Central Greece Region
Central Greece Region (Credit: Walkerssk on Pixabay)

Central Greece Region

Based at its capital city Lamia, the region's administrative centre and divided into 5 regional units: Boeotia, the island of Euboea, Evrytania, Phocis, Phthiotis

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OVERVIEW

Central Greece (Sterea Ellada), known as Roumeli, is lying south of the provinces of Epirus and Thessaly and north of the gulfs of Patrai and Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. The region is famous for being home to the ancient battle site of the heroic Thermopylae and the ancient city of Delphi (pictured above), one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. The battle site of Chaironeia, the birthplace of Hercules and Dionysus, is also located here. The capital of the region Lamia. Comprised of intense diversity in landscapes this part of Greece is boasting some of the highest forested mountain ranges, thermal springs, fertile plains, large lakes, significant rivers, beaches with crystal clear waters, traditional villages and significant Byzantine monasteries. Visit the picturesque seaside town of Galaxidi, Mt. Parnassos and Arachova Village, considered Greece’s skiing village, Karpenisi and the stunning monastery of Osios Loukas, a World-Heritage listed monastery with Byzantine frescoes.

.HISTORY

Central Greece’s history goes back to Neolithic Times, which has been proven with findings from excavations. The region has been inhabited since antiquity when ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the Navel of the Earth and a very significant economic and political centre. Central Greece knew instability being occupied by Romans, Byzantines, crusaders and Ottomans. Greece came under Ottoman control until the Greek Revolution in 1821 and Central Greece was the first part of Greece to enjoy liberty after nearly four hundred years of Turkish occupancy. The name Sterea Ellada was given to the area after the War of Independence in 1821.

.ECONOMY

The region is also a producer of food and other primary materials from timber to mineral resources. Light manufacturing and food processing facilities, pastoralism supports the local rural economy, but tourism also plays a significant and growing role.

>Gross regional product:

Total: €8.8 billion Per capita: €18,900

.REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION

The Region of Central Greece, the second largest Greek region, is located in the center of the country. It borders Thessaly to the north, Western Greece to the west, Attica to the south, while it is bordered to the east by the Aegean Sea and the Euboean Gulf and to the south by the Gulf of Corinth. It consists of a continental and an insular part and has access to both the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea through inland seas and long coastlines.

Region’s capital: Lamia Region’s area: 15,549.31 km2 Region’s population (2021): 505,269 Postal Address: Region of Central Greece, 2 Kalyvion St., PC 35 132, Lamia, Greece Website: www.pste.gov.gr Tel of the Regional Governor’s Office: +30 2231352601, +30 2231352602

Fanis Spanos Regional Governor of Central Greece

Fanis Spanos was born in 1984 in Chalkida. He studied Civil Engineering at the Democritus University of Thrace. He is a holder of a Professional MBA from ALBA Graduate Business School and of a MA in International and European Studies from the University of Athens. In October 2023, he was re-elected Regional Governor of Central Greece. He speaks English and German.

.REGIONAL UNITS

Explore the five regional units of Central Greece. Click on each box to find out about history, museums, top attractions, beaches, gastronomy, festivals, activities, transportation, accommodation and much more.

Note: Some regional units are not available yet, they will be soon.
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