Day trip · 2.5 hours from Athens
A day trip to Delphi
Leave the city for the ancient navel of the world: the Sanctuary of Apollo on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the treasures in its museum, the Tholos, and a mountain village on the way home.
A full day by car, tour or bus: about 2.5 hours each way
Show the route on a map
10:00
1Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi
Arrive as it opens and climb the Sacred Way past the treasuries to the Temple of Apollo, home of the oracle, then up to the theatre and the stadium for the view down the valley. Shade is scarce, so bring water and a hat.
12:00
2Delphi Archaeological Museum
One ticket covers the site and the museum. Don't miss the bronze Charioteer of Delphi, the Sphinx of the Naxians and the Omphalos, the stone that marked the centre of the ancient world.
13:30
3Delphi village
Lunch at a taverna in the village, with terraces looking down over a sea of olive groves to the Gulf of Corinth.
15:00
4Castalian Spring & Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
A short walk east along the road brings you to the spring where pilgrims purified themselves, and below it the Tholos, the round temple that is Delphi's most photographed ruin.
16:30
5Arachova
Stop on the way home in this stone village on the slopes of Parnassus, known for its clock tower, woven rugs and formaela cheese, before the drive back to Athens.
Driving is easiest: allow about 2.5 hours each way. KTEL buses leave from the Liossion bus station (Terminal B), and many companies run day tours with hotel pick-up. Opening hours and tickets change, so check the Ministry of Culture's site before you go. With more time, add the Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO site about 40 minutes away.