Enjoy Outdoor Sports in Delphi

Delphi, Greece is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor sports. The landscape of the area offers opportunities for canyoning, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and so much more. During the winter, you can go skiing at the Ski Center of Parnassos, considered one of the best ski centers in Greece.

If you’re adventurous, you will enjoy canyoning between the vertical cliff of Oeti. This narrow passage creates the Canyon of Aspos. An adventure of this sort requires equipment. If you want something a bit less strenuous, try hiking. Fokida has many hiking paths that you will enjoy and the route from Kyra to Delphi is also lovely.

Try the Local Products of Delphi

Fokida is well-known for its meat taverns. At these taverns you will find kid-goat, roast lamb, and a rich organ-meat delicacy called kokoretsi. When enjoying a meal, the local specialty of blano is a good choice. Blano is a pie made from corn flour and herbs. You may also enjoy psimarni, goat that is over-baked, or lamb on the spit. Fokida’s local products include: fir and thyme honey, feta cheese, fresh fish, and yogurt. Desfina is known for kontosouvlu, a meat specialty. If you are looking for olive oils, head to Amfissa. Agioi Pantes is where you will find the best pasta, trachanas, and hilopites.

Explore Nature in Delphi

Delphi is famous for its natural beauty. Spend time by the water at the Lake of Mornos. This is the 9th largest lake in Greece. It is located in the center of the prefecture of Fokida. The Lake of Mornos is surrounded by the mountains of Giona and Vardoussia. The Waterfalls of Stromi, also known as Kremasis Waterfalls, are located on the mountain slopes of Giona Mountain. The National Park of Oeti, the third largest in Greece, and the National Park of Parnassos, the second largest, are both worth a visit.

Visit the Churches and Monasteries of Delphi

Delphi, Greece is rich in churches and monasteries. The Monastery of Prophet Elias is one of the most historical monasteries not just in Delphi, but in all of Greece. This monastery is located in Chrisso Village. Inside the monastery you can explore a library that contains manuscripts and letters from the fighters of 1821. The Monastery of Prophet Elias played an important role in the Greek War of Independence. The Church of Agios Nikolaos is an impressive church in the town of Galaxidi in Fokida. The church was built in 1902 at the highest point of Galaxidi.

Your trip to Delphi, Greece will be an unforgettable one. Explore the history, culture, and food of this

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Archaeological Museum of Amfissa

The Archaeological Museum of Amfissa is housed in a two-storey building and showcases findings from sites around Fokida, including the Archaeological Site of Amfissa. These findings date from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. On exhibit are items such as jewelry, stone tools, armour, weapons, statues and statuettes, coins, pottery, and much more. Some of the important items at the Archaeological Museum of Amfissa include the statue of Persephone that came from the settlement of Kallios and miniature figures from the settlement of Kyra.

Folklore Museum of Galaxidi

The Folklore Museum of Galaxidi is house in the Mansion Angeli, which is a piece of history itself in the city of Galaxidi. It was one of the first mansions to have been built there and features simple lines and magnificent detail. Carved stone was used as the openings for windows and doors. The mansion is over 100 years old and was donated to the municipality in 1955. Prior to 1989, when the mansion started housing the Folklore Museum, it house the Naval Secondary School. Today at the Folklore Museum of Galaxidi, you can admire embroidery, textiles, traditional costumes, photographs, and folk art objects.

Museum of Delphic Festivals

Located at the northern side of Ancient Delphi, the Museum of Delphic Festivals is a small, but interesting museum that is worth a visit. The museum is also known as the Museum of Aggelos and Eva Sikelianos as it is housed at their former residence, which was restored by the European Cultural Centre of Delphi. The home of the famous poet Aggelos Sikelianos was built in 1927. He and his wife had an interest in reviving ancient Delphic Festivals. Two festivals would be held, one in 1927 and one in 1930.

Delphic Festivals were important in attracting famous people from around the world including artists, scholars, politicians, and teachers. Ancient drama performances were held in the ancient theatre while athletic competitions were held in the stadium. At the Museum of Delphic Festivals, you can view items that are connected to the two festivals held, which include: photographs, costumes that Eva designed and her loom, personal objects of the couple, and manuscripts that belonged to Aggelos.

Folklore Museum of Amfissa

The Folklore Museum is housed in a neoclassical building in the town of Amfissa. The museum showcases the modern history of the city, historic Salona, with its long tradition of tanning and olive production. Visitors will learn about the professions that flourished in the area including bell’s ringers, tanners, and rope’s artisans, which are now mainly extinct. Items showcased at the Folklore Museum of Amfissa include objects and tools relating to the craftsmen as well as objects and machines from the old cigarette factory Talamagas.

