Delphi Day Trip from Athens: Enjoy ancient splendour, beautiful scenery

Delphi has to be one of the most popular Athens day trips. And rightly so! This UNESCO World Heritage gem beckons history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Delphi, now located in central Greece, was considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks.

This ancient Greek sanctuary with the famous Oracle, holds immense historical significance. So after we explored the ancient ruins in Athens, we embarked on a trip to Delphi before moving on to visit Meteora. At Delphi, we got to explore ancient ruins, the Temple of Apollo, and the Theatre exuding echoes of the past. We wandered the Sacred Way, felt the aura of the Serpent Column, and marvelled at the Athenian Treasury. Even if you are not visiting Meteora, I highly recommend Delphi as a day trip from Athens.

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Is Delphi worth visiting?

Delphi is one of the most famous historic sites in Greece. It holds immense historical and mythological significance. The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi. It is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece after the Athens Acropolis.

In Greek mythology, people considered Delphi sacred to Apollo, the God of prophecy. They came to hear the prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi, also known as the Pythia. The Pythia inhaled some methane gases and she was able to receive the prophecies. Then these prophecies were interpreted by other priests of Apollo. People from far and wide journeyed to Delphi to consult the oracle, seeking advice on significant matters ranging from personal decisions to state affairs. This place in the 6th century B.C. was the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. 

Best time to visit Delphi

The best time to visit Delphi is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September until November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. So the overall experience to this open archaeological site is pleasant. Summer can be crowded and hot, so go very early if possible. Winter season will have colder temperatures and the possibility of closures. We visited Greece in mid-May when the daytime temperatures on mainland Greece was still mild.

Delphi is open daily, except on all Greek public holidays.

How to reach Delphi

You can opt for a scenic drive, rent a car and drive down the E75 national road to reach the archaeological site in approximately 2.5 hours. The driving distance is about 180 km. Another convenient choice is a bus ride, with several daily departures from Liossion Bus Terminal. The bus ride from Athens to Delphi takes about 3 hours. 

A guided tour is recommended for visiting Delphi to fully grasp its historical and mythological significance. So take a guided tour from Athens for a hassle-free way to explore the ancient site.

Delphi was part of our Greece mainland itinerary. We picked up our rental car (booked via Discover Cars) from center of Athens and drove towards Delphi site. We reached around noon, by that time, there was no way to avoid tour buses so it took us some time to park before the entrance gate.

The ancient site of Delphi

We then bought the Delphi entry tickets (entry to Delphi Museum included) at the site entrance. If you are in self-drive mode, you can opt to take a 1.5 hr guided tour. We spent a couple of hours at the archeological site and less than an hour at the adjacent museum.

The most important building of Delphi is the Temple of Apollo. The setting of these ruins amidst the mountain terrain is gorgeous. The Sacred Way is a path that leads from the entrance of the Delphi archaeological site to the Temple of Apollo. This ancient road was once lined with statues and other monuments, creating a grand entrance to the sanctuary of Apollo. 

Following the Sacred Way, we first came upon the Athenian Treasury. It is one of the most well-preserved buildings within the Delphi site. It features intricate architectural details and decorative elements that reflect the craftsmanship of ancient Greek artisans. 

And then we reached what was once the giant Temple of Apollo, but today only a few pillars remain. Built around 500 BC, it was here that the Oracle of Delphi would communicate with Apollo and provide guidance to those seeking answers. Although the temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, its remains still stand as a testament to the grandeur of ancient times. 

The Serpent Column is a significant monument, made of black stone, located near the Temple of Apollo. This twisted column commemorates the Greek victory over the Persians in the Battle of Plataea.

We next ventured into the Delphi Theatre. Dating back to the 4th century BC, this was a venue for various performances, including music, dance, and drama. With a seating capacity of over 5,000 spectators, the theatre hosted cultural events and festivals, providing entertainment to the ancient Greeks. Above the theatre, you can find the Delphi Stadium, which was used for the Pythian Games. These were athletic and artistic competitions held every 4 years in honour of the Greek god Apollo. 

Delphi Archaeological Museum

Delphi’s Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts. It offers insight into the rich history of the region. Most of the artefacts discovered at the site are now displayed at the museum. 

We spent less than an hour here but you it can easily take a couple of hours to fully explore everything displayed here. The statues and reliefs showcase the artistic skill and craftsmanship of ancient Greek sculptors. The statues are of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures, reflecting the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks.

Apart from statues, you can also see pottery and everyday objects that give insight into the daily life and activities of the ancient Greeks. They provide a window into the economy, trade, and social customs of the time.

There is also a small gift shop at the museum exit to buy Greek souvenirs. The town of Delphi has some lovely options for lunch. So make sure you indulge in a hearty meal before heading back to Athens, or going ahead to explore Meteora.

Planning a trip to Greece? Check out –

Itinerary Suggestions: Greece in 2 weeks, Greece 10-day Itinerary with kids

Greece Cities: 3 days in Athens, Athens 1 Day Itinerary

More on Greece: Best day trips from Athens, Complete Guide to Visiting Meteora, Best hikes in Greece

Greek Islands: Crete Itinerary, Beautiful Greek islands for a family holiday, Santorini Itinerary, One day in Mykonos

And finally, the Famous Greek Landmarks and a packing list for Greece

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