Delphi, Arachova & Mount Parnassus
Not in the story-mood? Scroll down for the Quick Budget Fact Overview: an itemized information summary of the area ↓
Before I became familiar with the main highlights of Greece, I had already heard about Delphi. Probably just because my tiny little hometown had a Greek restaurant with this name… But go figure: If some obscure Dutch town called Bergen op Zoom has a diner called Delphi, this simultaneously gives away how widespread its fame and glory truly is. The location is recognized in Greek mythology as the center of the world, identified by Zeus himself after he released two golden eagles in different directions and threw down a stone* where they met… landing precisely at Delphi. Add to that the sublime surroundings of the Parnassos National Park and the idyllic settlement of Arachova creeping up its slopes, and you’ve got yourself one of Greece’s prime mainland destinations.
* The “Omphalus” / navel, which can still be admired in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi
* The “Omphalus” / navel, which can still be admired in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Photo by Miles Watson Photography.
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Delphi
The occupation of Delphi dates back to the Neolithic times, with an extensive utilization kicking off at the Mycenaean Period* (1750-1400BC). Initially, it was a place of worship for Gaia, the mother goddess of fertility. At a later stage, the focus shifted to Apollo, the god who slew the male serpent Python (which was temporarily the name of the site). As Python was the son of Gaia, Apollo was severely punished and forced to fly for eight years straight while performing menial labour. In later accounts, the python was considered female and named Delphyne, giving Delphi its name. When Apollo returned, the site was dedicated to honor him, and the Pythian Games were organized every four years to commemorate his victory… serving as the forebearer of the Olympic Games. According to the myths, after Apollo slew Python, its body fell into the chasm of the earth where fumes would arise from his decomposing body. The oracle was built on top of this chasm, allowing the prophetess (named Pythia) to inhale these vapors** which allowed Apollo to posses her spirit and speak through the oracle. The ambiguous “possessed” rants would subsequently be translated by the head priestess. The Oracle of Delphi had a significant influence in the Greek world (and even in early Roman times), and was generally consulted before all major undertakings, such as wars, the founding of colonies and political decisions.
In current days, the archaeological area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is included in the Parnassos National Park.
* Read more about Mycenae and the Mycenaean Period as well as Olympia and the Olympic Games in this article.
** In reality, the fumes are thought to have been either ethylene or ethane, known to produce intense trances.
The occupation of Delphi dates back to the Neolithic times, with an extensive utilization kicking off at the Mycenaean Period* (1750-1400BC). Initially, it was a place of worship for Gaia, the mother goddess of fertility. At a later stage, the focus shifted to Apollo, the god who slew the male serpent Python (which was temporarily the name of the site). As Python was the son of Gaia, Apollo was severely punished and forced to fly for eight years straight while performing menial labour. In later accounts, the python was considered female and named Delphyne, giving Delphi its name. When Apollo returned, the site was dedicated to honor him, and the Pythian Games were organized every four years to commemorate his victory… serving as the forebearer of the Olympic Games. According to the myths, after Apollo slew Python, its body fell into the chasm of the earth where fumes would arise from his decomposing body. The oracle was built on top of this chasm, allowing the prophetess (named Pythia) to inhale these vapors** which allowed Apollo to posses her spirit and speak through the oracle. The ambiguous “possessed” rants would subsequently be translated by the head priestess. The Oracle of Delphi had a significant influence in the Greek world (and even in early Roman times), and was generally consulted before all major undertakings, such as wars, the founding of colonies and political decisions.
In current days, the archaeological area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is included in the Parnassos National Park.
* Read more about Mycenae and the Mycenaean Period as well as Olympia and the Olympic Games in this article.
** In reality, the fumes are thought to have been either ethylene or ethane, known to produce intense trances.
The first sight you (and all ancient pilgrims) see on the way to Delphi is the Temple of Athena. The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a so-called “pre temple,” allowing the wayfarers to recuperate and prepare. As Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom, it’s believed this temple served the purpose of finding the wisdom to ask the right questions at the oracle. The impressive backdrop of glimmering cliffs covered in traditional olive groves aids to the overall feeling of a welcoming and peaceful place. On your way up to the oracle, you will pass the sacred Castalian Spring, its water enabling the purification of both the priests and pilgrims. Myth has it that this is where Python used to live.
