Parnassus is a mountain massif in the central part of Greece, rising above the ancient city of Delphi. Parnassus is north of the Gulf of Corinth and offers a picturesque view of endless olive groves and virgin sacred land. According to Greek mythology, Mount Parnassus was a sacred place for Apollo, other gods, and the whole world in general. It is here that the “navel of the Earth” is located – the center of our amazing planet. In honor of the legendary god, a temple of Apollo was built near Parnassus in ancient times, where the priestess Pythia spoke on behalf of God about the fate of everyone who came here.
Not far from the resort of Parnas are several beautiful villages: Arachova, famous for its handmade carpets and filled with olive groves of Itea. The main feature of Parnassus is the presence of the largest ski resort in Greece , which is popular throughout Europe among winter recreation enthusiasts and professionals. There is no hotel in the resort itself, you can stay only in nearby towns.
Parnassus is one of the most beautiful peaks of Greece, where a mild climate prevails and bright colors play.
Parnassus is an ideal place for those who want to conquer the slopes of the mountain on skis for the first time. Beginners in skiing will find Parnas to their heart’s content, because there are many short and safe slopes that are somewhat easy for skiing enthusiasts. Parnassus is a chain of mountains that starts from Eta and stretches southeast to the Gulf of Corinth. There are a couple of highest peaks on Parnassus – Tiphorea and Likorea, or Lyokura. The mountains of Parnassus are covered with forests, and their peaks are covered with snow. Today Parnassus is known for its ski resorts and priceless history with unique monuments of the most ancient cultures.
The story of Parnassus
The history of Parnassus is closely connected with the mythology and history of ancient Greece, especially with the sacred oracle that is still preserved on this holy land in Delphi. The name of Mount Parnassus comes from the name of the hero who founded the city at the foot of the mountain, which was soon destroyed as a result of a flood. Then local residents began to go to the mountains, where they founded a new, modern Parnassus. However, the first name of the city was Lykuria, and even today it is used along with the name “Parnas”.
The role of Parnassus throughout history was great. Parnassus was a rallying point for the tribes of southern Greece who fought against the Persians, and the mountains played a crucial role in the revolution of 1821, sheltering the Greek population from the bellicose Turks. In 1938, Parnassus became known as the national park of Greece, the territory of which occupies 3513 hectares and is protected by the state.
According to legend, Apollo founded Delphi on the very spot where he fought the dragon Python, who was chasing Apollo’s mother. The great god defeated the dragon and left him in a cave, where he built an ancient city. After death, the dragon still gave off vapors, and a gap formed in the city, from where the vapors came out. The draft of air was so strong and intoxicating that the Greek soothsayers – Pythias sat down in the gorges and breathed these vapors, falling into a trance and telling the fate of people and the whole world. At first, the Pythians were young girls, and then they began to choose older women in their place. Local residents believed that Delphi is the center of the Earth.
Climate in Parnassus
The climate of Parnassus is subtropical, characterized by rather mild winters and extremely hot summers. The skiing season starts in December and lasts until April. Mostly, they come to Parnassus at a certain time in order to engage in active recreation and sports, during the rest of the year, tourists prefer to rest in nearby Delphi.
In spring and autumn, tourists come here for sightseeing purposes, when nature blooms or the heat gets boring. The hottest months are July and August with an average temperature of +26 .. + 27 degrees. In the mountains, the temperature is higher, in December the average air temperature in the resort is -5 ..- 8 degrees, and in January it drops to -15 ..- 18 degrees.
How to get there
The nearest international airport is in Athens (215 km). The travel time is 2 hours 45 minutes. The most convenient way to get to Mount Parnassos – Fterolakka / Kellar ski resort is to rent a car.
Slopes and lifts
Ski resort Mount Parnassus – Fterolakka / Kellar is located in the central part of Greece (Greece). There are 36 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. There are also 17 elevators for transporting guests, the total throughput capacity is 20,052 people per hour. The winter sports zone is located between 1,600 and 2,300 m altitude.
The Parnassos ski resort has been operating continuously since 1976 at an altitude of 1,640 to 2,260 meters. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the country with 23 trails (some of which are certified by the International Ski Racing Federation FIS), the total length of which is 36 kilometers for all skill levels and levels of difficulty.
With the modernization of the lifts and the merger of the Cellar-Fterolakas facilities, it is undoubtedly the most modern and technological ski resort in Greece. In fact, it is the first ski resort in Greece to install a removable aerial lift, and one of the few in the world to have five new Combi lifts since 2015 to serve visitors safely and quickly.
