Why Vargiani Is the Perfect Destination for Nature Lovers

On the northwestern facet of Mount Parnassos, life flows at a a lot totally different tempo than within the well-known Arachova. Now not a well-kept secret, Vargiani has gained its personal following, sharing the highlight with close by Agoriani, providing a peaceable escape from the vacationer crowds. This can be a place the place nature reigns, free from site visitors jams and the frantic rhythms of business tourism.

As soon as a satellite tv for pc settlement, Vargiani has change into a vacation spot in its personal proper for these searching for extra genuine experiences and a slower tempo of life. Its privileged location makes it a superb base for actions and excursions.

Perched at an altitude of 900 meters, with stone homes and winding alleys, Vargiani gives spectacular views of surrounding fir forests, making a scene that appears straight out of a postcard. The village’s idyllic attraction even caught the eye of the manufacturing group behind the 1977 tv collection The Village Photographer,which was filmed there.

Over time, the village, as soon as deserted as a result of city migration and emigration, noticed a revival. Metropolis dwellers searching for a mountain retreat started to rediscover Vargiani, partially repopulating it. Respectful restoration efforts adopted, together with the development of latest stone homes that served as trip properties, making the village an more and more in style cease.

With a inhabitants of solely round 40 residents, Vargiani stays charmingly small, with chimneys puffing smoke and a handful of guesthouses and taverns enhancing its attraction. For a style of the native environment, head to To Scholio, a comfortable café housed within the village’s old style constructing, the place steaming drinks await. The village sq., residence to the Church of Aghia Paraskevi, is a stunning spot to loosen up, and the Bournboulas springs – with their six flowing fountains – make sure the village’s waters by no means run dry. The one inconvenience, on weekends, is the occasional automobile blocking the slim alleys.

Probably the most stunning hike you possibly can soak up Vargiani, climate allowing, is to Neraidospilia (Fairy Cave) – one of the vital gorgeous trails and caves on Mount Parnassos. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and requires mountaineering footwear and a few expertise (or a information), as elements of the path are uncovered. Relying on the season, the cave transforms right into a water-filled wonderland, providing breathtaking sights with its stalactites and stalagmites.

A extra accessible route, by means of the forest with its working waters, is the one resulting in the chapel of Prophet Elias. Accessible by way of a forest street, the route takes about 45 minutes and is way simpler to navigate.

If snowboarding is excessive in your listing, you’ll have to drive about 40 km (roughly 1 hour) to the Parnassos Ski Middle. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re based mostly in Vargiani, there are different thrilling actions to discover. You may go mountain climbing on the Kokkini Stegi (Pink Roof) climbing area, which gives about 30 routes, or strive the Proinadiko area, that includes simpler routes splendid for kids. For a extra adventurous climb, head to the Baroutospilia Gorge, positioned between Lilaia and Mariolata, the place the Miliopaida and Nikolas Grigoropoulos fields supply 22 routes.

Alternatively, go to the traditional partitions of Lilaia within the close by village of the identical identify or discover the distinctive Vagonetto Mining Park (by appointment: Tel. (+30) 22650.788.19) to be taught in regards to the area’s mining historical past with a tour of Tunnel 850.

Whether or not you’re having fun with the scenic routes round Mount Parnassos or venturing into the encompassing villages, Vargiani is ideally positioned for exploring the pure fantastic thing about the Giona mountain vary and its villages.

In Vargiani, you’ll discover two guesthouses: Arxontolithos (Tel. (+30) 693.218.5848) and Ifigenia (Tel. (+30) 22650.910.71). 

For eating, along with the appetizers at To Scholio café (Tel. (+30) 22650.919.51), you possibly can go to the Zervas Tavern (Tel. (+30) 693.699.9380), identified for its glorious grilled meats (liver, beef steak, pork stomach), pies, and slow-cooked dishes corresponding to tender pork shank and wild boar stew.

For guided excursions, together with journeys to the distinctive Neraidospilia (Fairy Cave), or for mountain climbing and snowboarding classes, you possibly can contact mountain information Tzortzis Milias (Tel. (+30) 694.463.6179).