Here’s an idea for a short, pleasant and exotic excursion in the heart of the Greek winter, to Mount Parnassos.
This mountain, just 2h30 north of Athens by car, offers a wide range of activities. Sports, culture, traditions, in summer or winter, it’s a place to discover. We suggest a short two- or three-day excursion, ideal for a weekend in the dead of winter when Mount Parnassus is covered in snow.
Day 1: Evening in Arachova
Leave Athens in the late afternoon.
Enjoy a friendly, chic evening in Arachova. Clinging to the cliff, the amphitheatrical village is superb. It’smoreover the favorite haunt of wealthy Athenians. There are many stores, bars and trendy restaurants. especially around the pretty cobbled Lakkas square.
When you arrive in Arachova, you won’t want to miss the 18th-century clock tower perched on its rock. Steps lead up to the top, offering a beautiful view of Arachova and the valley. Access is from the courtyard of the Musée du Folklore. From Papaioannou Square, climb the 264 steps up to Agios Georgios Church for a superb panoramic view.
You will then return to your accommodation in the village or on the plain above. See Where to stay?
Day 2: A day on the snow
The next morning, start with a good breakfast. You’ll be up and running to the Parnassos ski resort and put on your skis. All the practical details about Parnassos station in the following article .
Good to know:
- Athenians tend to arrive around 12pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the almost deserted slopes all morning.
- For lunch, we recommend a picnic or snack. Restaurants in the resort are noisy, unpleasant and expensive. See Where to eat?
Come back down around 4-5pm, relax a little and then go for a bite to eat in a tavern. For once in Greece, they’re open very early, from 5:30-6pm.
Once you’ve had your fill, you can either head back down to Athens in the evening, or continue on to a third day.
Day 3: Culture at Delphi
If you have an extra day, you can of course follow it up with another day’s skiing. Instead, we recommend a visit to the fabulous archaeological site of Delphi. En fact, il is just 10 minutes from Arachova. Here you can discover an impressive site with its museum as well as the ruins of the sanctuary of Apollo from which the Pythia received the god’s oracle, an ancient theater, a very well preserved stadium… but above all, admire the site, absolutely exceptional.
Warnings
- The trip is expensive: travel, hotel, catering, ski pass and rental. It gets expensive fast
- Some weekends are very popular with Athenians: avoid the following school vacations and the weekend before Pure Monday (first day of Lent, a public holiday in Greece).
- In case of bad weather, bring chains for the car.
Accommodation on Mount Parnassus
- In the resort: please note that there is no accommodation at the ski-center itself, only ski lifts.
- Arachova: a very pretty mountain village, offering numerous solutions on Booking, hotels, apartments as well as private accommodations. The setting is exceptional, but prices are quite high in this village. What’s more, the village is more than 25 km from the resort, so it takes 40 minutes to get to the slopes.
- The plain above Arachova: many new complexes have been built and the offer is more affordable. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the slopes.
Where to stay around Parnassos? Our recommended addresses
- Skamnos Boutique Hotel: This small hotel on the plain just before the resort is ideal for a weekend on the slopes. It’s a warm, family-run establishment with sofas, carpets and an open fire, just as cosy as we like it. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool and a mini gym. You can also enjoy a massage and hammam (for a fee). Breakfast is varied and copious. The family rooms are ideal, with a mezzanine for parents and lovely mountain views.
- Nefeles GuestHouse: a simple, rustic establishment, very pleasant for families with children. Good value and hearty breakfast.
- Hotel Xenonas Iresioni: a well-placed hotel in the town of Arachova, comfortable, with traditional mountain decor.
- Monte Bianco Villas: Stone-built apartments and villas, very well equipped and elegantly decorated with fireplace. They are located on the road leading to the slopes. Very good tavern 20 meters from the establishment. We stayed there and particularly enjoyed our stay.
- Almond Hotel: A hotel with a lovely view, on a human scale. Comfortable rooms with fireplace. Warm welcome and good breakfast.
You’ll find even more accommodation offers on Booking (hotels, apartments, villas…), which is personally our preferred booking platform (clear cancellation conditions).
Eating and drinking on Mount Parnassus
- In station: Then, vou won’t find the little mountain chalet with Tartiflette and mulled wine. In the resort’s restaurants, the atmosphere is rather noisy, and hardly in keeping with the fresh mountain air. Mutthere are a few hot dishes and snacks on offer .
- If you’re more of a “mountains will win you over” type of person, you’ll prefer a picnic on the slopes.
- On the way back down, after your day’s skiing, you can and take a seat in one of the many taverns lining the road to Arachova. They serve all day long, and in the evening, service starts very early, from 5pm-6pm. It’s simple and invigorating.
Where to eat? Our good addresses in Arachova
- Taverne To Tsoukali : an excellent address, authentic and friendly. The owner offers a warm welcome and daily specials. Everything is home-cooked and seasoned to perfection. A real delight.
- Taverne Babis: a simple tavern with super-fast service and delicious meat. In fact, it’s cut on site. We particularly recommend the pavé de boeuf.
- Cafe le Paramount: slightly trendy, with an animal-skin ambience and central fireplace. The service is a little long and not very smiley BUT you will find excellent cakes especially if you like cream: forêts noires, mille-feuille.
Other ideas for visits…
And if the snow doesn’t come, or if you prefer strolls through villages and forests to frantic tobogganing, here are a few ideas for visits around Mount Parnassos.
- Agoriani or Eptalofos : Located 30 mins from the Parnassos ski area, this traditional mountain village is an ideal winter destination. Built amphitheatrically in a fir forest, Agoriani (also known as Eptalofos) will charm you with its stone houses, waterfall, square, cobbled lanes, Agios Anargyron church and 7 springs, and above all its tranquility. And for trekking fans, there’s also a great E4 hiking trail that links the village to Delphi via a beautiful forested area in the mountains.
- Amfiklia: 40 mins to the north, the picturesque village of Amfiklia is a listed village with cobbled streets and squares, fountains, churches and beautiful homes. The ancient Acropolis of Amphiklia offers a beautiful view of the region. By the way, don’t miss the impressive Church of St. Jerusalem (Εκκλησία Αγιά Ιερουσαλήμ) built into the rock, it’s accessible via a hiking trail.
- Livadia: Finally, on your way back to Athens, 1 hour from the runways, stop off in this charming town. You’ll find a number of inns, cafés and taverns along the river that runs through the town, notably near the old mill. Take the opportunity to relax and unwind. Or extend your walk to the Krya springs, where you can see the caves in the archaeological site where the Trophoniou Oracle was delivered, one of the most important oracles of Greek antiquity. Not forgetting, of course, the kastro. A perfect place for a nice walk!
Sophie B.
