ARACHOVA – DELPHI – POLIDROSO
Arachova is the largest and most well-organized ski resort in the country, a destination of rare natural beauty and an intensely cosmopolitan village.
When the brightest winter destination in Greece includes the best ski resort in Greece and a stone-built village with a cosmopolitan aura, then the trip can only be unique. Parnassos and the plateau of Livadi: intertwined with joy and sports. Arachova: synonymous with evening entertainment and good food. As for luxury accommodation? In the area you will find excellent hostels and resorts with lovely suites, villas, hot tubs and spas. The dilemmas you may face during your stay concern the way you will choose to enjoy the place: skiing and outdoor activities? Relaxation, coffee and reading? Or board games by the fireplace? Whatever you decide, this vacation will be enjoyed with all your soul.
Zeus left two eagles, one to the East and one to the West and they met in Delphi, making them the center of the world.
At the navel of the earth, as Delphi was called, was the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world, whose fame has surpassed the borders of Greece since antiquity, as evidenced by the findings of excavations that brought to light tributes from Syria and Armenia.
The oracle of Delphi was dedicated to the god Apollo and Pythia, the respective High Priest, had the role of intermediary to convey the oracle to those interested. Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts a large number of Greeks and foreign visitors throughout the year.
The modern city of Delphi was built next to the archeological site, at an altitude of 570m., Overlooking the olive grove of Amfissa and the bay of Itea. Due to the archeological site, the neighboring Arachova, but also the ski center of Parnassos, it has experienced great tourist development.
The beautiful Polydrosos is built at the northern foot of Parnassos at an altitude of 380m. Until 1928 it was called Souvala, a name that is still used today.
Activities
In Arachova the first thing you have to try is go skiing at the ski resort. The ski resort of Parnassos has two areas, Kelaria and Fterolakka, with 21 slopes in total, 5 connecting trails and 4 mini slopes for beginners with babylifts. Then you can explore the beauty of mountain Parnassos with buggies and ATV’s. There is no better way to get to know the unknown beauties of Mount Parnassos.
If you love wandering in the unspoiled nature, then the mountain of Parnassos is suitable for endless hiking. There are dozens of marked trails for all tastes and possibilities. In the winter months when the snow has appeared, the use of snowshoes is indicated, ensuring the ultimate experience of navigating snowy routes. Before you start hiking, it would be good to have with you special walking sticks, raincoat, map, water and dry food.
For the most courageous but connoisseurs of the sport, the area is also suitable for mountain skiing. Parnassos is a popular destination for this activity. The large area of the mountain and the alpine field, the large snow cover that lasts for many months, the well-known and long routes contribute to this, while the existence of the ski center is considered important, which, for many, facilitates access to the mountain ski field.
Caves on Mount Parnassos. In the wider area of Parnassos there are some of the most particularly visited caves in Greece, which are of great interest. Visitors to the mountain can explore the rare cave with lakes inside which is located near Variani called Neraidospilia, the internationally famous Korykeion Cave located above Livadi or visit the southern glacier of Europe, also known as Eptastomo.
Sights
In Delphi you can see the Temple of Apollo, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, the Ancient Theater of Delphi, the Treasure of the Athenians, the Holy Road, Castalia Pigi, the Dome of Athena Pronea.
Also, the Museum of Delphic Festivals which is housed in the house of our great writer and poet Angelos Sikelianos. The Sicilian had envisioned the “Delphic Idea”, a global intellectual society based in Delphi. In 1927, with the help of his wife and many celebrities of the time, the first Delphic festivities took place, which had a worldwide impact. In the museum, costumes and photographic material from the Delphic Festivals, handwritten texts and personal items of Angelos Sikelianos, as well as the loom of his wife, Eva, are exhibited.
Do not forget to visit the old church of Agios Konstantinos with its amazing works of art and the Church of Agios Nikolaos which houses the relics of great Saints of Orthodoxy.
Polydrosos has a beautiful square with plane trees in which is the church of the Assumption of the Virgin and the triple stone fountain.
With just a 20 ‘walk you can reach the springs of Agia Eleousa. The location will compensate you with its natural beauty, since it is drowned in the plane trees, with gushing waters from the springs of Boeotian Kifissos and a wonderful view of Polydroso. There you will see the ruins of the Byzantine church of Paliopanagia or Mavromantilas which was built in the 6th-7th c. A.D.
You can visit the historic Hani of Gravia which is at a distance of 12 km. from Polydroso, as well as the surrounding picturesque villages such as Lilaia, Ano Agoriani, the settlements of Mariolata and Variani, as well as the beautiful Ano Polydroso.
In Arachova you can visit Parnassos National Park, a journey into the beauty of untouched nature. Forested ridges, hills, precipices and an endless forest of Kefalonian spruce and black pine. Along with that of Olympus, the Parnassos National Park is the oldest in Greece. Its core has an area of about 35,000 acres. It is crossed by countless paths and forest roads.
Also the National trail 22: a unique route. You will enjoy any part of it, even if you walk. It is the only long distance path in Central Greece. It has a length of 180 km and connects Parnassos with Parnitha.
You can find Kokoretsi, kontosouvli, sausages, lamb in the hull, grilled meats, on the spit and in soups, rabbit krasato, rooster with noodles: the rustic Roumelian meat-eating defines the profile of the taverns of Arachova. But if you want to take something of the taste of Parnassos with you, in the shops of traditional products, you will find the cheeses and dairy products of the local producers: the famous formaela (the Traditional famous round cheese produced only in Arachova from local sheep and goat milk, with a certified designation of origin from the European Union), soft opsimotyri, yogurt, feta, mizithra, noodles, trahana, olive oil. From sweets note: coconut, almond, dip (kokotakia) and spoon sweets (walnut, fig, apple, quince, apple).