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Fthiotida
Greece
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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 sits 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. |
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