Xionodromika

Fokida, Zentralgriechenland

Fokida


Νομός Φωκίδας, Κεντρική Ελλάδα

Seat of the prefecture: Amfissa
The main areas of the prefecture are: Amfissa, Galaxidi, Gravia, Delfi, Itea.

The prefecture of Fokida occupies the central part of the region of Central Greece. It borders to the north with the prefecture of Fthiotida, to the west with the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania, to the east with the prefecture of Viotia, while to the south it is bathed by Corinthiakos Gulf.

The prefecture of Fokida presents a significant tourist interest, thanks to its important archaeological sites, the interesting historical monuments and the wonderfully laced coastline. The interest of visitors attract the world famous archaeological site of Delfi and the beautiful town of Galaxidi. Also worth touring in the prefecture are the picturesque mountain villages, surrounded by forests.

Fokida Map

The town of Amfissa, seat of the prefecture, is a picturesque town amphitheatrically built on the foothills of Elatos Mountain, on the edge of a vast expanse of olive tree groves. It is the commercial and financial hub of the prefecture, preserving at the same time its traditional character.

Among the interesting sights of the town are the castle of Oria with remnants representative of all old architectural rhythms, the Byzantine cathedral of Evangelistria with murals by the famous painter Spyros Papaloukas, the Byzantine church of Sotiros, the houses of the Greek Revolution leaders Dyovouniotis and Panourgias and the so called „Lykotrypa„, a tomb of the Mycenaean period carved in rock. Amfissa also has an Archaeological Museum and a Folk art Museum with interesting exhibits, as well as a Municipal Library and a Municipal Paintings Gallery.

Galaxidi is a historical and picturesque town by the sea. It has played an important role in the Greek Revolution, as the captains from Galaxidi owned one of the strongest fleets of merchant ships, which could be easily converted to warships. The little picturesque harbour and the countless mansions and churches give a special character to the town. Galaxidi has been declared a preserved traditional settlement owing its special character to the architectural style of the mansions of the sea-faring captains, called „Kapetanospita“. In Galaxidi, among others, you can visit the church of Agios Nikolaos where you can see its great wood-carved chancel screen, the church of Agia Paraskevi with the sundial, the Byzantine monastery of Sotiros, the Marine Museum, the Folk Arts Museum, the picturesque stately homes of the captains and the old stone-built aqueduct of the 15th century. Take a swim at the beautiful beaches and try the local fresh-fish taverns.

Gravia is a village known for the historical battle of May 8, 1821. The Greek army leader Odysseus Androutsos and his fighters fought against the Turkish army of Omer Vryonis, trying to stop his march into Peloponnese. The anniversary of the fight is celebrated in the first half of May with phantasmagoric celebrations. In Gravia you can see the statue of Odysseus Androutsos, the recently restored historical inn (where the fight took place), the important monastery of Kimissi Theotokou, and the local museum in Kastelli housing archaeological finds, icons, manuscripts and local traditional costumes.

The archaeological area of Delfi is one of the most important poles of attraction of tourists to Greece, but also a pole of attraction for Greek tourists. The village of Delfi is built in the area where the greatest cultural and religious centre of the ancient world was founded. Its amphitheatrical location on the slope of Parnassos Mountain offers a great panoramic view. Ancient Greeks believed Delfi was the place where Earth touches the Divine, the centre of Earth.

The most important monuments in the archaeological site of Delphi are: The Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Altar of the Chians, the Stoa of the Athenians, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Castalian spring, the Tholos, the Polygonal Wall and the Gymnasium. In the area there are many hotels of all types, cafés, traditional taverns and restaurants catering to the needs of visitors.
Galaxidi – Delphi

Itea is a beautiful town by the sea. Here the Easter is celebrated in a traditional way, with lambs on the spit all over the town. In the summer you can enjoy the sun and the sea on the great beaches Trokadero and Miami, both awarded with a Blue Flag, as well as on the beaches of Xenia Hotel and Evangelistria.

Close to the mainland lies the island Trizonia, the largest of the Corinthian Gulf with the Venetian castle as its most important landmark. It is worth noting that cars are not allowed on the island.

Other areas with sights, monuments and archaeological areas are: Agoriani, Eratini, Kirra, Lidoriki, Polydroso, Xrysso.

In Fokida, with the great historical and archaeological interest, visitors travel back to the glorious past of the area. You should come and enjoy moments of quiet and relaxation in its beautiful seaside resort towns. Get out of the ordinary and have a unique vacation.

How to get there

By bus: There is regular bus service with KTEL busses from Athens to Amfissa, Itea, Delfi, and Galaxidi. Also, from Patras and Thessalonica to Amfissa.

By car: You can get to Amfissa by car:

The distance from Athens is 204km.
The distance from Thessalonica is 362km.
The distance from Patras is 118km.

By Ferry: There is daily ferry service from Aegio to Agios Nikolaos.

Fokida Photos

Fokida Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Amfissa Municipality
22653 50000-16
Amfissa Bus Station
22650 28226
Amfissa Hospital
22650 22222, 28400
Athens Bus Station
210 8317096
Amfissa Police Station
22650 28623
Amfissa Taxi Station
22650 28600
Amfissa Traffic Police
22650 28221
Amfissa Archaelogical Museum
22650 23344
Amfissa Fire Brigade
22650 28199
Amfissa Folklore Museum
22650 28102
Aigio Port Authority
26910 28888
Delphi Tourist Police
22650 82220