Surroundings, Delphi

Arákhova, a mountain village in Phocis, 9km/6mi east of Delphi, is famed for its magnificent situation in wild country on the southern slopes of Parnassus (winter sports), for its colorful woven fabrics. From the west end of the village an asphalted road runs up into the Parnassus range.

17km/10.5mi southwest of Itéa, on the west side of Itéa Bay, is Galaxídi, with a castle, a monastery and a small museum.Galaxídi is situated at the end of a little fjord. It was an important naval and ship-building center until 1821 when it was destroyed. In its pleasant harbor, tradition is still very evident along the quay amongst the seafood tavernas and boatyards, where self-taught craftsmen still may sturdy wooden caiques. It is well worth strolling through the picturesque streets lined by stately mansions and dotted with little tavernas drenched in geraniums and jasmine.Of interest is the Church of St Nicholas, famous for its carved wooden icon screen, and Ayía Paraskeví, which has the zodiac cycle inlaid in its floor and a sundial in its forecourt.

Ámfissa (Amphissa) at the foot of Mt Parnassus, now a country town in Phocis, 14 km/8.5 mi northwest of Itéa on the road from Itéa to Lamía, lies on a hill surrounded by olive-groves. In antiquity it was the chief town of the Locrians. The medieval castle, dating from the time when the town was held by Frankish knights and was known as Salona, is built on the polygonal walls of the ancient acropolis.

Distomo is a market town with significant archeological findings that played a major role in the Revolution of 1821. There is an interesting museum here.The town lies near the sea and has a beautiful beach (Distomo Beach or Aspra Spitia).

19 km/12 mi southwest of Delphi lies the little port of Itéa, in a bay on the Gulf of Corinth, with a bauxite works which has been the subject of controversy. East of the town is the site of ancient Kirra.

Eratini (ancient Kolophona), a fishing village on the sea, ideal for bathing and summer pleasures. There are remnants of an ancient fortress near Marmara.

The village of Krísso offers some beautiful scenery with pine trees and olive groves.

The village of Lilea is built on an ancient city which took its name from the nymph Lilea, daughter of Kiphissos.You can still see traces of the ancient city.

The seaside village of Kira is known for its lovely beaches.

The port of Áyios Nikólaos is a good place from which to cross to the Peloponnese.