Fthiotida

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.