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Galaxidi
Galaxidi is a picturesque seaside town that has an island-like atmosphere to it, but sits on the mainland not far from Delphi. In fact, until 1963 it was only accessible by boat so it truly was like an island. Located at the foot of Mount Parnassos, the charming town will enchant you with its colors, old mansions, picturesque alleys, colorful boats and sailboats tied up to the dock. Due to the rare architecture of its old houses and mansions, it has been characterized as a traditional settlement since 1967.
Little Galaxidi curves around a seafront hillock with an attractive church perched on the top and the village tumbling down the slopes beneath it. Narrow cobblestone streets, which remain unchanged over decades and centuries, connect the well-sheltered harbors to either side of the town. The main port is locally known as Herolakas which means ‘Widows Port’. This nickname is a tribute to the wives who waited in vain for their sailor husbands whose ships never returned. While exploring the old harbor on foot, stop at Liotrivi, the olive oil press, and workshops. The other harbor to the south is lined with cafes, bars and fish restaurants. From this port you can continue walking out east from the town to the forested headland known as Pera Panta. Here you will find some secluded beaches for swimming and sunbathing and at its tip, the statue of the Galaxidiotissa woman, which depicts a woman holding her children in her arms as she waves the scarf towards sea.
What to see and do
There are plenty of nice strolls around the picturesque waterfront, with views across the bay of Corinth but the best view of all, is from the 13th century Byzantine Monastery of Metamorphosis, which you can get to via narrow winding streets through the town, before you follow the paths up through the pine trees. Beyond the waterfront, narrow streets wind inland and lead to the highest point in the town where the church of Agios Nikolaos sits. Its temple is well known throughout Greece as a masterpiece of sculpture in wood. Also worth is a visit to the church of Agia Paraskevi, with the carved zodiac on its floor and the sundial on the outside. The small Maritime and Historical Museum, documents the town’s history and hosts sea maps, model ships and a great collection of watercolors of galactic sailing ships. Another great museum is the Folklore Museum, housed in an old mansion. The greatest joy of a visit to Galaxidi, though, is strolling the narrow streets and admiring the elegant and well-preserved captain houses with their courtyards full of flowers.
History
Like most everyplace in the area, Galaxidi has a long history, and it was a mighty marine power in ancient times. The port was a major ship building center in the 19th century, a prosperous era when the town acquired its fine crop of stone mansions. In 1860, Galaxidi numbered over 300 ships and played a significant role in Greece’s maritime history. Around 1870 along with Syros was the most important producer of ships and sailors in the country. Its important maritime past is embodied in the captains' grand mansions, maritime-themed statues, and the two picturesque harbors. At the beginning of the 20th century the citizens of Galaxidi didn’t manage to upgrade from the use of sails to steam and the old maritime town lost the bet with modernization. As a result, most of the people who were engaged with the sea, migrated to other commercial ports of the country to find jobs.
Best time to visit
During the summer, Galaxidi is a popular sea resort for travelers that stop on the way between Patras and Delphi, but also for Athenians looking for a peaceful weekend gateway. However, Galaxidi, is still under the mass tourism radar, so it is a place to be if you are looking for a quiet vacation. If you happen to be visiting in the spring, look out for the town’s renowned celebration on Clean Monday, the start of Greek Orthodox Lent. On that particular day the custom of ‘Alevromoutzouroma’, takes place in Galaxidi. The origins of the custom are unclear; however, it appears in its current form since the mid-19th century. The custom of ‘alevromoutzouromata’ (flour wars) sees locals divide into teams and pelt each other with pigmented flour across the port. The event is very popular and often attracts media coverage. The celebration is accompanied by music and dancing and lasts until essentially, the participants run out of supplies. In case you want to participate, be aware you are wearing clothes you will probably never wear again.
Where is Galaxidi and how to get there
Galaxidi is located on the western side of the Gulf of Itea, a northward bay of the Gulf of Corinth. Known as the “island of the mainland”, Galaxidi is a perfect destination for a weekend break or longer stay. It is around 3 hours from Athens (214 km) by car, allowing for a short break and about 1h and 20 mins from the city of Patras to the south, over the Rio-Antirio Bridge. The easiest way to travel to Galaxidi is by car, but you can also travel by bus. There are regular buses that connect Galaxidi with Athens, as well as with Delphi (30 mins) and Patras. Many visitors that travel to Galaxidi, love to combine their visit with Delphi that stands only a few kilometers away. In Galaxidi, you will find many restaurants and taverns where you can taste fresh seafood and traditional Greek food. Also, many cafes and bars for an evening drink as the sun sets. Galaxidi offers a wide range of accommodation option, including plenty of traditional mansions that have been turned into guesthouses and boutique hotels.
