Sterea Ellada (Central Greece) is the central region of Greece, and one of the most mountainous. The climate is dry in the interior and temperate along the coasts. The slopes are forested with pine, beech and poplar trees. Running water and calm lakes interchange with uncounted coves and beaches. Hidden shores and picturesque islets bejewel the south-western coasts. The varied landscapes of the region remain beautiful no matter the season.
Between the gulfs of Euboea and Corinth is the first district Boeotia, with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, mountains and lots of life. The capital Livadia, built amphitheatrically up the foothills of Mt. Helikon, was famous in antiquity for the oracle of Trophonios Zeus and the two Springs of Forgetfulness (Lethe) and Memory (Mnemosyne), to the north of the town.
Heronia is a village with significant archaeological interest, with the famous statue of the Lion of Heronia. Green Orhomenos, and Plates, famous as the site where the Greeks won a fabulous victory against the Persians, Lefktra, Tanagra and Ancient Avlida, as well as the wonderful beaches of Distomo at Antikira, Agios Isidoros, Vatis Avlidas, Pharos and Sarantis.
Arahova is a mountain town hanging on to the Parnassos slopes, with an intensely traditional flavour. Picturesque houses and the Byzantine monastery of Ossios Loukas lie to the east of it.
Thiva is a modern town built on a fertile plain, with archaeological significance (ancient Thebes) and Byzantine churches.
Imposing mountains, beautiful deserted beaches or cosmopolitan resorts and mountain villages swamped by plane and oak trees are to be found in the district of Fthiotida.
Lamia, the commercially busy district capital, is built on the pine wooded south-western slopes of Mt. Othrys, close to the river Sperhios. To the south-east of Lamia is Thermopiles known since antiquity for its spas and the last stand of three hundred Spartans.
Further south is Kamena Vourla, among the most popular spas, and the seaside towns of Agios Konstantinos and Arkitsa. There are lovely sandy beaches at Livanates.
Atalanti is a commercial and agricultural centre. To the west of it are the wooded areas Elatia, Tithorea and Amphiklia which are of archaeological interest.
Ipati is built on the slopes of Mt. Itis, among the plane, cypress and oak trees of the Ipati National Forest. One of Greece's most important spas, the Loutra Ipatis is located here as is the Agathonos monastery. Lost among the trees, the villages of Mt. Iti, shelter from the summer heat. Makrakomi, in the Sperhios valley is today a transport hub and a commercial centre.
There are also spas at Platistomo, west of Lamia, while to the north, Domokos calmly gazes upon the plain of Thessaly before the road leads to Stilida, to Karavomilos and to the coast of Pelasgia and Glifa.
Fokida is coloured by the silver-green of olive groves and the gold of tiny beaches. The picturesque capital Amfissa is built among peaks and crowned by the Frankish castle, itself surrounded by olive trees.
The famous oracle of Apollo is at Delphi, perched on the sides of Mt. Parnassos.
Closer to the coast, just before Itea, is the picturesque little village of Hrisso, full of plane trees and babbling brooks. Seaside Itea has beaches that are perfect for swimming. Further on is scenic Galaxidi, the traditional Rumeliot port, in other times a famous maritime and ship building centre. To the west is Eratini, Agios Nikolaos, Spilia and Glifada. Opposite are the islets of Trizonia, Agios Ioanis and Prassoudi.
The spectacular countryside of Evritania enchants anyone who approaches it. The healthy climate, the forested slopes and the countless streams give the impression of heaven on earth.
Karpenissi, the district capital is built on the foothills of Mt. Timfristos, at an altitude of 960 metres. Among the plane, fir and chestnut trees, Karpenissi is ideal for winter vacations as well as for the summer, when it can be a spring board for excursions to nearby places, such as Gorgianades, Kefalovrisso, and the traditional village Korischades, whose stone houses are still in excellent repair. A small fir tree forest and garden with apple, cherry and pear trees in Mikro Horio. On the slope of Kaliadouda, opposite Helidona, is Megalo Horio. Proussos is at an altitude of 800 metres and east of Karpenissi is Krikelo close to Kokalia, a historic location among the fir trees just before Domnitsa, itself a village of many chapels in enchanting surroundings.
West of Karpenissi are Fragista, Granitsa and Agrafa, lovely mountain villages which in winter are cloaked under a thick blanket of snow.
Etolaokarnania is the last district of Sterea Ellada. The capital Messolongi played an important part in modern Greek history when fighters in the besieged city broke out of it during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830).
To the east is the third large city of the district, Nafpaktos, which charms visitors with its beautiful Venetian castle and old port.
The road from here moves into mountainous Nafpaktia, which boasts Greece's largest fir tree forest and plenty of tiny villages lost in the woods at altitudes from 700 to 1,000 metres. The little island of Etoliko is joined to the mainland by a multi-arched stone bridge. Agrinio is to the north of Messolongi; it is an important production centre with good tourism infrastructure. The picturesque town of Astakos, amphitheatrically built around the gulf of the same name, is a splendid resort. White sand graces the endless beaches at Agios Giorgis, at Asprogiali, and at Vela, all perfect for quiet and peaceful holidays.
The coastal road leads to Mitikas and from there opposite to the islets of Kalamos and Kastos. Further north is Aktio with its Venetian castle, seaside Vonitsa and Amfilohia, amphitheatrically situated on the slopes of two hills looking towards Arta.
