Arachova
Arachova is a traditional village built on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus in an altitude of 968 meters. It is a popular winter resort due to the existence of the ski centre and the small distance from Athens (160 kilometers). The climate of Arachova is dry in the summer with cool and chilly winds even in the evening hours and in the winter there is cold with considerable rain and snow.
Antiquity
The area of Arachova has ancient history. It is full of ancient settlements dating back to 1200 B.C. and scattered traces of antiquity from Parnassus to Zemeno and down to the valley of Pleistos. In Korykeion Cave the oldest traces dating from the Neolithic period (3000 B.C.). On the west side of Arachova was Anemoreia or Anemoleia, Homeric city, mentioned by Homer in the position below the Katoptirio rock. In Homer's time was one of the official eight Fokikan cities. Kyparissia was east, near the site "Pania". Both cities took part in the Trojan War under the leadership of Epistrofos and Schedias. Likoria, an ancient city high on Mount Parnassus, brings us back to the time of the Flood. Then in Liakoura, the highest mountain peak (2475 m) was the ark of Deucalion and Pyrrha who gave birth to Ellinas, the Greek patriarch. But the name itself Parnassus, a prohellenic word, brings us to the depths of time before 2000 B.C.
Middle Ages
With long historical life, the area displays settlements also in the Byzantine times (Early Christian settlements Panias).
During the Frankish years, feudal lords commanded the union of settlements in one, creating an easier administration in the area. This small village where these settlements were joined, was on the south side of Arachova, under the cliff of Katoptiriou and bore the name Peritis (Peregrine). This village was what we call today Arachova. Since then essentially its story begins as one and not many settlements.
Ottoman & Greek Revolution
According to reports, in 1435 A.D. " Arachova is a populous city." In the 16th century it appears bloom and in 1728 is referred to as "the most famous kome of Parnassus." In 1826 the Battle of Arachova saved the revolution of the Greeks from a large decline. Georgios Karaiskakis faced victorious 2000 Turkish men opposite the church of St. George.
Modern Times
Arachova in the mid '70s, one year before completing the construction of the ski resort at Mount Parnassus, was a small town as beautiful as its dry wine and colorful textiles. There were 1,500 looms working in the homes and they made rugs, carpets, bed sheets and women’s dresses of excellent quality and art. In the narrow alleys, windows and balconies were decorated with basil, lavender carnations, geraniums and all sorts of flowers, while the various shops were hanging various sausages and heads of formaela. The scenery is complemented by several taps where crystal clear water flowed from Parnassus. It had enough tourism, but the vast majority were passers-by for Delphi.
Arachova was favored by its proximity to Delphi. The group visitors of the archaeological site of Delphi led to the tourist development of the area that became greater after the creation of the ski centers and the development of winter tourism in Greece. So the beautiful state became a independent tourist destination.
Arachova’s patron saint is St. George and every year a three-day event takes place, with customs that have survived from ancient times, in honor of the saint The famous small feast (Panigiraki), which has been described as one of the hundred most beautiful experiences in the world with various local customs.
Today
Nowadays Arachova balances between a traditional village and the best winter destination in Greece, providing guests with high quality services. The well-organized tourism infrastructure, the hospitality and sense of service from residents and the natural beauty of the village and surrounding area, attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year who enjoy their stay in Arachova along with winter sports and parallel activities the area of Parnassus offers.
(links)
The weather in Arachova http://www.meteo.gr/cf.asp?city_id=137
Delphi
Delphi is for many decades one of the most classic international destinations. The most important aspect of the classic tourism course has to do with the existence of the archaeological site of Delphi, with the homonymous famous Panhellenic sanctuary with the famous Oracle of Delphi.
The Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi and the Delphic landscape is characterized as a "World Heritage Place" by UNESCO.
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi complements perfectly a harmonious historic visit to Delphi. Renovated in 2004, offers visitors a timeless image of sacred space and gives the pleasure of enjoying works of incomparable beauty and value as the famous Charioteer.
Delphi is just 10km from Arachova. Access is possible by car, taxi and bus.
The museum and the archaeological site is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to - 3:00 p.m.
Tel: 2265082312
Parnassos Ski Center
Parnassos Ski Resorts operates in three sites, Kellaria, Fterolakka and Gerontovrachos, with the first two being the most popular and associated with aerial lift. The distance from Arachova is only 23km.
There are 21 tracks, 7 ski trails, 2 main communication routes with the lower stations, 8 connecting trails and 3 mini beginners slopes with baby lifts, a total length of 40 Km. The descents begin from 2260m. and reach up to 1640m altitude. The slopes meet the needs of all skiers from the beginners to the most experienced ones. For lovers of adventure and fun are several off-piste "black" trails with deep snow and a lot of adrenaline and 2 Fun parks in Cellars and Fterolakka. Four of the tracks: No6 Charioteer, No8 Hercules, No9 Odysseus & No2 Bacchus, is certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS Homologation) to organize international skiing matches.
Parnassos Ski Centre is the largest and best-equipped center in Greece. It is starring among the preference of skiers as it is the closest to Athens and its facilities allow it to serve a large number of visitors and skiers. The Center operates two cafes and a restaurant-chalet, ski and snowboard schools, ski rental shops, concierge service with a playground for younger guests and a maintenance shop for ski and snowboard. Every Saturday the opening hours of the Centre extend until 8pm, giving skiers the opportunity to enjoy the sunset and make night skiing at slopes with special lighting.
Phone Number: 22340-22700
Open: 8:00 to 16:00 (8:00 to 20:00 every Saturday)
http://www.parnassos-ski.gr/
http://www.snowreport.gr/snowcam/parnassos/ (live camera)
http://www.parnassos-ski.gr/webtop/modules/_repository/documents/xartis_parnassou.jpg (Chart Track)
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Mount-Parnassos/6day/mid
(weather forecast for Ski Parnassos)
Beaches
In a very short distance (20-40 minute drive), visitors can enjoy beaches that have nothing to envy from those of the Greek islands and shops on the beach serving fresh seafood. From the side of Antikyra and Aspron Spition (White Houses) there are the beaches of "Saint Isidore" with the blue flag and the "port Koutrou".
Itea has many beaches (organized or not) covering all tastes as well as the blue flag beaches "Trocadero" and "Miami." Also the beaches "Xenia", "Vrahakia" and "Agios Minas" with the blue waters offer moments of peace and tranquility.
Finally, Galaxidi. is a nautical city renowned for its naval fleet and the ability of Galaxidi people in shipbuilding. It has been identified as traditional preserved settlement since it distinguishes the unique architecture of captain houses. It combines the rich and long history with natural beauty, picturesque streets, the remarkable monuments and the beautiful mansions with tiled roofs. It has several beaches with crystal clear waters that cover all tastes. Most known are the "Yacht Club", the "Kalafatis," the "Voidakas" and the "Louza."
