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The sacred path consists of nearby destinations in the region of Boeotia. It includes the monastery of Osios Loukas, the Sanctuary of Delphi, the city of Amfissa with its famous olive groves and the area of Arachova.

The monastery of Osios Loukas is located at the foot of mountain Elikon in Boeotia. Osios Loukas Steriotis, who was known for his love for animals, nature and his healing gift, lived in this monastery. It is a 1000-year-old monastery and since 1999 it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was ruled by Latin monks during the years of Franciscan rule and during the years of Ottoman rule it passed into the hands of the Greek monks, playing an important role in the revolution of 1821.

The architecture of the monastery complex and its wonderful mosaic creations have made the monastery known all over the world.

Almost 20 kilometers further at the slopes of Mount Parnassos is the Holy Oracle of Delphi, the most famous oracle in Greece.

The sanctuary of Delphi in ancient times was considered “The navel of the Earth” as according to mythology the two eagles that had been sent by Zeus to find the center of the world, were met there. His oracles, which were considered the most reliable, were expressed by Pythia, priestess of the oracle, and were interpreted by the priests of Apollo. Cities, rulers and ordinary people hurried to consult the god and expressed their gratitude with brilliant votive offerings, which gradually flooded the sanctuary. It is believed that the Delphic oracle made decisive predictions about the flood of Deucalion, the Argonaut expedition and the Trojan War, while the important role of its opinion in the establishment of the Greek colonies is confirmed.

In modern times, the Delphi area was associated with the effort to revive the Delphic idea, by the poet Angelos Sikelianos and his wife Eva, who presented two performances of ancient drama, in 1927 and 1930, wanting to create a new spiritual place.

At a distance of about 18km from Delphi, between the mountains of Parnassos and Giona, is the beautiful city of Amfissa, which is the capital of Fokida and keeps its identity unchanged. An important feature of the area is its Olive grove, one of the largest in the world and protected by the Natura 2000 network.

Thirty minutes from Amfissa is the cosmopolitan Arachova.

Arachova  is a small town, built on the southern slopes of mount Parnassos at an altitude of 950 meters. Arachova is famous for her winter sports on mountain Parnassos. Modern Arachova, despite its rapid growth, maintains its traditional character, its customs and traditions.

On this route there are many attractions that one can see.

Starting from the monastery of Osios Loukas, travelers can visit the monastery buildings, discuss with the monks and get to know the way of their life. They can also admire the famous mosaics inside the church and the wonderful view of the slopes of Elikonas.

In an atmosphere of calm and fullness, the journey to the Holy Oracle of Delphi, where history is combined with mythology continues. The tour of Castalia spring, where its water was used for the purification of priests and believers, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Ancient Theater and the Stadium, travel us to the mysterious atmosphere of the past. The tour is completed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire its rich collections that include statues, tributes etc.

We continue our tour in the city of Amfissa where photography lovers can start with a walk in the city to see and take photos of the beautiful old mansions.

Then we visit the historic castle of Salona. The castle has a great history that starts from the Pelasgians and classical antiquity and reaches the Greek Revolution.

Over the centuries the castle was destroyed, rebuilt, conquered by Philip II, the Gauls, the Romans, the Bulgarians, the Slavs, the Franks, the Catalans and the Ottomans.

Fans of the art of painting can visit the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation and the Municipal Gallery “Spyros Papaloukas”, to see up close the drawings made by the great painter, for the Metropolitan Church, known as “Anthivola” .

Lovers of climbing are worth visiting the climbing field of Amfissa in the area of ​​Saint Konstantinos that include up to 29 Sport routes, up to 25 meters high, suitable even for beginners.

Do not miss to visit the traditional district of Harmaina. It is definitely the most picturesque district of Amfissa! In the past, tanneries were known as Taipakaria. The atmosphere that is “hidden” between them will enchant you by wandering in the stone alleys! Also, the famous Harmaina Carnival is an experience that should not be missed.

The Amfissa Olive grove is the largest in the country and belongs to the famous Delphic Landscape. It is estimated that it consists of more than 1,200,000 olive trees, some of which exceed five meters in height, while their age is lost in the depths of the centuries.

According to historical data, the olive trees of Eleonas of Amfissa exist since the Neolithic Age! The Pelasgians were the first, according to the sources, however, to plant olives here in prehistoric times. From then until today, the use of space has never changed, no matter how many conquerors have passed.

If you are here in autumn or winter, you will also watch the picking of the fruit in the traditional way, which has lasted since antiquity.

The Olive grove of Amfissa is characterized as traditional and is protected by special provisions.

If you want to follow the lives of miners and visit a real underground gallery, then visit Vagonetto Fokis Mining Park. It is a unique thematic park, where you will have the opportunity to follow the lives of bauxite miners through their narrations and visit a real underground gallery.

Fans of theater and historical atmospheric cafes, should definitely visit the “Grand Café 1929” which has been operating since 1929 and is a member of the International Cultural Organization “Road of Historical Cafes”. At that time it was called “Panellinion”. This is the only Cafe in Greece with a theatrical stage. It flourished during the interwar years and later hosted theatrical performances of the time. It is worth noting that this Historical Cafe was chosen by the great Greek director Theodoros Angelopoulos for the shooting of the film “Troupe”, which is one of the 10 best films of all time! The “Big Cafe 1929” has offered a lot to the culture of the country as it supported the theater. Today, it has been renovated in the colors and style of the interwar period that characterizes it so much.

