Arachova has a temperate climate. During winter, the town experiences some snowfall and the summers are warm. Rains falls mainly during the winter months and the average annual temperature is 54.9° F (12.7° C).  Arachova enjoys both warm summers and cold winters, at times including snowfall, making it a unique destination in Greece.

This weather forecast in Arachova, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data.

Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Arachova, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 32.4° F (0.2° C) – 42.6° F (5.9° C)
• Precipitation: 129.4 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 133 hours of sunshine, very cold, dry, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 70%

February

• Temperature: 36° F (2° C) – 52.7° F (8.4° C)
• Precipitation: 62.1 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 136 hours of sunshine, very cold, dry, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 65%

March

• Temperature: 40.3° F (4.6° C) – 52.7° F (11.5° C)
• Precipitation: 75.3 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 182 hours of sunshine, cold, dry, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 63%

April

• Temperature: 43.5° F (6.4° C) – 56.3° F (13.5° C)
• Precipitation: 62.6 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 233 hours of sunshine, cool, dry, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 62%

May

• Temperature: 52.5° F (11.2° C) – 67.6° F (19.8° C)
• Precipitation: 32.4 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, 286 hours of sunshine, water temperature 66° F (19° C), cool/comfortable, clear
• Humidity: 62%

June

• Temperature: 59.9° F (15.5° C) – 75.6° F (24.2° C)
• Precipitation: 35.8 mm
• Climate:3 days of rain on average, 295 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71° F (22° C), warm, beach/pool score 5, clear
• Humidity: 61%

July

• Temperature: 64° F (18° C) – 80.1° F (26.7° C)
• Precipitation: 44.3 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 358 hours of sunshine, water temperature 75° F (24° C), warm, beach/pool score 7.6, clear
• Humidity: 60%

August

• Temperature: 65.7° F (18.7° C) – 81.5° F (27.5° C)
• Precipitation: 36.3 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 338 hours of sunshine, water temperature 78° F (26° C), warm, beach/pool score 7, clear
• Humidity: 61%

September

• Temperature: 59.9° F (15.5° C) – 74.8° F (23.8° C)
• Precipitation: 75.2 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, 281 hours of sunshine, water temperature 73° F (23° C), comfortable, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 63%

October

• Temperature: 54.1° F (12.3° C) – 66.7° F (19.3° C)
• Precipitation: 56.2 mm
• Climate: 10 days of rain on average, 219 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71° F (22° C), cool, dry, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 67%

November

Temperature: 45.5° F (7.5° C) – 55° F (13° C)
Precipitation: 97.3 mm
Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 156 hours of sunshine, cold, dry, clear/overcast
Humidity: 70%

December

• Temperature: 40.5° F (4.7° C) – 48.6° F (9.2° C)
• Precipitation: 125.6 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 108 hours of sunshine, cold/very cold, dry, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 71%

Find the current weather forecast for Arachova, Greece here:

Accuweather – Arachova, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Arachova, Greece Weather Forecast

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About Parnassos National Park

Translated Parnassos means the mountain of the house of the god. You will see two twin peaks in this park, with one being dedicated to Apollo and the other to Dionysus. It is believed that the park was home to nine muses. Parnassos, who the park is named after, was the nymph of the son Kleodora by the god Poseidon and the man Kleopompus. Parnassos is said to represent poetry, and this park has been pictured in numerous pieces of artwork, including Archelaos of Priene showing Homer standing on the mountain and the 15th-century work of Mantegna showing Olympus standing on the mountain.

In 1938 the park was established to protect the park’s scenic beauty and to protect its wildlife and plants. At higher levels, conifer forests are predominant while you will see many broadleaf trees at lower levels. The park has one of the most diverse plant ecosystems found on earth. Brown bears, wolves and jackals are just a few of the species of animals that live in this park.

What to Do at Parnassos National Park

Visitors to Parnassos National Park find many things to do. This park is a favorite winter retreat because of its outstanding skiing and snowboarding conditions. This is arguably the best place in Greece to go ski mountaineering. Snowmobiling is also a very popular pastime at this national park.

There are over 62 miles of hiking trails in this park. Many choose to hike from Polydrosos, Greece, through the park in a southerly direction. One of the most thrilling experiences, however, is to go on a full moon hike through the park and watch the sunrise from the mountain’s summit. The E4 International trail passes through this national park.

It is easy to rent a mountain bike or join an organized mountain biking tour of this national park. Riding through the park in the spring or fall is particularly beautiful because you will see meadows of wildflower in bloom.
If you are a mountain climber, then Kouvelos needs to be on your bucket list. This trad climbing crag is one of the best in Greece, and you can also find nearby secluded ice and snow areas to go climbing.

