One of the best day trips you can make from Athens is to visit Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, which is only a few hours away from Athens.
The place was one of the most important religious and cultural centers in ancient Greece and was believed to be the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. Within this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to visit this ancient sacred city.
From where to stay and what to see to how to get around and more, here is the complete backpacking guide to Delphi! Let's begin by taking a look at all the tourist attractions in Delphi with the map below:
- Delphi Itinerary Map
-
8 Best Places to Visit in Delphi
- Check Out the View from the Top of the Temple of Apollo
- Admire the Scale of The Ancient Theater of Delphi
- Hike all the Way Up to the Ancient Stadium of Delphi
- Admire the Beauty of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
- Explore Delphi Archaeological Museum
- Stroll Around Delphi New Town
- Explore Arachova
- Check Out the View from Arachova Viewpoint
- More Delphi Activities
- Where to Stay in Delphi?
- When to Visit Delphi?
- How Long to Spend in Delphi?
- How to Get to Delphi?
- How to Get Around Delphi?
- Delphi Tickets, Costs, and Discounts
- Delphi Opening Hours and Other Information
- What to Pack for Delphi?
- Further Reading for Greece
Delphi Itinerary Map
| 🌤️ Best time: | April-September |
| 🚘 Get around: | Tour |
| 🏛️ Ticket: | 15 EUR |
| 🕓 Time to spend: | 1 day |
8 Best Places to Visit in Delphi
1. Check Out the View from the Top of the Temple of Apollo
One of the largest structures you will encounter as you climb the slopes of Mount Parnassus through the Delphi Archeological Site is the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo.
Although what you see now is far from its glorious days, you can still be able to make out just how big the temple was based on the foundation, the temple ground, and the epic entrance where several massive columns still stand.
The view from the temple is also incredible as you will be able to have an unobstructed view of the archeological site as well as the valley surrounding Delphi. No wonder why the ancient Greeks picked this place as the center of the world.
- Hotel Orfeas (Budget)
- Arion Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Amalia Hotel Delphi (High-End)
- From Athens: Delphi Archaeological Site Full-Day Guided Trip (11 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Athens: Delphi Day Trip with Licensed Guided Tour and Pickup (10 hours)
- From Athens: Delphi Full Day V.R. Audio Guided Tour (10 hours)
2. Admire the Scale of The Ancient Theater of Delphi
As you continue to explore the Delphi archeological site, you will stumble upon the Ancient Theater of Delphi, one of the best-preserved theaters that dates back to the 4th century BC.
During its heyday, the theater hosted some of the most important artistic and cultural events in Greece, including the Pythian Games, which were held every four years in honor of Apollo. The games included a variety of athletic and artistic competitions, such as music, poetry, and drama, and attracted participants and spectators from all over Greece.
To really capture the scale of the theatre, I highly recommend you walk along the walking path all the way up to the top and you will be able to see the theatre from above and realize just how massive the structure is. Also, the view you see from up there is just impossible to pass up!
3. Hike all the Way Up to the Ancient Stadium of Delphi
As you climb the slopes of Mount Parnassus, you are probably wondering what lies at the top of the Delphi archeological site. Well, spoiler alert, the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, a well-preserved stadium built in the 4th Century, is what you will find up there and it is quite a sight to behold. Definitely well worth the effort.
The stadium was also used for the Pythian Games, which is second only to the Olympics in importance. The place attracted competitors and spectators from all over the country which is why it was built on such a scale.
The stadium can hold up to 7,000 spectators and featured a 177-meter-long track, where athletes competed in foot races, wrestling, and other events. You can just imagine the amount of fanfare this place got during these sports competitions as you stroll around this well-preserved piece of history. The place is pretty incredible to see so be sure to check it out while you explore Delphi.
4. Admire the Beauty of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
Before you are done exploring the Delphi archeological site, there is another archeological site located not too far from Delphi called the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, one of the most important sanctuaries in Delphi, dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare.
The sanctuary was believed to have been established in the 7th century BC and was in use until the 4th century AD as the center of worship and pilgrimage for the ancient Greeks.
The place was home to a number of temples, treasuries, and other buildings that were used for religious and civic purposes with the most famous structure, the Tholos of Athena, still enduring the test of time to this day.
