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16 Day trip: Delphiski around QUICK athens PICKS 17Tholos, the landmark of DelphiIf you can’t get enough of ancient ruins during your stayin Athens, you should take a day off your sightseeing andhead to Delphi, one of the most important archaeologicalsites in Greece and a hugely popular day trip among Athensvisitors.HistoryIn Greek mythology Delphiwas the place where twoeagles released by Zeus tofly across the universe metand determined the Navel ofthe World. A major templededicated to Apollo andhis victory over the terribleserpent Python was builtthere in 7th century BC. Thelocal oracle was a religiouscentre where pilgrims, commonersand kings alike fromall over Greece came toconsult Pythia on importantor everyday matters, likewhether to go to war with arival city, or about family andpersonal affairs. Pythia thepriestess of the sanctuarymumbled her infamouslyambiguous oracles in astate of intoxication andthe other priests translatedThe Charioteerthem in a way that couldaccommodate oppositeinterpretations. One of the most famous oracles was givento Croesus when he asked if he should go to war with thePersians. The answer was “if you go to war you will destroya great empire”. The oracle turn out to be right, except it washis own empire that he destroyed.Archaeological siteThese days Delphi is a small touristy village 180 km fromAthens, built on the top of a cliff, next to the main archaeologicalsite on the slopes of mount Parnassos. There is animpressive 2300 sqm museum (first built in 1903 – last renovatedin 1999) housing findings from the local excavationsthat started by German archaeologists in 1892. The mainhighlights of the museum are offerings by the oracle visitorsto express their gratitude, the famous Charioteer of Delphiand of course ‘Omfalos’the sculptured religiousstone that representedthe Navel of the World.The archaeological siteconsists of the Templeof Apollo - the centre ofthe oracle and the seatof Pythia (built in the 4thcentury BC on the site ofthe original temple), as well as various treasuries built byGreek cities to host their gifts to Apollo. There is also a stadiumhigh on the hill, an ancient theatre that can seat 5,000with a wonderful view of the valley and Delphi’s best knownlandmark (and a favourite for photographers), the Tholos, acircular building with three of its original twenty Doric columnsrestored, part of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.”How to get thereThe best way to get to Delphi is by car. Take the nationalmotorway to Lamia and at the Kastro junction (110 km)turn left to Orchomenos and Levadia and follow the roadsigns to Delphi. In the village you will find numerous cafesand restaurants catering to the hundreds of day visitors.Alternatively you can head for Amfissa, a tranquil littletown with a small archaeological museum, or Itea a lovelyseaside village where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafoodin one of its many tavernas by the sea. If you have time onyour way back stop at nearby Arachova, a base for theskiers visiting Parnassos slopes (see opposite page). Thepicturesque town is riddled with flashy clothes shops, trendybars, tavernas and during weekends, traffic similar to thatof the centre of Athens.If you’re not up for driving, there is a regular intercity busservice from Athens KTEL station. Finally you can opt for anorganised tour. See our travel agents listings (pg 74)InfoKTEL Bus Station: Liosion 260. tel. +30 210 8317096From Athens: 07:30, 10:30, 13:00, From Delphi: 16:00,18:00 and on Sundays 21:00. Tickets cost €13.60one way.Museum and Site: tel. +30 22650 82346, +30 2265082313 Open: daily 08:30-15:00, Good Friday 08:30-12:00, closed on public holidays (see our Basics pages).Separate tickets for the museum and the archaeologicalsite cost €6 each (concessions €3). A combined ticketwill get you into both for €9 (concessions €5)Obviously one cannot claim that Greece is the ultimateEuropean ski destination. It is a fact though that its versatilelandscape with high mountains (there are more than 50peaks in Greece with an altitude higher than 2000 m) actuallyallows for a fair share of winter fun mainly between Januaryand March.There are 21 ski resorts in the country, and more than halfoffer decent standards even for the most demanding andexperienced skier.Most of them are naturally located in northern Greece but thereare a few very easily accessible from Athens ideal for a skiingweekend or even just for a day’s escape from the city.Parnassos (1600 - 2250m)This is the largest, most organised and popular ski resortin the country. There are 2 main locations Fterolakaand Kellaria and a total of 20 slopes and 14 lifts. Thedistance from the capital is only 180 km making it apopular day destination for Athenian skiers. Slopes rangefrom easy-beginner level to difficult for experienced skiersand cross country, with lengths between 50m and4 km. There are cafes, a restaurant, ski and snowboardschools, an equipment rental shop and baby sittingfacilities. The most convenient way to get to Parnassosis by car. Drive to Levadia and follow the signs to Arachovaand then the ski centre. The best place to lookfor accommodation is Arachova, a picturesque little townthat comes alive in the winter with skiers and celebrity‘exiles’ from the island of Mykonos. Excellent night life,restaurants, shops and plenty of traditional hotels makeArachova a good weekend destination even if you don’tski. If you opt to use public transportation take theKTEL (intercity) bus from Athens central station (every2 hours tel.210 8317096). Day passes for the slopescost between €10 - €30 depending on the day of theweek and whether all lifts and slopes are operational.tel.(+30)2234022693, (+30) 22340-22373, www.parnassos-ski.grKarpenisi (1840m)Karpenisi ski centre is 284km away from Athens and11km away from the town of Karpenisi. It is a small centrebut popular nonetheless as visitors can combine sportswith visits to the beautiful mountain villages of the regionthat resembles the Alps. There are 6 lifts in total and 11slopes. There is a ski school, equipment rental shop,restaurant, cafe and a chalet with an accommodationcapacity of 100 persons (tel.2237-22002). If you drive,take the national motorway to Thessaloniki and turn toKarpenisi, or take the KTEL bus to Karpenisi from Athenscentral station (tel. 210 - 8315919) Daily pass €20 (w/e),€12 (weekdays), Seasonal card €180 tel. (+30) 2237023 506, www.cybex.gr/karpenissiPilio (1470m)Pilio is one of the most beautiful Greek mountains, hometo the mythical creature Kentavros and it is worth visitingfor a weekend even if you are not a skier. It boasts dozensof picturesque villages -most of which have stunningviews of the Aegean Sea, the Pagasetic Gulf and theseaside town of Volos at the foot of the mountain, andoffer plenty of good accommodation and nightlife. Thecentre is 27 km from Volos and 330 km from Athens(take the national motorway to Thessaloniki if you drive,or KTEL bus to Volos from Athens central station everytwo hours (Tel. (+30) 210 8329585). There are six slopesranging between 250m for beginners, to 5000m with atotal length of 12 km and six lifts. A number of wintersports are also available like snowboarding and crosscountry skiing. A restaurant, a cafe and a skiing schooloperate at the centre as well as a chalet for those whoprefer accommodation on the spot. A day pass costs€15, (children €10) and the cost for renting the equipmentis €15 for a full set. Lessons cost €40 per hourper person and €25 per hour for two. tel. (+30) 2428074048 www.skipilio.grKalavrita (1700m)This is the only ski resort in the Peloponese, a trendywinter weekend destination for young Athenians. It islocated on Mt Helmos 14 km from the pretty and historictown of Kalavrita and 203 km from Athens. Apart fromthe 12 slopes of all levels and the seven lifts, the centreoffers a complete set of winter activities like snowboarding,trecking, snowmobiles, paragliding etc Prices for aday pass vary bettween €15 - €25 and there are weekly(€70) and seasonal (€350) passes available. tel.(+30)2692024451, www.kalavrita-ski.comAthens In Your Pocketathens.inyourpocket.comFebruary - March 2010