Autumn and car getaways are ideal, especially for trips to the immortal Greek nature, which is currently “dressed” in the wonderful colors of the season. One of the popular destinations for getaways by car is Parnassos with Arachova being consistently the star of the area. However, we would say this time – the weekend of October 28th is coming – to leave aside the “queen” of Parnassus and discover the rest of the beautiful and picturesque villages of the area that, among other things, will offer you moments of relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle, if you are not of the crowds.
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Parnassos: Five villages that deserve your attention
Agoriani
The truth is that Arachova is one of the popular destinations that gathers many people, especially in winter when the ski resort is open since it is about half an hour away. The reason, for Agoriani, is the surprise village in the shadow of Arachova, also known as Eptalofos, which is located in the middle of a forest full of firs and plane trees, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. It is no coincidence that in picturesque Agoriani Angelos Sikelianos spent part of his holidays. Its central square is wonderful, while from there it is worth taking the stone path that leads to its impressive waterfall.
Distance: The village is about 2.5 hours from Athens.
Polydrosos
First, let’s tell you that it is Polydrosos because many people confuse it. This beautiful village of Parnassos is located very close to the Ski Center, on the northeastern slopes of Mount Parnassos, and at an altitude of 380 meters. It is a village with a long history since in antiquity it was probably part of the city-state Erohos. In fact, at the northern exit of today’s settlement, the remains of an ancient sanctuary of Demeter can still be seen. Its original name was Souvala and it became Polydrosos in 1928, when the Slavic place names were replaced with Greek. As for her new name? He got it because of the abundant water running in the area. Polydrosos, on the quiet side of Parnassos, is picturesque and in its paved central square with plane trees and the impressive stone fountain, you will hang out for food or coffee in one of the shops located there. The walks in the alleys of the village are magical since you will have the opportunity to admire the traditional, stone-built houses.
Distance: The village is about 2.5 hours from Athens.
Chrisso
A village of… gold and let it be written completely differently. Just by hearing it, the associations become automatic and if you discover it up close, you will not be disappointed. The reason, of course, is for Chrissos which is built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Parnassus, at an altitude of 200 meters, offering endless views of the ancient olive grove of Amfissa. Chrissos can comfortably be your base for exploring the wider area. Indicatively, it is about half an hour from Arachova, from Delphi just 10 minutes, the same from Itea, and 25 minutes from Galaxidi, which is worth visiting, especially at this time. In this village, you will be impressed by its architecture, many of the houses are restored, with large green gardens. One of the buildings of Chrissos that will attract your attention is the one that hosts the Folklore Museum. It was founded in the 1890s and until 1978 it functioned as a school.
Distance: The village is 2.5 hours from Athens
Vargiani
At an altitude of 900 meters, in a verdant landscape, dominates a beautiful village that is not known to many people. The reason for Vargiani, the “hidden secret” of Parnassos (located on its west side) that you must discover, is those who are looking for retreats surrendered to the embrace and tranquility of nature. This village also has a beautiful square with plane trees, while its attractions include the old aqueduct and the Folklore Museum. Hiking lovers will have the opportunity to walk on the well-preserved hiking routes, while in the village there is also Neraidospilia, with the lakes that compose a dreamy setting.
Distance: The village is about 2.5 hours away from Athens
Amfikleia
At the foot of Mount Parnassos and at an altitude of 400 meters, you will find Amfikleia, a beautiful and picturesque place with neoclassical mansions and paved alleys. It is, we would say, a popular destination for autumn getaways. It is a town, with its Old Quarter – which has been characterized as a traditional settlement, stealing the impressions.
Here, you will find beautiful paved squares with plane trees, although the central one is the one that has more traffic. Amfiklia has several sights to see, and it is very close to the Parnassos Ski Center. Its many cobbled streets are ideal for leisurely walking, while you will also find several traditional fountains with gurgling water, such as that of Choreftaria. Also, do not forget to visit the Bread Museum where you will learn the history of bread making from antiquity until today, as well as the impressive chapel of Agia Jerusalem, built inside a cave in the 11th century.
And of course, a stop at Chaeronea is required, at the famous Lion, located at the entrance of Amphicleia. It is a funerary monument erected in honor of the Sacred Band of Thebes who fell in the historic Battle of Chaeronea in 338 B.C.”
The Sacred Band of Thebes was a renowned troop of elite soldiers in ancient Greece. The Lion of Chaeronea stands as a poignant reminder of their bravery and sacrifice.
Distance: This small town is about 2 hours from Athens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The five villages that deserve your attention in Parnassos are Agoriani, Polydrosos, Chrisso, Vargiani, and one more undiscovered gem. Each offers unique attractions, from traditional stone architecture to stunning natural landscapes and historical sites. These villages provide a quieter alternative to the crowded Arachova while still offering excellent weekend getaway experiences.
Agoriani, also known as Eptalofos, is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Athens. This picturesque village nestled in a forest of firs and plane trees is an ideal destination for an autumn weekend getaway, featuring a wonderful central square and an impressive waterfall accessible via a stone path.
Polydrosos has a long history dating back to antiquity when it was probably part of the city-state Erohos. The village's original name was Souvala, which was changed to Polydrosos in 1928 when Slavic place names were replaced with Greek names. The name Polydrosos refers to the abundant water running through the area, and ancient remains of a Demeter sanctuary can still be seen at the village's northern exit.
Polydrosos is located on the northeastern slopes of Mount Parnassos at an altitude of 380 meters. It is situated very close to the Parnassos Ski Center, making it approximately 2.5 hours from Athens by car.
Chrisso is strategically located at the foot of Mount Parnassus at 200 meters altitude, offering endless views of the ancient olive grove of Amfissa. It is conveniently positioned within 10 minutes of Delphi and Itea, 25 minutes from Galaxidi, and about 30 minutes from Arachova, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider region.
Chrisso impresses visitors with its restored traditional architecture featuring large green gardens. A notable landmark is the Folklore Museum, housed in a building that was founded in the 1890s and functioned as a school until 1978. The village's amphitheatric setting provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Yes, Parnassos is an excellent destination for autumn car getaways. The region offers picturesque villages surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes dressed in seasonal colors. The villages provide moments of relaxation away from crowds and hustle, making it ideal for weekend trips from Athens during the autumn season.
The villages of Parnassos, including Agoriani, Polydrosos, and Chrisso, are all approximately 2.5 hours by car from Athens. This convenient distance makes Parnassos an ideal destination for weekend getaways during autumn and winter months.
