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Delphi

The Oracle of Apollo on the Slopes of Parnassus

Plan this trip
1 dayIdeal stay₹5,860From / night₹2,340Food / day₹2,130Entry

The sanctuary of the ancient oracle, on a mountainside above an olive valley running down to the Gulf of Corinth: the Temple of Apollo, the theatre and stadium above it, the Athena Pronaia rotunda (the Tholos) below, and a museum with the bronze Charioteer. About three hours from Athens by KTEL coach. Many visit on a day trip; a night lets you see the site at opening time before the coaches. The ski village of Arachova is 10 km away, snowy in winter.

Highlights

  • Temple of Apollo and the Sacred Way
  • The bronze Charioteer in the museum
  • The Tholos at Athena Pronaia
  • Climb to the ancient stadium
  • Arachova village
  • Hosios Loukas Byzantine mosaics

Things to do

  • Sanctuary of Apollo, theatre and stadiumMorning · 3h
  • Delphi Archaeological MuseumAfternoon · 1h 30m
  • Athena Pronaia and the Castalian SpringAfternoon · 1h 30m
  • Arachova village and the Parnassus viewsEvening · 2h 30m
  • Hosios Loukas monasteryMorning · 3h

Tours & tickets

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When to go

Best time: April – June, September – October

Heads up

Summer Heat

July and August bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C and more to the mainland and the big islands. See ancient sites at opening time (they have little shade, and can close at midday in extreme heat), rest in the afternoon, carry water, and book rooms with air-conditioning.

Worth knowing

Wildfire Season

From July to September hot, dry winds spread wildfires in Attica, the Peloponnese, Halkidiki and the islands; in 2023 thousands of tourists were evacuated from resorts on Rhodes. Follow the 112 emergency text alerts (sent in English), obey road closures and evacuation orders, never light a fire or barbecue outdoors, and check the fire-risk map before hiking. Travel insurance should cover cancellations.

Heads up

Mountain Winter: Snow on the Roads

From December to March snow falls in the Pindus and on Mount Parnassus: Zagori's high villages and the road past Arachova to Delphi can need winter tyres or chains, and the Vikos Gorge trail is icy. Arachova is a ski resort, so winter weekends are busy and dear.

  • Orthodox Easter (Pascha) — Greece's biggest festival: candlelit Good Friday processions, the midnight Resurrection service on Saturday with fireworks and church bells, and lamb roasts on Sunday. Corfu's is the most famous, with clay pots thrown from balconies on Holy Saturday morning. Greeks travel home, so ferries, flights and hotels fill, and shops, museums and sites close or shorten hours from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Book well ahead.