6 Days Delphi Trail – Paths 22 & E4 (Self-Guided)

6 Days Delphi Trail – Paths 22 & E4 (Self-Guided)

Delphi hiking tour

ACTIVE PERIOD
15 May - 15 November
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
3
DURATION
6 days
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
2
6 Days Delphi Trail – Paths 22 & E4 (Self-Guided)
Price from €525
PRICE FROM € 525 - DECLARE INTEREST

Overview

A unique experience that combines the beauty of wild mountains and ancient mythology. This hike follows the footsteps of ancient Greek pilgrims that walked from the northern slopes of Mt. Parnassos to the southern area of Delphi.

Mount Parnassos is a mere 3 hours drive from Athens! It hosts the famous Archaeological site of Delphi. The E4, European long trail path connecting Portugal with Cyprus passes through Parnassus. It follows the ancient footpath that Pilgrims took from the northern part of Greece to reach the Delphi sanctuary. Delphi was dedicated to god Apollo, but Ancient Greeks also believed that the forested area of the mountain was home to the Nymphs and god Pan. Today Mt. Parnassus hosts the largest ski resort of Greece on its alpine zone and a protected National Park on its forested area. On the northern slopes of the mountain, the forest is mainly composed of fir and juniper trees. As we walk down the southern slopes the landscape becomes Mediterranean. Great views to the famous UNESCO listed Delphi olive grove and the Corinthian gulf await our hikers. We propose an itinerary that combines parts of the paths 22 and E4 and that offer the opportunity to discover the most interesting areas of Mt. Parnassus.

The Ancient Path 6 Days Hike starts in the village of Eptalofos and ends seafront Itea, approx. 3 hours by car from Athens.
Looking for a less demanding softer hike ? check our Ancient Path 4 days hike.

Day 1
Arrive to Eptalofos
Day 2
Eptalofos - Polydrosos
Day 3
Polydrosos - Defner Mountain Hut (path 22)
Day 4
Defner Mountain Hut - Gerontovrahos peak - Livadi
Day 5
Livadi plateau - Delphi (E4 trail)
Day 6
Delphi - Seaside Itea (E4 trail)

Activities / Schedule

Arrive to Eptalofos

Arrive to Eptalofos and settle to your hotel. Eptalofos is a very picturesque Greek village with a small waterfall and a typical village square surrounded by centenarians plane trees. 

Eptalofos - Polydrosos

Hike on the Northern side of Mount Parnassos following path 22 to Polydrosos, a quiet farmer village. It always has been a fertile land and in ancient times the area was called “Erochos” that means “Love for the Earth”. Today, Polidrosos hosts Argyriou family winery that gives a special emphasis on ancient, long-forgotten local wine varieties and produces 9 different sorts of very interesting wines. Overnight in Polydrosos village.

Distance: 10,8km / 6,7miles
Ascent: 465m / 1525ft   Descent: 876m / 2874ft
Duration: 4-5hr

Polydrosos - Defner Mountain Hut (path 22)

Polydrosos is surrounded by springs and a dense fir tree forest. Beginning the hike you will notice a number of large cottages as today the place is very appreciated by Athenian families for spending the weekend in winter. Hiking up the path you will cross farming fields and forest areas with endemic species such as Cephalonian fir and Juniper trees. Your hiking day will end at Defner mountain shelter at an altitude of 1.845m. Defner refuge, is a typical mountain hut, simple with the essentials to rest for a night in altitude. It is located at the border of the Alpine zone and the fir tree forest area. After settling, a hot dinner will be served. When the weather is clear, from the shelter wooden veranda you can enjoy a great view on the Corinthian Golf.

Distance: 15,4km / 9,57miles
Ascent: 1636m / 5367ft   Descent: 297m / 974ft
Duration: 8hr

Defner Mountain Hut - Gerontovrahos peak - Livadi

Todays' hike is about exploring Mt. Parnassos alpine zone. We suggest a hike to Gerondovrachos summit 2.396m that is accessible by foot without any special equipment from Spring to Autumn. In the alpine zone you will discover rare endemic species of plants and insects. You may run into a shepherd with his sheep or goat flock. Be careful don’t walk into the flock as the shepherd dogs may get nervous. Mt. Parnassos is famous all over Greece for its high quality feta cheese. You will see the circular ruins of the old stone sheep barns that in the past use to host an important number of people during summer period. The 360 degrees view to the surrounding valley from Gerondovrachos summit is splendid! Hike down to Livadi plateau following a local path. Overnight in Arachova.

