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Lamia

Lamia (220 km. from Athens), a bustling commercial City and capital of the prefecture, is built up the southwest, pine-covered slopes of Mt. Othris near the Sperhios river. The Technological Educational Institute of Lamia is the only higher Institute in the wider region of Central Greece founded in September 1994.

The archaeological Museum of Lamia is housed in the first floor of a renovated, two - storied building on the summit of the hill northeast of modern Lamia. It was erected by the first king of Greece after the War of Independence, Otto, (1830's). It served as barracks until World War II. In 1973 the Ministry for Defence conceded its rights over both the castle and the ruined barracks the Ministry of Culture.

In 1984 the Municipality of Lamia undertook the repairs. In 1991 the offices of the 14th Ephorate for Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities were moved to the southern half of the ground floor. The Museum was inaugurated in September 1994.

The historic Thermopylae (Thermopiles) pass lies 18 km. southeast of Lamia. The statue of Leonidas and the cenotaph of his 300 Spartans Remind one of the heroic 480 BC battle. The famous ancient thermal springs of Thermopylae, bubbling quite near, are an important resort out of the village. At a distance of 3 km, stands the historic bridge of Alamana.

Kamena Vourla, to the north, is a popular spa-resort, renowned for its therapeutic waters and dry, healthy climate.

The coastal towns of the area, Agios Konstantinos, Arkitsa - linked by ferry with Edipsos on Euboea - as well as the lovely beaches of Aspronerio, Agios Serafim and Agios Nikolaos are pleasant places to spend a holiday especially for those who like swimming and dining on fresh fish.

There is a magnificent beach at Livanates, which also has an old church, Agios Theo-doros. Before making the turn for Atalanti, it's worth stopping at its harbour Skala, at Malesina, with the little coastal settlement of Agios Theologos to leeward, and Martino, famed for its delicious "myzithra" cheese (similar to ricotta).
Talantonini opposite Skala, is a small picturesque island.

Next stop is Atalanti, commercial and agricultural centre of the area. The catacombs of St. Athanassios at the heart of the town are of special interest. Further west of Atalanti one can visit Elatia and Tithorea, wooded areas of archaeological interest, as well as Amfiklia, one of the starting points for going up to the Parnassos ski center.
West of Lamia there is one of the most historical towns of Central Greece, Ipati. Built on the slopes of Mt. Oiti, where the homonymous national Forest, among oak and plane trees and cypresses. The spot offers also a panoramic view to the sea. Ipati has played an important role at all eras of Greek national history.

During your stay here, make it a point to try the local home-made egg noodles, "kourambiedes" (crushed almond cookies), and “trachana” (a form of dumpling).

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