springs that are equipped with tourism possibilities.
In Lamia you will view the pine covered slopes of Mt. Othris lying very near the Sperhios River. A Frankish castle sits above on a hillside, dominating the city from the stones of an ancient acropolis. On a separate hillside sit’s the 18th century church of Agios Loukas with a majestic view of the Maliac Gulf. A museum in Lamia holds a fabulous collection of Classical and Hellenistic archaeological pottery, sculpture, and statues.
Just 18 kilometers of Lamia lies Thermopylae. Here you will find the statue of Leonidas and the cenotaph of his 300 Spartans from the battle in 480 BC. Thermal springs bubble nearby, and just 3km away is the historic bridge of Alamana.
To the north is another very popular resort/spa called Kamena Vourla. This resort is well known for its healing waters and typical Mediterranean climate. Coastal towns in this region are well known for their beautiful beaches and fresh fish dishes, prepared in a true authentic Fthiotidan style.
Another wonderful and popular beach is at Livanates, where you will also find the Church of Agios Theodoros. Close by at the coastal Theologos you will find Martino, famous for its delectable myzithra cheese, which is quite similar to ricotta.
Just west of Lamia is Ipati. Ipati is one of the most significant historical towns found in central Greece. It is built on the slopes of Mt. Oiti, and offers visitors a panoramic view of the beautiful sea below. Just 7 kilometers from Ipati lies the Moni Agathonos, a 15th century monastery. The Museum of Oiti Natural History is found here, also.
Other places of interest in Fthiotida include the thermal springs of Platystomo, and Domokis, which offers a beautiful view over the Thessaly valley. The coastal town of Stilida, fishing areas of Karavomilos and Achladi, and the beautiful beaches of Pelasgia and Glifa are very popular also.
Pelasgia is another wonderful place to consider visiting while in Fthiotida. Ruins just outside the village are believed to be the remains of the ancient Larisa Kremaste, which was a settlement that dates back to the 4th or 5th century BC, during Byzantine times. The wall boundaries are still highly visible, and mosaics from an early Christian basilica are a wonderful sight to see just a short distance away by the shoreline. This ancient settlement was mentioned in Homer in connection with an ancient tribe, known as the Pelasgians, from which the modern village derived its name.
Elateia is also very worth a visit. Here you will find the Agora, a temple of Asclepius that contains a beardless statue of the god. There is also a theater and an ancient brazen statue of Athena. This ancient city was repeatedly destroyed throughout history and was subject to several earthquakes. Many excavation sites have not been successful due to these problems, with the exception of the temple of Athena. Inhabitation of this valley is dated as far back as 6000 BC.
In Lamia you will view the pine covered slopes of Mt. Othris lying very near the Sperhios River. A Frankish castle sits above on a hillside, dominating the city from the stones of an ancient acropolis. On a separate hillside sit’s the 18th century church of Agios Loukas with a majestic view of the Maliac Gulf. A museum in Lamia holds a fabulous collection of Classical and Hellenistic archaeological pottery, sculpture, and statues.
Just 18 kilometers of Lamia lies Thermopylae. Here you will find the statue of Leonidas and the cenotaph of his 300 Spartans from the battle in 480 BC. Thermal springs bubble nearby, and just 3km away is the historic bridge of Alamana.
To the north is another very popular resort/spa called Kamena Vourla. This resort is well known for its healing waters and typical Mediterranean climate. Coastal towns in this region are well known for their beautiful beaches and fresh fish dishes, prepared in a true authentic Fthiotidan style.
Another wonderful and popular beach is at Livanates, where you will also find the Church of Agios Theodoros. Close by at the coastal Theologos you will find Martino, famous for its delectable myzithra cheese, which is quite similar to ricotta.
Just west of Lamia is Ipati. Ipati is one of the most significant historical towns found in central Greece. It is built on the slopes of Mt. Oiti, and offers visitors a panoramic view of the beautiful sea below. Just 7 kilometers from Ipati lies the Moni Agathonos, a 15th century monastery. The Museum of Oiti Natural History is found here, also.
Other places of interest in Fthiotida include the thermal springs of Platystomo, and Domokis, which offers a beautiful view over the Thessaly valley. The coastal town of Stilida, fishing areas of Karavomilos and Achladi, and the beautiful beaches of Pelasgia and Glifa are very popular also.
