Built on a strategic location, at the west side of the Krisean Gulf, the historic city of Galaxidi stands proud among the famous tourist destinations in Fokida, Greece.
The naval city of Galaxidi has a long history, starting 4000 years ago. Despite all the raids by Slavs, Fransks, Catalans, Turks, Galaxidi stayed alive and today has a lot of monuments to prove this travel through time. The Naval & Ethnological Museum is the ideal starting point to discover the history and tradition of this place. The Churches of Agia Paraskevi with its sundial and Agios Nikolaos with the stunning wooden temple are good samples that will give you an idea of the history of Galaxidi. From the windmill of the settlement, you'll admire the view, before taking the road to a traditional tavern in order to enjoy local delicacies and tasteful Greek wine.
Galaxidi is a known tourist resort with many hotels, guest houses and rooms to let. They all offer all the necessary facilities the travellers need, along with authentic warm hospitality. Indeed, Galaxidi is a year long destination, perfect for short weekend escapes or long time vacation.
From Galaxidi you can easily reach other famous tourist destinations, such as Delfi (the naval of the world), Arachova, Itea, Nafpaktos.
Galaxidi has always been a significant naval power and even during the Turkish domination, forced Turks to give to Galaxidi rights and benefits. By 1813 Galaxidi is the fourth port of Greece with many maritime and commercial activities. Galaxidi’s most prosperous period was between 1830 and 1910 when it was a major caïque-building centre. Nowadays, Galaxidi is a calm and picturesque town and a very famous weekend destination.
Galaxidi is a coastal city of 1718 residents, set in Parnassida region of the prefecture of Fokida, Central Greece. It is located on the north bay of Corinthian Gulf, at the western side of the gulf of Itea.
The best sights of Galaxidi are:
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The Church of Agios Nikolaos, famous for its extremely ornate wooden temple
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The Church of Agia Paraskevi, with its unique solar clock
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The Monastery of Metamorphosis
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The Old School
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The Naval Museum
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The windmill, from which you can admire the magnificent view
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The mansions of the city
During your stay in Galaxidi you can enjoy alternative outdoor activities and sports, such as cycling, hiking, diving and sea kayak. There are incredible climbing routes, like the Plaka field that is considered among the best in Europe. The area around Galaxidi are also ideal for paragliding, offering long-haul flights throughout the year. Finally, the calm waters of the Corinthean Gulf are ideal for swimming, boating, fishing and water sports. Sailing lessons for kids are delivered by the Sailing Club of Galaxidi.
If you happen to find yourself in Galaxidi on Pure Monday (also known as Clean Monday, Ash Monday), the movable feest that occurs at the beginning of the 7th week before Orthodox Easter Sunday, you will witness a very old custom, reviving every year on that specific day. It is called "Alevromoutzouromata" and is known to bring together Greeks from all over the country. Residents and visitors become one and both the market and beach quickly turn into a battlefield, with participants throw lampblack and flour, even on unsuspecting!
Having Galaxidi as a start point, you can easily visit other famous destinations, such as the arcaeological site of Delphi, Arachova, the ski center of Parnassos, the traditional settlement Chrisso, the Olive Groves of Amfissa with the over a million olive trees, the National Park of Parnassos and the Fokida Mining Park.
Unique dishes are to be tasted in Galaxidi, such as stuffed squid, kelemia, musell risotto, galatosalad and the delicious "kontosouvli". For dessert, choose among the traditional nut pie, the ravani or the home-made sweets.
Buy local products like honey, jams, wine and hand-made candies.
Galaxidi is 230km far from Athens. You can go through Livadia and Arachova, but it is a good idea to follow the road Distomo - Desfina - Itea, to avoid traffic on the road Arachova - Delphi.
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Tourist Police in Galaxidi: +30 22650 41222
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Port authorities in Galaxidi: +30 22650 41390
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Health Center in Galaxidi: +30 22650 41312