Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Delphi

Echoes of Ancient Prophecies

Today marked the beginning of our Grecian adventure, and what better place to start than Delphi, the navel of the ancient world? It was a day filled with history, mythology, and a palpable sense of wonder. Hans-Peter and I were eager to immerse ourselves in the stories of gods and oracles, and Delphi certainly did not disappoint.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Amalia Hotel Delphi. The breakfast buffet was quite impressive, offering a variety of options. I enjoyed some fresh fruit and yogurt, while Hans-Peter opted for a more traditional German-style breakfast with cold cuts and bread. The view from the breakfast room was stunning, overlooking the valley below. It was the perfect way to start our day of exploration. I must remember to pack my universal power adapter next time, as charging my devices proved a bit tricky this morning – a small oversight easily remedied, but a lesson learned nonetheless. We also realised we forgot our reusable water bottle, so we bought two new ones at a local shop.


Experience modern comfort and historical charm at Amalia Hotel Delphi, your ideal base for exploring the ancient wonders of Delphi and beyond.

The Majestic Temple of Apollo

Our first stop was the Temple of Apollo. As we approached the site, I could feel the weight of history pressing down on us. The Temple, though largely in ruins, still commands respect. It’s hard to believe that this was once the center of the ancient world, where kings and emperors came to seek the wisdom of the Oracle. The temple, dedicated to Apollo, has a rich history, with the first temple built around the 7th century BCE. It suffered damage from fires and earthquakes, with the version we see today dating back to the 4th century BCE. Walking among the Doric columns, I tried to imagine the rituals and prophecies that once took place here. Hans-Peter, ever the architect, was fascinated by the structural details and the ingenuity of the ancient builders. We spent a good couple of hours exploring the site, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere.


Discover the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes, immersing you in the legacy of Greek culture.

Delphi is more than just ruins; it is a journey back in time, a place where the echoes of ancient voices still resonate.

Delphi Archaeological Museum: A Treasure Trove of Antiquities

Next on our itinerary was the Delphi Archaeological Museum. This museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Delphi. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Sanctuary of Delphi, dating from the Late Helladic (Mycenaean) period to the early Byzantine era. The museum is well-organized, with fourteen rooms displaying statues, architectural elements, and votive offerings.

One of the highlights was, without a doubt, the Charioteer of Delphi, a life-size bronze statue that is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture. The detail and craftsmanship are simply breathtaking. I was also captivated by the Sphinx of Naxos, a 6th-century BCE marble statue that once stood on a tall column. Hans-Peter was particularly interested in the chryselephantine objects, made of gold and ivory, which offered a glimpse into the opulence of ancient Delphi. We wandered through the museum, marveling at the exhibits and learning about the history of Delphi. I was particularly struck by the votive offerings, left by pilgrims seeking guidance from the Oracle. These small objects, made of bronze, silver, and gold, offered a personal connection to the past.


Discover the rich heritage of Greece at the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to ancient artifacts and timeless treasures from the past.

Before leaving, we made a quick stop at the Delphi Museum Shop, hoping to find a memento of our visit. The shop offered a variety of replicas, books, and souvenirs inspired by ancient Delphi. I ended up buying a small replica of the Charioteer of Delphi, while Hans-Peter chose a book on the architecture of ancient Greece. It’s always nice to have something tangible to remind us of our travels. I spotted some fridge magnets, mirrors, and notepads, but decided to stick with the statue.


Discover unique souvenirs and artifacts at the Delphi Museum Shop, capturing the spirit of ancient Greece in every purchase.

Lunch at Epikouros Restaurant - Delphi

By this point, we were both feeling quite hungry, so we decided to have lunch at Epikouros Restaurant - Delphi. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. The view from the terrace was spectacular, overlooking the valley below. We started with some traditional Greek appetizers, including tzatziki and stuffed peppers. For our main courses, I ordered the slow-cooked lamb, while Hans-Peter opted for the grilled fish. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The portions were quite generous, and we left feeling very satisfied. The staff was attentive and kind, even offering us a complimentary dessert. The pleasant atmosphere and cute decor added to the overall experience. We were lucky to get a table by the window, as the restaurant was quite busy.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at Epikouros Restaurant in Delphi, where culinary tradition meets stunning scenery.

Dinner at Taverna Vakhos: A Taste of Authentic Greece

For dinner, we chose Taverna Vakhos, another restaurant that had been recommended to us. This family-owned taverna offers a modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine, with a focus on local and organic ingredients. The restaurant also boasts a diverse wine list featuring local selections. We were seated on the terrace, which offered stunning views of the valley. The menu was well-designed, with clear indications for vegetarian and gluten-free options. We started with some local specialties, including feta from Mount Parnassus and formaela cheese from Arachova. For our main courses, I chose the rabbit with onions, while Hans-Peter went for the baked lamb. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was impeccable. The staff treated us like family, and we felt right at home. To finish off the meal, they gave us complementary baklava, which was the perfect sweet ending to a wonderful day. The ambiance was charming, and the views were breathtaking. It was truly an unforgettable dining experience.


Discover Taverna Vakhos in Delphi – where authentic Greek cuisine meets breathtaking views and warm hospitality.

As we walked back to the Amalia Hotel Delphi, we reflected on our first day in Greece. Delphi had exceeded our expectations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. The Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum were both incredible, and the food was simply divine. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to explore the Ancient Theater of Delphi and the Tholos of Athena Pronaia. Perhaps we’ll even have time for a cocktail at Mr. Rose Cocktail Bar.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a note to buy a universal power adapter and a reusable water bottle in Delphi tomorrow. It's the small things that make a big difference when traveling. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Ancient Theater of Delphi and the Tholos of Athena Pronaia. I’m particularly excited to see the theater, which I’ve heard offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We might even treat ourselves to a cocktail at Mr.Rose Cocktail Bar in the evening.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” as the saying goes, and our first day in Delphi was certainly a step in the right direction. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!