Villages & Towns🏘️

Delphi: The Historic Capital

Delphi is world-renowned as the center of the ancient world, but today it is also a modern town that serves as the Historic Capital of Phocis. It hosts the Oracle of Delphi, the most important oracle of ancient Greece, and one of the top archaeological sites in the world. It is located on the southwestern slopes of Parnassus, offering stunning views of the olive grove and the Corinthian Gulf.

Amfissa: The Capital

Amfissa is the capital of the Regional Unit of Phocis and its largest city. It is located at the northern end of the famous Crissaean Plain, the vast olive grove that stretches to the sea, at the foot of Gkiona and with Parnassus to the east. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, it was an important city-state in antiquity. During the Frankish and Ottoman periods, it was known as Salona, and the Castle of Salona (or Castle of Oria) dominates above the city, testifying to its important role in the 1821 Revolution. Besides the castle, the picturesque old tanners' quarter, Harmaina, stands out, retaining its traditional character.

Itea: The Port of Amfissa

Itea is the second largest city in Phocis and an important seaside center and port. Built on the Crissaean Gulf of the Corinthian, it serves as the port of Amfissa and Delphi. It has a modern commercial port and marina. It harmoniously combines mountain and sea, with Gkiona and Parnassus as a backdrop, and views towards Galaxidi.

Galaxidi: The Noble Maritime City

Galaxidi is one of the most picturesque and historic towns in Greece, with a strong maritime tradition. Built on a natural double harbor, it stands out for its 19th-century mansions, which testify to the wealth of the era when it had a significant commercial fleet. The town is located on the site of ancient Oiantheia and played a leading role in shipping and the 1821 Revolution. It features the important Maritime and Historical Museum of Galaxidi and is known for the unique carnival custom of 'Alevromoutzouromata'.

Lidoriki: The Heart of Dorida

Lidoriki is the historic seat of the Municipality of Dorida, on the western side of Phocis. It is built in a mountainous environment, near Lake Mornos, the largest artificial lake in Greece, which offers a landscape of special beauty. It serves as the administrative and economic center for the mountainous area of Dorida.

Mountains🏔️

Gkiona

Gkiona is the highest mountain in Central Greece and the fifth highest in Greece, with its peak, Pyramid, reaching 2,510 meters. It has a strong alpine character and is located in the center of the region, between Parnassus and Vardousia. In antiquity, it was known as Aselinon Oros. It features impressive cliffs and the famous Rekka Gorge. Above the village of Stromi is a cave where ELAS and EDES organized the destruction of the Gorgopotamos bridge. Gkiona also hosts one of the largest climbing centers in the Balkans.

Vardousia

The Vardousia Mountains are on the border of Phocis and Phthiotis and form the southernmost tip of the Pindus range. Their highest peak is Korakas at 2,495 meters. It is a mountain of beautiful and fascinating nature, where the rivers Evinos and Mornos originate. Between Vardousia and Gkiona lies the artificial lake of Mornos.

Parnassus

Parnassus is one of the most famous mountains in Greece, known from mythology, history, and culture. Its peak reaches 2,457 meters, and its western part belongs to Phocis. It is covered with fir trees and hosts the Parnassus National Park (the second oldest in Greece) and the renowned Parnassus Ski Center. On its slopes are the Archaeological Site of Delphi and the Corycian Cave. At Kalania, on western Parnassus, is the impressive Eptastomos chasm at 1,300 meters altitude. In the cave with seven mouths, the snow never melts as the temperature inside never exceeds 0°C. Near the village of Vargiani is the famous Neraidospilia, which, according to legend, was inhabited by the fairies of Parnassus. The cave is estimated to be 100 meters deep and consists of two chambers, with about 10 basins inside, each over 1 meter deep. On its western slopes, overlooking the historic olive grove of Amfissa, is the historic monastery of Prophet Elias with its famous wooden iconostasis. The 1821 revolution was launched from here by Bishop Isaia of Salona.

Oeta (Oiti)

Oeta is an impressive mountain mass, known as the mountain of Heracles. A small part of its southern slopes is within the northern boundaries of Phocis (the largest part belongs to Phthiotis). It is considered one of the greenest mountains in Greece, with morphological variety, great biological wealth, and many lush meadows. On the Katavothra plateau of Oeta, you find remnants of the sanctuary of Heracles. On the eastern side of the mountain is the well-known park of Pavliani, crossed by the Asopos river.