4 Days Soft Hiking Tour at E4 Trail in Delphi

E4 Trail in Delphi – 4 Days Soft Hiking Tour! A unique hiking experience that combines the beauty of central Greece and ancient mythology. This hike is considered as one of the most beautiful parts of the European Long Distance Trail E4. It follows the footsteps of ancient Greek pilgrims that walked from northern Greece to 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 a smooth itinerary that follows the E4 European Long Distance Path and is suitable for everyone who wishes to enjoy a unique hiking vacation! E4 Trail Delphi starts in the village of Eptalofos and ends by the sea in Itea.

Technical Characteristics:

• Total Hiking Distance: 26km / 16,15mi 
• Total Hiking Duration: 14 hours approx

Highlights

• Follow a beautiful part of the E4 Footpath with a good mix of forest and Mediterranean landscapes
• Visit Delphi Ancient site & the UNESCO listed Delphi olive valley
• Enjoy a relaxing hiking route with a sea view to the Corinthian Gulf

Activities / Schedule

Day 1: 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. A local representative will meet you in the afternoon to welcome you and give you a tour booklet and a hiking map of the region.

Day 2: Eptalofos - Eptastomos and transfer to Arachova

You will follow the E4 European trail that connects Portugal to Cyprus. This is probably one of the most beautiful parts of this trail. A historic and inspiring hike dropping down from the slopes of Mt Parnassos to the village of Delphi. It is the ancient footpath that took worshippers from northern Greece to the temples of Delphi. You will follow a smooth path in a forested environment. For Ancient Greeks Mount Parnassos alpine zone was home of the beautiful Nymphs, daughters of mother earth «Gaia», dancing around all day long to honor the Gods. You will have the opportunity to see some of the entrances of Eptastomos underground cave. “Eptastomos” means “7 mouths” because the cave had 7 entrances. The cave was formed by the southern glacier of Europe and was considered by the ancients as one of the underworld entrances.

Overnight in Arachova. Arachova is a mountain village, on the slope of Parnassos mountain, mainly built of stone houses, narrow streets and springs. Despite its huge tourist growth due to the ski resort, its heritage has been well preserved. The region is famous for its agriculture, cattle breeding and bosts some high quality products like olives and olive oil, tsipouro, formaella & feta cheese, yogurt, opsimotiri cheese, halvah, frumenty and noodles. Arachova is also famous for its handmade, pure woollen textiles, which are made using traditional looms and natural colors.

• Distance: 7 Km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Ascent: 450 m   Descent: 100 m
• Altitude: 850 m to 1300 m

Day 3: Arachova - Marmara - Delphi

You will start the day with a 40’  transfer from Arachova to Marmara. The first part of your hike is a a forested environment and it second part on a downhill dirt path with some stone steps and rocks as it is the actual ancient 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 1200 m. 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: 8 Km
• Duration: 4 - 5 hours
• Descent: 850 m
• Altitude: 1400 m

Day 4: 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: 11km/6,9miles
• Duration : 5 hr
• Descent: 550m/1800ft
• Altitudes: 550m/1800ft to sea level