At the same time in the area of Arachova operates the Agricultural Craft Cooperative of Arachova, where the locals use natural raw materials and give lessons in weaving and gold embroidery to visitors as well as cooking with recipes based on local materials.

Arachova is famous for her winter sports on mountain Parnassos. Parnassos ski Center has 23 slopes and it is an alternative destination for mountain activities in Central Greece. An area in nature, just for hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, exploring the places and many other different activities.

Last but not least ,as you walk in the square of Arachova you can find the “tea street” in which you will find many shops and cafes with many varieties of its famous tea.

The rationale for the design of the Sacred Path was based on the combination of two monuments that have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The most important Byzantine monument of 11th century Greece, the Monastery of Saint Luke of Steriotis and the city of Delphi, where the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world was located, “The oracle of Delphi”

The use of natural materials such as stone and plaster for the construction of the church of Osios Loukas proves the absolute respect of craftsmen to the environment and nature. Also, the way of life of the Orthodox monks that was founded in the 4th AD. century and is based on equality, common ownership (all material goods belong to all) self-sufficiency of goods, respect and protection of the natural environment, the use of natural traditional forms of energy for the operation of the monastery, the sale to tourists of pure natural products produced in the monastery, make the way of life of the monks an example of sustainability that has its roots in the early Christian years. Through the monks way of living, the visitors of the monastery can adopt good practices of sustainability in their daily life.

The continuation of traditional techniques from generation to generation in art, such as weaving and embroidery, is one of the key elements of sustainability in the area. (The weaving art was widespread among the women of Arachova, who from an early age learned to create real art pieces. Over the years, however, this art began to disappear, until the women of the Arachova cooperatives took over their work. They give textile art lessons to young people living in the area and to visitors as well, who are interested in learning this traditional art.

In rural life, the traditional way of harvesting olives “the sticking” continues to this day by local producers. Many visitors have the opportunity to participate in the olive harvest learning the specific technique – which does not destroy the tree or its fruits – with the guidance of olive growers.

The traditional cuisine and the traditional production process of products such as “Formaela” cheese. Registered by the European Union with a designation of origin, “Formaela”, the Vlach cheese of Arachova is made from fresh sheep’s milk and is – roasted or fried – one of the most delicious products in the region.

Also, the preparation of pasta in the traditional handmade way from pure materials of the area that the women of the cooperatives of Arachova continue to this day and give lessons of pasta making and cooking to anyone interested in knowing the unique traditional recipes of the area.

The renovation of the traditional settlement of “Harmaina” in Amfissa is another example of the sustainability of the area. Since 1989, forty-two buildings of the old settlement have been declared protected. The renovation of the buildings and their reopening as places of art, catering and culture, creates a very nostalgic atmosphere that culminates with the revival of the legend of the “Stihio (ghost) of Harmaina” on the last Saturday of the Carnival period.

It is worth mentioning the renovation and reopening of the historic place “Big Cafe”, as well as the reopening of the “Stoa 850” of the old mines, but not for the purpose of bauxite mining, which had stopped twenty-five years ago, but for tourism and educational purposes, to highlight both the history of bauxite and to pay tribute to the miners of Fokida.

The activities of the European Cultural Center of Delphi (EPKED) which aims to create in Delphi a European and global spiritual center where events are held and personalities from the field of Art and culture are hosted, in parallel with the Delphic operation. Academy of European Studies is located at the same place, where seminars, masterclasses and artistic events are held with a focus on the humanities. A fact that attracts many visitors and students throughout the year.

Finally, in the area of ​​Amfissa, many seminars and educational activities based on the natural environment and sustainability are held by the Amfissa Environmental Education Center.

There are many hotels in the area of Delphi and Arachova. Indicatively we suggest:

Leto -Delphi Hotel

Located in Delphi, it offers services with respect for the environment and organizes seminars and workshops related to the environment and sustainability.

https://www.leto-delphi.gr/gallery/?lang=el

Efzin Hotel Arachova

The strategic location of the hotel is one of its advantages, as it is built in the main road of the village, right opposite to the new car parking area and very close to the center of Arachova. All guests can go within a walking distance to the local restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and bars. Also, another significant plus of its location is that it is very close to the national highway that goes to Delphi and Parnassos ski center, which is very convenient for the ski lovers.

https://www.hotel-efzin-arachova.gr/el/

Elafivolia Arahova Suites 

It offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and high-class accommodation in Arachova. Located close to the cosmopolitan village of Arahova and few miles away of Parnassos Ski Center and the world-renowned Delphi Oracle. The hotel provides an excellent retreat of comfort.

https://www.elafivolia.gr/

Alternatives for camping lovers:

https://apolloncamping.gr/el/

https://www.grhotels.gr/listing/delphi-camping

FOOD

Arachova is famous for its traditional cuisine, such as Formaela cheese and handmade pasta. It is also famous for its olives (Amfissa olives).