FTHIOTIDA

GENERAL INFORMATION

A mountainous region with wonderful beaches, historical Fthiotida is a well-developed region, fully prepared to welcome guests and to offer them services of highest quality. Over a quarter of its 180000 inhabitants live in the capital city of Lamia. This city, nearly equidistant from Athens to the South and from Thessalonica to the North, has long served as a stopping point for all those travelling across the Greek mainland. 

HISTORY-CULTURE

The most ancient settlements found in Fthiotida are dated far into prehistoric times, in the late neolithic era, around 6000 BC. This land has been associated with many heroic historical exploits which, in time, passed on to the sphere of legend. This was the starting point of the expedition of Jason and the Argonauts, and the motherland of the Myrmidons, the ancient Greek tribe whose most renowned king was no lesser figure than great Achilles himself. Much of the fleet of 1200 ships which sailed forth to Troy was built in Larimna. Fthiotida was also the cradle of the Achaean tribe, which rose to prominence and was the pillar of the Mycenean civilization, the first great civilization of the European mainland. And though this historical record is awe-inspiring, it is dwarfed by a great event, the immense significance of which is not only important for the Greeks, but has become a universal point of reference over the courage of men. In the straits of Thermopylae, 300 Spartan warriors led by king Leonidas, along with 700 men from Thespies, took a stand against the invading Persian army of Emperor Xerxes, which numbered more than 400000 men (though most historians raise the number up to 1000000). This massive force was not only held back by Leonidas? handful of men, but it also suffered heavy losses in manpower and a devastating blow to its morale. After standing firm for three full days of non-stop battle, a Greek traitor named Ephialtes (which has become the Greek word for nightmare), for a sum of gold, revealed to the Persians a mountain pass which allowed to outflank the Greeks and attack them from the rear. Fighting on two fronts, the Greeks held firm, until they fell to the last man, inspiring their compatriots to victory some months later, and humanity ever since. Centuries later the prefecture was sacked by the Roman general Sulla, and since it changed hands among Byzantines, Franks, and Turks, until the Greek revolutionaries finally liberated it in 1832. Fthiotida suffered heavily from German bombings in 1941, which destroyed the capital of Lamia.        

SIGHTS

Some of the most impressive sights in Fthiotida are conveniently spread along the main highway: the monument erected in honor of Leonidas and his men in Thermopylae; the bridge of Gorgopotamos, destroyed by the Greek resistance in 1944, the greatest act of sabotage within occupied Europe which prevented German reinforcements from reaching the African front in time; the coastal towns of Stylida, Kammena Vourla, Karavomylos, Livanates, and Agios Konstantinos, with their beckoning beaches and scores of taverns, bars, and clubs; and the capital city of Lamia, its imposing castle standing watchful on top of the nearby hill. Also worth a visit is the  waterfall of the Sapounorema springs in Stylida, while the entire region is burstling with archaeological sites, spread across its expanse in remembrance of past ages. Castles ranging from neolithic fortifications to the more familiar medieval fortress, Byzantine monasteries and churches, and the ruins of the ancient cities of Thermopolae, Atalandi, Livanates, Domokos, Glypha, Tithorea, Larimna, Makrakomi, Pavliani, Elateia, and Platystomo. The natural environment is beauteous, with steep gorges crossed by winding rivers, comely beaches alternating with steep cliffs towering over the sea, and dense forests covering mountain slopes, forming ideal routes for mountain trekking.       

ENTERTAINMENT-SPORTS-SHOPPING

The main tourist centers of Fthiotida offer accommodations and entertainment facilities in full, comparable to those found in large urban centers in terms of variety, quantity and quality. Taverns, cafes, and bars serve delicious dishes, refreshments, and drinks, either just by the shore or on steep hillsides looking at forested slopes or at the sea. Water can be enjoyed in all its forms and in all seasons here; watersports and swimming is available all along the coastline, rivers form majestic spectacles of nature as well as ideal settings for trekking adventures, hot and mineral spring waters assist in therapeutical treatments, while the snow in the winter adorns the pine forests to form majestic sceneries, as well as to the development of skiing facilities. Mountain climbing is another option, as would be expected in  a land which is part of the Pan-European trekking route, which comes here from as far away as the Pyrenees in Spain. Those who revel in motorsports will love the 4X4 roads through the wilderness of the mountains. Traditional local products are delicious, and can be found everywhere.   

ACCESS

Buses, trains and ships are available for the traveler who wishes to visit Fthiotida.

CONNECTIONS

Lamia, holding a central position on the Greek mainland, is connected to virtually every region of the Greek mainland. Buses will take you to every major city or province, while sea routes from the ports of the coastal towns will lead you to the Sporades islands and to Evia.  

MUSEUMS

The most significant museum is the archaeological museum of Lamia, followed by that of Atalandi. The capital also hosts a Folk Art museum and some interesting private collections. Many more such can be found in most of the smaller cities and towns, with exhibitions of archaeological and cultural interest.  

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

FTHIOTIDA ( LAMIA ) AREA CODE: 22310-

POLICE STATION: 22310-56845

TRAFFIC POLICE: 22310-56855

MUNICIPALITY: 22310-22214, 22314

HOSPITAL: 22310-63000

PHARMACIES: 22310-31220, 45496

TAXI STATION: 22310-34555-6

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22310-22799