Welcome to Delphi!
The view from Mt Parnassus alone is worth the trip to Delphi. Winding through the pine tree lined roads of this sacred mountain, your bus rounds a corner and suddenly before you are the spectacular ruins that have inspired some of the most fascinating legends of classical Greek mythology. Delphi is a great place to visit, with specatcular views, good Delphi hotel options, quaint restaurants and a fascinating history.
Delphi, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies in central Greece, about 180 km (115 mi) northwest of Athens.
Delphi is an ideal destination for combining history with scenic splendour and there are a number of things to and do in Delphi. It is safe to say that a Delphi tour is an unforgettable experience, and the ideal way of visiting Delphi and learning more about its history and significance. There are a number of authentic Delphi hotels to accommodate its vistors, all offering genuine Greek hospitality. Take a look at our Delphi map to choose your hotel in Delphi based on its location and make sure you're near to what you wish to see and do.
The ancient Greeks deemed Delphi the centre of the earth, but Delphi's history predates them. According to legend, Gaia, the benign earth goddess, presided over this serene, sun-drenched mountainside with her daughter, Pytho the serpent. Apollo, ambitious son of Zeus, arrived to claim the place as his own and slew Pytho. He regretted his act later and built a temple at the spot where she died, marking it with the Omphalos stone. This is the mythic "navel of the earth". In these mountains, Pan, the half-goat, half-man who presides over the wild and creates enchanting music, revealed to Apollo the secret arts of prophecy.
Soon, Delphi' s fame spread as an oracular shrine far and wide, its reputation reaching a peak around 7 BC. During this time, thousands of people visited the shrine for advice on both personal matters and public affairs.
Women, it was thought, were more receptive to the oracle's prophesies. Sibyl, Apollo's priestess, would bathe in the Castalian spring, inhale the smoke of burning laurel leaves and go into a trance. The oracle would speak through her in riddles faithfully recorded and interpreted by priests. Many of these prophecies were so precise that for 1000 years, the Delphic oracle exercised phenomenal influence over Greek political and social life.
During the 1990s, modern science demystified the source of this oracular power. The underlying oily limestone rocks have two faults crossing right beneath the temple. This has resulted in a channel through which fumes of methane, ethylene and ethane can escape to the surface. Inhaling such gases induces a sense of euphoria and perhaps, visions - one version of the myth names Pythia, Apollo's priestess, as seated over a tripod in a chasm in the earth while uttering prophesies in a trance.
Was the Omphalos stone a meteorite? Does it matter? Not really. Walking through these magnificent ruins, you cannot help but feel the latent energy that fired the imagination of the ancient world for centuries. In the mind's eye, Pan still leaps agilely over the ancient stone steps and into the trees. Was this the rock upon which Sibyl once sat in thrall? Pytho's descendants live on in the undergrowth. While little is left standing of Apollo's temple, the grey-green hillsides have returned to Gaia's embrace.
Our locally owned and operated travel portal offers a range of Delphi hotels and tours in Delphi, offering interesting experiences for anyone travelling to Delphi!
Acropole Hotel is the quietest hotel in Delphi. For those looking a romantic, discreet and relax environment, the hotel will give you the impression to be alone but also at one foot away from Delphi's life.
[more info]This hotel is approaching the idea of a Boutique Hotel, but it is not over decorated with many illustrations. Rather contrary, the manager prefers to keep simplicity and space and use a mix of decoration of modern with classic furniture.
[more info]Varonos Hotel is a nice and warm hotel, with lovely staff, situated at the entrance of the village of Delphi. The Museum and the site are only 5-10 minute walking distance. You can discover about the ancient civilization and the oracle or book a tour with us.
[more info]Hermes Hotel, who is the god of transport, messages, and trade, is a traditional hotel with typical local stone building, situated in the center of the village, a 5-10 minute walk only from the Delphi site and museum. The hotel has 30 rooms share in a 4 levels, with some having view to the village, and others to the Amfissa Valley, the olive trees valley and the Corynthian Gulf.
[more info]This oldest hotel, built in 1950, has welcomed a lot of celebrities and is very renowned. It has a unique situation with a great view on Amfissa Valley to the Corynthian Gulf. It is one of the only hotel with a swimming pool indoor and outdoor heated and a beauty center.
[more info]Alpen house is a charming typical mountain hotel, just walking distance from Arachova center. With warm hospitality, Alpen house is a place to relax, and enjoy the outdoors with nature walks and activities.
[more info]Situated on the top of the village, Anemolia hotel has one of the best views of Arachova. It is an elegant and modern hotel with the traditional architecture of Arachova, with a heated indoor pool with views of the mountains.
[more info]Ev Zin, wich means happiness of life, is a traditional House with 16 studios and suites all decorated in the traditional mountain style. The hotel is ideally located in the center of the village.
[more info]Villa Filoxenia is an old mansion as most of the houses in Arachova, located a few meters from the center with a lot of traditional character and. Some rooms have windows with views to the stars, and are all fully equipped for pleasant stays.
[more info]The area of Delphi, called Parnassos, has a lot of visit to make, form charming little village, like Arahoa, or Galaxi on the Corinthian gulf.
Beside the historical and archeological interest, a lot of activities attract each year more and more visitors.
[more info]It is a half day excursion in Delphi that will take guests to what was once believed to be the centre of the earth.
[more info]If you want to have the privilege of a Private tour and book a guide just for you or your friends, we can book a private licensed guide from Delphi that will be with you for 3 hours and give all the knowledge of the place.
[more info]Welcome to the Oracle's Land
Meet your local connection in Delphi, Greece, Charles Berthault and the team of Via Tour. We are very enthusiastic about joining the whl.travel family- we love the sincerity of the network and the promotion of responsible tourism throughout the world. There are many areas in Greece that are still unknown and explored and we are working to develop agro-tourism while also creating opportunities for trekking in the wild and beautiful areas of the islands and the Greek mountains.
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