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  7. Delphi — Oracle of the Ancient World

Day Trips · Attica, Athens

Delphi — Oracle of the Ancient World

  • Distance178 km from central Athens
  • Travel time3 hours by KTEL bus
  • TransportKTEL Fokidas bus from Liosion terminal (260 Liosion St, Athens 104 45); approximately 5 buses daily; €16 one way (~$17); call +30 210 831 7153 for schedule
  • Rating★ 4.8
  • Best seasonApril–June; September–October

Delphi was the sanctuary the ancient Greeks considered the center of the world, home to the oracle that kings and city-states consulted before wars, colonies, and major decisions. The site is built into the slope of Mount Parnassus, so the Sacred Way climbs past the treasuries and the Temple of Apollo up to a theatre and stadium with the valley dropping away below. It's a full day from Athens given the distance, but it's the most complete oracle site remaining from antiquity.

Practical information for Delphi — Oracle of the Ancient World
Distance 178 km from central Athens
Travel time 3 hours by KTEL bus
Getting there KTEL Fokidas bus from Liosion terminal (260 Liosion St, Athens 104 45); approximately 5 buses daily; €16 one way (~$17); call +30 210 831 7153 for schedule
Address Archaeological Site of Delphi, 330 54 Delphi, Greece

How to get there

  • Mode
    Bus

Location

Archaeological Site of Delphi, 330 54 Delphi, Greece

38.4824, 22.5010 View on map

Highlights

  • The Sacred Way — the processional path lined with the remains of treasuries built by rival city-states to outdo each other
  • The Temple of Apollo — where the Pythia delivered her oracles from a chamber beneath the floor
  • The ancient theatre above the temple — built into the hillside with the temple and valley visible behind the stage
  • The Archaeological Museum of Delphi — holds the bronze Charioteer of Delphi, one of the best-preserved large bronzes to survive from Greece
  • The stadium at the top of the site — where the Pythian Games were held