EPIDAURUS | MAINLAND | CENTRAL GREECE
The most cosmopolitan winter resort in Greece
This trip is proposed to those who like the idea of combining the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Arachova with skiing at Greece’s biggest mountain resort. In winter book ahead for weekends in Arachova.
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN AND AROUND ARACHOVA
This trip is proposed to those who like the idea of combining the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Arachova with skia163 km from Athens and 10 min before Delphi, Arachova — with 4,500 inhabitants — at an altitude of 1,000 m in the foothills of Mount Parnassos, is renowned as the most cosmopolitan mountain village of Greece. Arachova is the winter -weekend haunt of Athenians. Very colourful, with narrow little streets, stone houses and a view of the scenery of Delphi, it is the entertainment centre of the district, on the way to the ski slopes of Parnassos as well as to Delphi. The area is renowned for its strong red wines , honey, “flokates” (shaggy rugs), woolen weavings and the formaela cheese; all are much in evidence in the roadside shops.ing at Greece’s biggest mountain resort. In winter book ahead for weekends in Arachova.
OSSIOS LOUKAS
The monastery of Ossios Loukas on the olive-planted slope of Mt Helicon gives the visitor a sense
of serenity and contemplation.
Ossios (the Blessed) Loukas settled here in 946 AD at the age of 44, building his cell and a small church. The church of Ossios Loukas was built in the 11th c. and that of the Theotokos in the 10th or 11th c. Although they are joined together they are entirely different architecturally. The monastery was severely damaged by earthquakes in the 16th and 17th c. and was restored in the 1960s. There is a small museum of sculpture in the precinct. The church of Ossios Loukas is one of Greece’s most beautiful of the Greek-cross-octagon design, with numerous openings and a wonderful dome that seems to float in the air. You must see the 11th c. mosaics of the main church and narthex, the marble-paved flooring and marble revetments, and the sarcophagus of Ossios Loukas with cruciform arched decoration. Also see the crypt with splendid frescoes (the entrance is outside the church) and the church of the Theotokos, for comparison of its architecture with that of Ossios Loukas.
PARNASSOS MOUNTAIN
Altitude 2,457 m. This is not only the mountain for skiing, it is also one of the most superb regions of Greece. Densely forested with firs, with rare varieties of wild flowers and shrubs, and featuring many picturesque villages amongst the greenery, it offers visitors the incomparable beauties of nature all year round.
Parnassos National Park
So designated in 1938, it covers 9000 acres. Its fauna include fox, badger, hare, squirrel as well as big birds such as eagles, hawks, buzzards and owls. There are numerous dirt tracks crisscrossing the forest, suitable for walking or mountain bikes.
Information: Greek Centre for Mountain Sports, Arachova, tel. 0030 2267031846.
They organize rafting, hang gliding, skiing, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, mountain and rock climbing, abseiling and canyoning.
SKI RESORTS
20 km from Arachova, the Parnassos Ski Centre at the localities Fterolakka and Kelaria as well as the Athens Ski Club run Greece’s most up-to-date skiing facilities for skiing enthusiasts.
Kelaria and Fterolakka
Altitude 1,750 m and 1,800 m
This has 12 runs: 2 for beginners (green), 1 intermediate (blue), 7 for the advanced (red) and 2 very
difficult (black), There are also: 1 cable car, 6 chair-lifts and 7 T-bars, ski school, shops for
equipment rental and purchase, chalet for meals.
Kelaria | Tel: 030 2234029021
Challet | Equipment Rentals | Kelaria 1950
Fterolaka | Tel: 0030 2234022315
Challet | Equipment Rentals
Gerontovrahos locality (Athens Ski Club)
Altitude 1,800 m
There are three runs, three ski-lifts − two of them Pomas, one for children − a ski school and a pretty chalet for meals.
Non-members accepted.
Information: Athens Ski Club, tel. 0030210 2851883, 00306944 620298
ARACHOVA TIPS & INFORMATION
HOW TO GET TO ARACHOVA
Arachova is 163 km from Athens.
Ideally with your own transport or with an organized tour.
By intercity bus (KTEL), from Kifissou Station, Athens, Tel. 00302105124913, 00302105124911
HOW TO GET AROUND
In your own car for flexibility and comfort. If you don’t have one, there are taxis in Arachova.\
BEST SEASON TO VISIT ARACHOVA
If you are fans of skiing and après-ski, you will enjoy the winter season. The scenery is at its best in spring and autumn.
LOCAL FOOD & PRODUCTS OF ARACHOVA
Dairy products, especially formaela cheese, a local speciality. Arachova is also known for its handwoven kilims, “flokates” (shaggy rugs) and cloth.
ARACHOVA USEFUL TELEPHONES NUMBERS
Arachova Town Hall 00302265031250
Arachova Police 00302265031333
Arachova Health Centre 00302265031300
Arachova Pharmacy 00302265031793
Arachova Taxis 00302265031566