How to Get to Parnassos National Park

It is incredibly easy to get to Parnassos National Park. The park is accessible by well-maintained and plowed roads throughout the year. You can also take the bus to the Liosion station and take a taxi from there, or you can take the train to either the Amfiklia train station or Lilea train station and take a cab from there.

Parnassos National Park is the second oldest national park in Greece, and if you are looking for an adventurous vacation, then it is one that you will want to be sure to visit. While it is best known as a winter playland, you can hike, mountain bike, climb and do many other activities throughout the year.

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Monastery has one of three churches recognized by UNESCO in the country. The organization recognizes the complex as one of the most notable examples of Byzantine architecture in the world because of the cross-and-square design of the Church of Theotokos. The church is made of bricks, marble, and stone and is the only church known to have been constructed during the 10th century.

The church sits next to the Katholikon Cathedral, which is believed to have been built in 1011 and 1012. The Katholikon Cathedral, with its marble slab walls, is the earliest extant domed-octagon church in the world. The Katholikon Cathedral is the only surviving structure with eight pillars that transform into four arches and surround a central dome.

About Osios Loukas

The complex, which includes a crypt, belfry, monk’s cells and other buildings, is dedicated to Osios Loukas, who was initially buried here and whose bones are said to have given off a sweet perfume. When pilgrims would sleep near the crypt, miracles would occur. The bones were later taken to Rome, and Loukas was made a saint. He is best known because he predicted the liberation of Crete from the Arabs in 961. Today, there is still an active monastery at the location that raises organic farm products that you can buy nearby when you visit.

Artwork at the Monastery

Inside the churches, some of the best-preserved frescos and murals in the world decorate the walls. While the Greek government helped cover much of the expenses of building the monastery, the local aristocracy, especially the Theban family of Leovachos, is responsible for the interior decorations.

A huge Christ Pantocrator mosaic covers the interior of the dome. The altar is covered by a breathtaking mosaic of the 12 apostles on Pentecost. The hemi-circular dome near the central dome depicts the Virgin Mary and child. The four main hemi-circle vault walls have a large mural showcasing the baptism in the Jordan with Jesus being portrayed as a young man.

Most of the small chapels surrounding the main worship area have even more artwork in them. Christ raising the dead is depicted in a large mosaic in the narthex. While some damage exists, the area right outside the crypt is decorated with dark frescos telling the passion story.

Vising the Monastery of Osios Loukas

While ladies will need to wear a skirt or dress and guys need to wear long pants, a visit to the Monastery of Osios Loukas should be on your Greek itinerary. Spend time in the crypt seeing the dark frescos that were restored by the Greek Archaeological Service in the 1960s.

Then, move on to the church with its large frescos decorated with gold leaf. While you will spend much time looking up, make sure to look down so that you can see the mosaic tiles decorating the floor. Tour a monk’s bedroom to get a feel for how simply they live. Take a drink from the water fountain where the water is believed to cure many ailments.

There are many places you will want to visit in Greece, but make sure that one of them is the Monastery of Osios Loukas!

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Itea Beach

Located 26 km from Arachova, Itea Beach is at the Crissean Gulf close to the port. Itea Beach is popular with both locals and tourists. The water of this beach are crystal blue and ideal for swimming. There are trees lining the beach that provide shade on hot and sunny days.

The name Itea means “willow trees” and you will find that there is plenty of shade here to keep you satisfied.  There are facilities around the beach that will make your visit more enjoyable. Itea Beach is family friendly with small coves where you can relax and get away from the noise.

Distomo Beach

Distomo Beach is located 30 km east of Arachova and close to the town of Distomo. The beach is partly organized and family friendly. Distomo Beach is also known as Aspra Spitia, which means “white houses.” The beach features umbrellas, showers, and changing cabins. Distomo Beach is 4km of white and grey pebbles.

The beach begins at the port of Agios Nikolaos and stretches to another beach called Aspra Spitia, which is located near Antikyra Village. Distomo Beach is divided by a small river, which adds to the charm of the beach and the village. When visiting the beach of Distomo, you will enjoy the varied landscapes.

Antikyra Beach

This beach is one you won’t want to miss while in Arachova. The beach itself is located about 2 kilometers away from the village itself, but it’s well worth the effort it will take to get here. There is plenty of gorgeous, crystalline water to enjoy here and the conditions at the beach lend itself well to spending long periods of time here lounging.

Antikyra Beach is surrounded by some beautiful vegetation, such as mulberry bushes, olive trees, and Cyprus trees. This gives the beach some nice shade to enjoy while here if you find that you need to get away from the sun. To get here, you can drive a rental car directly to the beach. You can also hire a taxi to take you here.

The town of Arachova is off the beaten track, but it certainly boasts some pristine beaches! While here, you will want to spend plenty of times lounging by the water and taking advantage of the beautiful sunshine.

