See Also
- The Best Hotels in Delphi
- Guidance for Delphi eating establishments
- Visiting Delphi when Departing from Athens
- Mainland Greece Travel Primer
Delphi Basics
- Delphi is a charming Greek village located on the southwest slope of Mount Parnassos. It is small and easily walked around. The Delphi historic sites and museum are within a 20-minute stroll from all hotels, and a vehicle isn’t necessary while staying in town. Most hotels, shops, and restaurants in Delphi are situated on two parallel main roads with views over the Pleistos River Valley.
- Top Delphi tour: Local guide Georgia Hasioti.
- Notable Day Excursions to Delphi from Athens:Ammon Express and Key Tours (small group tours) and My Athens Transfers (private tours).
- Top Accommodations in Delphi: Kastalia Boutique Hotel – Acropole – Fedriades
- Best Restaurants in Delphi: To Patriko Mas (amazing views and traditional cooking), Taverna Vakhos (creative local menu with good beer/wine selection, suitable for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions), and Souvlaki Dionisis (inexpensive but excellent gyro sandwiches).
The 9 Best Things to Do in Delphi, Greece
1. Archaeological Site of Delphi
Situated high upon the slopes of Mount Parnassos with dramatic views, this ancient complex and UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site dates back to the 8th century BC and is considered one of Greece`s most important archaeological locales. Once envisioned as earth`s center, the site`s Temple of Apollo attracted notable pilgrims from far and wide to commune with gods through the Delphic Oracle, voiced by resident pythia (priestesses). Aside from Apollo`s Temple, other well-preserved remnants within the section situated behind and above the museum include an ancient amphitheater, gymnasium, and Roman Agora. Signs provide context throughout, but visiting the museum first aids fuller comprehension of the remains. Better yet, take a guided tour of both. Devote 2-3 hours to the site and museum (admission covers both), wearing comfortable shoes if climbing to the mountaintop stadium
Summer hours are Wednesday through Monday from 8 am to 8 pm (last admission at 7:40 pm), with Tuesdays open from 10 am to 4 pm. Visiting before 10 am or after 4 pm helps avoid tour bus crowds. Winter hours are November through March from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Admission is €12, €6 for non-EU students and EU citizens over 65, and free for EU students and all kids up to age 5. Website
2. Archaeological Museum of Delphi
The Delphi Archaeological Museum contains an admirable collection stemming from the 2nd millennium BC to antiquity, gathered from excavations of the site. The assemblage includes carefully carved friezes and statues such as the renowned Kouroi of Delphi, Naxian Sphinx, and notably detailed bronze Charioteer. There is an on-location shop and eatery for minor needs, although superior dining exists in town within 10 minutes on foot. Gaining access to the museum likewise permits entry to the archaeological complex; we advise exploring the galleries initially to better comprehend the history and configuration of the compound. Schedule a guided tour to maximize your experience. Evaluation • Hotel Website • Check rates for Santa Marina
3. Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
The group of constructions that typically come to mind when thinking of “Delphi,” despite being less historically important than a neighboring more formidable complex down the road, is what often portrayed images of this small temple. The Sanctuary of Athena was regularly the initial stop pilgrims would make while journeying to the Oracle, and served as a site of worship to the goddess embodying wisdom, fertility, and health. Its iconic rounded Tholos (whose intended use remains obscure) is the best-preserved structure on the location, which additionally includes the remnants of two temples to Athena and two treasuries. Situated against a majestic backdrop of Mt. Parnassos on one side and a serene olive-grove-dotted valley on the other, this temple complex is considered by numerous to be the most beautiful region of ancient Delphi, and is undoubtedly worth the brief walk required to visit.
To access the Sanctuary of Athena, walk east away from town and the Archaeological Museum, keeping to the right side of the road. After approximately 10 minutes (800 meters), a sign will point to a gravel path descending to the ruins. Free. The website provides more details.
4. Museum of Delphic Festivals
Housed in the former residence of its founders, the Delphic Festivals Museum maintains the legacy of reviving ancient Greek theatrical performances and athletic contests. Angelo and Eva Sikelianos dedicated their home to commemorating Hellenic traditions through scholarly discussions, cultural exhibitions, and musical recitals. Held in honor of Apollo, the Pythian Games attracted worldwide participants to the serene village below Mount Parnassus. By rediscovering these traditions, the couple aimed to promote appreciation of the region`s history and natural beauty and leave a place for continuing education.