Once you enter Delphi, you’ll first pass a series of statues and treasuries on the way up. Treasuries were built by separate Greek city-states to commemorate war victories and as a way of thanking the oracles for their useful advice. Inside of the treasuries lay precious offerings to Apollo. The impressive Athenian Treasure is dedicated to the victory at the Battle of Marathon (490BC). Along the way you can notice the Stoa of the Athenians, a quarter of Delphi used for Athenian business and politics, built after their naval victory over the Persians.
The main site of Delphi is the Temple of Apollo. The original structure dates from the 6th Century BC, but the remains we can still see today are from the 4th BC. In front of it, you can find the black marble Altar of Chians, financed and built by the population of Chios. Another striking sight is undoubtedly the Ancient Theatre, giving (up to 4500) spectators a view of the entire sanctuary with a mind-boggling natural backdrop. The theatre dates back to the 4th Century BC, but was slightly altered in 160BC for the occasion of Emperor Nero’s visit. The side of it, the Polygonal Wall, is filled with liberation contracts of freed slaves. Structures tied to the Pythian Games include the Gymnasium, the Stadium (177m long and housing 6500 spectators), and the Hippodrome.
Don’t forget to pop into the Archaeological Museum, housing artefacts including the Sphinx of Naxos, the Omphalus and the Charioteer of Delphi, as well as golden treasures discovered beneath the Sacred Way.
Once you enter Delphi, you’ll first pass a series of statues and treasuries on the way up. Treasuries were built by separate Greek city-states to commemorate war victories and as a way of thanking the oracles for their useful advice. Inside of the treasuries lay precious offerings to Apollo. The impressive Athenian Treasure is dedicated to the victory at the Battle of Marathon (490BC). Along the way you can notice the Stoa of the Athenians, a quarter of Delphi used for Athenian business and politics, built after their naval victory over the Persians.
The main site of Delphi is the Temple of Apollo. The original structure dates from the 6th Century BC, but the remains we can still see today are from the 4th BC. In front of it, you can find the black marble Altar of Chians, financed and built by the population of Chios. Another striking sight is undoubtedly the Ancient Theatre, giving (up to 4500) spectators a view of the entire sanctuary with a mind-boggling natural backdrop. The theatre dates back to the 4th Century BC, but was slightly altered in 160BC for the occasion of Emperor Nero’s visit. The side of it, the Polygonal Wall, is filled with liberation contracts of freed slaves. Structures tied to the Pythian Games include the Gymnasium, the Stadium (177m long and housing 6500 spectators), and the Hippodrome.
Don’t forget to pop into the Archaeological Museum, housing artefacts including the Sphinx of Naxos, the Omphalus and the Charioteer of Delphi, as well as golden treasures discovered beneath the Sacred Way.
Do you have your own vehicle at your disposal? You can end a cultural day at Delphi with a little side-trip to Galaxidi, a refreshing seaside town.
Arachova
Yes, you can stay at “Modern Delphi” when visiting this UNESCO site. However, Arachova has much more character as well as a more strategic location if you also plan to visit Mount Parnassus (and you really should). Nicknamed the “Mykonos of the Mainland,” it’s definitely not your go-to budget destination… but there are ways to out-cheap this sophisticated spot. Personally I had the great pleasure to spend my time with fervent mountaineer and history-enthusiast Ilyas, who I was lucky enough to find on the Couchsurfing network.
Like any place in Greece, Arachova has an intriguing history, being surrounded by not only Delphi but also the Corycian Cave, a place of worship for the god Pan and the Muses. However, the town how we can witness it today with its idyllic houses and cobble stone streets was built in the late Middle Ages, around 1300. Historically, Arachova made a strong name for itself in their fierce efforts during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans, the backdrop of Mount Parnassus providing a strategical base. Nowadays its stunning architecture, layout and panoramic situation apparently has a strong appeal to the rich and famous (and somehow: me), serving as a place to see and be seen.
Arachova
Yes, you can stay at “Modern Delphi” when visiting this UNESCO site. However, Arachova has much more character as well as a more strategic location if you also plan to visit Mount Parnassus (and you really should). Nicknamed the “Mykonos of the Mainland,” it’s definitely not your go-to budget destination… but there are ways to out-cheap this sophisticated spot. Personally I had the great pleasure to spend my time with fervent mountaineer and history-enthusiast Ilyas, who I was lucky enough to find on the Couchsurfing network.