Visit these museums when in Delphi, Greece. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

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The landscape of Delphi makes is a great place to go if you’re a lover of the outdoors and outdoor sports. The beautiful blue waters of the Corinthian Gulf, the mountains, and the olive groves make it the place to see. There is no shortage of outdoor activity when you’re visiting Delphi.

Canyoning

If you’re an adventurer, you’re going to love canyoning in Delphi. Asopos Canyon provides the perfect setting for this activity. Canyoning is the exploration of a canyon by way of rappelling, waterfall jumping, and rafting. Walking along the canyon is an experience itself. The view of the landscape and flowing streams is quite breathtaking. There is a narrow passage between the vertical cliff of Oeti, which creates the Canyon of Asopos. A trek though the canyon can take about five hours and begins from the village of Skamnos and goes all the way to the old bridge of Asopos.

Hiking

The ancient city of Delphi is a wonderful place to hike. Delphi can be reached by car or public transportation. Once there, you can explore the different hiking trails. One of these is Kira to Delphi. This walk goes from Delphi to the coast and is an ancient pilgrimage path. Another trail is the E4 Euro long path. This hike takes about four hours and isn’t difficult. The walk goes by railroad tracks, so you want to be on the lookout for trains. Rekkas Gorge is another beautiful spot to hike. There are steep cliffs, streams, vegetation, and flora and fauna. The highest peak of the gorge is called the Pyramid on Giona Mountain at 2,510 meters.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking and road biking are both possible around the Delphi area. Giona Mountain is an ideal place to go mountain biking. Trails the begin at the rural roads have been specifically designed for cycling. Many of these routes can be found around Fokida. The mountains and parks are wonderful places to bike. You can explore at your own pace. Vardoussia Mountain is the second tallest mountain of central Greece. In the northwestern part of Fokida, this mountain has an alpine character. Fir and Oak trees cover much of the mountain.

Bird Watching

The landscape around Delphi is beautiful and unique. The flora and fauna is remarkable. Boeotia serves as a shelter for native and migratory birds. The mountainous area of Boeotia will allow you the opportunity to see birds such as Alpine Swifts, Buntings, Eleonora’s Falcon, Golden Eagles, Rock Partridges, and Green Woodpeckers just to name a few. Any lover of nature and birds will get a thrill out of this activity when in the Delphi area.

Delphi is a sanctuary for those who love nature and outdoor activities.

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Why Visit Delphi

As mentioned above, the historic sites at Delphi are considered to be amongst the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The reason for this is that the ancient site has both an historical and mythological importance. This place has made it into various myths and legends. The oracle’s name was Pythia, and anyone was able to approach her for her insights. The Oracle of Delphi, for instance, played a part in Oedipus’s famous tale, where she predicted that he would kills his father and marry his mother. Both of these events did prove to be true, according to the play.

Information About Delphi

So what is Ancient Delphi like? Even though it is in ruins today, the site is still impressive. Located on Mount Parnassas, the sprawling ancient complex at Delphi is made up of several buildings. However, it is important to understand that it wasn’t considered a city – it was a sanctuary for the oracle herself. Also referred to as the Oracle of Apollo, the Oracle of Delphi, or Pythia, lived in the sanctuary and awaited visitors so that she could make her predictions and insights. The Oracle was considered to be incredibly wise, and would pass along messages from the gods on matters of love, the state, and anything else they needed advice on.

Buildings at the Sanctuary at Delphi

Today, the sancturary is considered to be one of the top historical sites in all of Greece. People flock here every year in order to catch a glimpse of the ancient site where the oracle lived. They traverse up the pathway, which snakes its way up the mountain, in order to view the temples and structures that are left on the site. There are plenty of things to see as you traverse the path. For instance, there are structures known as “treasuries”, or monuments, that you can view as you climb. These were built by the city-states out of gratitude to the Oracle for giving them advice. There are also various temples to visit, such as the Temple of Apollo and also a theater and stadium.

In order to really make the most of your visit to the historic sites of Delphi in the countryside, it’s also a good idea to stop in on the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Some recommend visiting it first before you visit the sites because the museum houses many of the artifacts. Either way, seeing both the historical sites and the museums will take a full day or more, depending on how interested you are in the history of the place.