Built in the 4th century BC, the Tholos of Athena is a circular structure that showcases the excellence of ancient Greek architecture. Its foundation and three standing columns suggest that the temple was once covered by a domed roof. This demonstrates the mastery and creativity of the Greeks in constructing long-lasting buildings.
Within the sanctuary, you will also find other important structures, including the Treasury of the Athenians, the Fountain of Castalia, and the Ancient Gymnasium of Delphi located just north of the sanctuary so be sure to spend some time and explore the area before we move on to other attraction.
5. Explore Delphi Archaeological Museum
After you are done with the Delphi archeological site, you should also check out the Delphi Archaeological Museum which is located only a few minutes away from the entrance of the Delphi archeological site.
The museum was built in the early 20th century to house the artifacts that were discovered during the excavation of the Delphi site including sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions.
The museum's collection includes artifacts dating back to the 15th century BC and covers a wide range of subjects, including ancient Greek religion, art, and the daily life of the ancient Greeks living in Delphi back in the day.
One of the most famous exhibits in the museum is the Charioteer of Delphi, a bronze statue that was discovered in the Sanctuary of Apollo in 1896. The statue is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture and is often regarded as one of the highlights of the museum's collection.
In addition to the Charioteer, the museum also houses a number of other notable exhibits, including the Sphinx of Naxos, a statue of Antinoos, and a collection of ancient inscriptions.
There are even diagrams of what the ancient city of Delphi must have looked like during its heyday which is pretty impressive considering that these were built more than 2,000 years ago.
It should take you about an hour to walk through the entire museum so be sure to prepare accordingly. At the end of the museum, you will find a cafe where you can buy a quick snack, drinks, and coffee before we continue exploring Delphi.
6. Stroll Around Delphi New Town
After we have explored the old part of Delphi, it is time to explore Delphi New Town, a town known for its traditional Greek architecture, laid-back vibe, and an incredible view over the surrounding valley, located not too far from the archeological site.
It is said that the town used to be located right on top of the Delphi archeological site that we just explored but after the discovery of the ruins of Delphi, the entire town was completely migrated off-site to this new location. It was one of the largest planned migrations the country has ever seen.
Now, Delphi New Town is home to some of the most beautiful traditional houses as well as a ton of selection of awesome and affordable restaurants you can choose from. If you are planning to spend a night in Delphi, this is where you should be.
Spend a few hours, exploring its winding streets, checking out the incredible views of the surrounding mountainous landscape, and simply relaxing in one of the many awesome cafes with terraces that are perched out from a cliff, rewarding you with an unobstructed view of the valley below before we go on to explore the surrounding area of Delphi.
7. Explore Arachova
Located around 13 km northeast of Delphi, you will find a nice mountain town called Arachova, known for its picturesque architecture and stunning natural surroundings, that you should drop by during your visit to Delphi.
The town's narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses, and its central square is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Due to the size being a bit larger than Delphi New Town, you will find that Arachova is way more lively than Delphi especially at night with a number of bars and clubs that you can check out.
It is a great place to break from the solitude you find in Delphi and enjoy the liveliness and charming atmosphere as you travel around this part of Greece. You should be able to reach Arachova from Delphi and vice versa via taxis. If you are looking for a lively town to spend time in near Delphi, this is the place to be.
8. Check Out the View from Arachova Viewpoint
Last but not least, if you are looking for a great viewpoint of Arachova, I highly recommend you check out Arachova Viewpoint located on a cliff not too far from Arachova.
Since the cliff faces Arachova and is located at a considerable distance from the town, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.
From this viewpoint, you will be able to see the traditional stone houses and narrow streets winding through the town, as well as the lush green forests and the peaks of Mount Parnassus in the background. It is quite a sight to behold and so if you decide to visit Arachova, be sure to drop by and check out this viewpoint.
More Delphi Activities
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
Where to Stay in Delphi?
When to Visit Delphi?
The best time to visit Delphi is between late April to early September when the weather is nice and warm, perfect for outdoor activities while also increasing the chance of clear days which is a must for Delphi since the ruins are out in the open and you will be exposed the entire time you are here.
How Long to Spend in Delphi?