The total length of the ascent is only 11.8 km
The number of trails is 23: 38% for beginners, 42% of intermediate level and 20% of difficult
The length of the tracks is from 600 m to 4 km
Artificial snow
Tracks
Aphrodite (red) – 1000 m
Baby 1 (green) – 120 m
Baby 2 (green) – 60 m
Baby 3 (green) – 250 m
Baby 4 (green) – 120 m
Vachos (red) – 500 m
Vachos A (blue) – 1000 m
Vachos B (blue) – 1060 m
Telemachos (blue) – 1200 m
Eolos (blue) – 800 m
Periklis (blue) – 600 m
Iniohos (red) – 1000 m
Ira A (red) – 850 m
Iraklis (red) – 700 m
Odysseus (red) – 1000 m
Pan (blue) – 320 m
Ermis (blue) – 700 m
Deyanira (blue) – 1600 m
Diaz (blue) – 350 m
Pythia (blue) – 620 m
Pythia A (blue) – 500 m
Artemis (red) – 400 m
Sahara (red) – 1000 m
* Notation: black – very difficult, red – difficult, blue – easy, green – very easy
Elevators
Aphrodite (rope-chair) – 781 m
Ira (rope and chair triple) – 1581 m
Vachos (rope and chair triple) – 1468 m
Ermis (rope and chair triple) – 1131 m
Iniochos (triple chairlift) – 881 m
Iraklis (boat and towing) – 1125 m
Eolos (rope and chair double) – 755 m
Diaz (buggery and towing) – 360 m
Sahara (barge and towing) – 700 m
Periklis (boat and towing) – 620 m
Odysseus (towage) – 835 m
Pan (boat and towing) – 330 m
Pythia (towage) – 437 m
Baby 1 (tow) – 100 m
Baby 2 (rope and chair) – 40 m
Baby 3 (towing) – 180 m
Baby 4 (towing) – 60 m
Prices for ski passes Day ticket / Main season
ADULTS €30
YOUTH €24
CHILDREN € 15
Hotels
Tagli Resort & Spa 5 stars
Located in the pleasant surroundings of Kalyvia Livadiou Gardens, Tagli Resort & Spa offers elegant rooms and a wide range of services, which include a Turkish bath, a swimming pool and free wireless internet in public areas. This is a great place for nature lovers, as the Parnassus National Park is just a few steps away.
This 5-star hotel offers a sun deck, an express check-in and check-out feature and a sauna. At any time of the day or night, the staff is ready to assist guests in booking tickets and tours.
Elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, as well as wireless Internet, slippers and a DVD player.
The menu of Tagli Resort & Spa’s own restaurant offers a rich selection of Greek and international cuisine, served on the summer terrace. Guests are offered a rich breakfast menu.
Parnas Ski Center is within walking distance of Tagli Resort & Spa. Delphi and Arachova are located in the immediate vicinity.
Ellinon Thea Arachova 4-star hotel
Hotel Ellinon Thea Arachova is located in the village of Arachova. It offers suites and rooms with wooden floors and stone decor, as well as an indoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
All rooms have a balcony, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with free toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer. Some rooms include a fireplace.
In the morning, the hotel serves breakfast with homemade dishes. At Hotel Ellinon Thea Arachova you will find a bar and a shared lounge.
Parnassos Ski Resort is 17 km away. The site of archaeological excavations in the city of Delphi is 11 km away. Free public parking is available on the territory.
Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa 5 stars
Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa is a few minutes’ drive from Parnassus National Park and provides elegant rooms as well as a Turkish bath, a Jacuzzi and a heated pool. The resort offers free private parking on site, as well as 5-star accommodation and a bar.
Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa overlooks Arachova and also offers a wonderful view of the mountains. Hotel services include free Wi-Fi, as well as tennis courts and a sauna.
To ensure a pleasant stay, the rooms are equipped with a separate balcony, free wireless Internet and a minibar. All are equipped with amenities such as a flat-screen TV, heating and a safe.
Santa Marina Arachova Resort & Spa’s own restaurant, The Lounge, is very popular among vacationers.
ViP Chalet 4 Seasons 4 stars
Located in the pleasant surroundings of Polydrossos, ViP Chalet 4 Seasons offers comfortable rooms and a wide range of services, which include a swimming pool, laundry facilities and free wireless internet in public areas. Guests are also offered such amenities as room service, a terrace and an airport shuttle.
Hotel guests are offered a whole range of services, including a picnic and barbecue area, a safe and luggage storage. Guests traveling by car also have free private parking on site. Guests can also enjoy their time in the hotel’s garden.
