Delphi

Climatic Data

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

Travel to the Navel of the Earth

Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the Navel of the Earth, a place seen as a spiritual focal point for all Greeks; it included many sanctuaries and the most prestigious oracle in all of ancient Greece. This is where Pythia, the high priestess, uttered the divine advice of god Apollo to mortals who travelled from across the world to seek a prophecy. Apart from Greeks, the Oracle was visited also by foreign leaders and dignitaries who were anxious to know the will of Apollo on important state affairs.

At a stone’s throw from the archaeological site, you can visit present-day Delphi town, lying at the foot of Mt. Parnassus, near Arachova town. Choose the area for your winter holidays as it is close to Parnassus ski centre, or visit it any other time of the year and explore the beauty of nature and the nearby beaches. It’s situated at a conveniently short distance from the mountain, the woods, the archaeological sites that are famous the world over, and some beautiful beaches.

This ancient Greek sacred place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place with a long history and beautiful natural surroundings, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It’s a destination you must include on your next trip to Greece.

Unique Experiences

CULTURE

Archaeological Site of Delphi

Trip to the mainland

If you love hiking, you will definitely enjoy the area’s paths which are clearly signposted; the E4 European long distance path crosses these grounds. You will find experienced guides who will show you the way around the well-known and the lesser-known spots that are absolutely worth discovering: caves, monuments, shelters, and idyllic spots for the perfect picnic in nature. You can try mountain or road biking and go parapenting for an amazing bird’s eye view over the area. The Parnassus National Reserve is only 15 min. from Delphi by car.

Make sure you also visit the museums in Delphi: the Archaeological Museum, right next to the archaeological site; the Museum of Delphic Festivals; and the European Cultural Centre of Delphi where you can visit painting and sculpture exhibitions. There are also quite a few Byzantine churches and picturesque country chapels scattered in the area, which you might want to explore.

Go for a trip to nearby Chrissos village, and stroll along the streets with the beautiful 19th c. neo-classical houses. Continue south towards seaside villages such as Kirra, a place with a history that meets that of Delphi: in antiquity, the pilgrims who disembarked at its bustling harbour would take the path that started here in order to reach the Oracle. Next to Kirra, follow the shoreline and visit Itea town and a little further to the south the picturesque Galaxidi town, famous for its naval history.

You will find many beaches, most of them sandy, as well as cafeterias, bars, and traditional tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood.
You must try the local top quality virgin olive oil and the very tasty Amphissa olives, which come from the area’s large olive groves, the largest in the whole of Central Greece. If you’d like to choose something as a memento of your visit to Delphi, you’ll find copies of beautiful ancient jewellery, traditional pottery, and other local products to buy.

Filming in Delphi

FILMING IN GREECE

A WOMAN AT HER WINDOW (1976)

The wealthy Austrian-born wife of a penniless Italian diplomat and playboy in 1936's Greece, amuses herself pursuing a shallow loveless affair with a nobleman. Her life is changed when she rescues a political activist she finds hiding beneath her window and falls in love with him...

DIRECTOR: PIERRE GRANIER- DEFERRE
FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

IMDb

A DREAM OF PASSION (1977)

Two older women are caught up in a strange parallel. One is a film star who returns to her native Greece to play Medea on stage. The other is an American living in Greece. who has killed her three children just as Medea did due to her husband's flaunting of her love and needs...

DIRECTOR: JULES DASSIN
FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

IMDb

HOMO FABER (1991)

An engineer survives a plane crash in Mexico in 1957. When a friend commits suicide, he returns to New York and embarks on an ocean voyage to Europe. On the ship, he meets a ravishing girl who captures his heart. He experiences real emotions for the first time, until he discovers the truth about her past, and his own...

DIRECTOR: VOLKER SCHLOENDORFF
FILMING LOCATION: PIRAEUS, ATHENS

IMDb