Listen. Can you hear it? Viotia is calling your name. Whether you enjoy summer or winter activities, you’ll find them here on this peaceful, untamed land. Follow the paths to discover traditional and picturesque towns and villages, magnificent landscapes, along with mountainous and seaside settlements. The choice is yours. The climate is dry and Mediterranean and the vegetation, with the exception of the fertile plains of Thebes and Kopaida, is rather sparse among the bare rocks. Livadia (once known as Mideia), the capital is built between two hills on either sides of a gorge through which the springs of Erkina flow. On the top of one of the hills, Profitis Ilias, you will discover a well-preserved 14th century medieval castle. Here you will also see the sanctuary of Zeus and the Oracle. With abundant water sources from the two springs known in mythology as Lethe (Forgetfulness) and Mnemosyne (Memory), in the area, Livadia is a very fertile land. In ancient times, Viotia (Boeotia) was called "tristhalatto" (three-sea'd) because the two halves of the gulf of Euboea and the Corinthian Gulf washed it. Please don’t miss out on the Springs of Crya too, which have exceptional natural beauty and the church of Jerusalem. Livadia is also the commercial center of the area with farming activities, industry and services. Thiva, Tanagra, Heronia, Aliartos, Distomo are a few of the settlements that are worth visiting in order to admire the sheer beauty and the archaeological value of Viotia. However, the unrivaled center of attraction is the renowned settlement of Arahova. Arahova is a mountainous hamlet famous for its weavings and the production of wine. Built at the foot of the mountain Parnassus, Arahova is a very scenic settlement full of narrow uphill alleys, stone houses and a spectacular view of the lowlands. This is a good place to buy hand-woven fabrics, "flokates" (rugs) and coloured shoulder bags, and try the local specialties in one of the town's many tavernas. Arahova is also considered to be one of the most ideal resorts for your winter vacations as it is located at a close distance to Parnassus and has direct access to ski center. You’re welcome to visit the shores of the Euboean (Evoikos) and Corinthian (Korinthiakos) gulfs and the archaeological sites at Orhornenos, Chaironia and Plataiai. It is said that the Phoenician King, Kadmos, founded Thebes. It houses an archaeological museum, the Mycenaean tombs, the ruins of the temple of Ismenios Apollo and the spring of Agii Theodori or the "Fountain of Oedipus". Other interesting places to visit are the Fountain of Dirki at the Frankish aqueduct, the Byzantine church of Agia Fotini, the catacombs of the early Christian Church of St. Catherine and the Church of St. Luke the Evangelist in the town's first cemetery, which contains a 13th century sarcophagus supposed to have held the saint's body. There are many exquisite beaches in the region as well - Distomo, Andikira, Agios Issidoros Vathi Avlidas, Faros and Sarandi Beach. Distomo also has the Museum of Folk Art that you can visit. Viotia offers a relaxing spa for your pleasure after an eventful day of hiking, skiing, exploring or just because. Having thirty-four hotels on Viotia, you’re sure to find one that suits your every need. With every type of environment from mountains to seashores, Viotia is the ideal destination for your vacation - summer or winter. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Viotia and let it captivate you - body, mind and heart. |