One full day is a great amount of time to spend in Delphi. Within 24 hours, you will be able to enjoy both the stunning ruins of Delphi as well as the new town of Delphi, its neighboring town of Arachova and all that the area has to offer.
How to Get to Delphi?
The closest city to Delphi is Athens which you can easily reach by flying into Athens International Airport (ATH) via airlines like Ryanair and once you arrive at the airport, you can catch the metro straight to the city center for about 10 EUR per person.
How to get from Athens to Delphi?
From Athens, you have a few options to travel to Delphi:
By Tours: This is the best way to make a day trip from Athens to Delphi without having to stay overnight in Delphi or worry about the logistics. It is great for those who are short on time but would still like to see Delphi on this trip. You can browse for day trips from Athens to Delphi here.
By Bus: If you wish to travel cheaply to Delphi, the best option is to rely on the KTEL bus service that leaves from Liossion bus station 5 times a day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, almost every day of the week excluding public holidays. The journey should take about 3 hours and cost around 15 EUR per trip. For the latest bus schedule, be sure to consult its official website.
By Rental Cars: You can also rent a car straight from the airport in Athens and drive to Delphi. This will allow you to enjoy a bit more of Greece's countryside without having to stick to a schedule. You can rent the car with the link below:
How to Get Around Delphi?
By Taxis: Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get from Delphi to Arachova and vice versa reliably without taking the taxis since the local bus do not run very often and you have to transit in another city to travel between the 2 adjacent towns which are not ideal.
Thankfully, taxis between the 2 towns are not as expensive and you should be able to get around 10 EUR per trip. You can catch a taxi in Delphi from in front of Giannis cafe whereas, in Arachova, you can catch a taxi from this intersection.
By tours: Again, if you do not want to deal with the logistics of traveling around Delphi, I highly recommend you visit the place as a day trip from Athens via an organized tour which will allow you to visit all the highlights in one go. Also, if you compare the cost between a tour and traveling independently, going on a tour will come out way cheaper than doing it independently!
By Walking: When it comes to moving around between attractions in the Delphi archeological site, you should be able to explore the entire area on foot without problems. It is when you want to explore further, say to Arachova, you are going to have to rely on taxis.
Delphi Tickets, Costs, and Discounts
The ticket for Delphi is around 15 EUR for an adult and 6 EUR for a reduced price, both of which include access to the archeological site as well as the archeological museum nearby. You can buy it at the entrance or you can get the skip-the-line ticket here.
Delphi Opening Hours and Other Information
There are 3 separate sections in the Delphi archeological, all have their own opening hours. The main Delphi archeological site and the archeological museum are open from 08:30 AM to 3:30 PM with the last admission at 3.10 PM while the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is open from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM every day except public holidays. For more information, you can check out the official website.
What to Pack for Delphi?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Delphi, Greece:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Delphi, Greece in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Greece
I hope you found this Greece travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Greece, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- For a complete itinerary of Greece, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Greece Itinerary.
- Most journeys in Greece begin in Athens. For a complete travel guide to the capital city of Greece, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Athens.
- Here is a complete 3 days itinerary for Athens: 3 Days In Athens: An Itinerary For First Timers.
- Have only 3 days but want to see the Greek Islands? Check out this itinerary: 3 Days Backpacking Greek Islands Itinerary.
- Looking for things to do in Thessaloniki? Check out: 16 Best Things To Do In Thessaloniki.
- My favorite place out of all of Greece is Meteora, with its incredible towering rock formations and stunning monasteries perched atop. If you plan to visit Meteora, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Meteora.
- Want to explore the Greek Islands but not sure where to base yourself? Naxos is the best island for that. Here are the 10 Best Things To Do In Naxos.
- Santorini, despite the crowd, is a place you have to see once in your life. If you plan to visit Santorini, the best place to base yourself is Fira, the capital of the island. For a complete travel guide, check out 10 Best Things To Do In Fira, Santorini.
- Renowned for its picturesque streets and crystal-clear water, Mykonos is another great island to visit in Greece. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Mykonos.
- One of the most interesting islands in the Cyclades that you shouldn't miss is Delos, home to stunning ruins of an ancient Greek city of Commerce. Want to visit Delos? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Delos.
- Want to visit Santorini but not sure where to begin? Check out our 3 Days Backpacking Santorini Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Greece, visit the Greece Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.