3-day hiking trip to Parnassos on May 2-4

Parnassos is one of the southern ends of Pindos. It extends in a southeasterly direction and separates the valley of Boeotian Kifissos from that of Amfissa. Essentially, it constitutes the south-eastern part of the large oreographic complex of central Roumeli, from the other two parts of which, Giona and Vardousia, it is only a few meters short in height.

In the north-west it joins Giona at the "51" pass that refers to the 51st kilometer of Amfissa - Lamia, in the west it falls steeply above the Eleonas of Amfissa and in the south it joins Kirfi. A series of large sinkholes along the Arachova – Eptalofos road, such as Kalyvia Arachovas and Achladokampos, as well as the Agoriani stream, divide the mountain into western and main Parnassos. Its western part is smooth and wooded and surrounded by steep slopes and cliffs, while its main part is more extensive and diverse.

Its highest peaks are Liakoura at 2,457m. , which is also the highest, Tuborachis rising to 2,430 m, Tsarkos at 2,414 and Gerontobrachos at 2,367 m facing the Gulf of Corinth, between which is the Arnovrisi ridge, on which 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 slopes of the mountain are wooded, with dense vegetation and the main tree is the fir, but also cedars (junipers), black pines, holm oaks, pines, oaks and hollies. There are also rare endemic plants that in spring and early summer flood the mountain at high altitudes.

The waters of Parnassos are lost in the underground networks of its limestone rocks and resurface near Arachova and Boiotiko Kifissos. The soil of Parnassos is very rich in bauxite deposits. The mountain is also home to many species of wild animals such as wolves, foxes, ferrets, weasels, squirrels, eagles, vultures, hawks, wild boars, snakes and many more.

Since 1938 it has been, together with Mount Olympus, the oldest National Park in Greece. With an altitude of 2,457m, it hosts the country's largest ski resort at its peaks. There are many hiking trails scattered on the mountain, while the European long-distance trail E4 crosses its western side. Beautiful traditional villages such as Arachova, Delphi, Agoriani, Polydrossos and Amfikleia are favorite destinations throughout the year.

1st day

Our meeting will take place at 19:00 at the junction for the Michalis Defner shelter and then we will arrive with our cars at the shelter located at an altitude of 1,820 meters on the western slopes of the Gerontobrachos peak of Parnassos.

Time to put our luggage in our rooms and get organized for the next few days.

2nd day

Under the stars we enjoy our breakfast to be ready at the first light of day to start our ascent to the highest peak of Parnassos, Liakoura with an altitude of 2457m.

Our first ascent will be Gerontovrachos peak (2390m) and then passing through Kotroni peak (2431m) we will reach the highest peak of Parnassus Liakoura (2456m). Then our descent will be towards the ski center "Kelaria" (1750m), passing by Prophet Ilias (2250m).

The shelter awaits us for rest and of course conversations with the best view.

9 hours of hiking

3rd day

Breakfast with the dew and we prepare to leave this magical place and promise to return as soon as possible.

With our cars we will drive to the Parnassos meadow and from here we will start our hike to Delphi naturally passing by Korykeion Andros, at an altitude of 1360m which was dedicated to the god Pan and the Korykeion Nymphs.

Then, walking along 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 plain of Amfissa.

3-4 hours of hiking

Cost: 185 euros / person