A tour of Delphi is the closest most people will get to a journey to the center of the Earth, being just that to ancient Greeks. But the reason Delphi became the site of so many sanctuaries, the ruins of most of which can be explored today, is because of the still impressive Temple of Apollo. A modern-day UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was home to the most important oracle of ancient times.
A short distance from sandy beaches, evocative woodland, and even a ski resort on Mount Parnassus (come winter), Delphi sits on a hill with views of fertile olive groves and offers a wealth of unique experiences. Separated from the modern town of the same name, which has plenty of homely accommodation to choose from, history lovers need look no further than the archeological museum located right beside the ancient city. Inside its galleries are treasures of worldly importance, including the carved stone Sphinx of the Naxians (comprising the head of a woman, wings of a bird of prey, and body of a lion).
Those keen to stretch their legs will delight in completing even the shortest sections of the region’s hiking routes, which take in high plateaus, the Corycian Cave of Mount Parnassus (used in ancient times to worship the god Pan), and the paths of the archaio monopati, rumored to the oldest still in use anywhere in the Mediterranean.
For a slice of every day Greek life, and perhaps some spanakopita (a Greek pie usually filled with spinach and feta cheese) too, look no further than tours including villages such as Chrissos for its fine neoclassical homes, Galaxidi to delve into the region’s historic naval prowess, or Itea for its all-round charm and the chance to pick up souvenirs of locally-grown olives and their oil.
Top Greece Travel Destinations
Athens / Crete / The Peloponnese / The Cyclades / Mykonos / Paros / Santorini
