Christmas 2005, what else could be a better ending of the year than an excursion to one of the most famous winter resorts, Arachova; The last days it was snowing, even around Athens, but on the day of Christmas the sun was shinning and the whole picture reminded of summer although the temperature was rather low. So, after a period of inaction, this was the best opportunity for an excursion.
I called Sakis in the morning and without a second thought we hit the road. We decided to visit the greater area of Livadia.
Around 10 a.m. we were on the national road Athens – Lamia and we turned at the exit to Thiva. By arriving there, we couldn’t resist to visit beautiful Arachova.
Sakis was afraid that we might find ice on the road and he had his reservations for our decision to visit Arachova, notwithstanding I finally convinced him and I admit that I didn’t even try hard! The route to Arachova was exquisite with grate windings especially after Livadia.
Justly, Arachova is one of the most famous winter resorts, and not only. The town, which is traditional with houses of stone e. t. c., is built on the foothill of a mountain too near to a ski center. As soon as we arrived, we stopped at the main square to drink our first coffee of the day and to warm up a little bit because although the day was very shiny it was rather cold. After having taken some pictures, around 2 p.m. we decided to continue our excursion.
Our destination was Galaksidi but before that we thought that it would be a good idea to stop for a while at Itea. The road from Arachova to Delphi is very good, rather large with very good windings apart few exceptions. We made a short stop at Delphi to see the ancient oracle and admire the view. In the area we saw many guest houses and hotels even campsites. Unfortunately we can’t inform you for the prices because we were only passing by. The road from Delphi to modal point of Itea – Amfissa continues to be good but it’s a little bit narrower.
We turned left to Itea and after 10 km we found the first entrance to the town. Itea is a very small town without something particularly good to show. For that reason we would suggest you to visit Galaksidi which is about 20 km far. There are too many coffee shops, taverns and restaurants in which you can enjoy your coffee or your meal.
In one of them we stopped to eat. I have to say that I was pretty surprised because I didn’t expect so much people there at this time of the year.
Before leaving from Galaksidi a surprise was waiting for us! We met there our member Panos with Monica and some friends of them. They have gone there by car; so we sited all together and we had fun. Around 16:00 p.m. we decided to leave as we wanted to visit also Livadia.
Livadia is about 70 km far from Galaksidi. The drive is exquisite, as the road is by the sea. Livadia is 140 km away from Athens. Although it’s not very easy to understand it from the beginning Livadia is a beautiful town and you will agree with that if you visit the medieval castle and the watermill at the riverside. It’s really astonishing!!!
Unfortunately by the time we arrived there it was already getting dark, so maybe the pictures we took doesn’t really represent the beauty of the view. You can also visit the main square of the town and drink there your coffee.
It was already 19:00 p.m. when we drunk the last sip of our coffee. We wore our gloves and our hoods, we buttoned up our jackets and we took the road to Athens. We followed the signs to Orchomeno and after to Kastro (castle) in order to reach easily the national road.
We wish for 2006, to end so nicely as this year and with larger number of tours!
Life is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page
