Arachova is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, mainly in the wintertime due to its proximity to the Parnassos ski resort and its mountainous location.
It is built at the foothills of Mount Parnassos and belongs to the Municipality of Distomo – Arachova – Antikyra, Regional Unit of Boeotia, Central Greece. The unparalleled beauty of the natural landscape with firs, stone-built alleys, its traditional architecture and its proximity to the beaches of Galaxidi, Itea and Antikyra and the archaeological site of Delphi make it a dream destination for all the seasons of the year with
a variety of options for accommodation, dining, sightseeing, ancient and Byzantine cultural monuments and a variety of activities in nature.
Traditional guesthouses, wooden chalets and large hotel units, 17 in number, according to official data from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), as well as rooms and apartments compose the landscape of hospitality in Arachova. Given that there are a total of 36 hotel
units operating in the Boeotia Regional Unit (HCH, 2018), we come to the realisation that about half of them, as well as the only two five-star hotels throughout the area and the six of the eight four-star hotels are in Arachova.
Traditional taverns, restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs for frenzied parties until the morning offer local gastronomic delights and entertainment for all tastes. Access to Arachova is by road, through a well-maintained network, while the axis connecting Arachova to the Parnassos ski resort is recently refurbished with a non-slip carpet and yellow stripes, which are constantly snow plowed. According to the official data, the Greeks are the main “caterers” of the region’s tourism industry, as Arachova has for many years been their traditional winter destination, some of which have invested in holiday homes and luxury villas. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), throughout the Boeotia Regional Unit, which is administratively owned by Arachova, there were 68,209 arrivals in 2018, including 28,900 overseas visitors, who spent 37,878 overnight stays and and 39,309 nationals who made 77,259 overnight stays.
The “caterer” of trips to Arachova and Delphi is Itea, with cruise ships approaching its port. According to the data of the Union of Ports in Greece, in 2018, 35 cruise ships approached carrying 3,628 passengers.
The main attractions in the area are the Parnassos Ski Resort, which is flooded with crowds in the winter months, and the Delphi archaeological site with the museum, just 12km from Arachova. According to ELSTAT, in March 2018, 19,475 people visited the Museum of Delphi, up 23.9% from the corresponding month of 2017.
In addition, the area, at a distance of about 30 – 40 km, has significant historical, cultural and religious interest such as:
-diving in Itea,
-sky diving in Castro, about 40 minutes from Arachova
-climbing field in Amfissa,
-traced routes for enduro bikes as well as downhill
Generally speaking, Arachova shows a potential of growth in terms of its tourism and is deservedly called the “Lady of Parnassus”.