Pelasgia is another wonderful place to consider visiting while in Fthiotida. Ruins just outside the village are believed to be the remains of the ancient Larisa Kremaste, which was a settlement that dates back to the 4th or 5th century BC, during Byzantine times. The wall boundaries are still highly visible, and mosaics from an early Christian basilica are a wonderful sight to see just a short distance away by the shoreline. This ancient settlement was mentioned in Homer in connection with an ancient tribe, known as the Pelasgians, from which the modern village derived its name.
Elateia is also very worth a visit. Here you will find the Agora, a temple of Asclepius that contains a beardless statue of the god. There is also a theater and an ancient brazen statue of Athena. This ancient city was repeatedly destroyed throughout history and was subject to several earthquakes. Many excavation sites have not been successful due to these problems, with the exception of the temple of Athena. Inhabitation of this valley is dated as far back as 6000 BC.
Evia Island
Evia, also known as Euboea, is the second largest of the Greek Islands, after Crete. It is separated from the very close mainland of Greece by the Gulf of Euboea and the Evripos Straits. It is long and narrow and seahorse shaped. If you are viewing Evia on a map, you may not realize that it is actually an island, you may, instead think that it is part of the mainland. Evia is connected to Mainland Greece via an iron bridge, there are also ferries, buses, and a railway for transports.
Evia is believed to have once been part of the mainland, and separated from it by an earthquake. Due to the fact that it lies in close proximity to a fault line, this belief has been deemed probable.
A main highway and ferries from many terminals provide transportation to the island, which is the center of attraction for tourists seeking natural beauty. Evia offers many towns alive with tourism or peaceful smaller villages that have maintained their ancient culture and traditions. Mountain climbers are amazed at the wooded mountainsides ripe for climbing. Other visitors simply lounge around on one of the many beautiful and peaceful beaches.
Halkida is Evia Island’s capital, and is the perfect starting place to explore the island in entirety. The roadway from Halkida to Eretria takes you past the Malakonta beach which is a tourist favorite, and then passes through the Vassiliko village which boasts a distinctive local color and a beautiful Venetian tower. The shoreline settlements of defiant and Kambos lies very close to this spot.
Heading south from here will take you to Karistos, which is overgrown with pinewoods and where fossils of prehistoric species have been found. Heading north from Halkida will land you in Steni Dirfios, which has maintained its traditional character and offers a wonderful starting point for a climb to the alpine rest hut.
Also located in Evia is Limni, a very charming township that is rumored to be the site of ancient Elimnion, where the wedding of Zeus to Hera was performed. The ancient temple, however, was destroyed long ago by an earthquake. Sights to be seen include the early Christian Church’s mosaics, the chapel of Zoodochos Pighi, and the Galataki convent, which was built over the site of an ancient temple of Poseidon, and is now occupied by nuns. The monastery of Osiou David geronta contains frescoes from the 17th century.
Artemision is a cape that looks across the straits to Mt. Pelion. Ancient history has linked it to the goddess Artemis who is believed to have gone there hunting. The remains of a temple found there are dedicated to Artemis. You will also find the churches of Agio Paraskevi and Agios Georgios here.
Pefki is north of Artemision, and is situated in a pine forest, offset by a beautiful serene beach. Just a bit from here will take you to Istiea, where legend says the sacred bulls of the goddess Hera grazed. Its port, Orei, offers a Frankish fortress which separates Istiea into two separate parts. On the west side, castle ruins can be seen. There is also a Byzantine church.
In Chalcis the bays are so confined that they have been said to give credentials to the legend of Agamemnon’s fleet having been detained there by high winds. Where the strait is at its most narrow in Chalcis, it is called the Euripus. The highly unique changing of the tides in this area have been notably recorded since the ancient ages. At one moment the current may run like a river in a single direction, and the next moment sees it running with the same force in the other direction. In the twenty first year of the Peloponnesian War, 410 BC, a bridge was constructed across this passage.
Evia is believed to have once been part of the mainland, and separated from it by an earthquake. Due to the fact that it lies in close proximity to a fault line, this belief has been deemed probable.
A main highway and ferries from many terminals provide transportation to the island, which is the center of attraction for tourists seeking natural beauty. Evia offers many towns alive with tourism or peaceful smaller villages that have maintained their ancient culture and traditions. Mountain climbers are amazed at the wooded mountainsides ripe for climbing. Other visitors simply lounge around on one of the many beautiful and peaceful beaches.
