A Day Trip to Mount Parnassos

Simply 170 kilometers from Athens, Parnassos is an imposing escape that may be reached in underneath two hours, making it the right vacation spot for a day of journey. With its towering peak, Liakoura, rising to 2,457 meters, Parnassos is Greece’s eighth-highest mountain, providing a wide ranging mix of scenic trails and outside pursuits that may captivate nature fanatics. A spot the place historical past, mythology, and journey converge, Parnassos is steeped in historic lore, from its affiliation with the Muses to its position within the Greek Warfare of Independence. The mountain additionally performed a pivotal position within the rise of ski tourism in Greece, including a component of thrill to its storied previous.

Whereas Arachova is the biggest village within the space, recognized for its energetic environment and quite a few eating and occasional choices, the lesser-known villages on Parnassos’ northern slopes have their very own distinct allure and character.

Morning Cease: A Stroll By way of Arachova

Start your journey with a short cease in Arachova for a espresso and a leisurely stroll. Outlets on the primary road provide native specialties akin to hilopites (conventional pasta), formaela cheese, handwoven textiles, and souvenirs. Bonjour (Platia Lakkas, Tel. (+30) 22670.323.30) within the city middle serves espresso, breakfast, and brunch beginning early within the morning.

Into the Coronary heart of the Mountain

From Arachova, observe the highway towards the ski resort, passing via the charming village of Livadi, the place a scattering of lodges and taverns beckon with heat hospitality. Even when there’s no snow and the ski slopes are closed, the drive is price it for the serene, picturesque landscapes.

Proceed in direction of the villages on Parnassos’s northern facet. The 26-kilometer drive from the ski middle to the village of Eptalofos (previously often known as Agoriani) is a mesmerizing journey via dense fir forests and winding roads. Just a little path from Eptalofos’ village sq. results in a waterfall, which is just a five-minute stroll and effectively price it.

Lunch and Exploration in Vargiani

From Eptalofos, take the scenic 29-kilometer drive to the village of Vargiani, passing via the settlements of Lilaia, Mariolata, and Gravia. Positioned at 900 meters, Vargiani is a conventional village recognized for its quite a few springs, flowing waters, and spectacular stone-built properties. Zervas Taverna (Vargiani, Tel. (+30) 693.699.9380), on the primary sq., serves scrumptious grilled meats, do-it-yourself pies, and flavorful stews.

The Journey Again

With Amfissa situated about 30 kilometers from Vargiani, you may have two foremost choices to your return journey. The western route, passing via Amfissa after which Arachova, covers a complete distance of 233 kilometers. Alternatively, the japanese route through Amfiklia is shorter, at 202 kilometers.

When you move via Amfissa, cease for a espresso at one of the vital atmospheric cafés in Greece, Megalo Kafeneio 1929 (Kechagia Sq., Amfissa, Tel. (+30) 694.824.5729). When you take the Amfiklia route, Village Café (Amfiklia, Tel. (+30) 22340.230.52) is understood for its glorious espresso.