In old Greek homes, the 'ontás' was the finest room in the house — a warm, welcoming space for receiving guests, where people shared moments, stories and rest. With this philosophy we created a guesthouse that combines tradition, Greek hospitality and intimacy.
The simple and meaningful moments — a quiet morning, a coffee by the fire, a warm welcome — are what we need. In our 'Ontás', hospitality is not merely a service; it is an experience that welcomes you as if you are returning to your own space.
Where time flows more slowly, just 5 minutes' walk from the centre of Arachova, stands Ontas Guesthouse & Spa.
The uniqueness of the guesthouse lies in its distinctive aesthetic, inspired by Eastern tradition, which creates an atmosphere of relaxation, romance and absolute serenity — along with a spa offering wellness services for moments of complete rejuvenation. Ontas features elegant standard double rooms as well as unique attic rooms with fireplaces, creating an atmosphere of warmth and a romantic retreat ideal for couples and for anyone seeking rest in cosmopolitan Arachova.
Ontas Guesthouse & Spa combines traditional architecture with modern amenities, creating a space where comfort, relaxation and hospitality become an experience.
And when an active day on the slopes of Mount Parnassos or through the picturesque alleys of Arachova comes to an end, find ultimate relaxation in our Spa. Jacuzzi, Sauna, Hammam and massage treatments await you for moments of wellness and complete calm, with private use available by appointment.
Come for the snow, stay for the silence.
Each room is its own small story — standard doubles, attic rooms with fireplaces, and a studio. Warm colours, elegant textiles and Eastern details create an atmosphere of authentic hospitality.
View roomsAt our guesthouse, hospitality takes on real meaning through services designed for your comfort and rest. Begin your day with a carefully prepared homemade breakfast, then relax in the sitting room by the fireplace, and end with moments of wellbeing in the spa. Our team is always at your service, and free wireless internet is provided throughout.
A buffet of traditional pies, omelettes, homemade jams, fresh juice and local produce awaits you daily in the sitting area by the fireplace. Breakfast can also be served in your room for greater comfort and privacy.
Sunk into a comfortable leather sofa beside a fireplace that rarely sleeps, time seems to stop. A glass of your favourite drink or an aromatic coffee completes the moment perfectly.
At our guesthouse we ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay. You will find daily service 08:00–22:00 covering your needs throughout the day, as well as free wireless internet.
For your convenience there is limited parking directly at the entrance to the guesthouse, and the large municipal car park just 100 metres away.
A space dedicated to calm and balance, with hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and massage services. All offered by appointment for a fully private experience.
In a warm and refined spa you can enjoy the heated jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and massage services — ideal for detoxing, relaxing the muscles and deep rejuvenation.
Every moment transforms into an experience of harmony, where stillness and a refined atmosphere create absolute rest.
Treat yourself to a small escape that brings vitality to body, mind and senses.
Breakfast begins in the living room with a homemade buffet — traditional pies, freshly baked cakes, hot omelettes.
Breakfast is served daily from 08:30 to 11:00, and there is also the option to enjoy it in your room.
In winter, the fireplace is lit from first light. Take a cup of mountain tea and a seat by the window; breakfast will find you there.
Moments from the guesthouse, unfolding quietly in time. An album of images capturing the atmosphere, the warmth and the small details that make your stay special. Click any photo to enlarge.
Wake up to the calm of a traditional lane and walk to Arachova's square for coffee, food, evening strolls and nearby escapes.
Discover the authentic side of the area.
Arachova is built on the southern slopes of Parnassos, at an altitude of roughly 980 metres, just 160 kilometres from Athens. It is a destination with a cosmopolitan character, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, exceptional gastronomy and quality accommodation — a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Nearby lies the Parnassos Ski Centre, the largest and most modern in Greece, making the area ideal for winter escapes. At the same time, Arachova is surrounded by impressive natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and important historical sites, elements that make it a beloved destination throughout the year.
One of the most genuine village celebrations you should experience at least once is the «Panigyraki» — a traditional religious festival honouring the patron saint of the area, St George, also linked to the victorious Battle of Arachova against the Turks on 24 November 1826. It is a festive three-day event held in Arachova every year in spring. A series of events and ceremonies organised by the local authorities transform Arachova into the ultimate travel destination, even after the snow has melted.