Like any place in Greece, Arachova has an intriguing history, being surrounded by not only Delphi but also the Corycian Cave, a place of worship for the god Pan and the Muses. However, the town how we can witness it today with its idyllic houses and cobble stone streets was built in the late Middle Ages, around 1300. Historically, Arachova made a strong name for itself in their fierce efforts during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans, the backdrop of Mount Parnassus providing a strategical base. Nowadays its stunning architecture, layout and panoramic situation apparently has a strong appeal to the rich and famous (and somehow: me), serving as a place to see and be seen.
Mount Parnassus
Amidst the abundancy of history and cultural significance to be found in Delphi and Arachova, we can appreciate Mount Parnassus as the dominant natural element. Besides one of the largest and highest* mountain ranges of the Greek mainland, characterized by rolling hills and profound olive-tree-covered groves, it also plays an influential role in Greek mythology. The peaks of Parnassus are believed to be sacred to Dionysus and Apollo, and forming the home of both the winged horse Pegasus and the beautiful Muses: the inspiration-goddesses of science, literature and the arts**. The name is derived from nymph Kleodora’s son Parnassos, and literally means “mountain of the house of the gods.”
Luckily, this indeed truly divine place is not exclusively reserved for the gods… In spring, summer and autumn the extensive network of hiking trails forming part of Parnassos National Park attract sporty visitors from all points of the compass, while in winter it serves as Greece’s largest and most distinguished ski resort. I was lucky enough to visit in the snowy season and utilised the opportunity to explore its 25 marked ski runs, comprising a total length of 36km. Not cheap (unless you go on the specific “low season” weekdays), but a truly recommended adventure you wouldn’t necessarily think is possible in a popular summer destination like Greece.
* The highest peak is Liakoura with a 2457m altitude.
** Sounds familiar? That’s right, Paris’ main artist quarter, Montparnasse, derived its name directly from Mount Parnassus and its link to the muses and their arts.
Amidst the abundancy of history and cultural significance to be found in Delphi and Arachova, we can appreciate Mount Parnassus as the dominant natural element. Besides one of the largest and highest* mountain ranges of the Greek mainland, characterized by rolling hills and profound olive-tree-covered groves, it also plays an influential role in Greek mythology. The peaks of Parnassus are believed to be sacred to Dionysus and Apollo, and forming the home of both the winged horse Pegasus and the beautiful Muses: the inspiration-goddesses of science, literature and the arts**. The name is derived from nymph Kleodora’s son Parnassos, and literally means “mountain of the house of the gods.”
Luckily, this indeed truly divine place is not exclusively reserved for the gods… In spring, summer and autumn the extensive network of hiking trails forming part of Parnassos National Park attract sporty visitors from all points of the compass, while in winter it serves as Greece’s largest and most distinguished ski resort. I was lucky enough to visit in the snowy season and utilised the opportunity to explore its 25 marked ski runs, comprising a total length of 36km. Not cheap (unless you go on the specific “low season” weekdays), but a truly recommended adventure you wouldn’t necessarily think is possible in a popular summer destination like Greece.
* The highest peak is Liakoura with a 2457m altitude.
** Sounds familiar? That’s right, Paris’ main artist quarter, Montparnasse, derived its name directly from Mount Parnassus and its link to the muses and their arts.
