The spectacular drive along the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth, looking across the blue waters to the mountains of the Peloponnese, is one of the best in Greece. The road heading west, when it joins the coast beyond Delphi, links a series of appealing little coastal towns, all delightful stop off points.

The first of these is Galaxidion, its houses radiating from a headland and painted in white and pretty pastel colours. The dome of the church is clearly visible as you approach the town, in pride of place on the headland, and dedicated to Agios Nikalaos, the patron saint of sailors.

Beyond Andirrion the road swings inland and crosses a slightly flatter landscape as it heads for the marshes and saltpans that surround the town of Messologni. Lord Byron’s statue stands in the town’s Garden of Heroes.