Eptalofos (Agoriani)
Eptalofos (Agoriani): Parnassus' Charm Awaits You!
Nestled on the northeastern slopes of the majestic Parnassus, Eptalofos, which everyone lovingly calls Agoriani, is a beautiful village just waiting for you to discover! Built at an altitude of 830 meters, it's embraced by dense fir trees and is very close to the borders of the Parnassus National Park. It belongs to the region of Fokida and is home to about 700 warm, permanent residents.
In recent years, Eptalofos has been experiencing impressive tourism growth, and for good reason! This is due to its very short distance from the popular Parnassus Ski Centers, as well as its stunning location amidst the lush fir trees that dominate the area, creating a magnificent natural landscape that takes your breath away, no matter what time of year you visit.
Accommodation and Beauties of Eptalofos
The village's original name, until 1928, was Agoriani, when it was renamed Eptalofos, as it is built upon... seven hills! A true revelation!
The village boasts abundant running waters and rich natural beauties that will enchant you. Here you'll find wonderful tavernas with traditional delicacies that will satisfy even the most demanding palate, as well as plenty of accommodations (hotels, guesthouses, studios, residences, rooms for rent, and apartments) that will meet all your needs, all year round. Don't miss visiting the waterfalls of Eptalofos, located within the village and very close to the main square—a living testament to nature's generosity towards this place. In the central square, you'll also find informative signs about the route you can follow.
History and Major Attractions
Eptalofos is a historic village, once serving as a refuge even for the Byzantine emperors of the Komnenos dynasty. It is the homeland of great fighters and warlords of the '21 Revolution, such as Komnas, Thodoros, and Stamatis Trakas, among many others.
Unfortunately, the village was almost completely burned down during the Occupation by the German conquerors in October 1943, as retaliation for guerrilla activity in the area. Nevertheless, it stands proudly once again.
You should definitely visit:
Ancient Temple of Apollo (pronaos) in Eptalofos: Just outside Eptalofos, on the road to Lilaia, at a location called "Lianika" (a corruption of the word "Hellenika"), lies the buried Temple of Apollo (pronaos) as an "annex" of the Oracle of Delphi—a unique find! Visitors to the Oracle used to stay there for 9 days, undergoing what was called "Katharsi," our modern-day fasting, before visiting the Oracle.
Church of Panagia Mavromantila: About 2 km west of Polydrosos, you'll encounter a Byzantine monument of great value, Palaiopanagia (or Mavromantila, or Agia Eleousa), a church of rare architecture that will enchant you.
Ruins of an Ancient Fortress in Lilaia: Outside Lilaia, you can explore the ruins of an ancient fortress, upon which the Franks had built. Remember that ancient Lilaia was destroyed by the Persians.
Tower in Polydrosos: On the northeastern side of the town, in the area "Mantamia," there is a medieval tower that is well worth your attention.
Temple of Demeter in Erochos: Moving further east from the springs, on the road towards Apano Souvala and in the location "Ai Vasilis," visitors will find traces of the acropolis of the ancient city of Erochos. East of the village and on the road to Amfikleia, you can visit the archaeological site, where the foundations of the temple dedicated to the worship of the goddess Demeter are located. The monument has been dated to the second half of the 6th or early 7th century BC, although the chronological boundaries might extend to the 10th century BC. After excavations, a large building divided into many rooms was found, with large hewn titanolith stones building the western part, 1 meter high and 41 meters long. Significant archaeological findings were also found in the same area.
Parnassus National Park: A true natural paradise! The Parnassus National Park covers an area of 36,000 acres and was established in 1938, on the borders of the Fokida and Boeotia regions. Here you'll lose yourself in the beauty of Greek nature.
Polydrosos Forest: Polydrosos is literally nestled within a forest of firs, pines, apple, and cherry trees, creating a magical landscape. This natural beauty transforms the village into a wonderful winter, and also summer, resort.
Kontylos Cave: Southwest of Apano Souvala, in the Xeria gorge, you'll discover the "Kontylos" cave—quite spacious, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Zeli Spring Location: The road to the peak of Parnassus will lead visitors to the springs of Zeli, southeast of Ano Souvala and at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It's a wonderful plateau, with a picturesque chapel and picnic facilities, offering endless coolness and breathtaking views.
Karkavelia Location: From Polydrosos, on the road to the peak of Parnassus, you'll encounter Karkavelia. An area full of fir trees, ideal for cycling and leisurely walks in nature.
Korykeion Andron Cave: A number of Greek and foreign tourists visit the "Korykeion Andron," a large cave on Parnassus at an altitude of 1420m, accessible from Eptalofos. It has a small and indistinct entrance, but its interior is divided into impressive chambers where you can admire stalagmites and stalactites. Korykeion Andron was used in 480 BC by the residents of Delphi to protect themselves from the Persians. It received the name Korykeion from the Korykeian Nymphs who resided there in antiquity.
Pine Grove in Lilaia: The beautiful pine grove of the village, lovingly created by the residents of Lilaia themselves, is truly impressive.
Heptastomos Cave: In Eptalofos, on the hill above the Alegousa springs, a magnificent natural beauty cave-chasm with amazing stalactites and stalagmites was found, named Heptastomos. In the depths of the cave lies the southernmost glacier in Europe!
