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PHOCIS

The prefecture of Phocis is one of the most mountainous and greenest of Greece, with a particularly alternating geomorphologic landscape. It includes four of the highest mountains in the country, Parnassus, with its popular ski resort, Giona, Vardousia and Iti. Phocis also features Mornos Lake, from which water is supplied in Athens. It also includes the famous grove of Amfissa, which is considered as one of the largest olive areas in Greece. Also, the lush prefecture of Phocis has many beautiful beaches and coves, and it is a real gem of the country, attracting numerous tourists throughout the whole year.

The capital and largest city of Phocis is Amfissa, which during the Byzantine period bore the name Salona. On a precipitous rock, surrounded by olive trees lays a Frankish castle, remnant of the Franks in Greece and repeated historic footprint in many parts of the country. When in Amfissa, one can visit the Byzantine church of the Saviour, the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Archaeological and Folk Art Museum as well.

Naturally, Delphi is the major attraction for tourists in Phocis. The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, the Oracle of Apollo and the surrounding archaeological site are among the most frequented tourist destinations in the world. However, besides Delphi, Phocis has many other attractions to offer. Itea, Galaxidi, Desfina are only few of the marvellous and idyllic towns which are undoubtedly worth a visit.

Itea is a picturesque coastal town on the edge of the valley of Delphi, full of life, especially during the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy the magnificent sea view of the gulf of Corinth, which stretches on one side, as well as the view of Phaedriades rocks, which dominate the background of the plain on the other side. Kirra, near Itea, was in ancient times the main port of Delphi. Today it is a beautiful resort ideal for peaceful and relaxing holidays. Galaxidi is also one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Greece. The city was a major maritime power during the years of the Greek Revolution in 1821. The locals are well known for their wit skills in manufacturing sail boats and fishing boats. They have also been considered as keen captains and sailors. The elegantly built houses with their meticulous architecture give a particularly extraordinary tone in this historic city. The Archaeological and Naval Museum of Galaxidi gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy an interesting flashback to its long history. The church of Agia Paraskevi with the zodiac cycle inlaid in its floor and the sundial in its courtyard as well as the church of Agios Nicolaos with its impressive carved wooden icon screen, are sights that should not go unnoticed.

Eratini is another beautiful village of Phocis, near the site of ancient Tolophon. The seashore villages Agios Nikolaos, Glyfada and the islands of Agios Ioannis, Trizonia, Prassoudi are wonderful tourist destinations, especially when one seeks peace and quiet. Going further north, the villages Ano Agoriani, Polydroso, Gravia give their own individual note to the beautiful scenery of Phocis, with fir trees, gurgling streams seamlessly blended together to provide unique retreats for those who choose to visit them. The village Agia Efthimia is well known for its fine wine and in the village Amigdalia there is the wonderful monastery of Panayia Koutsoufou.

Other attractions of the prefecture of Phocis are the ancient walls of Lilaia, the castle of Oria in Amfissa, the Museum of Folk Art in Agoriani, the monastery of Prophet Elias, the beautiful landscapes of the mountains Parnassus, Giona, Iti and Vardousia.

There are many interesting events held in the different parts of the prefecture of Phocis, which attract numerous visitors throughout the year. During the Greek Carnival, the Apokria, there are popular events organized based on traditional folk legends in Amfissa and the so called Alevromoutzouromata in Galaxidi. Easter is celebrated with a special traditional way in Amfissa,  where locals offer visitors seasoning treats on the streets. During the summer months there are feasts organized in many parts of the area, such as the Nautical Week in Itea, the celebration of the Trawl in Eratini, the Fokika in Amfissa, the Skarimpeia in Agia Efthimia, the Makriyannia in Krokyleio. Also, every year some of the special routes of Rally Acropolis are held on the roads of Phocis.

Phocis is accessible from Athens with the Intercity Buses (KTEL), which depart daily and frequently from the main station located on 260, Liosion Street. At the station of KTEL in Amfissa there is extra information provided for bus routes and schedules within the prefecture or connections with other majot Greek cities. In Agios Nikolaos there are regular ferry boat schedules to Aigion.

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