Arahova - Parnassos

When the most dazzling winter destination in Greece is accompanied by the best ski resort in Greece and a stone-built village with a cosmopolitan ambience, then your trip is bound to be memorable. Mt Parnassos and the Livadi plateau translate as fun in the snow and the perfect winter holiday destination. The town of Arahova boasts a lively nightlife, excellent food and fabulous accommodation. You’ll find guesthouses and resorts, suites and villas that combine contemporary design with winter charm and superior service. Ski or spa, coffee or hot chocolate, board games by the fire or a night out on the town? These will be your only dilemmas. Whatever you decide, you’ll enjoy it all.

What to do in Arahova

Cosmopolitan Arahova: A celeb-spotting haven on the slopes

The most cosmopolitan mountain village in Greece has for years been gracing the glossies. Celebrities in apres-ski styles, families, couples hand-in-hand, young groups of friends, hikers and nature lovers … everyone here enjoys their holiday in one of Greece’s favourite winter holiday spots. You’ll slip off your skiing boots on Mt Parnassos and slide into the bar in Arachova. You’ll enjoy creative cuisine and local cooking and explore the narrow alleyways of town for the famous church of Ai-Giorgis and Time Rock.

The traditional flavours and colours of Central Greece

Cars and people queue on Arahova’s main road, waiting to take home local specialities, including formaella (the local cheese) and handmade pasta. The delicious cheese, with a piquant and rich flavour, comes directly from producers and is made traditionally using sheep’s or goat’s milk. Arahova is also famous for its woven textiles and carpets in vibrant colours. 

The most famous ski resort in Greece

From the first snowfall, cool crowds head to Parnassos. There are some 22 pistes, from ‘bunny’ to ‘black’, totalling 36km, a snowboard park, an adventure arena, a chalet and shops. 

Games in stylish Livadi

At Livadi, the beautiful plateau above Arahova, the fun and games never end. You can rent a 4x4 and head for the muddy trails or explore the fir forest by horseback and discover some of the most beautiful paths in Greece on foot or by bicycle. And there’s more in the shape of rappel, archery, paintball, fly jumper, speedball. If you work up an appetite after all this activity, excellent tavernas and all-day restaurants await you.

Parnassos National Park 

The wooded ridges, hills and a forest of black pine trees and firs seems to go on forever. Along with Olympus National Park, the Parnassos National Park is the oldest in Greece, covering about 35,000 sq m with countless trails and forest roads.

Hidden gems of Arahova

An unforgettable hike along National Trail 22

You’ll enjoy any part of this trail. It’s the only long-distance footpath in Central Greece and its 180km connect Mt Parnassos with Mt Parnitha, above Athens.

The ‘secret’ side to Parnassos 

Beyond Livadi and Eptalofos, there is a side to Parnassos that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. Ancient Lilaia and the hamlets of Polydrossos, Amfiklia, Davlia and Tithorea keep their treasures well-hidden, tempting you to find them during your holiday.

The Panagyraki of Arahova

The feast of St George, known locally as the Panagyraki of Arahova, is a not-to-be-missed three-day festival starting on April 23, celebrating the victory of revolutionary hero Giorgos Karaiskakis over the occupying Turks in 1826.