May 02-03
Dedicated to Apollo, it’s no coincidence that the Ancients chose Parnassus for the founding of the ‘Oracle of Delphi,’ bestowing it with eternal glory and grandeur. Parnassus boasts truly unique landscapes. Dense vegetation with firs, cedars, and rare endemic plants that flood the mountain in spring, steep slopes, and high peaks.
According to Greek mythology, the mountain owes its name to the hero Parnassus, who had built a city on the mountain, which was destroyed by the flood of Deucalion. Then the city’s inhabitants, following the cries of wolves, were led higher up the mountain to escape the flood, where they built a new city called Lycoreia, meaning cries of the wolves. This name survives to this day, slightly altered. Parnassus was formerly called Liakoura, a popular name found mainly in klephtic songs and derived from Lycoreia. It is also the name of the highest peak of Parnassus.
Parnassus is one of the southern extensions of the Pindus range. It stretches in a southeast direction and separates the valley of Boeotian Cephissus from that of Amfissa. Essentially, it forms the southeastern part of the large orographic complex of central Roumeli, from the other two parts of which, Giona and Vardousia, it is only a few meters lower in height.
To the northwest, it connects with Giona at the saddle of ’51,’ referring to the 51st kilometer of the Amfissa – Lamia road, to the west it drops steeply above the Olive Grove of Amfissa, and to the south, it connects with Kirfi. A series of large depressions along the Arachova – Eptalofos road, such as the Kalyvia of Arachova and Achladokampos, as well as the Agoriani stream, divide the mountain into western and main Parnassus. The western part is smooth and forested, surrounded by steep slopes and cliffs, while the main part is more extensive and rugged.
The highest peaks are Liakoura at 2,457m, which is also the highest, Touborachi rising to 2,430m, Tsarkos at 2,414m, and Gerontovrachos at 2,367m, overlooking the Corinthian Gulf, among which lies the Arnobrysi ridge, where the ski center is located. Throughout the year, these peaks are bare of vegetation, while from autumn to mid-May they are covered with snow. The mountain slopes are forested, with dense vegetation and mainly fir trees, but also cedars (junipers), black pines, wild cherry trees, pines, beeches, and kermes oaks. There are also rare endemic plants that flood the mountain at high altitudes from spring to early summer.
The waters of Parnassus disappear into the underground networks of its limestone rocks and re-emerge near Arachova and Boeotian Cephissus. The soil of Parnassus is very rich in bauxite deposits. The mountain also hosts many species of wild animals such as wolves, foxes, martens, weasels, squirrels, eagles, vultures, hawks, wild boars, snakes, and many others.
Since 1938, it has been, along with Olympus, the oldest National Park in Greece. With an altitude of 2,457m, it hosts the largest ski resort in the country on its peaks. The mountain is dotted with many hiking routes, while the European long-distance path E4 crosses its western side. Beautiful traditional villages, such as Arachova, Delphi, Agoriani, Polydrosos, and Amfiklia, are favorite destinations throughout the year.
Day 1
Our meeting will take place at 19:00 at the junction for the Michalis Defner refuge, and then we will reach the refuge, located at an altitude of 1,820 meters on the western slopes of the Gerontovrachos peak of Parnassus, with our cars.
Time to settle our luggage in our rooms and organize for the coming days.
Day 2
Under the stars, we enjoy our breakfast to be ready with the first light of day to start our ascent to the highest peak of Parnassus, Liakoura, at an altitude of 2,457m.
Our first ascent will be to the Gerontovrachos peak (2,390m) and then passing through the Kotroni peak (2,431m) we will reach the highest peak of Parnassus, Liakoura (2,456m). Then our descent will be towards the ski center ‘Kelaria’ (1,750m), passing by Prophet Elias (2,250m).
The refuge awaits us for rest and, of course, discussions with the best view.
9 hours of hiking.
Day 3
Breakfast in the cool morning air and we prepare to part from this magical place, promising to return soon.
With our cars, we will descend to the Parnassus meadow, and from here we start our hike to Delphi, naturally passing through the Corycian Cave, at an altitude of 1,360m, which was dedicated to the god Pan and the Corycian Nymphs.
Then, walking the ancient path used by pilgrims to reach Delphi, we will approach the Archaeological site of Delphi.
It is worth noting that the path is part of the European path E4.
Time to relax with a view of the Amfissa plain.
3-4 hours of hiking
Essential equipment:
- Trail running or trekking or hiking shoes
- Sportswear or hiking clothes suitable for every season
- Waterproof – windproof jacket
- Fleece or cotton jacket
- Hat – gloves
- Snacks like sandwiches, bars, pasteli, nuts, fruits, etc.
- Hiking poles
- 40-liter backpack
- Hat – buff – sunglasses
- Towel – swimsuit – slippers
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle or bladder
- Headlamp
- Personal hygiene items
- Sleeping bag, mat – tent (where required by the excursion)
Cost: 185 euros / person
- Two overnight stays with breakfast at the Michalis Defner refuge
- Guide for the hikes and throughout the 2-day period
- Personal private accident insurance
For more information, contact us at 6972934764 Giorgos Raios and email: [email protected]
Have fun!
