Itea

Itea is located on the Crissaean Gulf (Gulf of Itea), along the northern shores of the Corinthian Gulf, approximately 30 km from Arachova. Behind the town stretches the fertile Crissaean Plain, framed by Mount Giona and Mount Parnassus, on whose slopes lie Delphi and Chrisso. From Itea’s seafront, visitors can see Galaxidi and, across the water, the Peloponnese.

It is the second-largest town of the Municipality of Delphi and serves as the port of both Amfissa and Delphi. With its commercial harbor and marina, Itea is an important trade and tourism hub, welcoming merchant vessels, cruise ships, and private yachts.

Archaeological remains from the Late Helladic period, including chamber tombs, indicate the presence of an ancient settlement west of modern Itea—possibly Halae. Evidence of a sizeable ancient town is also suggested by a stone-paved road leading toward Amfissa, sections of which survived until the late 19th century.

Of particular interest is the scientific identification (2013) of the Ancient Hippodrome of Delphi, located within Itea’s land boundary at the site known as “Gonia,” just behind the hill of Agioi Anargyroi. According to Professor Panos Valavanis (University of Athens), this hippodrome is considered the second-oldest in the world.

During Ottoman rule, the area—once marked by a famous willow tree and the region’s only natural spring—hosted shepherds’ shelters and pottery workshops. Later, a small port settlement known as Skala of Salona developed, with a wooden pier, customs house, huts, and warehouses. This settlement gradually evolved into modern Itea. In the late Ottoman period, the land belonged to Omer Aga of Salona’s widow (Omeragou) and passed through several hands before becoming part of a dowry.