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Delphi Greece

A Sanctuary in the Mountains

The ruins of Delphi are located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus looking over the Corinthian Gulf, on the mainland of Greece, 165 km west of Athens.

This extraordinary location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus was, no doubt, chosen for its spiritual essence, which remains today.

The modern village of Delphi has grown to accommodate visitors from all over the world who come to explore history, and also ski, walk and climb in the mountains. Both the archaeological site and the new village are on the steep slopes of the mountain, so bring your walking shoes.

The site is extensive and so important and beautiful that it is now protected by UNESCO. There are temples, a theatre, a stadium, fountains and so many stories to tell. The sanctuary and oracle were worshipped as a female deity cult as early as the 8th century BC.

The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is one of the most striking structures remaining on the site today. Known as the tholos, it was made of 20 dorian columns, of which three are still standing, and inside were 10 corinthian columns. This spiritual centre was thought to be built in the 6th Century BC.

Many of the artifacts recovered from the ruins at Delphi are in very good condition, some are located on site, many are located in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

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Delphi Greece
The Ancient Oracle

The early stories of this woman speaking in frantic nonsense atop Mount Parnassus were told in the oral tradition. Much of the truth of the spiritual practices in Delphi is now lost. Conjecture and fables make up the rest.

The oracle was a woman chosen from Delphi known as the Pythia. The woman sat above a crevice in the mountainside from which vapours wafted, causing her to rant and rave. Her words were then translated by the priest of the temple of Apollo for the benefit of the seeker.

Writers of Greek history who tell the stories about the Pythia include Aeschylus, Herodotus, Thucyclides, Euripides, Sophocles, Plato and Aristotle. From these stories we know that many important historic figures from 700 BC to the 3rd Century AD consulted the oracle.

Modern scientists have discovered evidence of hallucinogenic gases rising from a nearby spring and preserved within the temple rock.

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Experiences

Tours - there are several day tours to choose from, departing from Athens daily for Delphi Greece. If you are short on time or on your way to Crete, we suggest this no-fuss option.

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Self-Drive To Delphi From Athens

Driving yourself is well worth the trip, as the mountain scenery is wonderful, and there are many small hotels and guesthouses with local character to choose from in modern Delphi Greece.

Leave 3 hours for the drive, it is 160 km or a 2 hour drive and leave time for the unexpected. This makes it theoretically possible to return in one day from Athens but this is not recommended - see route map above.

You could choose to drive down the mountain-side and stay at one of the small fishing villages on the Corinthian Gulf, such as Itea, Kirra or Galaxidi, see suggestions for accommodation below.

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Getting to Delphi by Bus

Delphi Greece Bus - several local buses depart from Athens daily. The bus trip takes about 3 hours one way. Leave a full day if you want to visit from the city. Buses depart from KTEL Bus Terminal B on Liossion St. To get there take the metro to Attiki then the bus towards Liossion. From the airport take bus X93 or prebook an airport transfer here.

Check the bus timetables from Athens to Delphi here: KTEL Fokidas

The same company - KTEL Fokidas - has buses depart from Patras daily for Delphi, so if you are coming in from Italy this is the most direct route to Delphi.

There are no trains from Athens to Delphi.

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Getting to Delphi from Crete

From Crete - if you are visiting Crete from overseas, it is best to fit in your visit to Delphi when you are in Athens. In which case, leave 2-3 days to see Athens then 1 day for a day tour to Delphi as listed above.

You can do this on your way to or from Crete. To get to Delphi from Crete, you can depart from Chania CHQ or Heraklion HER airports on a 45 minute flight to Athens ATH, take a taxi to the Bus Terminal B and take a coach to Delphi Greece, or transfer into the city, stay a night and then join a tour the next morning.

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Delphi Archaeological Museum

The museum is located at the entrance to the historic site - it is an extensive collection and well worth a visit to put the ruins in context - entrance is approx. €12 which includes entrance to the site. Always check the opening times here on the government cultural website or with your hotel, as times can change with the seasons.

The museum is closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December, and 26 December.

The collection includes several unique artefacts which were discovered on the Delphi archaological site and restored - such as the incredibly beautiful Sphinx of Naxos dating from 560 BC and the Twin Kouros statues dating from 580 BC. Exquisite ceramics and figurines show a rich cultural life from ancient times.

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Accommodation in Delphi Town

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Seaside Accommodation

Just 18 km from Delphi on scenic mountain roads is Itea, a small seaside village, a little around the bay, 19 km from Delphi is an even smaller village, Kirra. Both of these make wonderful stops after seeing the ruins at Delphi.

Further on, just 34 km from Delphi is the picturesque village of Galaxidi, a characteristic historic village which makes the perfect place to stay after being in the mountains.

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Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
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