Galaxidi, Greece: A Town Built In A Tiny Fjord

Galaxidi is a pretty and scenic seaside town located in central Greece, on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, a short drive from ancient Delphi. It is located in the Fokida Prefecture on the west of Krisaios Gulf. The town is built in a tiny fjord and it is the site of the ancient town of Oianthi. It has narrow cobble-stoned streets and two small harbors, and it is a very tranquil town except during summer and holiday weekends.

Its well preserved traditional architecture and its amenities make it a popular holiday destination.

A Little Bit of History

Galaxidi was built in 1400 BC on a hill 130 meters above sea level and was called Oianthi. The town was built by Locros, a descendant of Defkalion, two centuries before the Trojan War.

Galaxidi, Greece - This is a pretty and scenic seaside town situated in central Greece, on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, a short drive from ancient Delphi. The town, built in a tiny fjord, is the site of the ancient town of Oianthi. Its well preserved traditional architecture and its amenities make it a popular holiday destination.The View of Galaxidi

After his death the inhabitants erected a monument in his honor, called “The Locrion”.

Between the 6th and 9th century AD, Galaxidi grew to a famous urban and nautical center.

It became a major ship building center in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the commercial sailing vessels traveled the globe in search of trade. As a result, the city was highly influenced by foreign fashion.

Galaxidi Old Town, Greece - Galaxidi is a national treasure on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, which has preserved its unique look and its old ways. It is a great joy to wander the authentic streets with the ship captains' mansions scattered around the hill top.

The view of the Galaxidi old town

Galaxidi saw many empires come and go, and all have left their marks on the town.

The city had a major role in the Greek fight for independence and supplied the ships for the new navy.

The Ottomans burnt the town to the ground in an effort to stop the growth of the new republic.

With the invention of new steam driven ships, the shipping industry moved to Itea, which had started to build ships with the new technology.

The population of Galaxidi dwindled to a few hundreds.

Galaxidi was again burnt to the ground during the WWII and the Civil War. The inhabitants fled to the hills to live in caves.

Clean Monday is celebrated in Galaxidi with great fervor. Residents hold a flour war that colors everyone from head to toe with flour. You enter the zone at your own risk and it is worth for all the laughs.

This custom has pagan roots: it is believed that the dead are allowed to leave Hades for a day and return to Earth; if they had a good time, a good crop was assured. After getting cleaned, people enjoy a traditional dish of lagana.

Spyros Vassiliou, famous artist, is from Galaxidi.

Where is Galaxidi?

  • 10.1 miles/ 16.3 km from Itea, Greece
  • 41.1 miles/ 66.3 km from Nafpaktos, Greece
  • 27.1 miles/ 43.7 km from Arachova, Greece
  • 20.7 miles/ 33.4 km from Delphi, Greece
  • 17.8 miles/ 28.8 km from Amfissa, Greece
  • 58 miles/ 93.4 km from Patras, Greece
  • 118.6 miles/ 191 km from Athens, Greece
  • 129.2 miles/ 208 km from Zakynthos Airport, Greece
  • 118 miles/ 190 km from Volos Airport, Greece
  • 136 miles/ 219 km from Athens Airport, Greece

Things to See

  • Agios Nikolaos Church
  • Saint Paraskeui Church
  • Fortifications of Ancient Citadel
  • Lokros Tomb
  • Church of Metamorphosis
  • Nautical Historical Museum
  • Folklore Museum
  • Forest of Cedars
  • Harbor

Beaches

  • Kalafati Beach
  • Agios Vassilis
  • Itea Beaches
  • Other good beaches are Nafsika, Evaggelistria, Kirra and Vrachakia.

Excursions

  • A Visit to the Caves
  • Hiking
  • Delphi

Galaxidi is a national treasure, which has preserved its unique look and its old ways. It is a great joy to wander the authentic streets with the ship captains’ mansions scattered around the hill top.

It is quite interesting to imagine what it was like when hundreds of sailing ships fought for attention in Galaxidi’s tiny harbor.

We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!