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Church of Agios Georgios

To reach the Church of Agios Georgios, you will climb 250 marble stairs from the central street of Arachova. When you reach the top, you will find the impressive church, which is protector of the town. The Church of Agios Georgios was constructed in 1676, but it is thought that the four columns that are made of marble date from the paleochristian time. The yard of the church features a monument with a bust of Karaiskakis as well as a canon. Georgios Karaiskakis helped the Greeks win against the Turks in a battle that took place in April of 1826 in that very yard. This win set the town free from the Ottomans.

Corycian Cave

Located just 10 km from Arachova is the Corycian Cave, also known as Sarantavli. Ancient geographer Pausanias claimed the cave was once used as a temple devoted to the worship of god Pan and the nymphs. The cave was named for the nymph called Corycia. The name Sarantavli means “forty rooms.” If you enjoy hiking, you can go to Delphi from the port at Kirra and continue to the cave. Walking these centuries-old paths will take you back in time. This particular hike is about 20 km long. The cave consists of two chambers and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Monastery of Osios Loukas

Located 30 km from Arachova, the Monastery of Osios Loukas is a Byzantine monument. The monastery was built during the 10th century. The complex of the monastery includes the Church of Theotokos, which is the only church that is known to have been built during the 10th century in Greece. The church also follows the Byzantine architecture. The walls were built of stone, marble, and bricks.

The walls feature interesting designs that are thought to resemble cursive Arabic script. The exterior wall has an image of Joshua dressed in armor. It is thought that the Monastery of Osios Loukas gained its wealth from the pilgrims that came to pay homage to the tomb of Saint Lucas, which they believed worked miracles. In the church of the monastery you can view relics, gold and silver plates, frescoes, and mosaics.

Ski Resorts of Arachova

Lovers of snow and skiing are going to love spending time at the ski centers. As one of the highest towns in Greece, Arachova has this unique attraction to visit. The winding country roads leading up the town and the ski resorts are picturesque. Mount Parnassus is home to a few ski centers, where you will have amazing views any time of year. During the summer, you can see the mountains covered in fir. During the winter, they are covered with snow. You will have your choice of ski slopes as there is something for every skill level. You can rent equipment and take lessons. This is a wonderful family adventure if you’re traveling with your children.

Parnassos National Park

Close to Delphi and Arachova is the National Park of Mount Parnassos. The park was established in 1938 and covers an amazing 36 million square meters. It is the second largest national park in Greece. The park consists of Mediterranean vegetation that includes oregano, arbutus, and water-thyme. At the foot of the mountain you will find a plethora of olive groves, especially around the area of the river valley. The National Park of Parnassos is home to a number of birds including woodpeckers, thrushes, and robins. There are two paths inside the park that you can choose from. Both routes connect to the E4 hiking trail.

Arachova, Greece has much beauty and history to offer in its attractions.

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Here’s what you can do while in Arachova:

Enjoy Local Products

Arachova is known for the things produces. If you want to experience the culture of the area, why not try some of the local foods. Kontosouvli is a dish made with big pieces of pork that are skewered and put on a rotisserie with peppers, onion, and tomatoes. They are seasoned with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Other local dishes include hilopites (an egg noodle dish) and kokoretsi (intestines of lamb stuffed with offal). The area of Arachova is also known for its woodwork and textiles. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll want to try the red Mavroudi or the Black Arachova.

Visit a Ski Resort

Mount Parnassos is home to a few ski resorts. Whichever you choose to spend time at, you’re sure to have a good time taking part in the snow sport of your choice. Sledging, snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and other sports are available. Horseback riding, snowmobiling,and ATV/buggy rides are also options at the Parnassos Ski Resort. There are a total of 13 ski lifts. Six are airlifts and seven are sliding lifts. Arachova is one of the highest towns in Greece, which allows you to experience the snowy side of Greece along with amazing views, especially that of the sea.

Play in Parnassos Park

Parnassos National Park is the second largest Greek national park at 36 million square meters. If you like to people-watch or animal-watch, this is a good place to spend your time. The park is home to many animals, but especially birds. Some of the birds you might see include large raptors, woodpeckers, thrushes, and orioles. Because some of the birds migrate, it depends on the time of year you visit. If you want to hike, there are marked trails. One path leads to the Corycian Cave, which is located at 1150 meters. Another path leads to a chapel. Hikes vary in length and difficulty. You can spend hours in the park relaxing, admiring the different flowers and trees, and taking photographs.

Take a Tour

Arachova has more to see than might meet the eye, so a tour is the perfect way to see the hidden gems and learn the history you might not otherwise know about. If you want to see a surrounding area, you might consider a tour of Delphi.

The mountain village of Arachova will give you a different perspective of Greece. Arachova is known as a winter destination, but any time of year you visit you are going to enjoy what the town has to offer. From architecture and history to the amazing nature surrounding it.