Locals and visitors alike take part and experience traditional customs and rites. It is a celebration that preserves unchanged the ancient customs of Greek festivals: the procession of the icon of St George with two thousand people dressed in traditional Arachovite costumes, the uphill race of men (young and old) on the battlefield of Karaiskakis in local dress, the ceremony at the fountain where young women sing the traditional song «panigyraki», the dance of the elders, stone lifting, stone throwing, shot put, wrestling, and the «Breaking of the Festival» — an authentic Arachovite feast in the courtyard of the church of St George with food, drink and traditional music.
If you find yourself in Arachova at Easter, do not miss the procession of the icon of the patron saint St George and the three-day celebrations.
The Parnassos Ski Centre is the largest organised ski resort in Greece, stretching between the two highest peaks of Parnassos — Fterolakka and Kellaria — at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 2,250 metres. It attracts thousands of visitors and winter-sports enthusiasts every year, and its central location makes it easily accessible from major cities.
The resort lies within Parnassos National Park, a landscape of unique natural beauty with impressive geological formations, waterfalls, springs, ravines and rare flora and fauna. Beyond the winter season, the area is an ideal destination in the warmer months too, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, mountaineering and mountain biking in an authentic natural environment.
At the foot of Parnassos, in the dramatic landscape formed between two rocks — the Phaedriades — lies the pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. According to myth, two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe met at Delphi, marking it as the navel of the world. For many centuries it was the foremost spiritual and religious centre, and a symbol of the unity of the ancient Greeks.
The oldest finds at Delphi date to the Neolithic period (4000 BC) and were discovered in the Korykeon Cave on Parnassos, where early worship took place. The oracle's golden age fell between the 6th and 4th centuries BC. The pronouncements, delivered by the Pythia and interpreted by the priests of Apollo in verse, drew cities, rulers and ordinary people alike.
The oracle's operation reaches back to the earliest times, and its fame spread to the ends of the known world. It is believed that Delphi gave counsel on the flood of Deucalion, the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War.
Galaxidi, described as "beautifully castle-ringed" in its 1703 Chronicle, is a historic seaside town in the regional unit of Phocis. Located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth on the western side of the Itea bay, it has been listed as a traditional settlement since 1978 — one of the few Greek towns that has preserved its traditional character intact.
The mansions, the carved iconostasis of the metropolitan church and the maritime museum all bear witness to the town's former glory and lively commercial activity. During the age of sail it was renowned for its great fleet, its wealth and the seafaring skill of its inhabitants.
The famous Galaxidi sailing vessels, with their distinctive shipbuilding features, carried trade to every Mediterranean port. Galaxidi ship-owners ran sophisticated maritime enterprises with advanced commercial thinking.
The Hosios Loukas Monastery stands on the western slope of Mount Helicon. It takes its name from the monk and founder Luke of Steiris. It is one of the finest examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Greece, with mosaics and frescoes dating from the 10th century and icons painted by Michael Damaskinos. The main church is an octagonal domed structure housing the relics of Hosios Loukas.
During the Frankish occupation, Boniface of Montferrat drove the Orthodox Greeks out and installed Latins who plundered the monastery. Under Ottoman rule, which began in 1460, the monastery fought repeatedly for survival. From 1938 the Greek Archaeological Service undertook extensive restoration work, rebuilding the refectory and other structures and cleaning the mosaics and frescoes.
The Korykeon Cave is one of the most impressive and historically significant caves in Greece, hidden on the slopes of Parnassos at approximately 1,360 metres altitude. Its position offers a breathtaking view over the valley and a sense of remoteness that makes it all the more mysterious.
In antiquity the cave was sacred to the god Pan and the Nymphs. It served as a place of worship and ritual, and archaeological finds confirm its use from the Neolithic period.
Access is on foot, most commonly via the trail starting from the Livadi plateau above Arachova. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons. If you are planning a visit, bring sturdy footwear and a torch as the interior is not lit.
Every reservation is made on simple, clear terms with no unnecessary detail. Our aim is for you to know everything about your stay from the outset, so you feel confident and at ease with every choice.
Reservations are confirmed with a deposit equal to one night's cost, payable by credit card or bank transfer.
We believe in flexibility. Plans change, weather changes, mountains stay.
Ontas is a quiet guesthouse.
We are here to serve you in whatever way suits you best. Reach out for information or reservations, or simply come and let us welcome you in person. Our hospitality begins from the very first moment.