Things to do in  Delphi

Delphi is one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites, with its remarkably preserved ruins dotted along the southern slopes of Mt. Parnassus. The town has drawn visitors since the eighth century BC, when pilgrims flocked to the Temple of Apollo to ask for guidance from its oracle, Pythia. Aside from its UNESCO-listed ruins—which also include a theater, stadium, and treasury—Delphi is known for its serene natural beauty, with opportunities for skiing and hiking nearby.

One of the homes of the Muses in myth, 8,061-foot (2,457-meter) Mount Parnassus (Parnassos) is one of the star attractions of Parnassos National Park. Activities on offer run the gamut from skiing and snowmobiling to hiking, climbing, and mountain biking, but most travelers experience it only on a visit to the ancient site of Delphi.

Set next to the glorious ancient ruins of Delphi, the modern Delphi Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Admire thousands of gifts and monuments donated to the temple and its powerful oracle beginning in the 8th century BC, including towering statues, intricate friezes, and the spectacular Bronze Charioteer—one of the few ancient bronzes that survives intact today.

The ancient Temple of Apollo is the headliner of the vast Delphi ruins, and once housed the powerful oracle who channeled prophecies directly from the god Apollo. Today, visitors follow the same Sacred Way path that ancient pilgrims once did to reach the remains of the temple’s floor and Doric columns dating from the 4th century BC.

The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a cluster of ruined temples and subsidiary buildings that once welcomed pilgrims to Delphi, and is now home to the site’s most-photographed spot: the circular “tholos” temple with its three remaining columns and a fragment of frieze. The tholos looks spectacular framed against the rugged mountain backdrop.