Nestled on the northeastern slopes of the majestic Parnassus, Eptalofos, which everyone lovingly calls Agoriani, is a beautiful village just waiting for you to discover! Built at an altitude of 830 meters, it's embraced by dense fir trees and is very close to the borders of the Parnassus National Park. It belongs to the region of Fokida and is home to about 700 warm, permanent residents.
In recent years, Eptalofos has been experiencing impressive tourism growth, and for good reason! This is due to its very short distance from the popular Parnassus Ski Centers, as well as its stunning location amidst the lush fir trees that dominate the area, creating a magnificent natural landscape that takes your breath away, no matter what time of year you visit.
Accommodation and Beauties of Eptalofos
The village's original name, until 1928, was Agoriani, when it was renamed Eptalofos, as it is built upon... seven hills! A true revelation!
The village boasts abundant running waters and rich natural beauties that will enchant you. Here you'll find wonderful tavernas with traditional delicacies that will satisfy even the most demanding palate, as well as plenty of accommodations (hotels, guesthouses, studios, residences, rooms for rent, and apartments) that will meet all your needs, all year round. Don't miss visiting the waterfalls of Eptalofos, located within the village and very close to the main square—a living testament to nature's generosity towards this place. In the central square, you'll also find informative signs about the route you can follow.
History and Major Attractions
Eptalofos is a historic village, once serving as a refuge even for the Byzantine emperors of the Komnenos dynasty. It is the homeland of great fighters and warlords of the '21 Revolution, such as Komnas, Thodoros, and Stamatis Trakas, among many others.
Unfortunately, the village was almost completely burned down during the Occupation by the German conquerors in October 1943, as retaliation for guerrilla activity in the area. Nevertheless, it stands proudly once again.
You should definitely visit:
Ancient Temple of Apollo (pronaos) in Eptalofos: Just outside Eptalofos, on the road to Lilaia, at a location called "Lianika" (a corruption of the word "Hellenika"), lies the buried Temple of Apollo (pronaos) as an "annex" of the Oracle of Delphi—a unique find! Visitors to the Oracle used to stay there for 9 days, undergoing what was called "Katharsi," our modern-day fasting, before visiting the Oracle.
Church of Panagia Mavromantila: About 2 km west of Polydrosos, you'll encounter a Byzantine monument of great value, Palaiopanagia (or Mavromantila, or Agia Eleousa), a church of rare architecture that will enchant you.
Ruins of an Ancient Fortress in Lilaia: Outside Lilaia, you can explore the ruins of an ancient fortress, upon which the Franks had built. Remember that ancient Lilaia was destroyed by the Persians.
Tower in Polydrosos: On the northeastern side of the town, in the area "Mantamia," there is a medieval tower that is well worth your attention.
Temple of Demeter in Erochos: Moving further east from the springs, on the road towards Apano Souvala and in the location "Ai Vasilis," visitors will find traces of the acropolis of the ancient city of Erochos. East of the village and on the road to Amfikleia, you can visit the archaeological site, where the foundations of the temple dedicated to the worship of the goddess Demeter are located. The monument has been dated to the second half of the 6th or early 7th century BC, although the chronological boundaries might extend to the 10th century BC. After excavations, a large building divided into many rooms was found, with large hewn titanolith stones building the western part, 1 meter high and 41 meters long. Significant archaeological findings were also found in the same area.
Parnassus National Park: A true natural paradise! The Parnassus National Park covers an area of 36,000 acres and was established in 1938, on the borders of the Fokida and Boeotia regions. Here you'll lose yourself in the beauty of Greek nature.
Polydrosos Forest: Polydrosos is literally nestled within a forest of firs, pines, apple, and cherry trees, creating a magical landscape. This natural beauty transforms the village into a wonderful winter, and also summer, resort.
Kontylos Cave: Southwest of Apano Souvala, in the Xeria gorge, you'll discover the "Kontylos" cave—quite spacious, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Zeli Spring Location: The road to the peak of Parnassus will lead visitors to the springs of Zeli, southeast of Ano Souvala and at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It's a wonderful plateau, with a picturesque chapel and picnic facilities, offering endless coolness and breathtaking views.
Karkavelia Location: From Polydrosos, on the road to the peak of Parnassus, you'll encounter Karkavelia. An area full of fir trees, ideal for cycling and leisurely walks in nature.
Korykeion Andron Cave: A number of Greek and foreign tourists visit the "Korykeion Andron," a large cave on Parnassus at an altitude of 1420m, accessible from Eptalofos. It has a small and indistinct entrance, but its interior is divided into impressive chambers where you can admire stalagmites and stalactites. Korykeion Andron was used in 480 BC by the residents of Delphi to protect themselves from the Persians. It received the name Korykeion from the Korykeian Nymphs who resided there in antiquity.
Pine Grove in Lilaia: The beautiful pine grove of the village, lovingly created by the residents of Lilaia themselves, is truly impressive.
Heptastomos Cave: In Eptalofos, on the hill above the Alegousa springs, a magnificent natural beauty cave-chasm with amazing stalactites and stalagmites was found, named Heptastomos. In the depths of the cave lies the southernmost glacier in Europe!
➯ More info for Eptalofos (Agoriani)
Distance: 18,9 km.
