Delphi
The sacred centre of the ancient Greek world - the ruins of the oracle of Apollo spilling down a dramatic mountainside above a sea of olives, a UNESCO site.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Delphi was the sacred centre of the ancient Greek world, believed to be the navel of the earth, where kings and citizens came to consult the oracle of Apollo. Its ruins, the temple of Apollo, the theatre, the treasuries and the stadium, spill down a dramatic slope of Mount Parnassus above a vast sea of olive groves, and its museum holds the famous bronze Charioteer.
What you actually see
- The Temple of Apollo - the ruins of the great temple of the oracle.
- The theatre and stadium - the ancient venues climbing the mountainside.
- The Charioteer - the famous bronze statue in the site museum.
- The setting - the dramatic mountainside above a sea of olive trees.
When to go
Spring and autumn for mild weather and green slopes; summer is hot and the site steep and exposed. It is a long day trip from Athens by car or tour, or better with an overnight in the village.
Honest expectations
It is a three-hour drive from Athens, so a very long day trip or better an overnight. The site climbs a steep, exposed hillside, tiring in heat. The ruins take imagination, though the setting and the museum's Charioteer are unforgettable.
Nearby
The pretty village of Delphi and the mountain town of Arachova are alongside; Athens is a few hours away.
What to pack for Delphi
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