Sources:

Wikipedia – Delphi

Wikipedia – Pythia

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In Delphi, summers are typically clear, dry, and warm. Winters tend to be very cold and long. The coldest month in Delphi is January with an average high of 46° F (7.8° C). The most humid month in Delphi is January and snow falls in the area in December and January through April.

This weather forecast in Delphi, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Delphi, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 36.1° F (2.3° C) – 46° F (7.8° C)
• Precipitation: 128 mm
• Climate: 16 days of rain on average, cold, dry air, 54% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 82%

February

• Temperature: 38.1° F (3.4° C) – 48.9° F (9.4° C)
• Precipitation: 130 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, cold, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 80%

March

• Temperature: 41.4° F (5.2° C) – 54.1° F (12.3° C)
• Precipitation: 116 mm
• Climate: 16 days of rain on average, cold/cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 76%

April

• Temperature:7° F (7.6° C) – 61.2° F (16.2° C)
• Precipitation: 62 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 69%

May 

• Temperature: 53.2° F (11.8° C) – 70° F (21.1° C)
• Precipitation: 71 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, comfortable, 75% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 63%

June  

• Temperature: 61° F (16.1° C) – 77.7° F (25.4° C)
• Precipitation: 78 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, warm, beach/pool score 7
• Humidity: 58%

July

• Temperature: 66° F (18.9° C) – 83.1° F (28.4° C)
• Precipitation: 35 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, warm/hot, muggy, clear, beach/pool score 8.6
• Humidity: 52%

August

• Temperature: 66.7° F (19.3° C) – 83.8° F (28.8° C)
• Precipitation: 21 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, hot/warm, muggy, clear, beach/pool score 8.6
• Humidity: 50%

September

• Temperature: 60.8° F (16° C) – 75.9° F (24.4° C)
• Precipitation: 69 mm
• Climate: 10 days of rain on average, warm/comfortable, clear
• Humidity: 60%

October

• Temperature: 54.1° F (12.3° C) – 65.5° F (18.6° C)
• Precipitation: 87 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, comfortable/cool, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 71%

November

• Temperature: 47.5° F (8.6° C) – 57.9° F (14.4° C)
• Precipitation: 78 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, cool/cold, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 78%

December

• Temperature: 39.9° F (4.4° C) – 49.8° F (9.9° C)
• Precipitation: 108 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, frosty, cold, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 80%

The climate of Delphi, Greece is classified as hot-summer Mediterranean. The summers are warm and dry while the winters are cold and cloudy.

Find the current weather forecast for Delphi, Greece here:

Accuweather – Delphi, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Delphi, Greece Weather Forecast

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About the Temple of Apollo in Delphi

The Temple of Apollo in Delphi dates back to the 20th century B.C. and it is here, according to the beliefs of the ancient Greeks, that Apollo spoke through the voice of his priestess The Pythia. Once a month, The Pythia would be open for consultation and people would come from near and far to ask about all manner of subjects.

Among those making inquiries of Apollo’s mouthpiece were some of the most famous figures of that time period. Philosophers, emperors, and even Alexander the Great came to The Temple of Apollo. The answers offered by The Pythia, however, were rarely easily comprehensible and often more like riddles.

One such example would be the emperor Nero who asked about his own demise and was told to beware the 73rd year. Being that he has far from that age, he left the temple unconcerned. Not much later, he was murdered by Galba who was 73 years of age.

Geological research near Delphi has uncovered light hydrocarbon gases that have been known to have hallucinogenic properties. These gases have been cited as a possible inspirational aide for The Pythia to make her predictions.

What to Do at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi

Getting to see the Temple of Apollo and its columns that have survived several earthquakes and wars is, by itself, worth the journey. The massive stone pillars with the sea as their backdrop can make for a breathtaking scene to take in. Still, there are other notable landmarks around this location that should be part of your trip.

The Sacred Way is a winding marble path that leads to the temple and trekking it can be quite the bragging right. The remains of offerings to Apollo by way of his oracle line the historical path and it can be fun imagining yourself in long-past times, headed to pose your question to The Pythia.

Above the temple, you will find the Ancient Theater Of Delphi. Musical events were held at this location during the Pythian Games as well as other important times of the year and the original theater was built in the 4th century B.C. The current form of the theater dates back to about the 2nd century B.C.

Even further along The Sacred Way above the temple is The Ancient Stadium of Delphi, an impressively well-preserved monument that was the location of the Pythian Games, a competition only second in importance to the Olympic Games. These games were held every four years and featured not only sports competitions but also competitive art and dance.

