Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Heading west from Delphi towards Amfissa and Itea, the 19th-century convent of
Moni Profiti Ilia
( 22650 35002; 8am-2pm & 4pm-sunset)
rests on a hillside overlook-
ing the Gulf of Corinth. The turn-off is marked with a small cross and '3km' sign.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parnassos National ParkΕθνικός Δρυμός Παρνασσού
Arahova, has three peaks over 2300m: Liakoura (2457m), the highest, Tsarkos (2416m)
and Gerondovrachos (2396m). Kouvelos (1882m) is a popular rock-climbing face. Mt
Parnassos is part of the elaborate E4 European long-distance path
(orivatiko monopati)
from Gibraltar to Cyprus, also known as the European Ramblers Path, or E4 European
information.
Between 800m and 1800m, the slopes of Parnassos support Kefallonian fir, spruce and
juniper, interspersed with yellow-flowered shrubs, plum trees and the rare purple-
flowered
Daphne jasminea
. Above the tree line are meadows of fescue grass. Spring
flowers including crocuses, squills, tulips, orchids and irises sprouting from the lime-
stone rocks. Greece's most common mammals - foxes, hares, squirrels and jackals - may
be seen, as well as vultures, passerines and hawks.
Activities
Hiking
The most popular ascent on Parnassos is to Liakoura. The route begins at the Parnassos
refuge (1990m), 20km north of Arahova and 25km south of Amfiklia. For information,
you can contact the local mountain guide
Nikos Chatzis
(
6938008699)
or the
Am-
fissa Greek Mountaineering Club
(
6974824456;
eosamfissas@gmail.com
)
.
Skiing
22694;
www.parnassos-ski.gr/en
;
Nov-May)
handles ski and snowboard operations for the
most popular slope on the mountain,
Kelaria
(1950m). At last count, there were 13 lifts
covering more than 20 ski runs and alpine trails. The centre is 24km from Arahova and
17km from Amfiklia. It has hip cafes and restaurants, a safety network and medical
centre, along with ski and snowboarding schools. For accommodation, it's best to stay in
