View Larger Map
FOKIDA
FTHIOTIDA
EVRITANIA
KARPENISI
AITOLOAKARNANIA
Central Greece has an abundance of resources that visitors with ecological and cultural interests will find attractive, marked by their wide variety, rareness and distinctiveness, found in areas many of which have already been placed under special protection.
The region is endowed with a particularly rich and diversified natural environment, an indented coastline, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, wetlands of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats, coupled with a mild climate ranking it high among the ideal destinations for alternative forms of tourism.
Visitors can explore the mountainous areas, wander in aesthetic forests, study the highly diverse floral life of the countryside, watch and admire rare bird species nesting or seeking refuge in coastal ecosystems and wetlands, indulge in skiing or extreme sports while at the same time staying in agrotourism units developed throughout the region affording the opportunity to become familiar with vernacular architecture, cultural and gastronomic tradition, local products, farming activities and the daily lives of local residents.
The Pindus Mountains are the principal mountain range forming the backbone of mainland Greece. Mt Olympus known from Greek mythology as the abode of the gods, is the highest mountain in the country, rising at 2,917 m (Μytikas peak). Lakes (natural or artificial) and lagoons abound in Central Greece. Most of them are freshwater lakes and have been formed far away from the coast as a result of tectonic or volcanic forces or the action of glaciers. The rivers are relatively small following the direction of valleys and discharging into the Greek seas. Most rivers support important ecosystems along their banks, while in many cases wetlands of international importance. Local authorities and other bodies (municipalities, local clubs, private enterprises, etc.) organise extreme sports activities, such as canoe-kayak, rafting and more. As a result of the country’s rich geological structure and history, thousands of gorgeous subterranean and underwater caves were formed many of these caves were used in antiquity as sites of worship, while in later times they housed churches and monasteries; many caverns situated on steep slopes were used by monks as hermitages.
Having a vast wealth of cultural tradition and folklore, the region offers ample opportunity for participation in the festivities often connected with local custom and acquaintance with unknown but very interesting aspects of Greece’s folklore heritage.