Central Greece (Sterea Ellada), bordering with Attica occupies the center of continental Greece. This part is very hilly with dry climate on the south and moist on the north. All the year round landscape of Greece stays the same-unbelievably beautiful and impressive. Mountain slopes covered with thick forests, mountain tops, rash rivers and quiet lakes this is the landscape of Greece.
Fokida is a very green region, filled with olive groves and vegetation. It offers some truly unique landscapes and scenery that is unlike any other you will find in Greece. Here is situated the most famous mountain range- Parnassus. Parnassus is considered to be the mountain of muses and the symbol of poetical art.
Small and picturesque town Arachova is situated on the slopes of Parnassus Mountains. You will be surprised by seeing beautiful stone houses and narrow streets. Arachova is covered with pine trees, numerous mountain paths and the air here is very clean and pure. There are a lot of taverns where you will find a wide choice of local delicacies, perfect wine and different kinds of cheese produced mainly in this area. Farmaela and Opsomotiri - these are kinds of cheese served with appetizers. Greece is unique country. Here are not only architectural monuments, pure sea and beautiful beaches, but also ski resorts. Kelaria-Fterolaka is one of the most famous ski centers situated in 15 km from Arachova on 1600-2300 m height. There are 20 trails and 13 lifts on the mountain. Kelaria-Fterolaka has 5 km of cross country skiing and the vertical drop at Kelaria-Fterolaka is 650 m. This ski resort is the ideal place not only for experienced skiers but for those who starts learning. There are ski schools on the territory of the ski resort and shops where you can buy necessary ski equipment.
At the foot of Mountain Parnassus, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory and in the myths of the ancient Greeks.
Nowadays Delphi plays very important role in history of Greece. There are a lot of ancient monuments in the museum. Besides, you can enjoy picturesque view from here. Huge mountain slopes are covered with beautiful impressive pine trees. With good weather conditions you can notice a nature phenomenon- Delphi echo. When you whisper, with time your words become louder and then sounds disappear gradually.
Thermopylae was a pass that the Greeks tried unsuccessfully to defend in battle against the Persians in 480 B.C. Although the Spartans who led the defense were all killed, and may have known in advance that they would be, their courage provided inspiration to the Greeks, many of whom otherwise might have willingly midsized (become Persian sympathizers), or so the Spartans feared. Although the Spartans lost at Thermopylae, the following year the Greeks did win battles they fought against the Persians. Xerxes' fleet of Persian ships had sailed along the coastline from northern Greece into the Gulf of Malia on the eastern Aegean Sea towards the mountains at Thermopylae. The Greeks faced the Persian army at a narrow pass there that controlled the only road between Thessaly and Central Greece. The Spartan general and king Leonidas was in charge of the Greek forces that tried to restrain the vast Persian army and keep them from attacking the rear of the Greek navy (under Athenian control). Leonidas may have hoped to block them long enough that Xerxes would have to sail away for food and water. Nowadays, territory changed much after the battle and Thermopylae width is from 1, 5 to 5 km. There is highway and monument dedicated to the soldiers of Leonidas army.
