A Brief History of Delphi

In ancient times, pilgrims from all corners of the Mediterranean made their way to Delphi in search of guidance from the legendary Oracle of Apollo. The Oracle (a priestess known as The Pythia) would dispense cryptic prophecies to them, usually in the form of mysterious, poetic riddles.

Delphi was not just a religious sanctuary – it was a political and cultural hub that influenced decisions across the ancient Greek world for centuries. It was also the location of the Pythian Games, second in importance only to the Olympics, where athletic and musical competitions took place every four years.

How to Get to Delphi from Athens

There are two main ways to reach Delphi from Athens: public transport or via organised tours.

Option 1: Public Transport (KTEL Buses)

• Duration: ~3 hours each way
• Cost: Approx. €25-30 round trip
• Where to catch the bus: KTEL Liosion Bus Station in Athens.

Taking the public bus from Athens to Delphi is the most budget-friendly option. The bus drops you off near the archaeological site, making it easy to explore on your own at your own pace. The downsides to getting there by public transport is that it’s less comfortable and convenient than an organised tour. Without the insight from a local tour guide, you might not learn a lot from looking at the ruins (unless you do your own research beforehand). You also need to plan ahead and check the bus schedules to make sure you don’t miss the last bus back to Athens!

Option 2: Organized Tours

• Duration: Usually 8–10 hours – including around six hours of driving
• Cost: €40–€100+ (depending on whether it’s a group or private tour). I travelled in the off-season (March) and paid €48 for the tour, and an extra €18 for my lunch.
• Includes: Hassle-free pick-up from your hotel, return transport, an air-conditioned bus or minivan, and a professional guide.

Tons of companies offer day trips from Athens, with very similar itineraries. It is a full-day experience, typically departing early in the morning and returning in the evening. However, in my research, I noticed that some tours are more like taxi services: they take you there, wait for you and drive you back to Athens but their tour guides aren’t licensed to go into the archaeological park with you.

Although I usually opt for public transport when travelling, I was in Athens by myself and decided to book a tour for the easier experience. I booked this Mythology of Delphi, Museum and Arachova Guided Tour, which was punctual and well-organized. The tour guide clearly knew her stuff and gave us lots of information, both on the drive there and whilst walking around. I would have preferred a smaller group and the opportunity to interact more with the guide. If you’re travelling in a group and would like something more intimate, check out this Delphi Private Tour from Athens (it’s cheaper the more people you add to the booking!)

If you’re travelling to Delphi by yourself, the organised tour route is definitely the most sociable. Another solo traveller and I took turns taking photos of each other, and a group of us had lunch together in the restaurant chosen by the tour company (which was much better than I expected, seeing as it caters to tour groups). Another perk to travelling with a tour guide is the air-conditioned coaches. We were there in March but I imagine the AC would be a godsend in the scorching summer months!  

If you want to make the most of your time, you can book this Delphi and Meteora 2-Day Guided Tour, which combines visits to Delphi and the picturesque mountain town of Meteora. Alternatively, there’s a tour to Delphi and Corycian Cave, a mysterious cave with a history dating back to 4000 BC. For something more unusual, you can even book a virtual reality (VR) experience with this Delphi Full Day V.R. Audio Guided Tour.

The Highlights of Delphi

Here are some of the main attractions, which are still really well-preserved and look spectacular against the background of the mountain scenery.

• The Temple of Apollo, where the Pythia once delivered her divine insights
• The Ancient Theatre, offering panoramic views over the valley
• The Treasury of the Athenians, a beautifully reconstructed structure that once housed religious offerings
• The Stadium, once the site of the Pythian Games
• The Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Charioteer of Delphi and other incredible finds

What to Bring to Delphi

• Comfortable walking shoes – The site is built into a hillside and involves a lot of walking on rocky, uneven ground.
• Water – Especially if visiting in summer! It gets very hot and the site offers little shade
• Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. 
• Snacks – There are limited food options near the entrance. Some tours include lunch, but not all
• A guidebook or audio guide – If visiting without a tour, this will help you understand the site’s history and mythology.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Opening hours: Typically 8am to 8pm in summer, with shorter hours in winter.
• Ticket Price: Around €12, which covers both the site and the museum. There’s a reduced ticket price for children (6€). Children under 5, EU citizens under 25 and students get in free (remember to bring your photo ID as proof)
• Free Entrance Days: Every 1st Sunday from 1st November to 31st March are free entrance days for everyone.
• Nearby Attractions: If you’re staying locally or have your own vehicle, consider visiting Arachova (a charming mountain town which we stopped in on our way back to Athens) or the Corycian Cave. 

I hope this blog post has made you excited to visit Delphi. Exploring this ancient place feels less like sightseeing and more like time travel, back to a time when legends were born and the gods whispered through an oracle. Whether you visit with a tour group or brave the buses on your own, it’s sure to be a memorable day trip! 

If you’re visiting from nearby Athens, make sure to check out my other blog posts: Ultimate Athens Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors, 4-Day Athens Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors, Top Tips for Visiting Athens on a Budget, and for my fellow foodies What to Eat in Athens: 20 Must-Try Greek Dishes You’ll Love.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow