Things To Do In
Delphi
In many ways Delphi was the spiritual
and cultural centre of Ancient Greece and if you have an interest in the
ancient Greeks and their culture then Delphi should definitely be on your
bucket list of places to visit. It is very easy to imagine here the link
between the cultural, physical and spiritual (mind-body-spirit) since the ruins
in Delphi clearly show the temples of Apollo and Athena, the theatre and the
sports stadium all in one unified sanctuary – which was also home of the famous
‘Oracle of Apollo’ (Oracle of Delphi) where individuals and heads of State
would come to get advice from the Oracle.
The other wonderful thing about
Delphi is that it is in a beautiful and spectacular natural environment – so if
you like to trek or hike (or simply 'ramble' a little before lunch) – or
just sit with a good coffee and a book in a nice coffee bar and enjoy the view
– then it’s definitely worth spending 2 or 3 nights in Delphi so that you have
time to enjoy the place, chill out, and absorb the very special ‘vibes’ that
many visitors here say this place has. You can also soak up a little sun
because there are beaches only 20 minutes away by public bus even though Delphi
is in the foothills of beautiful Mount Parnassus - a ski resort in the winter.
Main Attractions and
Stuff To do In Delphi:
Ancient Temple of
Apollo and Sanctuary
It’s not such a great way to see
Delphi’s many archaeological and spiritual treasures by arriving in the middle
of the day hot and tired after a 3 hour bus trip or drive from Athens. Much
better to arrive in the late afternoon, stay overnight, and see the sanctuaries
in the peaceful cool of the morning – before the many day trippers arrive from
Athens about 11.00 am. (Opening times at: http://www.e-delphi.gr )
Temple of Athena and
Sanctuary
You do not need a ticket to visit the
Temple of Athena Pronaia – so it is something nice to do in the afternoon when
you first arrive if you are going to the temple of Apollo and museum in the
morning.
Delphi Archaeological
Museum
Opening times and details from www.e-delphi.gr
Swim and Sun at the
Beaches of Itea
It’s very easy to go to Itea by car
or public bus for a swim. The main bus times are given in this short 3 day
guide of things to do in Delphi. It’s worth double checking bus times with your
hotel reception in Delphi or at the bus station as there may be small changes
from time to time. Nice clean beaches can be found 5 minutes walk either to the
left or right of the main sea front town of Itea where the bus drops you off at
the bus station. Good shopping and eating at a range of prices all close to
hand.
Regular Philosophy Talks and Walks Offered + Cultural Events
Talks offered include 'Socrates and
Know Yourself', 'Aristotle's Practical Philosophy', 'The Delphi Message' +
informal 'coffee and philosophy sessions'. For details see: www.philosophyfromdelphi.org
Full day (long
afternoon) trek to the Cave of Pan (Coycran Cave)
Of course you do not need to do the
whole 2.5 hour walk to the cave (+ 2 hours back) – you can do just part of
the walk if you prefer – along the well-made and signed footpath path winding
upwards to the top of the spectacular cliffs at Delphi. After about a 45 minute
walk to the top of the cliffs the rest of the way to the cave is through varied
and attractive natural environments. Legend has it that if you listen carefully
when you are in the cave you can still hear the pipes of Pan. (Some groups
staying here get their coach to take them to the cave - and then the group does
the spectacular one way walk back into Delphi.)
Morning walk down
through the olive grove to the sea at Itea. (Swim + bus back ?)
Remember to take some water on this
3.5 hour walk down through the olives (passing through the small village of
Chrisso on the way if you need another coffee to get you going). The footpath
starts at the side of the Hotel Kastri in Delphi’s little High Street and goes
all the way to the sea front in Itea. Nice beaches can be found just 5 minutes
walk either to the left or right of the main sea front of Itea where the bus
station and shops are easily found. You can take an early bus back after your
walk – or have a nice swim and relax in the clean warm waters of Itea.
Drive or bus trip
around the spectacular bay to Galaxidi for lunch.
In many ways one of the great things
about this small traditional fishing town is the spectacular drive or bus ride
from Itea to get there. If you are going by bus you need to figure out the
times to get to Itea – and then change buses at the bus station for Galaxidi.
The bus will take you all around the spectacular bay of the Corinthian Gulf to
the charming little town. Great for a fish lunch and a little sight seeing.
(Plan you trip with the bus times below or contact your hotel receptions for
advice.)
Historic
Monasteries of Ossios Loukas and Profit Illias Nearby.
For people with an interest in the
Byzantine period and Orthodox Church - there are very interesting and famous
monasteries nearby to visit. For more information ask your hotel
receptions or contact Delphi Excursions - a small local business helping to organise
activities and excursions for people staying in Delphi:
delphiexcursions@gmail.com
European
Cultural Centre of Delphi
There is a government owned cultural
facility in Delphi where many plays by leading theatre companies are shown,
exhibitions are held, and academic meetings and talks on a variety of subjects
are organised throughout the year. Always worth trying to find out if there is
something on during the period you are visiting Delphi. See: Cultural Centre of Delphi
Usual Tourist Stuff
Delphi
has loads of great restaurants at different budgets, good stylish coffee shops
and bars – and a disco where you can dance the night away if you still have
some energy left after your full and interesting day in Delphi.