Quick Budget Fact Overview
Greece Facts
Short History Recap
3000-1400BC: Cycladic / Early Bronze Age – Cyclades settle in Asia Minor. 2100-1500BC: Minoan culture. 1400BC: Minoan centres destroyed by natural elements and abandoned. 1400-750BC: Mycenaean / Dorian Period – Mycenaeans from Peloponnese rise to prominence. 1150BC: Dorians conquer large areas of Peloponnese. 776BC: First Olympic Games. 750-550BC: Archaic Period – City-states Athens / Sparta / Thebes / Corinth compete for supremacy. 550BC: Sparta forms Peloponnesian League, rivalry with Athens. 500-338BC: Classical Period – Persia’s King Darius attempts to conquer Greece, but is defeated by Athenian army at Marathon. 481-479BC: Darius’ son Xerxes invades – Spartan king Leonidas (small army) finally falls at Battle of Thermopylae. Athens captured, but sinks Persian fleet off Salamis in surprise attack. 431-404BC: Peloponnesian Wars. Sparta controls most of Greece. 338BC: Philip II of Macedonia defeats Athens/Thebes at Battle of Chaeronea and unites all Greek cities except of Sparta. 338BC-395AD: Hellenistic / Roman Period – Philip II assassinated. His son, Alexander the Great, develops Greece into imperial power with Macedonia at governmental centre. 323BC: Diadochi divide empire after Alexander’s death. Centres of power shift to Middle East / Egypt. 320-275BC: Rome emerges as major power. 146BC: Greece province of Roman Empire. 295-1453AD Byzantine Period – Roman Empire divided in East (Byzantine) and West. 1204: Crusaders attack Constantinople. Franks / Venetians divide Greek territory. 1452: Defeat Byzantine Empire by Ottoman Empire: 1453-1821. 1821-’29: Greek War of Independence from Ottomans. ’12-’13: First Balkan War: Greece wins Epirus, Macedonia, Crete and North Aegean Islands from Ottomans / Second Balkan War: Greece wins Thrace from Bulgaria. 1821 onwards: Modern Times. 1917: Start WWI, Greece with Allies. ’19-’22: Greco-Turkish War (Greek failed invasion of Smyrna). ’24: Monarchy abolished, Greek republic. ’35: Monarchy restored. ’36: General Metaxas starts right-winged dictatorship as PM. ’40: Start WWII, Greece initially neutral – Mussolini attacks Greece from Albania, but is repelled. ’41: Nazi Germany - Resistance by communists and royalists. ’44: Collaboration with UK to repel Nazis. ’46-’49: Greek Civil War between US/UK-backed governmental Hellenic Army and communist SU/Bulgaria/Albania/Yugoslavia-backed Democratic Army of Greece (1st won).’52: Parliamentary kingdom. Joins NATO. ’67: Military coup. ’73: Republic again. Coup. ’74: Coup against president of Cyprus. Turkish invasion / occupation Northern Cyprus. ’75: Parliamentary republic. ’81: Joins EU. ’91: Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia declares independence. Greek objects to name and flag due to territorial claims of Greek province Macedonia. ’96: Tension with Turkey over Aegean islet. ’99: Earthquake Athens kills dozens. 2002: Euro replaces drachma. ’04: Athens hosts Olympic Games. Formal warning EC: Greece falsified budget deficit data in run-up to eurozone. ’08: Greece blocks Macedonia’s bid to join NATO over unresolved name-dispute. ’09-‘15: Debt crisis – massive debt caused by Greece. Long series of EU + Eurozone rescue bailouts and loans (hundreds of billions of euros) and debt-cuts in exchange for austerity and spending cuts programs, continuously accompanied by mass protests. ’13: Highest unemployment rate EU (26.8% - ’14: 28%). ’18: Agreement with Macedonia after 27-year-long name dispute (Macedonia vs. North Macedonia).
Greece Facts
- Capital: Athens
- Language: Greek
- Population: ± 10.72mln (Arachova: ± 2,800)
- Sq km: ± 131,957 (Arachova: ± 139.4)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Electricity Outlet: C and F / 230V / 50Hz. Check here!
- Country Code Phone: +30
- Emergency Phone: 112 (general), 166 (ambulance), 199 (fire), 100 (police), 171 (tourist police)
- Visa: Check out the visa requirements here.
- Vaccinations: Covid
- Climate Arachova Dry-Summer Subtropical (Csa)
- High season: June-September & December-May (ski season).
