A unique experience that combines the beauty of wild mountains and ancient mythology. This hike follows the footsteps of ancient Greek pilgrims that walked from the northern slopes of Mt. Parnassos to the southern area of Delphi.
Mount Parnassos is a mere 3 hours drive from Athens! It hosts the famous Archaeological site of Delphi. The E4, European long trail path connecting Portugal with Cyprus passes through Parnassus. It follows the ancient footpath that Pilgrims took from the northern part of Greece to reach the Delphi sanctuary. Delphi was dedicated to god Apollo, but Ancient Greeks also believed that the forested area of the mountain was home to the Nymphs and god Pan. Today Mt. Parnassus hosts the largest ski resort of Greece on its alpine zone and a protected National Park on its forested area. On the northern slopes of the mountain, the forest is mainly composed of fir and juniper trees. As we walk down the southern slopes the landscape becomes Mediterranean. Great views to the famous UNESCO listed Delphi olive grove and the Corinthian gulf await our hikers. We propose an itinerary that combines parts of the paths 22 and E4 and that offer the opportunity to discover the most interesting areas of Mt. Parnassus.
The Ancient Path 6 Days Hike starts in the village of Eptalofos and ends seafront Itea, approx. 3 hours by car from Athens.
Looking for a less demanding softer hike ? check our Ancient Path 4 days hike.
Arrive to Eptalofos and settle to your hotel. Eptalofos is a very picturesque Greek village with a small waterfall and a typical village square surrounded by centenarians plane trees.
Hike on the Northern side of Mount Parnassos following path 22 to Polydrosos, a quiet farmer village. It always has been a fertile land and in ancient times the area was called “Erochos” that means “Love for the Earth”. Today, Polidrosos hosts Argyriou family winery that gives a special emphasis on ancient, long-forgotten local wine varieties and produces 9 different sorts of very interesting wines. Overnight in Polydrosos village.
Distance: 10,8km / 6,7miles
Ascent: 465m / 1525ft Descent: 876m / 2874ft
Duration: 4-5hr
Polydrosos is surrounded by springs and a dense fir tree forest. Beginning the hike you will notice a number of large cottages as today the place is very appreciated by Athenian families for spending the weekend in winter. Hiking up the path you will cross farming fields and forest areas with endemic species such as Cephalonian fir and Juniper trees. Your hiking day will end at Defner mountain shelter at an altitude of 1.845m. Defner refuge, is a typical mountain hut, simple with the essentials to rest for a night in altitude. It is located at the border of the Alpine zone and the fir tree forest area. After settling, a hot dinner will be served. When the weather is clear, from the shelter wooden veranda you can enjoy a great view on the Corinthian Golf.
Distance: 15,4km / 9,57miles
Ascent: 1636m / 5367ft Descent: 297m / 974ft
Duration: 8hr
Todays' hike is about exploring Mt. Parnassos alpine zone. We suggest a hike to Gerondovrachos summit 2.396m that is accessible by foot without any special equipment from Spring to Autumn. In the alpine zone you will discover rare endemic species of plants and insects. You may run into a shepherd with his sheep or goat flock. Be careful don’t walk into the flock as the shepherd dogs may get nervous. Mt. Parnassos is famous all over Greece for its high quality feta cheese. You will see the circular ruins of the old stone sheep barns that in the past use to host an important number of people during summer period. The 360 degrees view to the surrounding valley from Gerondovrachos summit is splendid! Hike down to Livadi plateau following a local path. Overnight in Arachova.
Distance: 11km / 6,8miles
Ascent: 681m / 2234ft Descent: 1307m / 4288ft
Duration: 7hr
You will first follow a local path in Livadi plateau area at an altitude of 1.200m, you will then join the E4 European trail. This is a historic and inspiring route! It makes its way down the slopes of Mt Parnassos, leading to the village of Delphi. It is the ancient footpath that God Pan’s worshipers took from the ancient temples of Delphi to the Corycean Grotto to celebrate holy rites. Your hike starts on the Livadi plateau at an altitude of 1.200m. Following the ancient path through lush forests, you descend to the Delphi sanctuary! A magical spot overlooking the olive trees valley and the Corinthian Gulf with the imposing mountains of the Peloponnese as a backdrop. You will have free time to visit Apollo temple in the afternoon. Overnight in Delphi village.
Distance: 12km / 7,5miles
Ascent: 377m / 1236ft Descent: 861m / 2824ft
Duration: 5-6hr
Follow a downhill path and a rural road from Delphi to the edge of Chrisso village. The ancient city of Crissa hosted the visitors of the oracle. Following the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, you will continue your day in the heart of the famous Crisaean olive grove. It is listed by UNESCO as a unique landscape composed of more than 1,5 million olive trees. You will enjoy the unique scenery! Observe the silver-green foliage of the olive trees changing colors depending on the time of the day and admire the naturally carved trunks of impressive centennial trees. Your hike ends by the sea, in Itea little port city.
Distance: 12km / 7,45miles
Descent: 643m / 2110ft
Duration: 4-5hr
455€/ pp for min 4-7 participants
610€/ pp for min 2-3 participants
Optional Single room:
95€/ person
Extra night in Itea:
49€/ person in a double room
77€/ person in a single room
Extra transfer to the tour start from Athens:
180€/ person for 2-3 participants
118€/ person for 4-7 participants
Extra transfer from the tour finish to Athens:
180€/ person for 2-3 participants
118€/ person for 4-7 participants
Extra transfer from Itea (finish) to Eptalofos (start):
55€/ person for 2-3 participants
37€/ person for 4-7 participants
Urgent on-the-spot car support after calling
180€
Guide services per day in total
185€
Self Guided Mode:
Self guided routes are suggested to the clients that undertakes to follow them at his own risk.
To benefit from this service the clients are required to bring a mobile phone with an active SIM card and a functional GPS device or a GPX files reading application. The clients must be experienced hikers, accustomed to following a GPS route and reading a hiking map.Self Guided Mode:
Price from €455
DECLARE INTERESTMeeting Point: Your hotel in Polidroso
