We know it as a ski destination, for its unique weekends, for fun that never ends and for good traditional food. Arachova, spread amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Parnassos, has many more winter experiences to reveal to you. Those you know and those who are waiting for them find out. Cosmopolitan and traditional, it is a warm and welcoming refuge for them lovers of skiing, mountaineering, mountain hiking, but also mountain skiing, cycling and sports that raise the adrenaline to the heights. For parents with their children, who come to play in the white snow and live Fairytale Christmas in a magnificent landscape. For couples in love, that they are looking for a warm nest for their romantic getaways. The central square Lakka, “pulsates” with life during the winter days and nights, where the cafes and bars are ready to welcome you in their warm interior, with wood and stone cladding and a fireplace lit to heat the icy night. Frenzy parties and intense nightlife have nothing to do with it envy popular party destinations. The “pulse” of winter of entertainment definitely “hits” in Arachova! Choose large luxury hotels, beautiful wooden chalets and traditional ones hostels and plan your winter excursions on the mountain of Apollo. 

A single weekend is not enough to see and experience it all. 

Enjoy the snow

Dense flakes cover the entire slopes of Mount Parnassos with a thick layer of snow the winter. Like a white feather quilt, ready to be left on for endless hours of joy and fun. In just 20 minutes by car, through a snowy landscape with fir trees, you reach largest and most modern Ski Center in the country, where everyone find a way to enjoy the off-white simplicity of nature. In both locations , Cellaria and Fterolaka, with 23 slopes, 7 ski runs and 7 trails, with a total length of about 34 km. On his 12 off-track routes, really deep snow for those who want to feel their adrenaline rush. 

Try a snowmobile ride around
ski or mountain skiing (mountain skiing) to highest peak of the mountain, Liakoura. Parnassos is one of the most “friendly” mountains for such activities as it has no avalanches and the ski resort meets very high safety standards. For the more adventurous, combine the descent on its slopes with a winter bath on the nearby beaches of Antikyra, White Houses, Itea or Galaxidiou. With the sea at about 20 degrees Celsius, you will not want to to get out of the water.

Wander around the city

Climb its cobbled streets, among the traditional houses that keep the original Roumeli architecture unchanged, towards the steep Clock with Clock – Trademark and Climb the 264 Stairs Leading to Church of Agios Georgios with the wonderful view. Attitude to folk tradition. Next to the rock clock, in the old elementary school, where it operates Folklore museum, the whole tradition of Arachova is closed. Meet them agricultural tools used by the inhabitants in the old days, learn the history of the area through documents and photos and admire the famous Arachovitika textiles and embroidery made by women with their loom. 

Explore nature …

Wear snowshoes and explore them on foot, “whitewashed” by the snow, paths of Parnassos. “Push” into the National Park with the dense fir forest, the plane trees, the chestnut trees and walnuts adorned with thousands of snowflakes. Starting from Arachova or Livadi, follow paths that will lead you at the Navel of the Earth – Delphi, in the cave precipice Eptastomos, the southernmost glacier of Europe, in Korykeion Cave, once “home” of divine spirits, dedicated to the god Pan and the Nymphs, in its impressive cave Fairy Cave or climb with your climbing equipment in beautiful alpine mountain peaks. Roll on snow-free routes by mountain bike and go down steep slopes with downhill bike, pigs and enduro machines. When the weather allows you to fly with a double paraglider from Arachova to Itea, admiring the beauties of the area from above. If you enjoy diving, do not think that it is winter. In Itea you can discover the underwater “treasures” of the Corinthian Gulf all year round. … and the beautiful picturesque villages. 

As the snow covers the mountain peaks of Parnassos with a white sheet, the Picturesque villages that “nest” on its slopes, look as if they have come out of a christmas tale. Discover their rare beauties by car just a few minutes from Arachova. Admire also the cosmopolitan, Livadi plateau, which in winter is strongly reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. If you want to get away for a while from the lively winter Arachova, at 20 minutes, to the west, you will meet the peaceful Agoriani or Eptalofo, with the plane trees and running water.

Take a tour of history and culture 

From ancient times Parnassos carries a “sacred power”. It was their refuge people in the mythical flood of Deucalion and became his favorite mountain god Apollo. At ten kilometers from Arachova, in Delphi, there are still the ruins of his oracle with the temple, the ancient theater and the stadium where. There were music and sports games during the Pythian celebrations. The winter is an ideal time to browse the exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, with the most popular being the statue of Iniochos. From the ancient oracles you can easily pass to the Byzantine immersion of monasteries. From Arachova drive east, to reach in 25 minutes, at Monastery of Osios Loukas of unparalleled aesthetics in Steiri, World Monument UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Admire its unique large dome church of the monastery, which is supported by small arches creating one octagonal space and browse the Bank of the Monastery which functions as a museum with the collection of sculptures of Osios Loukas. 

Descend to Distomo, to get to know the whole history of the Phocians of cities, through his Archaeological Collection. That is, of Ambrosos, as it was called Distomo, Medeona, Karakolithos, Antikyra and Voulida, through tombstones, ceramics and other finds. Discover its tragic story Distomo, which is a city of martyrdom. Visit the museum of its victims Nazism and pay tribute to the innocent victims of the horrors of war creates. 

Travel to its unique Roumeli flavors.

The traditional taverns of Arachova, Livadi and Agoriani, are from alone a unique gastronomic destination, with authentic, lively flavors and unchanged over the centuries. Next to the lit fireplace enjoy lamb chops, kokoretsi, sausages with leeks, fragrant green pies and of course, the special for its taste, formaela cheese in all its versions. Serve with bruschetta Arachovite wine and for dessert choose yogurt with honey, halva or its sweets spoon. Before embarking on your return journey, take something from Arachova with you. You choose what it will be. It can be one of the famous Arachovite cheeses, the handmade noodles and trachanas, the famous textiles that stand out for them color and pattern combinations. But do not leave without the numerous experiences which he generously gives and every time you return he will fill you with more.