Halkida is Evia Island’s capital, and is the perfect starting place to explore the island in entirety. The roadway from Halkida to Eretria takes you past the Malakonta beach which is a tourist favorite, and then passes through the Vassiliko village which boasts a distinctive local color and a beautiful Venetian tower. The shoreline settlements of defiant and Kambos lies very close to this spot.
Heading south from here will take you to Karistos, which is overgrown with pinewoods and where fossils of prehistoric species have been found. Heading north from Halkida will land you in Steni Dirfios, which has maintained its traditional character and offers a wonderful starting point for a climb to the alpine rest hut.
Also located in Evia is Limni, a very charming township that is rumored to be the site of ancient Elimnion, where the wedding of Zeus to Hera was performed. The ancient temple, however, was destroyed long ago by an earthquake. Sights to be seen include the early Christian Church’s mosaics, the chapel of Zoodochos Pighi, and the Galataki convent, which was built over the site of an ancient temple of Poseidon, and is now occupied by nuns. The monastery of Osiou David geronta contains frescoes from the 17th century.
Artemision is a cape that looks across the straits to Mt. Pelion. Ancient history has linked it to the goddess Artemis who is believed to have gone there hunting. The remains of a temple found there are dedicated to Artemis. You will also find the churches of Agio Paraskevi and Agios Georgios here.
Pefki is north of Artemision, and is situated in a pine forest, offset by a beautiful serene beach. Just a bit from here will take you to Istiea, where legend says the sacred bulls of the goddess Hera grazed. Its port, Orei, offers a Frankish fortress which separates Istiea into two separate parts. On the west side, castle ruins can be seen. There is also a Byzantine church.
In Chalcis the bays are so confined that they have been said to give credentials to the legend of Agamemnon’s fleet having been detained there by high winds. Where the strait is at its most narrow in Chalcis, it is called the Euripus. The highly unique changing of the tides in this area have been notably recorded since the ancient ages. At one moment the current may run like a river in a single direction, and the next moment sees it running with the same force in the other direction. In the twenty first year of the Peloponnesian War, 410 BC, a bridge was constructed across this passage.
Piraeus Greece
Piraeus is the third largest city in Greece in terms of population, and because Piraeus’ commercial harbour is one of the Mediterranean’s most important. Piraeus is also Europe’s largest port in terms of passenger transportation, and the third largest port in the world. It is the terminus for the electric train service that is incorporated into the Athens Metro, the Line 1.
In medieval times, Piraeus was known as Porto Leone. It’s name was given because of a huge stone lion that guarded the entrance to the port.
When you visit Piraeus, you can walk around the central harbor which is shared by cargo and passengers from all over the world. The Kastella offers a beautiful view of the Saronic Gulf from atop a glorious hill covered with houses. Also plan to visit the Municipal Theatre which was built in the 1880s and dominates one of the city’s central squares.
The Monastiraki of Piraeus is a flea market where you can find wonderful bargains each Sunday.
The Maritime Museum offers exhibits of Greek Naval history that date back to at least 3,000 years.
Athens
Athens
Athens is the capital city, as well as the largest city in Greece. The history of Athens goes back at least 3,000 years. Athens was host to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Athens has many sights to offer including the Parthenon on the Acropolis, which serves as a landmark of western civilization. There are also a number of Roman and Byzantine monuments standing in Athens. Athens offers sunshine nearly every day, and access to beautiful beaches and scenic islands. Modern Athens is a metropolis of activity for visitors. From shopping to dining, there are many ways to enjoy the traditional Greek heritage in Athens. Due to its large number of four and five star hotels, Athens is currently the sixth most visited capital city in all the world. Planning a visit to Athens is planning a trip back in time to an era when gods and mystical creatures traveled the world, and the first Olympic Games were held in the 700’s B.C.