Getting to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi

As stated above, you can get to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi by car in about two and a half hours’ time. Buses run by KTEL depart out of Athens to the temple and are reported as taking 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Source

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History of the Archaeological Museum of Delphi

This museum was originally built in 1903 and to this day remains one of the ost visited museums in all of Greece. Today, the museum is run by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The original museum, which was built in May of 1903, was rather small and didn’t house a large collection. However, as more artifacts were discovered and more displays added, it was clear that a larger museum was needed. The current builing underwent a massive renovation starting in 1999 and construction ended in 2003. Alexandros Tombazis, a Greek architect, is the one who designed the current renovations.

What You’ll See at the Archaeological Museum of Delphi

There are a few things that are worth seeing as you visit the museum. First of all, the museum itself house mutliple rooms that are all filled with artifacts found at the archaeological digs that took place in Delphi. Basically, the museum itself contains the history of the sanctuary at Delphi. Although you can easily spend the whole day in the museum itself, it is also worth visiting the physical location of the sanctuary so that you can gain appreciation for the history of Delphi even more. The museum itself has fourteen rooms that are located on two levels.

Interesting Artifacts to Watch for at the Archaeological Museum of Delphi

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also has some temporary displays. Since the exhibits change all the time, we will only be discussing the permanent artifacts. Since the museum focuses on the history of the sanctuary at Delphi, all the artifacts are displayed in that context. The exhibits in the museum are also shown in order of when they happened. Main displays include information about the Sanctuary of Pronaia, votive pit of the Sacred Way, Temple of Apollo, Siphnian Treasury. Artifacts that tell the overall story include maps, art, pottery, texts, sketches, and more. Be sure not to miss the Head of a Griffon, statue of Cleobis and Biton, Statue of a Bull, and a statue of the Sphinx of Naxos.

Delphi itself is located about two hours from Athens. To get to this area, you can either drive or take a bus. Consider renting a car in the Athens airport so that you can have the freedom to travel without being dependent on other people. It is also possible to take a bus tour – many companies offer day trips that leave from Athens.

Source:

Wikipedia – Delphi Archaeological Museum

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The sights of Ancient Delphi include:

Sanctuary of Apollo
The Sanctuary of Apollo is the focus of Delphi and dates back to the 4th century BC. Two earlier versions of the Temple were destroyed, the first burned down and the second was destroyed by an earthquake. It originally had 6 columns on the front and 15 on the sides and today visitors can see one complete column on the façade and portions of five more columns. The Sanctuary of Apollo famously housed The Oracle of Delphi in a small chamber. The appointed seer, named Pythia, was typically a middle-aged peasant woman who was selected and trained for her role. She provided advice and spoke as a possessed medium for Apollo, the god of prophecy.

Sanctuary of Athena Pronea The Sanctuary of Athena Pronea received its name because it was the first mark of Delphi visible to people coming from the East, before they reached the Temple of Apollo. “Pronea” means before the Temple. When people came to Delphi looking for an oracle, they would first offer a sacrifice at the Athena Pronea, considered to be the guardian of the oracle Pythia. It is the most remarkable of Delphi’s monuments. The Sanctuary of Athena Pronea consisted of several altars, temples, and the Tholos- a circular structure (an unusual shape in ancient Greek architecture) that comprised 20 columns on a three-stepped podium. 3 of these columns were re-erected in the 1940’s. The white portions of each column are the original marble and the darker portions are the new material. The Sanctuary of Athena Pronea is especially magnificent when the rays of the sun are shining on it.

Delphi Museum
The Delphi Museum is an archeological museum that holds all of the ancient artifacts of Delphi. One of the most prominent artifacts is the Sphinx of the Naxians, a white marble sphinx that depicts a mythical creature that was a symbol of earthly divinity and heavenly power that has the body and legs of a lion, the chest and wings of a bird, and the head of a woman. At one time it dominated Apollo’s sanctuary on top of a high Ionic column. Other features of the Delphi Museum include a frieze from the Siphnian treasury which depicts a battle between the gods and the giants, “kouroi” or statues of young men- the “twins of Argos”, fragments of metopes (figures within the frieze) that depict the Labours of Hercules, the Exploits of Theseus and the Battle of the Amazons, Acanthus Column of Dancers with three women dancing around its top, Omphalos- a sculpted cone that once stood at what was considered the center of the world, and a Bronze Charioteer which commemorates a victory in the Pythian Games.

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