Delphi

The only way to explore the sprawling ruins of Delphi is on foot. Visiting with a tour guide offers greater insight into the fascinating history of the archaeological site, while the nearby Delphi Archaeological Museum offers an array of exhibits. Most visitors see the ancient city on a day tour from Athens or Patras, often combined with nearby attractions such as Arachova, Saint Lucas Monastery, or Meteora.

• The ruins of Delphi are spread over a large area, so plan at least half a day to take in the highlights.

• Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes to walk around the ruins.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible, but due to steep and uneven ground, it is not possible to visit the ruins up close via wheelchair.

Delphi is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, 112 miles (180 kilometers) northwest of Athens. The closest airport is in Athens, about 3 hours away, which can be reached by bus or car.

The busiest time to visit Delphi is the summer, so arrive early if you want to skip the lines and avoid the midday heat. For cooler weather and fewer crowds, visiting in the spring is a popular alternative, while winter visitors can make the most of the nearby ski resorts.

In ancient Greece, Delphi was considered the center of the world, or the place where heaven and earth met. Legend says that Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth to find its center, and they met over Delphi. The city became a sanctuary to the god Apollo and home of the famous Oracle of Delphi, known to commune with the spirit of Apollo to give advice on everything from domestic matters to war.

Yes, it is worth going to Delphi. Not only is it among the most significant archaeological sites for fans of ancient Greek mythology, but it’s also easy enough to get to on a day trip from Athens. Taking a tour that includes transportation makes it even easier.

Adults visiting Delhi pay around €12 (peak season) or €6 (off-season), which includes the archaeological site and museum. Half-off admission is available to seniors, students, and people under 25 from EU member states. Admission is free on select public holidays and the first Sunday of the month in November–March.

It depends. While it’s worth visiting Delphi even if you have only a couple of hours to spare at the site, it’s better to give yourself a good three to four hours to take everything in. That's the amount of time many tours to Delphi plan at the site.

Yes, Delphi can be done on a day trip from Athens. The drive between the two cities takes roughly 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Factor in around four hours of sightseeing at the archaeological site and museum and time for lunch, and you’ll end up with a long day trip.

The best way to visit Delphi is by taking a private or group tour from Athens. Day trips are a popular option and include round-trip transportation from your hotel or a central meeting spot, guide services, and—in some cases—admission fees to the museum and archaeological site.

Yes, you can see Meteora and Delphi in one day, as the two sites are around a 3-hour drive from one another. However, it’s difficult to visit both on a day tour from Athens. Most trips from the Greek capital span two days, allowing you time to see each site.