Embasies
(Phone Code 0030)
UNITED NATIONS INFO. CENTRE Amalias Ave. 36 Athens 01 5230640, 01 5230462
ALBANIA Karachristou St. 1 Athens 01 7234412
ALGERIA Eratosthenous St. 1 Athens 01 7264191-3
ARGENTINA Vas.Sofias Ave. 59 Athens 01 7224753, 01 7224710
ARMENIA Singrou Ave. 159 Athens 01 9318100
AUSTRALIA D.Soutsou 37 Athens 01 6450404
AUSTRIA Alexandras Ave. 26 Athens 01 8257230, 01 8257240
BANGLADESH Akti Miaouli 81 Pireas 01 4283315-7
BELGIUM Sekeri St. 3 Athens 01 3617886-7, 01 3600314
BELIZE Kifissias Ave. 62B Maroussi 01 6199200, 01 6182000
BOLIVIA Filonos St. 86 Pireas 01 4295206-8
BRAZIL Filikis Etairias Sq. 14 Kolonaki 01 7213039, 01 7234450
BULGARIA Stratigou Kalari St. 33A Psihiko 01 6748105-8
CAMEROON Kifissias Ave. 180-182 Neo Psihiko 01 6724415
CANADA I.Genadiou St. 4 Athens 01 7273400
CHAD Alimou Ave. 114 Argiroupoli 01 9916523, 01 9922774
CHILE Vas.Sofias Ave. 25 Athens 01 7292647
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP) Krinon St. 2A Psihiko 01 6723282-3
COLOMBIA Vrassida St. 3 Ilissia 01 7231420
COSTA RICA Gr.Lambraki St. 4 Glifada 01 9680620-1
CROATIA Tzavela St. 4 Psihiko 01 6777049, 01 6777059, 01 6777033
CUBA Sofokleous St. 5 Filothei 01 6852276, 01 6855550
CYPRUS Herodotou St. 16 Athens 01 7237883, 7232727
CZECH REPUBLIC Seferi St. 6 Psihiko 01 6710675
DENMARK Vas. Sofias Ave. 11 Athens 01 3608315-6
DENMARK Akti Posidonos 26 Pireas 01 4225000
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Evrou St. 23 Athens 01 7784381
ECUADOR Sotiros St. 6 Pireas 01 4223800-4
EGYPT (ARAB REP. OF) Vas. Sofias Ave. 3 Athens 01 3618612-3
EGYPT (ARAB REP. OF) Zalokosta St. 1 Athens 01 3618612 ,01 3621905
EL SALVADOR Sarantaporou St. 22 Kifissia 01 8077531
ESTONIA Patriarchou Ioakim St. 48-50 Athens 01 7229803
ETHIOPIA Dimokritou St. 5 Athens 01 3610766
FINLAND Eratosthenous St. 1 Athens 01 7519795
FRANCE Vas. Sofias Ave. 7 Athens 01 7297700
FRANCE Vas. Konstantinou Ave. 5 Athens 01 7290154-6
FYROM (LIAISON OFFICE) Marathonodromon St. 13 Psihiko 01 6749585
GABON REPUBLIC Aristidou St. 1 Athens 01 3541361
GERMANY Karaoli Dimitriou St. 3 Athens 01 7285111
GEORGIA Michalakopoulou St. 85 Athens 01 7289180-1
GUATEMALA 2nd Merarhias Stratou St. 3 Pireas 01 4138103 (AMFITRION TRAVEL)
GUINEA (CONAKRY) Pireos St. 226 Tavros 01 3423500-5
GUINEA (EQUATORIAL) Pilou 10, Paleo Faliro 01 6712737
HAITI Dimokritou St. 5 Athens 01 3610766
HONDURAS Vas. Sofias Ave. 86 Athens 01 7775802
HUNGARY Kalvou St. 16 Psihiko 01 6725337, 01 6723753
ICELAND Papanastassiou 60 & Kalari St. Psihiko 01 6726154,
INDIA Kleanthous St. 3 Athens 01 7216227, 01 7216481
INDONESIA REPUBLIC Marathonodromon St., Psichiko 01 6712737
IRAN (THE ISLAMIC REP.) Stratigou Kalari St. 16 Psihiko 01 6741937
IRAQ Mazaraki St. 4 Psihiko 01 6749690, 01 6722330
IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou Ave. 7 Athens 01 7232771-2
ISRAEL Marathonodromon St. 1 Psihiko 01 6719530-1
ITALY Sekeri St. 2 Athens 01 3617260
ITALY Meandrou St. 19 Ilissia 01 7239045, 01 7249117
JAPAN Messoghion Ave. 2-4 Athens 01 7758101-2
JAPAN Vas. Sofias Ave. 64 Athens 01 7233732
