Eptalofos - Agoriani in Parnassus
Eptalofos or Agoriani is a village built on SE slopes of Parnassus Mount, very close to the boundaries of the National Park of Parnassus, at an altitude of 830 meters. It belongs to Phocis Prefecture and has about 700 residents.
In recent years, the tourism is growing rapidly, due to the small distance that separates the village from Parnassus ski resort, and its position among thick trees that dominate the area and generally the splendid natural landscape.
The original name, until 1928, was Agoriani and then Eptalofos because it was built on seven hills.
The village has many springs and natural beauty, nice restaurants with traditional dishes, many accommodations that will meet any requirements of visitors throughout the year. The waterfalls of Eptalofos, which are located in the village and very close to the central square, are reflecting the dowry that nature gave generously to this place (in the central square there are information signs for the route you will need to follow).
It is an historical village, refuge of the Komninos Byzantine emperors, home of the fighters and chieftains of '21 (Komnas Theodoros and Stamatis Trakas, etc.).
It was almost completely burned during the German occupation in October 1943, as retaliation for the guerrilla activity in the region.
Visit
- The Ancient Temple of Apollo (vestibule) at Eptalofos. Outside Eptalofos, on the road to Lilea, at "Lianika" position (Lianika comes from the word "Ellinika"), the Temple of Apollo is buried (vestibule) as "dependency" of the Oracle of Delphi, and is the only one. There, the guests of the Oracle were staying for 9 days for the so-called "Catharsis", the today's fasting, before visiting the Oracle.
- The Church of Panagia Mavromantila. Located 2 miles west of Polydroso, it is a Byzantine monument of great value, Paleopanagia (or Mavromantila, or St. Eleousa), a temple of architectural beauty.
- The Ruins of the Ancient Fortress in Lilea. Outside Lilea there are ruins of an ancient fortress, built by the Franks. The Ancient Lilea was destroyed by the Persians.
- The Tower at Polydroso. On the Northeast side of the town there is a medieval tower at "Madamia" position.
- The Temple of Goddess Demeter in Erochos. Moving further east of the springs, on the road to Ano Souvala and at "Ai Vasilis" position, the visitor sees traces of a citadel of the ancient city of Erochos. East of the village and on the road to Amfiklia, we can visit the archaeological site where are the foundations of the temple, dedicated to the worship of goddess Demeter. The monument is dated to the second half of the 6th or early 7th century BC, but the chronological limits need to be expanded to the 10th century BC.
After excavations, a large building was found, divided into many rooms, and large carved titanium rocks built the western part, of 1m high and a length of 41 meters. Also, in the same place, important archeological finds were found. - Parnassus National Park. Parnassus National Park has an area of 36,000 acres and was established in 1938, on the limits of Phocis and Boeotia counties. Read more..
- The Forest of Polydrosso. Polydrosso is in the middle of a forest full of fir, pine, apple and cherry trees that create a magical landscape, which transforms the village in a beautiful winter and summer resort.
- The Cave of Kontylo. At the southwest of Apano Souvala, in the ravine of Xeria is the cave of "Kontylo", quite spacious with stalactites and stalagmites.
- The Zelis Source Position. The road to the top of Parnassus will bring visitors to sources of Zelis, southeast of Ano Souvala, at an altitude of 1,200 meters. A great plateau, with a chapel and a picnic area, cool with endless views.
- Karkavelia Position. From Polydroso, on the way to the top of Parnassus, we meet Karkavelia. It is a location full of firs, ideal for bicycling and walking.
- The "Korykion Cave". A part of Greek and foreign tourists are visiting the "Korykion Cave", a large cave on Parnassus, at an altitude of 1420 m, with the access via Eptalofo. It has small, inconspicuous entrance but inside is divided into compartments, where the stalagmites and stalactites dominate. Korykion Cave used in 480 BC by the inhabitants of Delphi to protect themselves from the Persians. The name "Korykion" was derived from the Korikian nymphs who lived there in antiquity. Read more..
- Pine Grove in Lilea. Impressive is the pine grove of the village, which was formed by the local people.
- The Cave of Eptastomos. In Eptalofo, on the hill above the springs of Alegoussa, a cave of exquisite natural beauty was found with amazing stalactites and stalagmites by the name of Eptastomos. In the depths of the cave is the southernmost glacier of Europe.
Accommodation
For your stay in Parnassus and cities or villages of the Prefectures of Boeotea, Phocis and Fthiotida, you can book a room in one of the hotels or bed and breakfast inns.
In Arachova, Eptalofo as well as in many other areas of Parnassus, there are hotels and various accommodation categories and types (rooms to let, residences, bed and breakfast inns, studios, rentals, hostels, guesthouses, and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's wants and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.
Below you will find a list with hotels and lodgings to stay in the area as well as on our webpage under the selected accommodation’s 'offers and deals'. You will also find hotel and lodging price lists, as well as various choices of deals for low-cost holidays and offers for low-cost holidays.
Entertainment
As for nightlife and entertainment in Parnassus, you'll find various choices of traditional and modern restaurants, local taverns, cafes, clubs, bars, beach-bars and other activities. The high level of service and variety of goods will pay off, whatever choice you make.
Parnassus has dozens of dining places some simple and traditional, others high-end and luxurious.
Access
Parnassus is one of the highest Greek mountains and extends to the prefectures of Boeotia, Phocis and Fthiotida. It is one of the most famous mountains in Greece, with easy access from almost all sides of the mountain, and by extension, from anywhere in Greece. During the Winter period snow-blowers clean the snow off the road continuously in the area.
Telephones - Transportation - Access