THE WORLD NAVEL - DELPHI

Trip to Arachova, Delphi and Itea.

For sometime now, the Athenians gather a, mass in the winter at Fterolakka, the ski resort of Parnassos. Because of this, Arachova has become popular. Arachova is a mountain village built amphitheatrically at the foot of the mountain, with 950 m altitude, that belongs to the periphery of Central Greece.

To begin this excursion, you take the National Highway Athens-Thessaloniki and after you exit at Thiva, turn toward Livadeia. In less than three hours you will have arrived at Arachova, who is suitable for the exploration of the area.

In Arachova, you may visit the cave with stalactites and stalagmites, known as the Corycian Cave, or just admire the village, tasting a little “formaela” –its specialty cheese. The ski resort of Parnassos is 25 km away and it operates from December to April.

Just 10 km from Arachova, in the prefecture of Phocis, we arrive at Delphi. Delphi is located on the southern slopes of Parnassos at an altitude of 550 m. Delphi was inhabited since Mycenaean times (14th - 11th c. B.C.) by small settlements who were dedicated to the Mother Earth deity. The worship of Apollo as the god of light, harmony, and order was established between the 11th and 9th centuries. Slowly over the next five centuries the sanctuary grew in size and importance. During the 8th c. B.C. Delphi became internationally known for the Oracular powers of Pythia - the priestess who sat on a tripod, inhaled ethylene gasses, and muttered incomprehensible words that foretold the future.

The ancient people of the Mediterranean had such faith in Pythia's view of the future that no major decision was made without consulting the Oracle of Delphi first. Greek and foreign dignitaries, heads of state, and common folk made the pilgrimage to the Delphi sanctuary, and paid great sums for Pythia's oracles. Since the sanctuary only served the public a few days over nine months out of the year, great sums were paid by the more affluent ones in order to bypass the long line of pilgrims.

Such was the importance of the Oracle at Delphi that the ancients believed it to be the center ("Omphalos") of the world. The oracle advised the great Persian Kings of the time, and when the Persians were poised to sack Athens, Themistokles turned the advice of the Oracle to a winning strategy that led to the Greeks' victory in the naval battle of Salamina. The Oracle had simply advised that "wooden walls" would aid to victory, and Themistokles interpreted walls to mean the wooden ships of the Athenian fleet.

From the 7th Century B.C. and at least until the 4th Century, the sanctuary of Delfi was part of the Amphictyonia. The Amphictyonia alliance protected the site from many invaders. Despite some building revivals by the Romans, the Oracle of Delphi lost its influence over the next few centuries, and its spiritual fire was gradually extinguished as Apollo's worship was replaced by a new religion imported from the East: Christianity.

These days, Delphi is a Site of World Heritage, according to U.N.E.S.C.O., where the visitor may admire many monuments; among them are the Temple of Apollo, the Tholos, the Athenian Treasury and the Theater of Delphi. The many findings of the archaeological site – one of them is the bronze statue Charioteer of Delphi also known as Heniokhos – are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.

If the visit to the site worked on your appetite and the beautiful view of the Bay of Itea (or Crisaean Gulf) awaken your interest, you must go the coastal Itea, just 18 km away from Delphi.

Itea is a relatively young town (established in 1830) that managed to develop to an commercial center in the area and it has the capability to host big events such the Acropolis Rally. There is something you must do, for sure, and that is to visit one of the fish taverns to taste their very fresh fish.

Distance from Athens:
- Αrachova: 169 km
- Delphi : 179 km
- Ιtea : 197 km

Nightlife

BOTANIKOS
Performing for Winter season 2011 are the major country names, Natassa Theodoridou and Marinella. Entrance: 15 Euros. Bottle service: 190... more
THE ATHENS CONCERT HALL (MEGARON)
Established in 1991, the Megaron is deemed as one of the most comprehensive culture centers in Europe. ... more
VOX
Performing for Winter season 2011 are Panos Kalidis with Konstantinos Argyros and Sella Kalli. Wine bottle per 2 persons: 50... more
IERA ODOS
Performing for Winter season 2011 is veteran, Notis Sfakianakis and sultry Angeliki Iliadi. Entrance: 15 Euros. Wine bottle per 2... more
BAROUGE
This stylish club is owned by a well known figure in Athenian nightlife, offering the only the best in sound,... more
KENTRO ATHINON
Performing for Winter season 2011 is legend, Dimitris Mitropanos and is a singer that is very popular with the youth... more
THE PONTIKI
This classic spot in Kypseli - with traditional food and abundant drink - offers live music all the nights it... more
GINGER ALE
At the heart of the infamous Exarchia Square, Ginger Ale is everything that serious lounge lovers are looking for. The... more
AN CLUB
Classical rock hangout of Exarcheia, that recently made an opening to the harder rock and the hip-hop music.... more
MICRAASIA
Predominantly a spot that attracts lesbians, this Middle Eastern inspired venue offers mainstream food and fun downstairs and an incredible... more

Gastronomy

BAIRES
Baires made its debut in the very select spot of Sina 21 and Skoufa Street in Kolonaki. It is what... more
EN DELPHIS CAFÉ - BAR
This café / bar is a meeting place of many young actors and musicians. After undergoing a face lift, it... more
ST' ASTRA (Hotel Park)
Under the care of Herve Pronzato and the view of the big park, a modern cuisine of a high grade... more
BUTCHER SHOP
Tavern in Gazi with emphasis on meat and traditional tastes. Perfect for large groups.... more
PREMIERE (Athenaeum Intercontinental)
French hints but also many Mediterranean elements in the kitchen of Sotiris Evaggelou. Try the risotto with leeks and... more
FASOLI
\"Trendy\" restaurant / kitchen based primarily on the Mediterranean cuisine, but also on \"exotic variations\"... more
GIANTES
Pioneer of the cuisine with biological products served with love, a high aesthetic and products straight from the growers.... more
I PITA TOU PAPPOU
Chain of grill houses, that serve (among other things) the rumored biggest souvlaki in town.... more
DIONYSOS ZONARS
A landmark venue, globally well known as the restaurant under Acropolis. ... more
FLORAL BOOKS + COFFEE
Located in the historic “Blue Building” of infamous Exarchia Square, Floral has been around for a long time. Having recently... more