Mainland · Δελφοί
The ancients thought this was the centre of the world, and the view from the mountainside makes it easy to see why.
Delphi
01IntroductionΔελφοί
The Sanctuary of Apollo sits on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, above a valley of olive trees that runs down to the Gulf of Corinth. People came from all over the ancient world to consult the oracle here. Today, an evening and an early morning give you the site without the crowds.
Combine Delphi with Arachova, a stone mountain village, or with Galaxidi, a quiet captains’ harbour on the gulf. It also sits on the way to Meteora, which makes a natural mainland circuit.
- How long
- 1–2 nights
- When to go
- All year
- Ancient sites nearby
- 2
02Highlights
- 01 The Sanctuary of Apollo, the theatre and the stadium
- 02 The Tholos at the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
- 03 The Charioteer of Delphi in the site museum
- 04 Hosios Loukas, a Byzantine monastery with mosaics
- 05 Dinner by the water in Galaxidi
03Practical
- When to go
- All year; spring and autumn are best
- Getting there
- Around two and a half hours by car from Athens. Buses run from Athens too.
- For couples
- Stay in Delphi village itself so you can walk to the site at opening time. Most coach groups arrive mid-morning.
04Sites, food and stays
Ancient sites nearby
- DelphiThe oracle’s sanctuary, the theatre, the stadium and the circular Tholos below. The site spans many eras; the oracle’s fame peaked in the Archaic period.
- Hosios LoukasA monastery with some of the finest Middle Byzantine mosaics anywhere. It is 30–40 minutes from Delphi.
What to eat
- FormaelaA firm, squeaky cheese from Arachova, served grilled or fried.
Mainland stays
- Petrino ZagoriPlaceholderMountain guesthouse · Papingo, Zagori
- Kastro RoomsPlaceholderRooms inside the walls · Monemvasia lower town
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Delphi