Old and new coexist somewhere on Mount Parnassos and their mixing “gave birth” to the noblewoman Arachova, wild and sweet, traditional and modern, beautiful… romantic… picturesque… cosmopolitan…
Gifted with picturesque alleys, stone houses and mansions, lush green views, clear streams and the best ski resort in Greece, Arachova is dressed in white and welcomes thousands of visitors from Greece and abroad, to offer them the brightest days. of winter, joy and fun.
Arachova (or Arachova) is a mountain town, built on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos and ends in a ravine, where the river Pleistos flows. Its central square is located at an altitude of 960 meters. Administratively it belongs to the prefecture of Viotia and to the Municipality of Distomo-Arachova-Antikyra.
There are three versions of the origin of its name. The first says that it comes from the South Slavic word Orechova which means walnut field. The second, that the area was known during the Revolution as “Rachova” – a word of Greek root, derived from the combination “rachis” and “ovas” – and was used to denote the housing association of residents living in the wider area in smaller formations. The third version wants the word to come from the Greek “rachis” and the Slavic “ova” (place), so “Arachova” (Arachova) = “backyard”
The visitor from the first moment reveals its charm through a romantic walk in its picturesque cobbled alleys, against the backdrop of the mountain slopes.
Its unchanging traditional character, its wild beauty, its cosmopolitan face, its numerous activities and the ski center, make it a popular winter resort and rank it at the top of Greek winter tourism, so much so that they call it ” Mykonos of winter “.
Activities Skiing and snowboarding at Parnassos Ski Center overlooking the sea
The ski center of Parnassos has two areas, Kelaria and Fterolakka, with 21 slopes in total, 5 connecting paths and 4 mini slopes for beginners with babylifts. Here you can learn the secrets of skiing or snowboarding.
In many parts of the ski resort, there is an unrestricted view, to the south towards the Corinthian Gulf and to the north, to the Evoikos, giving the hard-to-find experience of “skiing with sea view”. There is a ski equipment rental and maintenance shop on site.
Snow mobile ride
Walking with the famous pigs is the best way to get to know the unknown beauties of Parnassos. ATV and Buggy and all types of equipment can be rented by the visitor in Dokano, an area that connects Livadi with Eptalofos.
Snowboard Ride
Walking in the snow becomes easy with the use of snowshoes on the shoes. Snow rackets can be found in specialty shops in the area.
Hike
If you love wandering in the unspoiled nature, the mountain of Parnassos is suitable for endless hiking. There are dozens of marked trails for all tastes and possibilities.
In the winter months with snow, the use of snowshoes is recommended. It is good to have special walking sticks, raincoat, map, water and dry food.
Horse.com// Horse riding in Arachova is one of the top activities offered on the mountain. In Livadi there is a place for equestrian activities, called “Ati”.
Mountain bike
With the guidance and experience of two companies, one in Livadi Arachova and one in Polydroso, Mountain Bike has become one of the leading activities in Arachova, in specially marked routes within the Parnassos National Park. Organized bike tours, bicycle rentals and other equipment, as well as mountain biking and downhill lessons are provided by the teams of the two companies.
Taverns – restaurants
In the taverns and restaurants of Arachova, you can taste local meats such as the famous mutton kontosouvli and kokoretsi, lamb or goat in ladokolla, village pies, traditional mezedakia and sarmadas from the goats and sheep of Parnassos, hei / p>
In all the taverns and restaurants you will find the famous Arachovite cheese, the formaela, in various versions. Formaela has a designation of origin registered by the European Union. Accompany your meal with the famous bruschetta Arachovite wine and complete your meal enjoying local yogurt with honey or traditional Arachovite sweets and pastries.
Lakka Square
It is the beautiful cobbled square, in the heart of Arachova, flooded with tables for coffee, sweets and drinks, where during the day many people enjoy it in the sun and at night in a warm and romantic atmosphere, by the lights that adorn the trees of.
The Clock of Arachova
A trademark of Arachova is the steep rock with the clock, which dates from the beginning of the 18th century. The rock on which it was built served as a natural refrigerator for storing cheese.
Next to the rock of the clock, is the Holy Temple of the Entrances of the Virgin and the old Primary School that today functions as the Folklore Museum of Arachova.
Accommodation in Arachova is too much, for all tastes and all pockets. Traditional guesthouses, unique wooden chalets, apartments for rent, large hotel units, but also privately owned short-term rental houses (Airbnb) will offer you a comfortable and warm stay.
Engarsios – Ai Giorgis
It is worth climbing the 264 steps (Engarsios) that start from the main road, to be at the Church of Agios Georgios, at the highest point of the village, where you will admire the wonderful view. There are historical documents that prove the existence of the church from 1676 but certainly its construction is placed much older. You can climb the 264 steps and reach the courtyard of the temple where, according to tradition, decisive parts of the historic battle of Arachova of 1826 were held.
