Galaxidi
Itea
The second most populous town in Phocis is a port on the Corinthian Gulf, 12km south of Amfissa. Itea is well appointed with facilities for the growing number of visitors. It is built close to the harbour of ancient Kirra (1km from Itea), an Early Helladic settlement from which traces of the walls and the mole have survived. In the modern seaside village of Kirra, with its long beach, one of the most popular in the area visitors can enjoy swimming and sea sports in the sparkling waters and fresh fish in the waterfront tavernas.
Chrisso
Situated between Delphi and Itea in a beautiful setting with brooks, old plane trees and an unhindered view of the Gulf of Itea and the olive grove of Amfissa. A short distance to the south archaeologists have uncovered traces of ancient Krissa, the powerful Phocian city that was master of the oracle at Delphi. There is evidence of habitation since prehistoric times. On the shores of the Corinthian Gulf, opposite the coast of the Peloponnese, are quaint fishing villages, old seaside towns and busy holiday resorts in the sheltered coves with fine sand and clear sea: Sarandi, beach at Distomos, Antikyra, Aghios Isidoros, Galaxidi, Aghioi Pandes, Erateini - not far from ancient Tolophon - , Aghios Nikolaos, Glyfada, Spilia, Marathias, Skaloma, Monastiraki, Chiliadou. Visitors with a boat can enjoy the beaches, visit the islets of Trizonia, Ai-Yannis, Prasoudi and moor in the harbours of Itea and Galaxidi for refueling and replenishing supplies of food and water.
Galaxidi
An old commercial port with a maritime tradition, Galaxidi flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today it retains its couleur local thanks to its renovated mansions, picturesque streets, old shipwrights' yards, its customs and traditions.
Among the many interesting churches are: Saint Nikolaos with its fine woodcarved iconostasis, Saint Paraskevi with the zodiac cycle depicted on its floor and a sundial in the forecourt, Saint Ioannis with an icon by Damaskenos. Not far away, in a lovely setting with a marvelous view, is the renovated monastery of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration of the Saviour).
The Galaxidi Maritime and Ethnological Museum (tel. 22650/41795), housed in a 19th-century building, revives memories of the town's past glory and nautical tradition. Exhibits include ship models, old maps, seascapes, weapons from the 1821 War of Independence, historical documents and publications. Galaxidi today is a bustling modern town with high standard accommodation, restaurants, tavernas and night life. Those visiting Galaxidi on Shrove Monday should not miss the alevromoutzouroma (lit. fouling with flour), a local custom marking the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent, which is followed by merrymaking.
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