ViP Chalet 4 Seasons has 8 apartments equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.
What is interesting to see in Parnassus?
The sights of Parnassus surprise with their variety and uniqueness. The main attraction of Parnassus is the ruins of the ancient city of Delphi, where the “navel of the Earth” and the temple of Apollo are located. The construction of the temple of Apollo dates back to the VI-V centuries. to n. e., his remains were discovered only in 1892 during excavations. The temple owes its popularity to the Delphic Oracle, which was kept here for many centuries. The main altar of the shrine, which is located opposite the temple and is made of black marble, has been preserved to this day. Another attraction near Parnassus is the Treasury of the Athenians, built at the beginning of the 5th century. BC after the Athenians won the war with Salamis. The treasury contains important trophies and sacred objects, and it is decorated with Paros marble and examples of outstanding art of the Archaic era.
An important attraction of Parnassus is the ski resort and center built right on the mountain. Tourists from all over the world come here to rest and have fun, because Parnassus is not only a holy place and the center of our planet, but also a modern ski center with a well-developed infrastructure. There are no hotels for accommodation on the mountain itself, so you have to stay in the nearby village of Arachova. All shops and restaurants, fashionable towns in the form of night clubs and bars and other entertainments of Parnassus are concentrated in Arachov.
Parnassus: excursions and activities
Excursions in Parnassus are represented by a wide variety of directions and topics. The first excursion trip worth knowing about leads to the town of Itea. Itea is a historical settlement where the famous Delphi is located. Delphi is an ancient religious center of Greece, where the ancient deities lived. The panorama of Delphi offers a wonderful view of the theater and stadium, where the famous Delphi Games were held. In another part of the city there are endless green olive groves, which, according to legend, belong to Apollo himself.
Wonderful excursions are organized in Delphi, especially in the autumn-spring period. The usual program of such an excursion usually includes a trip to the Kastal spring, built in honor of the god Apollo and his muses. According to legends, the spring has rejuvenating and healing properties.
Various tours of the city’s sights are held in Delphi: the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Sacred Square, the stadium and the theater. In general, a trip to Delphi is a whole trip to another world – spiritual, peaceful, immeasurable, unlike today’s hectic days. A tour of Delphi also includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where you can admire beautiful ancient statues, for example, the famous Chariot, which dates back to the fifth century BC. e .. In addition, in Delphi you can visit the “navel of the Earth”, which is a monument in the form of a small mountain, where two eagles met, which were released by the god of thunder and lightning Zeus in order to find the center of the Earth.
Visiting the ski resort and skiing on the gentle slopes of the mountain will be an excellent pastime on Parnassus.
Parnassus: entertainment and active recreation
There are two large ski centers on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Ski center “Parnas” consists of two subdivisions, Kellaria and Fterolakka, which together represent the largest ski resort in Greece. Another small ski center is called Gerontovrahos and is not far from Kellaria.
Sports and active recreation in Parnassus is the main motive among tourists who come here. Both ski resorts are still expanding and improving, in 1993 the first high-speed lift in Greece was installed here.
Today, ski centers operate with 17 lifts, a 4-seater cable car, a 4-seater high-speed chair lift, the maximum capacity of all lifts is about 20,000 people per hour. Parnas Ski Center boasts 25 ski runs and around 20 alpine ski runs, totaling 30 km (19 mi). The longest ski run is 4 km (approx. 2 miles).
Transport features of Parnassus
The transport feature of Parnassus is the absence of any transport at the resort, except for ski buses. All vacationers move here precisely with the help of specialized buses or on their own.
Parnas resort is small and is a huge ski base. You can move between the nearest cities and resorts on buses that run on various most popular routes. Independent tourists choose a car that can be rented in Athens as a means of transportation.
Motorcycles and bicycles are often used as a means of transport here, but only in the summer time. In winter, you can travel between resorts by car, bus or taxi.
Souvenirs in Parnassus
In the town of Arachova, which is located a few kilometers from the ski resort, you can buy wonderful souvenirs from Parnassus – carpets woven by local craftsmen. Delicious locally produced cheeses and amazing wines will be excellent souvenirs from Parnassus.
Various trinkets with a panorama of the resort and nearby cities can be souvenirs from Parnassus: decorative plates, key rings, magnets and paintings. Statuettes and miniatures of famous historical monuments, books, magazines, crafts and much more will serve as an excellent gift from the resort. At the resort, you can also buy equipment and equipment for skiing and active recreation, which can also serve as a good souvenir from Parnassus.