Once an important maritime hub, Galaxidi is now a small seaside town overlooking the Gulf of Itea in the southern part of Phocis. It’s a popular summer resort for travellers en route between Patras and Delphi and features several fascinating museums where archaeological findings from the surrounding area are showcased.

Things to do

Stroll along the picturesque harbour of Galaxidi to admire its stately homes and step inside the Holy Temple of Agios Nikolaos to see its beautiful carved wooden screen. Continue walking to Galaxidi Grove where you’ll find the wall remnants of ancient Oianthi and the Tomb of the King Lokros, which was used as a catacomb in early Christian times.

Occupying a late-19th-century building that once served as the town hall is the Archaeological Collection of Galaxidi, a museum that was established in 1932 to showcase antiquities found in the local area. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the region’s lifestyle and industries throughout the centuries, with Mycenaean vessels and artefacts from the city of Haleion on display.

Within the same building is the Maritime Museum of Galaxidi where ship figureheads, nautical instruments and parts of historic vessels are exhibited. You can admire the paintings of Greek sailing ships and get up close to weapons used during the 1821 Greek War of Independence. A highlight of the collection is the manuscript from the “Chronicle of Galaxidid”, which was written by the monk Efthimios in the nearby Monastery of Metamorphosis Tou Sotiros.

Getting around

Galaxidi is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Patras and two hours from Patras Araxos Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Athens International Airport is just under three hours away. Regular buses connect to Galaxidi from Athens and Patras while the centre of town is best explored on foot.