Where is the Central Region of Greece?
The Central Region of Greece is bordered by the Thessaly Region to the north; the Aegean Sea to the east; the Attica Region to the southeast; the Corinthian Gulf and the Peloponnese Region to the south; and the Western Region to the west.
This region includes the island of Evia (or Euboea) which is second in size to Crete; as well as the island of Skyros (which is part of Evia).
The capital of the Central region is Lamia.
The five main areas of the Central Region of Greece are:
– Boeotia
– Evia (Euboea)
– Evrytania
– Phocis
– Phthiotis
The most populated cities are:
Thebes; Livadeia; Chalcis; Lamia; Karpenisi; Nea Artaki; Amfissa.
What does the Central Region of Greece have to offer?
There are two airports:
– Skyros (domestic)
– Kopaida (small, great for gliding, sky diving)
And nine ports:
– Marmari (Evia)
– Chalkida
– Stylida
– Arkitsa
– Glyfa (Fthiotida)
– Itea
– Galaxidi (Fokida)
– San Nicolas
– Thisvi (Viotia)
Agriculture/Products
– Cotton
– Tobacco
– Tomatoes
– Cereal Crops
– Pasta (Boeotia is the home of the third largest pasta factory in Europe)
– Olive Oil
– Vegetables
– Livestock Husbandry
– Fish and Aquaculture
– Wineries and Vineyards
Cheese
Look for a beautiful fresh white cheese (resembling cottage cheese) called Katiki, made specifically in the village of Domokos. The Parnassos feta and the Arachova formaela cheese are some of the best cheeses in the country.
Cuisine and Restaurants
Restaurants offer local meats such as mutton kontosouvli, kokoretsi, as well as homemade pies, cabbage rolls, homemade taglierini pasta, and trahana.
– Arachova Restaurants
– Boeotia Restaurants
– Evrytania Restaurants
– Lamia Restaurants
– Phocis Restaurants
– Phthiotis Restaurants
Skiing
Greece is known for its beautiful islands and beaches, but few people realize that it also has some gorgeous mountain ranges. It is a great destination for a skiing holiday, and has many ski resorts that offer ski runs with various levels of difficulty.
The Central Region is home to the biggest ski resort in Greece – Parnassos Ski Center. About a two hour drive from Athens, Parnassos Ski Center is visually beautiful, as you are able to see the Gulf of Corinth as well as the Evian Gulf from many parts of the resort.
Velouchi Ski Resort is four hours from Athens, located in the area of Evrytania. The bonus to skiing here is being able to visit Karpenisi, a beautiful little mountain town with great cafes and restaurants.
The Island of Evia (Euboea)
The island of Evia is 62 km (38 miles) from Athens, and the second largest island in Greece after Crete. The island is so big that it takes about five hours to drive the length of it. Therefore, it’s wise to know what part of the island you want to visit.
If you want to visit southern Evia, the ferry from Rafina will take you to the town of Marmari. There are also several small ferries that run back and forth to the town of Nea Styra from the port of Agia Marina. If you want to visit northern Evia, it’s best to take the National Road and then the ferry to Edipsos.
Evia is a popular destination for visitors looking for a quieter vacation. It is also a very popular getaway for Greeks – in particular the town of Nea Styra, where there are many summer homes owned by Athenians.
That is not to say that there are a lack of things to do in Evia. It offers a mix of mountains, agriculture, industry, hot springs, healing centers (Edipsos), large towns, and quaint little villages. This island also has an interesting history, such as the mysterious Dragon Houses which to this day have yet to be understood.
If you’re looking for beaches, there are many to discover:
Agios Dimitrios Beach; Chiliadou Beach; Kalamos Beach; Korasida Beach; Metoxi Beach; Mourteri Beach; Pefki Beach; and Thapsa Beach.
Evia’s (Euboea) Restaurants are plentiful, and offer dishes like lamb with pasta and homemade sausages. Coastal villages have access to the fishermen’s daily catch, and specialize in fresh fish and seafood dishes like octopus in wine sauce or spaghetti with lobster.
The Island of Skyros
Skyros has a rich history and an interesting cultural heritage. It is the largest and most southern of the Sporades islands that includes Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. However, the municipality is part of the regional unit of Evia.
Most visitors get to Skyros by making their way to the port of Kymi (on Evia), which has regularly scheduled ferry sailings to the island. Or they take a half hour flight from Athens over to the island.
Skyros is mountainous in the north, and barren in the south – with poor (mostly dirt) roads particularly in the south. Hotels and self-catering studios do exist, but there aren’t that many (tourism beds number only about 1,000). This limited amount of tourist activity makes for a more traditional type of Greek island.
Skyros is known for some beautiful beaches, such as:
Molos Beach; Magazia Beach; Gyrismata Beach; Atsitsa Beach; Agios Fokas Beach; Pefkos Beach; Acherounes Beach, and Aspous Beach.
When it comes to food, almost everything is produced locally and is, for the most part, all organic. Skyros’ restaurants offer some of the best food any of the islands have to offer.
This island is known for its lobster pasta, and during the summer months, you can take a boat to one of the nearby beaches and have the lobster pasta made for you on board.
History
Located on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus is one of the most famous historical sites in Greece. The archaeological site of Delphi was the home of the Greek god Apollo, the son of Zeus. Apollo was known as the god of music, poetry, dance, archery, light, truth, healing, knowledge, and harmony.
According to Greek mythology, the slope of Mount Parnassus was guarded for hundreds of years by a giant serpent called Python. After killing the serpent, Apollo took Delphi over as his own sanctuary (now known as the Sanctuary of Apollo).
This UNESCO site was also where the Pythia (or Oracle of Delphi) held court – a high priestess who could channel prophecies from Apollo while he was in a trance-like state.
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See some of our Central Region recipes here.
Do you have a recipe from this region that you love? Share it with us!