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Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum

Delphi, Central Greece, Greece

Last updated: 30 March, 2024

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: 0

Age suitable: 18+

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

Historical Delphi One Day Tour with Arachova Stop & Expert Guide

Athens

Viator

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 €27

Min age 0

Rating 4.58 / 5 [953 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora

Athens

Viator

Step back in time on this 4-day Classical Greece tour from Athens, seeing all the top attractions that date back to this fascinating era. With overnight accommodation included and an expert guide to accompany you, the tour highlights the country’s most intriguing archeological sites – four of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi, and visit 11th-century monasteries perched on the rock towers of Meteora.

Price €543

Min age 0

Rating 4.56 / 5 [665 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2Day tour to Delphi & Meteora with guide and tickets from Athens

Athens

Viator

Visit Ancient Delphi archaelogical guide and Meteora, two legendary UNESCO World Heritage sites, on a 2-day tour from Athens! With an expert guide, explore the archeological site at Delphi on a walking tour and learn about Ancient Greece while seeing the Sanctuary of Apollo and more. Travel through the picturesque towns of the Thessalian plains, and stay overnight in a 3- or 4-star hotel in Kalambaka, gateway to Meteora. The following day, explore two of Meteora’s beguiling cliff-top monasteries before making the journey back to Athens.

Price €198

Min age 0

Rating 4.12 / 5 [654 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Delphi Full Day Private Tour from Athens

Athens

Viator

Embark on a private, full-day excursion from Athens to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Delphi, where you'll discover the famed 4th-century-BC Temple of Apollo. - Travel in the comfort of private, air-conditioned vehicles, allowing your group to explore all the sites within the extensive mountainside archaeological complex that pique your interest before returning to Athens in comfort. - While your guides are not official site guides, they are knowledgeable and can provide insightful explanations about the sites along the journey to and from Delphi. - Highlights of the trip include visits to the Delphi ruins, the Temple of Apollo, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where you'll delve into the rich history of the region. - Experience the awe-inspiring sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, ancient stadiums, and theatres as you uncover the wonders of Delphi.

Price €189

Min age 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [315 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Delphi, Thermopylae, Corycian Cave 300 Spartans Tour from Athens

Athens

Viator

Join us and live your myth with max 8 guests. In our way as we drive we'll see Marathon, the start of the original marathon race, the city of Thiva and the spot where Oedipus killed his father, according to the Aeschylus tragedy , and we will stop at the celebrity ski resort village of Arachova. Next stop is Delphi for 2 hours. Lunch in Delphi with magnificent view of Delphi riviera and the biggest valley of olive trees in Greece. After, off-road drive at a height of 1400m / 4593f visiting the corycian cave, the 1st oracle since 4.000 b.c. not full excavated yet. Next stop will be at Thermopylae (hot gates) : ^ Leonidas and 300 Spartans monument At Delphi is not allowed to be your guide but I will give a book guide and as we drive for 2 hours I will explain the myths and historical events in ancient Greece not only for Delphi but concerning religion, the immortality of the soul with the Eleusinian mysteries, the culture, and the sciences.

Price €150

Min age 2

Rating 4.88 / 5 [252 ratings]

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