JORDAN P.Zervou St. 30 Psihiko 01 6744161
KUWAIT Marathonodromon St 27 Psihiko 01 6743593-5
LATVIA (LETONIA) Akti Posidonos 24 Pireas 01 4123138, 01 4177603
LEBANON 25 Martiou St. 6 Psihiko 01 6755873-4
LIBERIA Efplias St. 2 Pireas 01 4183191-3
LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA Vironos St 13 Psihiko 01 6742120, 01 6742122
LITHUANIA Vas. Sofias Ave. 49 Athens 01 7294356
LUXEMBOURG Skoufa St. 11-13 Athens 01 3640040
LUXEMBOURG Tzavella St. 42C Psihiko 01 6721891
MADAGASCAR DEM.REP. Dimitressa St. 18 Athens 01 7242845
MALAYSIA Alimou St. 114 Argiroupoli 01 9922774
MALTA Efplias St. 2 Pireas 01 4185715-6
MAURITIUS Ê.Tsatsou St. 4 Athens 01 3246257
MEXICO Filikis Eterias Sqr. 14 Kolonaki 01 7294780-5
MOROCCO Mousson St. 14 Psihiko 01 6744209-10
NEPAL Irodotou St. 8 Psihiko 01 7220165
NETHERLANDS Vas.Konstantinou Ave. 5-7, Athens 01 7239701-4
NEW ZEALAND Kifissias Ave. 268, Chalandri 01 6874701
NORWAY Vas. Sofias Ave. 23 Athens 01 7246173
NORWAY Akti Miaouli 91 Pireas 01 4290780-9
PAKISTAN Loukianou St. 6 Athens 01 7290122
PANAMA Praxitelous St. 192 Pireas 01 4286441-7
PARAGUAY Alopekis St. 2 Athens 01 7249511-5
PERU Vas. Sofias Ave. 105-107 Athens 01 6411221, 01 6411321
PHILIPPINES Antheon St. 26 Psihiko 01 6721837, 01 6721883
POLAND (REP.OF) Chrissanthemon 22 Psihiko 01 6775740-1
PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias Ave. 23 Athens 01 7290096, 01 7290052, 01 7257505
ROMANIA Em. Benaki St. 7 Psihiko 01 6728875-6
RUSSIAN FEDERATION Nikiforou Litra St. 28 Psihiko 01 6726130,
SAUDI ARABIA Marathonodromon St. 71 Psihiko 01 6716911-3
SENEGAL Akti Miaouli 87 Pireas 01 4597000
SINGAPORE Kifissias Ave. 10-12 Maroussi 01 6834875
SLOVAKIA REPUBLIC Georgiou Seferi St. 4 Psihiko 01 6776757-8
SLOVENIA REPUBLIC Mavili St. 10 Psihiko 01 6775683-5
SOUTH AFRICA Kifissias Ave. 60 Maroussi 01 6806645-9, 01 6106645
SPAIN Dionissiou Areopaghitou St. 21 Áthens 01 9213123
SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou Ave. 7 Athens 01 7290421
SWITZERLAND Iassiou St. 2 Athens 01 7230364-6
SYRIAN ARAB REP. Diamantidou St. 61 Athens 01 6711604
TAIWAN Marathonodromon Ave. 57 Athens 01 6876750, 01 6776750
THAILAND Taigetou St. 23 Psihiko 01 6710155, 01 6749065
TOGO Filellinon St. 7 Athens 01 6207200
TUNISIA Anthenon & Marathonos St. 2 Halandri 01 6717590, 01 6749791
TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B St. 8 Athens 01 7245915-7
TURKEY Vas. Paulou St. 22 Psihiko 01 6714828
UKRAINE Delta St. 2-4 Filothei 01 6856172
UNITED KINGDOM Ploutarhou St. 1 Athens 01 7272600
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Vas. Sofias Ave. 91 Athens 01 7212951-9, 01 7218401
URUGUAY Likavitou St. 1C Athens 01 3613549
VATICAN Mavili St. 2 Athens 01 6743598
VENEZUELA Vas. Sofias Ave. 112 Athens 01 7709962, 01 7708769
YEMEN REPUBLIC Patission St. 9 Athens 01 5246324, 01 5220623
YUGOSLAVUA Vas. Sofias Ave. 106 Athens 01 7774355
ZAIRE Ariadnis St. 2 Filothei 01 6776706
EUROPEAN COMMISION Vas. Sofias Ave. 2 Athens 01 7272100UNITED NATIONS INFO. CENTRE Amalias Ave. 36 Athens 01 5230640, 01 5230462
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