In fact, in some parts of the church wall, bullet holes are visible during hostilities. The interior of the church stands out for the Byzantine grandeur but also the elegance of the paintings that cover the walls and adorn the wood-carved iconostasis. In honor of Saint George, the famous Festival of Arachova is held every year.
Panigyraki is one of the most interesting events and celebrations that lasts three days, with some of the customs being preserved from the Byzantine period and others having older origins. The dance of the elders, the wrestling, the shooting and the tug of war form the image of a truly authentic Greek festival that is lost in the depths of the centuries.
Monument of the Battle of Arachova
Arachova recorded one of the greatest war successes of the Greek revolutionaries against the Turkish troops during the revolution of 1821. The leader and exponent of this great success was George Karaiskakis who after the fall of Messolonghi and after being fortified for a time on the Acropolis of Athens he chose to head for Roumeli in order to stop the supply of the Turks from the north while at the same time making a distraction. On November 18, 1826, he met the Turkish forces in Arachova and after a battle of 6 days, he won, inflicting enormous losses on the enemy, estimated at 2,000 men, including their leader Mustafabeis. This victory revived the morale of the Greeks to continue their liberation struggle and recorded the name of Karaiskakis in the consciences of the locals as a great hero and liberator. In the courtyard of the church of Agios Georgios there is the monument of Karaiskakis.
Visit to the impressive caves of Parnassos Korykeio Andro
The cave of Panos or Korykeio Andro, at an altitude of 1360m. on the SW side of Parnassos, in a beautiful forest of firs and a wonderful view, was dedicated to the god Pan and the Koryke Nymphs. It has gained worldwide fame, not only for its natural beauty, but also for the magic caused by the ancient myth, according to which, according to Aeschylus, the cave was a place of visit for divine spirits.
Pierre Amandry explored the cave in 1970, bringing to light findings from the Neolithic era and evidence that the site was a place of worship of ancient gods.
The visitor after a wonderful route will be in the cave to admire the natural sculptures formed by stalactites and stalagmites.
Νεραϊδοσπηλιά
The cave that, according to tradition, was inhabited by the fairies of Parnassos, is located outside Vargiani.
Following the unique path that leads to it, after a route drowned in the green and with a great view, you will find yourself in front of an amazing spectacle. A cave full of lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, which over the centuries have created exquisite sculptures.
The depth of the cave is estimated to reach 100m. It consists of two chambers, while inside there are about 10 basins with a depth of more than 1 meter.
In the ravine of Velitsa in Tithorea, is the cave of Odysseus Androutsos, which was once the house of the chief, while in Mariolata is the through Baroutospilia.
Delphi
Arachova benefited from its proximity to Delphi, as it benefited from visiting the archeological site. Delphi is located on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos and thousands of tourists from the most incredible parts of the world visit them to find themselves where Pythia foretold the future and the fate of the people. The sights of Delphi are innumerable. The most important of these are 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.
The Monastery of Saint Luke
It is 24 km from Arachova and is built at the western foot of Elikonas under the citadel of ancient Sterida, to which owes the nickname Saint Luke the Steriotis. It is an architectural jewel of 11th century Byzantine art, which since 1990 is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The two large churches, the Panagia and the Katholikon, as well as all the buildings of the monastery complex, cause religious awe and admiration to the pilgrims, but are also objects of architectural study by experts.
Pieces of Greek history, from the Frankish occupation to the Second World War, unfold in every corner of the monastery. The wounds left by the conquerors were gradually repaired and completed in 1989.
The Holy Relics of Saint Luke, which were transported by the Crusaders in the 13th century. at the Vatican, were finally found in Venice and on December 13, 1986, they returned to the relics of the Catholic Church.
Αγόριανη
It is only a 20 minute drive from Arachova.
With stunning natural landscapes, forests and waterfalls, the village of Parnassos with the double name (Agoriani or Eptalofos) magnetizes many visitors to Arachova as an alternative destination for a walk in the fir trees and good Roumeli food. Agoriani is famous for the frequent snowfalls that make the landscape fairytale.
Lake Pinigoura in Livadi
A magical image that appears late in winter and spring, to disappear in summer, is created by Lake Pinigoura in Livadi Arachova formed by the rains and the melting of snow on Mount Parnassos.
The lake makes the landscape idyllic and offers its visitors the opportunity to canoe in the lake, but also hiking or cycling around it. It is a shallow lake that appears only when the weather allows it, ie heavy rainfall and heavy snowfall.
A visit to the lake from March to May is considered a must for those traveling to Arachova and the surrounding area.