Short History Recap
3000-1400BC: Cycladic / Early Bronze Age – Cyclades settle in Asia Minor. 2100-1500BC: Minoan culture. 1400BC: Minoan centres destroyed by natural elements and abandoned. 1400-750BC: Mycenaean / Dorian Period – Mycenaeans from Peloponnese rise to prominence. 1150BC: Dorians conquer large areas of Peloponnese. 776BC: First Olympic Games. 750-550BC: Archaic Period – City-states Athens / Sparta / Thebes / Corinth compete for supremacy. 550BC: Sparta forms Peloponnesian League, rivalry with Athens. 500-338BC: Classical Period – Persia’s King Darius attempts to conquer Greece, but is defeated by Athenian army at Marathon. 481-479BC: Darius’ son Xerxes invades – Spartan king Leonidas (small army) finally falls at Battle of Thermopylae. Athens captured, but sinks Persian fleet off Salamis in surprise attack. 431-404BC: Peloponnesian Wars. Sparta controls most of Greece. 338BC: Philip II of Macedonia defeats Athens/Thebes at Battle of Chaeronea and unites all Greek cities except of Sparta. 338BC-395AD: Hellenistic / Roman Period – Philip II assassinated. His son, Alexander the Great, develops Greece into imperial power with Macedonia at governmental centre. 323BC: Diadochi divide empire after Alexander’s death. Centres of power shift to Middle East / Egypt. 320-275BC: Rome emerges as major power. 146BC: Greece province of Roman Empire. 295-1453AD Byzantine Period – Roman Empire divided in East (Byzantine) and West. 1204: Crusaders attack Constantinople. Franks / Venetians divide Greek territory. 1452: Defeat Byzantine Empire by Ottoman Empire: 1453-1821. 1821-’29: Greek War of Independence from Ottomans. ’12-’13: First Balkan War: Greece wins Epirus, Macedonia, Crete and North Aegean Islands from Ottomans / Second Balkan War: Greece wins Thrace from Bulgaria. 1821 onwards: Modern Times. 1917: Start WWI, Greece with Allies. ’19-’22: Greco-Turkish War (Greek failed invasion of Smyrna). ’24: Monarchy abolished, Greek republic. ’35: Monarchy restored. ’36: General Metaxas starts right-winged dictatorship as PM. ’40: Start WWII, Greece initially neutral – Mussolini attacks Greece from Albania, but is repelled. ’41: Nazi Germany - Resistance by communists and royalists. ’44: Collaboration with UK to repel Nazis. ’46-’49: Greek Civil War between US/UK-backed governmental Hellenic Army and communist SU/Bulgaria/Albania/Yugoslavia-backed Democratic Army of Greece (1st won).’52: Parliamentary kingdom. Joins NATO. ’67: Military coup. ’73: Republic again. Coup. ’74: Coup against president of Cyprus. Turkish invasion / occupation Northern Cyprus. ’75: Parliamentary republic. ’81: Joins EU. ’91: Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia declares independence. Greek objects to name and flag due to territorial claims of Greek province Macedonia. ’96: Tension with Turkey over Aegean islet. ’99: Earthquake Athens kills dozens. 2002: Euro replaces drachma. ’04: Athens hosts Olympic Games. Formal warning EC: Greece falsified budget deficit data in run-up to eurozone. ’08: Greece blocks Macedonia’s bid to join NATO over unresolved name-dispute. ’09-‘15: Debt crisis – massive debt caused by Greece. Long series of EU + Eurozone rescue bailouts and loans (hundreds of billions of euros) and debt-cuts in exchange for austerity and spending cuts programs, continuously accompanied by mass protests. ’13: Highest unemployment rate EU (26.8% - ’14: 28%). ’18: Agreement with Macedonia after 27-year-long name dispute (Macedonia vs. North Macedonia).
Opening photo by Miles Watson Photography.
FREE Recommended Sights / Activities*
PAID Recommended Sights / Activities*
* A relatively complete overview of all sights and activities can be found on TripAdvisor… these lists include the ones I personally recommend. You can order your Lonely Planet here.
Evening Entertainment
Local Festivals
- Sights: Ieros Naos Agiou Georgiou.
- Museums: Folklore Museum of Arachova.
- Hikes / Nature: Mount Parnassus (hiking free); Corycian Cave.
- Other: Galaxidi Daytrip.
PAID Recommended Sights / Activities*
- Sights: Sanctuary of Delphi incl. Archaeological Museum; Monastery of Hosios Loukas.
- Hikes / Nature: Mount Parnassus (Wintersports: ski pass costs here – big low season / student / senior discounts on weekdays).
- Other: Mountainbiking; Rock-climbing
* A relatively complete overview of all sights and activities can be found on TripAdvisor… these lists include the ones I personally recommend. You can order your Lonely Planet here.
Evening Entertainment
- Nightlife Areas: Main street of Arachova.
Local Festivals
- Flour Throwing Festival, Galaxidi – March.
- Festival of Agios Georgios (folklore), Arachova– April.
- Delphi Film Festival – August.
Budget Bites
Sleep Cheap
- Supermarkets: Basilopoulos; My Market; Kordonis, Eklabenites.
- Farmers Markets: Modiano Market; Kapani Market; Athonos Square Market; Litochourou Market; Kaftantzoglou Market.
