A quaint scenic European town has largely been avoided by crowds of tourists, offering an idyllic and peaceful getaway with crystal-clear waters and a rich maritime history
A quiet European town was once a very important maritime centre and features a beautiful waterfront.
With rolling hills on one side and the blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth on the other, the small coastal town of Galaxidi, in Greece, is not to be missed.
Located near Delphi, Galaxidi was once a very important maritime centre. When visiting the town, traces of this can be seen everywhere, especially through the town’s cobbled alleys featuring traditional captain’s cottages. The town was also only accessible by boat until 1963.
Galaxidi is home to two serene harbours, and all along the waterfronts there are numerous pubs to explore. The older harbour used to be a major shipbuilding centre during the 19th century and is home to Liotrivi — a local olive oil press and workshop.
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Also nearby is the quaint Oianthi beach, which features many tavernas serving local dishes, including ravani — a syrupy cake. The town has other pretty beaches, all of which feature shallow, calm and clear waters.
For those wanting to learn more about its ties with the seas, there is the Nautical and Historical Museum of Galaxidi which tells the ‘Chronicle of Galaxidi’, taking visitors back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, with tales of natural disasters and pirate attacks.
In the hills, travellers can also visit the highest point of the town and explore the church of Agios Nikolaos, which is home to a wood-carved icon screen, two bell towers and an imposing dome. Floral-covered balconies litter Galaxidi and in spring, alevromoutzouromata takes place — a traditional custom were residents throw coloured flour at each other. The tradition takes place on Clean Monday, which is the first day of Lent, before Easter.
Visitors can also take a trip from the town to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, which sits between the two towering rocks of Mount Parnassus. The site is located 400 metres from a present-day village by the same name and is home to two ancient sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo and Athena.
Galaxidi benefits from a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average temperature in winter ranges from 10C to 15C and the average temperature in the summer ranges from 20C to 30C. It takes around two-and-a-half to three hours to drive to Galaxidi from Athens.