Travel bucket list idea:

Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum

Delphi, Central Greece, Greece

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Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 24 June, 2023

One of the most evocative and intriguing archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi was the site of the Oracle – a pythia (priestess), who would channel the god Apollo whilst in a trance. Some of her vague prophesies appear in Greek historical texts, others are still proverbs today.

The extensive site, considered by the ancients to be the Earth’s nave, is full of ‘treasuries’ built to thank the Oracle. The excavated, superbly fashioned artefacts can be visited in its must-see museum.

Alongside the Temple of Apollo and treasuries, the site’s other main draw is the spectacular theatre, dating back to the 4th century BC, with a capacity of over 5,000. Delphi was the location of the Pythian Games, rivals to the Olympics in antiquity, which took place in the amphitheatre.

Don’t miss

Don’t miss the stunning statue of The Charioteer in the museum, one of the few surviving bronzes from antiquity. Also look out for the Omphalos of Delphi – a marble, navel-shaped sculpture, discovered on the site and now housed in the museum. The Greeks believed that its place at the site of the Oracle represented the very centre of the earth.

Logistics

Price from: £10

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The site is 2.5 hours’ drive from the centre of Athens.

As Delphi is the most popular day trip from Athens, so there are plenty of organised tours. These have the advantage of organising all the logistics for you, and going with an expert guide whose insights will bring the site to life.

If you prefer to go independently, it’s fairly easy to self-drive, which has the advantage of more flexibility and allowing you more time at the site. You can also take the public KTEL bus from Liossion station. There are three buses from Athens daily (two at weekends) and as many returning. If you do take the bus, it’s best to overnight in the village as you won’t have much time to roam the site before you return. Pick up a map of the site at the ticket booth and/or download one of the numerous audio guides online.

When to do it

The museum and site are open daily all year (times vary greatly). There’s free admission on every first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st.

The best time to visit is in the morning, ideally before 11am, when the sun will be lot and most of the crowds and coach tours have yet to arrive.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Delphi One Day Trip from Athens with Pickup and Optional Lunch

Athens

After meeting your guide in Athens, hear tales about the ancient Greeks and their lives in Delphi while travelling by air-conditioned coach with zero carbon footprint. You will reach Delphi towards Mt. Parnassos, making a short rest stop outside the town of Levadia. The first stop is the Delphi archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skip the lines and walk around the evocative ruins with your guide, see famous monuments like the monument of the Argive Kings, the treasury of the Athenians, the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle. The second stop is the Delphi museum, with its spectacular exhibits. Be sure to check out the bronze Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos. After lunch, visit Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, the most photographed spot in Delphi. Return to Athens passing by the picturesque Arachova, built on the slopes of Parnassus, well known for its attractive hand-woven carpets, rugs and quilts, as well as for its wine and cheese.

Price: €38

Min age: 0

Rating 4.55 / 5 [764 ratings]

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