- Local Dishes: Pita Gyros (meat); Souvlaki (meat skewer); Moussaka (oven dish with minced meat / eggplant / potatoes / bechamel sauce); Pastitsio (macaroni lasagne); Kefthetes (meat balls); Loutza (cured pork tenderloin); Yemista (stuffed tomatoes); Papoutsakia (stuffed eggplants); Stifado (beef stew); Giouvetsi (beef stew with pasta); Kleftiko / Paidakia (lamb); Brizola (pork / beef steak); Mydia (mussels); Sofrito (slow-cooked veal); Xiphias (sword fish); Antzougi (anchovis); Spetzofai (sausage-wine dish); Fasolatha (white bean soup); Dolmadakia (rice-stuffed grape leaves); Koulouri (bread rings); Spanakopita (stuffed pastry); Loukoumades (fried honey-covered dough balls); Greek Salad / Choriatiki; Tzatziki (garlic-yoghurt dip); Taramasalata (fish roe dip); Tirokafteri (cheese dip); Tiropita (cheese pie); Olives; Greek Yoghurt (with honey and walnuts).
- The Veg Situation: Going vegan is rather complicated in Greece outside of the bigger cities, but going vegetarian is remarkably easy. Many local dishes are ‘accidentally’ vegetarian… most however containing cheese, eggs and/or honey. Local veg dishes (some descriptions above): Fasolatha; Vegetarian Moussaka; Yemista; Papoutsakia; Dolmadakia; Koulouri; Spanakopita with Cheese/Spinach; Loukoumades; Greek Salad; Tzatziki; Tirokafteri; Tiropita; Olives; Greek Yoghurt; Kolokitho Keftedes (courgette balls); Tomato Keftedes (tomato fritters); Fava (split peas dip); Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip); Tirokroketes (fried cheese balls); Saganaki (fried cheese); Daklos (crackers with feta and capers); Horta (leafy boiled greens); Briam (roasted vegetables); Gigantes (giant beans); Pissara (feta, sun-dried tomato and pine nuts salad); Salata Koliandrou (collard salad); Pitaroudia (chickpea dumpling); Fasolakia (green beans); Spanakoriza (spinach-rice stew).
- National Drink: Tsipouro (spirit), Ouzo (anise spirit) and delicious Greek wine. The standard coffee served in Greece is ice coffee. If you want hot coffee, specify this in your order.
Sleep Cheap
- Hostels / Hotels: are definitely not cheap in Greece, especially around up-class tourist destinations such as Arachova and Mount Parnassus. I personally found the best deals on Booking.com, which is generally cheaper than Air BnB listings here. Booking.com also has the biggest selection, is transparent about the final price and had an efficient search engine tailored to your specific needs. If you use it often enough, generous Genius-discounts are applied. Agoda is often not transparent about prices, adding a lot of additional costs in the last booking-step. Opodo is a better alternative. Keep in mind that most municipalities charge a city tax. Writer’s Choice: I Couchsurfed.
- Couchsurfing: allows you to stay with locals. Nowadays it has a moderate sign-up cost (unless you put a third-world country as homebase), but paying extra for verification is unnecessary: Positive reviews are way more important. Once active, there are no costs for staying at someone’s house. In order to get accepted, make sure to write an elaborate review explaining why you applied to this specific profile and think you and your host are a good match (copy-pastes tend to be ignored).
- Housesitting: is an amazing exchange allowing you to stay short- or long-term in somebody’s house, while looking after their house and pets. There are many different websites, most of them paid… but once you landed a sit, the subscription fee pays itself back quickly. The main housesitting website is Trusted Housesitters.
- Wild Camping: is possible in the mountainous area surrounding Delphi and Arachova, but use a lot of caution: This is illegal in Greece and if caught, you have to go to trial (I personally met someone who had to go through this unpleasant experience).
Mama Said
Transport
Next?
* As described in the “History Recap,” this name is very controversial and still a topic of political debate. Macedonia is the name of a northern Greek province, North Macedonia the official name of the country. However, if you use “North” before the country-name, you profoundly insult the local population of (North) Macedonia. On the other hand, if you are in Greece and use the word “Macedonia” to refer to the country, you will not make any friends. The solution is to refer to the country as “North Macedonia” while in Greece, and change to “Macedonia” while crossing the border.
- Safety: European tourist destinations are generally safe, but use your common sense like everywhere. Don’t walk alone in remote areas after sunset, don’t take valuables along and follow your instinct when entering certain neighbourhoods further away from the centre.
- Tap Water: is drinkable.
- English is widely spoken, even by the older generation.
- Boycott zoos such as Parko Zoologikos Kipos, where animals are held in captivity out of their natural habitat.