Generally open Friday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm, though it’s a good idea to call first (+30 2265 082175). Access the museum via stairs ascending from Delphi’s upper street, next to In Delphi restaurant. 10 minutes walk. Free.
5. Ancient Gymnasium
This long-extant archeological site in Ancient Greece, which formerly served as an athletic training center, is no longer accessible by the public but can still be witnessed from above on the main road. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the complex at one time housed facilities such as a gymnasium, palaestra, changing rooms and baths that were implemented by competitors participating in the Pythian/Delphic Games held in the stadium overhead.
Situated below the main road accessing Delphi, best seen from across the entrance to the archaeological site. Free.
6. Kastalian Spring
Situated just outside the principal archaeological site, the Kastalian Spring occupied an important ritual role for those partaking in ceremonies at the Delphic Oracle. Both the priestesses delivering the mystic prophecies and the priests translating them, as well as athletes competing in the Pythian Games, underwent purification rites at this location. According to legend, it was also where Apollo slew the serpentine Python. Today, there exists little to behold at the spring itself. However, it proves worthwhile to briefly pause there, submerge hands in its cooling mountain waters, and contemplate its historical significance.
Situated on the mountainous northern side of the main road into Delphi, just east of the primary archaeological site. Free.
7. Hiking
Mount Parnassos and the surrounding Amfissa Valley offer excellent opportunities for hiking enthusiasts in the Delphi region. The mystical Corycian Cave, located about 5 km north of Delphi within Parnassos National Park, was once an ancient place of worship for the god Pan. Today it marks the starting point of a section of the European walking route E4, which winds downhill through charming Delphi all the way to the sea at Itea. The 13.7 km stretch of trail from the cave to Delphi is quite steep and exposed to the summer heat—best tackled by experienced hikers who can arrange transportation uphill. Alternatively, those seeking a gentler path can follow the E4 as it descends from Delphi through the stunning UNESCO olive groves near Chrisso, eventually reaching the small port town of Itea. Regardless of the chosen route, proper hiking footwear and adequate water are essential gear. Asking at the Delphi bus depot or In Delphi eatery for a map of hiking paths is also recommended.
Guided Delphi Hikes
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- +30 22 8603 6949 • Lodging Website
• Guided Tour from Delphi to Chrisso Olive Grove
• A 4-day hiking path from Corycian Cave to Itea along Delphi.
8. Local Shops
Along the town`s primary avenues, tourists can find numerous shops catering to visitors. However, authentic local goods may be discovered more along the higher road known as Apollonos, where several favored purveyors offer fair-trade handicrafts and foodstuffs produced with care rather than mass-produced items elsewhere in the gift shops.
- Delphi Antiques: Sells many vintage fabrics, locally-made ceramic pottery, goat bells, tools, and antique home goods.
- Amphora Ceramics: A family-run shop selling exquisitely crafted recreations of ceramics from Minoan through Classical Greece made on-site in Delphi along with the opportunity to observe artisans.
- Poseidon Workshop: Dimitris Georgaras sells personally created and oxidized cast-bronze chess sets and statues; most being reproductions of ancient collections from museums. If purchasing here, carry your piece along as the store`s shipping isn`t always reliable.
- Ediston: Great little store that provides a good variety of locally made items like juices, honey and olive oil, as well as local cheeses and freshly-baked bread.
9. Day Trips from Delphi
In addition to its wealth of archaeological revelations, Delphi serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the picturesque surrounding area, including Mount Parnassos and the Gulf of Corinth waterway. Some of the top destinations to visit near Delphi include.
- Chrisso: A calm traditional village within walking distance from Delphi. Good for a brief trip to explore the Neoclassical houses, small eateries, and well-organized Folklore Museum.6.5 km auto ride from Delphi.
- Arachova: Well-known mountain village called “Winter Mykonos” for its prestigious ski destinations. Even in its quiet summer months, it is worth a visit to stroll down its charming stone-built lanes, climb the belltower to admire the magnificent outlook, and explore the local Ethnographic Museum.12 km drive from Delphi.
- Itea/Kirra: These neighboring small harbor towns on the Gulf of Corinth contain some attractive sections of beach and a waterfront promenade dotted with outdoor eateries. There is a 17 km drive from Delphi.
- Galaxidi: The picturesque port town on the Corinthian Gulf has great stores and restaurants, beautiful Neoclassical structures, and an interesting Museum of Maritime and Archaeology.Located 32 km from Delphi by car.
- Hosios Loukas: Elaborate 11th-century Byzantine monastery that’s a UNESCO Heritage site. 36 km drive from Delphi.
