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Central Greece and Thessaly
This area of Central Greece includes the region of Thessaly, where the dramatic monasteries of Meteora are one of the main attractions.
MeteoraIt also includes the ancient site of Delphi, which was the centre of the world to the ancient Greeks and is one of the most beautiful and popular archaeological sites in the country. It's easily reached on a day trip from Athens, either by bus or on an organised tour, and its setting in the foothills of the Parnassus Mountains is breathtaking.
DelphiJust east of Delphi is the mountain village of Arachova, and though its main street is lined with souvenir shops during the day, to catch the attention of visitors on coach trips to Delphi, outside of those it's retained its traditions and rural atmosphere. You'll get some hearty food and wine here, and if you can be here in April for the Feast of St George, you'll have an unforgettable few days.
The Oracle at DelphiIf taking the 'Sacred Way' from Athens to Delphi you pass the turning to the Monastery of Ossios Loukas (Osiou Louka), which has some of the finest mosaics in the whole country. It's definitely worth the detour.
If you head west from Delphi you can take a road that zig-zags dramatically down to the coast and enjoy a drive along the north side of the Gulf of Corinth, which takes you from Delphi though Galaxidi and Nafpaktos to end in Missolonghi.
North east from Athens the road leads past the city of Volos to the Pelion peninsula. The Pelion (or Pilion as it's also called) was for a long time a real Greece travel secret, an area of lovely woods, hills and beaches that the Greek holiday-makers kept for their own vacations. At last the word is getting out to overseas visitors too, but it's still very much a place for those who like the real Greece.
The Pelion PeninsulaA major highlight is seeing the monasteries at Meteora, with the nearby city of Trikala making a good base for this.
The Central Greece and Thessaly area has much more to offer than these highlights, but these alone should be enough to tempt the visitor to make the journey.
Our Pick of the Guides to Greece
Other Central Greece and Thessaly Pages
Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and is in the Mount Olympus National Park in Macedonia, with Litochoro being the best base.
Volos and Pelion
The city of Volos has several museums and is a major port, and also the gateway to the charming Pelion peninsula with its traditional villages and beaches.
Things to See in Trikala
Trikala is a city in Thessaly, noted for its traditional architecture with lots of things to see and a good base for visiting the monasteries of Meteora.
Pindus Mountains
The Pindus Mountains range runs along the border between Epirus and Thessaly, includes two national parks and some of the highest mountain peaks in the country.
Parnassus Mountains
The Parnassus Mountains rise behind ancient Delphi and the mountain village of Arachova, and the Parnassus National Park is one of the two oldest in Greece.
Ossios Loukas
Ossios Loukas is a Byzantine monastery that stands between Athens and Delphi and is the burial place of the Greek hermit, Blessed Luke.
Meteora
Visiting the monasteries of Meteora on the Plain of Thessaly, with hotels in Kalambaka and guided tours available.
Gulf of Corinth Drive
This beautiful drive along the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth (Korinthiakos Kolpos), goes from Delphi to Missolonghi via Galixidi and Nafpaktos.
Delphi, Ancient Greek Site and Archaeological Museum
Visiting the ancient site of Delphi and its archaeological museum in the Parnassos Mountains of Central Greece.
Arachova
Arachova is a mountain town in the Parnassus Mountains of Greece and a good base for visiting the ancient archaeological site of Delphi, a 15-minute drive away.
Northern Greece Guide
The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.
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