- The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates without any extra fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. Keep in mind that all Greek ATMs charge a fee, the amount always indicated before completing the transaction. Payment by card is generally accepted everywhere.
- Simcard: The cheapest prepaid deals can be found on the street of Athens, generally around the major metro/train stations. Whereas in the shop they might charge €20 per month for limited calls and data, on the street the same simcard but with unlimited data is only €10. Don’t ask me how, just enjoy it.
Transport
- Walking: All mentioned towns in this article are very small and pedestrian-friendly. To get from one town to the other, transport is necessary.
- Cycling: This is a very beautiful and bicycle-friendly area. However, keep in mound that the roads are swirly and steep, and the narrowness leaves little room for cyclists. Be very careful.
- City Buses / Tram / Metro: There are some buses between Arachova and Delphi, operated by Ktel and mainly originating in Itea/Amfissa in the north and Athens in the south. Check the website for recent routes and call to re-confirm the times, as this is due to change (my experience is that online information isn’t always correct). Expect delays. Ktel also has buses from Athens to Mount Parnassus, which you can potentially hail down… but they’re very infrequent.
- Taxi / Uber: Taxis are available and can be ordered or hailed down on the street. This is not a cheap option, especially not in this area, so make sure to negotiate the price ahead or ask for the meter to be turned on. Due to infrequent bus services, this might be your best option.
- Intercity Buses: As specified above, Ktel connects Delphi / Arachova with Athens, Itea and Amfissa and the towns in between. Due to constantly changing departure times, I recommend verifying the times at the bus station or by phone, and buying the tickets in advance as they can sell out. Student tickets available (different discounts for foreign and local students).
- Train: Not available.
- Car Rental: is remarkably cheap. In off-season I found a rental car of €4-5 per day (excl. insurance) via Kayak, as long as the pick-up and drop-off point is Athens Airport.
- Airport: Athens Airport (ATH); Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG).
- Hitchhiking: is relatively safe in Greece, but it’s not very common. It’s pretty complicated to get in and out of the bigger cities, but as there’s only one main road in Arachova, along Delphi and towards Mount Parnassus, it should be easier here. More info here.
Next?
- National Destinations Close By: Galaxidi, Volos, Sporades, Athens, Marathon, Peloponnese.
- International Destinations Close By: Albania, (North) Macedonia*, Bulgaria, Turkey, Italy.
* As described in the “History Recap,” this name is very controversial and still a topic of political debate. Macedonia is the name of a northern Greek province, North Macedonia the official name of the country. However, if you use “North” before the country-name, you profoundly insult the local population of (North) Macedonia. On the other hand, if you are in Greece and use the word “Macedonia” to refer to the country, you will not make any friends. The solution is to refer to the country as “North Macedonia” while in Greece, and change to “Macedonia” while crossing the border.
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- Unravel the mysteries of Serbia
- Discover the splendours of Turkey: Istanbul on a Budget & Reasons to visit Edirne
- Read about Bosnia & Herzegovina: Mostar, Blagaj, Trebinje, Sarajevo, Jajce, Banja Luka and Sutjeska National Park (incl. Maglic Peak - the country's highest!)
- Get deep into Greece: Athens, Epirus, Meteora, Thessaloniki & Volos
- Archeological treasures, UNESCO sights and Greece's roughest nature: Explore the Peloponnese!
- Explore Cyprus: Check out the Cyprus Nature, Cyprus Top-5 Cities and the North Cyprus Blogs!
- Check out Budget Bucket List's FAVORITE HIKING DESTINATIONS worldwide!
- Visit Balkan's finest: Montenegro's National Parks Blog, Kotor Bay & Lovcen NP and Cetinje, Podgorica, Prokletije NP and Montenegro's Coastal Towns Blog
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- The 3 golden rules to travel Sofia on a budget! & Why you shouldn’t miss out on Plovdiv! [Bulgaria]
- Where modern meets classic: Vilnius, Lithuania
- 8 ways to save money in Vienna, Austria
- Europe's best skiing & hiking: Get your ass over to jaw-dropping Switzerland!
- Budget Bucket List hitchhike trip to... Kosovo!
- Unravel the mysteries of Serbia
- Discover the splendours of Turkey: Istanbul on a Budget & Reasons to visit Edirne
- Read about Bosnia & Herzegovina: Mostar, Blagaj, Trebinje, Sarajevo, Jajce, Banja Luka and Sutjeska National Park (incl. Maglic Peak - the country's highest!)