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About Corycian Cave

Corycian Cave is located in the city of Arachova on Mount Parnassus, which is located in the center of Greece. It’s history and origins are deeply rooted in Greek Mythology as it was originally named after a Greek Nymph. The cave was considered a sacred area for the worship of Pan, Dionysis and the Muses.

The Corycian Cave also has more recent roots in history, as it served as a refuge for local peoples across multiple historical wars, including World War II. Archeologists have found thousands of old artifacts, including statues, rings and flutes from thousands of years ago. In more recent years, it has become a lesser-known tourist destination for those looking to learn about history while enjoying themselves in nature.

What to Do at Corycian Cave

The Corycian Cave is large enough to spend time exploring both nature and history. It is almost 60 meters long, 26 meters wide and 12 meters high. If you enjoy the history, you can search for ancient inscriptions within the cave. Although the historical artifacts that were found there have since been removed, there are still natural carvings and artifacts there thought to be part of ancient rituals. There is also thought to be a circular, sacrificial altar in the back of the cave. Visitors should bring a powerful flashlight or headlight to be able to see inside of the cave.

If you’re interested in learning about the history of the area, guided tours are available that will tour the cave and surrounding areas. Tour guides are knowledgeable of the rich history and historical artifacts found within the cave. These tours tend to last a full day but give excellent dialogue on the history of the cave and the surrounding area.

Getting to Corycian Cave in Arachova

Corycian Cave can be accessed by car or by foot. If you decide to take a vehicle, be sure to study the route prior to leaving. You can find occasional signs leading to the cave, but they may be difficult to find. The cave is only accessible by dirt road; Due to the terrain, it is recommended to use a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

If you decide to hike to the cave, you can follow an ancient path. This path was used by worshipers of Pan and Dionysis to reach the cave from Delphi. The path begins at the Delphi Archaeological Museum and takes around 3 1/2 hours to complete. Again, those who decide to hike the path should be familiar with the area and take a map.

If you’re looking for an adventure, the Corycian Cave in Arachova, Greece is an excellent place to explore nature and history all at once. The Corycian Cave is steeped richly in history and still contains inscriptions and a few artifacts to show its historically essential role in the worship of Greek gods. Visitors can reach the cave by foot or by car; however, those who wish to visit the cave should be knowledgeable of the area or obtain a map prior to traveling.

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About Itea Beach

Itea beach in Arachova is found in Crissean Gulf in the surroundings of a homonymous port. Within this area, there are multiple restaurants, taverns, and cafes. The beach is also well known for the local cuisine to visitors and locals alike. This makes a popular spot since visitors can access mouth-watering local dishes and drinks at reasonable prices.

Also, when visiting the beach, you need not be worried about accommodation as there are many hotels and hostels that provide room for those who want to spend more than one day in the area. During summer, the gorgeous willow trees provide a lovely shade for visitors to relax. Not long ago, people used the willow woods to access the shore.

What To Do At Itea Beach

Swimming

Swimming is one of the most fun activities to do at the beach. The Itea beach has crystal blue waters that are very inviting. The water is also very safe for swimming because it has a beach path, which allows you to walk into the waters freely without any fear of being washed away by waves. Though the waters of this beach are not very clean due to the impurities from the harbor, by moving for less than a mile along the coastline, you can find super clean, blue waters.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a water sport enjoyed mainly by those who love water and exploring the underwater world. It is a wonderful activity, especially for the tourist since you can see many marine life while snorkeling. The waters around Itea beach are a good place for snorkeling, though very few people go for this sport due to lack of facilities or knowledge on how to do it safely.

Sunbathing

Who does not love sunbathing? Sunbathing is one of the most common activities done at beaches across the world. In Itea beach, Arachova, there are different kinds of umbrellas where people can rest under and enjoy spending time in the summer heat without fearing being swept away by strong winds coming from the Crissean Gulf.

Sand Castles

Most people who visit this beach do not do anything other than just sunbathing. However, if you are looking for something different and exciting, building sandcastles is what you need. This will definitely be an activity that your children would love since most of them love to build these structures. The beaches of Itea are some of the best places to find clean, white, fine-grained sand perfect for making these castles.

Getting to Itea Beach

Itea beach can be accessed by all means of transport. It is located around 9 miles southeast of Arachova town. Visitors just need to let their feet do the walking, or they can choose to ride on a bike, motorcycle, car, or take a bus from one of the bus stops in Arachova town. The best time to travel there is during summer for it provides hours of entertainment and relaxation with family or friends.

Itea beach is one place you want to visit when coming to Greece. The beach offers visitors a great place to relax and enjoy their time. You can also do many exciting activities at the beach like swimming, making sandcastles, sunbathing, snorkeling, and others.

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