Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The regional district of Corinth is mostly famous for the Canal and the ancient city of Corinth. Very often, Athenians choose the Mountain area of Corinth as a first-class tourist destination for weekend breaks. The traveller gets his/her pick between sea view (town of Xylokastro, on the coast of Corinth) and the mountainous landscape of Trikala.

For those interested in bird watching, or mountaineering there are two lakes, Stymphalia and Doxa which are not to be missed. Lake Stymphalia in particular may ring a bell with mythology fans. According to the legend, Hercules slew the Stymphalian fowls, the man-eating birds with the bronze wings that lived in the swamps, on the lake’s banks, plaguing local people and their crops. In the nearby Environmental Museum of Stymphalia, the visitor will find out that mythology came to explain a natural phenomenon, which occurred because the lake’s natural sink holes were blocked, causing dangers of stagnant water.

For those wishing to retreat, Trikala - built among the pine and fir tree forested slopes of Mount Cyllene (Ziria) - is one of the prefecture’s most popular mountain resorts, ideal for skiing, hiking and off-road trips. During summer time, the woods close to the ski center host the Ziria Music Festival, which is currently in its sixth edition.

Ancient ruins can be visited at ancient Feneos, where one can see the relics of the temple of Asclepius and a section of the acropolis’ fortifications. The highland town of Feneos is also known for the artificial lake Doxa.

See also: The History Channel- Ancient Corinth [VIDEO] & Photo Gallery