Distance: 11km / 6,8miles
Ascent: 681m / 2234ft   Descent: 1307m / 4288ft
Duration: 7hr

Livadi plateau - Delphi (E4 trail)

You will first follow a local path in Livadi plateau area at an altitude of 1.200m, you will then join the E4 European trail. This is a historic and inspiring route! It makes its way down the slopes of Mt Parnassos, leading to the village of Delphi. It is the ancient footpath that God Pan’s worshipers took from the ancient temples of Delphi to the Corycean Grotto to celebrate holy rites. Your hike starts on the Livadi plateau at an altitude of 1.200m. Following the ancient path through lush forests, you descend to the Delphi sanctuary! A magical spot overlooking the olive trees valley and the Corinthian Gulf with the imposing mountains of the Peloponnese as a backdrop. You will have free time to visit Apollo temple in the afternoon. Overnight in Delphi village.

Distance: 12km / 7,5miles 
Ascent: 377m / 1236ft   Descent: 861m / 2824ft
Duration: 5-6hr

Delphi - Seaside Itea (E4 trail)

Follow a downhill path and a rural road from Delphi to the edge of Chrisso village. The ancient city of Crissa hosted the visitors of the oracle. Following the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, you will continue your day in the heart of the famous Crisaean olive grove. It is listed by UNESCO as a unique landscape composed of more than 1,5 million olive trees. You will enjoy the unique scenery! Observe the silver-green foliage of the olive trees changing colors depending on the time of the day and admire the naturally carved trunks of impressive centennial trees. Your hike ends by the sea, in Itea little port city.

Distance: 12km / 7,45miles
Descent: 643m / 2110ft
Duration: 4-5hr

Important Info

In a glance

CURRENCY
euro (€)
AVERAGE AGE
15 - 69
TIMEZONE
UTC+02:00 (EET)

Highlights

  • Quiet footpaths with a good mix of forest and Mediterranean landscapes
  • Discover a well preserved wild mountain setting from North to South
  • Visit Delphi Ancient site & the UNESCO listed Delphi olive valley
  • Enjoy a relaxing hiking route with a sea view to the Corinthian Gulf

Price

525€/ pp for min 4-7 participants
595€/ pp for min 2-3 participants

Extras

Optional Single room:

95€/ person

Extra night in Itea:

48€/ person in a double room

75€/ person in a single room

Extra transfer to the tour start from Athens:

175€/ person

Extra transfer from the tour finish to Athens:

175€/ person for 2-3 participants

115€/ person for 4-7 participants

Extra transfer from Itea (finish) to Eptalofos (start):

55€/ person for 2-3 participants

37€/ person for 4-7 participants

Urgent on-the-spot car support after calling

180€

Guide services per day in total

185€

Participation requirements

  • Good Physical Condition
  • Min Age: 15 years – Max Age: 69 years

Equipment

  • Small backpack for your personal items and snacks
  • Comfortable clothes (preferably quick-drying material: cotton or polycotton not denim)
  • Obligatory light hiking shoes or hiking boots
  • Hat or beanie, sunglasses, sunblock
  • Waterproof jacket/membrane (for the rainy days)
  • Your own personal water bottle. As part of our environmental policy and actions, we are committed to eliminating the use of plastic water bottles.
  • Obligatory liner or light sleeping bag for your stay at Defner mountain Hut (day3)
  • GPS functional device for self guided tours
  • Mobile phone with a functional SIM card (3 or 4G) for self guided tours

Reviews

6 Days Delphi Trail – Paths 22 & E4 (Self-Guided)

Delphi hiking tour

Price from €525

DECLARE INTEREST

FAQs

What should I bring with me?

  • What is listed above in Equipment section

What's the meeting point ?

Meeting Point: Your hotel in Polidroso

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