Exploring Ancient Delphi: A Journey Through History

A Stage of Gods and Mysteries

Today in Delphi felt like stepping directly into a history book, or perhaps onto a stage set for a grand performance by the gods themselves. Aoife and I embarked on a day filled with ancient wonders, from the dramatic heights of the Ancient Theater of Delphi. The crisp November air added a certain gravitas to the experience, making every stone and every echo feel all the more significant.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Apollon Cafe. The aroma of strong Greek coffee and freshly baked bread was the perfect way to kickstart our explorations. Fuelled and ready, we set off to explore the Ancient Theater of Delphi.

The theater is built into the hillside, offering a panoramic view of the sanctuary below and the valley stretching out towards the sea. It's easy to imagine the ancient crowds gathered here, watching plays and musical performances during the Pythian Games. The theater dates back to the 4th century BCE and could seat around 5,000 spectators. I tried to picture the scene, the tragedies of Euripides or Sophocles unfolding before an audience captivated by the drama and the view. The acoustics, even now, are remarkable. I could hear Aoife clearly even when she was standing at the top of the cavea. The structure is made of local limestone. Seeing the craftsmanship and the sheer scale of the structure was awe-inspiring.

The stones of Delphi whisper tales of gods, mortals, and the enduring power of human creativity.

After soaking in the theatrical atmosphere, we decided to venture up to the Corycian Cave.


Discover the enchanting Corycian Cave in Delphi, a mythical site with stunning geological formations and rich history of ancient Greece.

The cave is located on Mount Parnassus, a bit of a trek from Delphi itself. The drive was scenic, winding through lush forests with the leaves turning golden and red in the late autumn sun. When we parked the car, the air was noticeably cooler, and the scent of pine filled our nostrils. The hike up to the cave was a bit strenuous, but the views were more than worth it.

The Corycian Cave has been a sacred site since Neolithic times, dedicated to the Corycian nymphs and the god Pan. In some references, it's known as Sarantavli, meaning forty rooms. The cave was believed to be visited by divine spirits. It felt like stepping into another world. The entrance is hidden at the summit of Palaiovouna hill. Inside, the cave is cool and damp, with stalactites and stalagmites creating eerie shapes in the dim light. I could almost feel the presence of the ancient worshippers, the echoes of their prayers and rituals still lingering in the air. The cave was also used as a shelter and a place of worship. The hike to the cave was about 20 km. It was quite long but not difficult. The cave is about 60 meters long and up to 25 meters wide. According to legend, a tunnel used to lead all the way to Delphi. It's easy to see why this place was considered sacred; it has an otherworldly quality that's both beautiful and a little unsettling.

After our adventures, we were both ravenous. We headed to PHIVOS Restaurant for lunch.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at PHIVOS Restaurant in Delphi - a hidden gem offering stunning views and exceptional flavors.

The restaurant offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the food was exactly what we needed after our explorations. I opted for some traditional Greek dishes, savoring every bite as we recounted our favorite moments from the day. Aoife enjoyed a hearty salad, filled with fresh, local ingredients.

In the late afternoon, we treated ourselves to a drink at Agora Cafe.


Discover Agora Cafe in Delphi for delicious coffee, mouth-watering pizza, and breathtaking views, a perfect blend of relaxation and local flavors.

The cafe has a modern decor and a spacious porch with spectacular views. It was the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. We sipped our drinks, reflecting on the day's adventures. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As the evening drew in, we decided to have dinner at To Pithari.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at To Pithari in Arachova – where culinary tradition meets warm hospitality.

The restaurant is known for its traditional Greek cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Lamb chops and pork kontosoúvli are highly recommended. We shared a few dishes, enjoying the flavors and the ambiance as we discussed our plans for tomorrow. The restaurant also offers vegan options.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Parnassos Experience and the Holy Monastery of Hosios Loukas. We might do some shopping at Greek Spirit. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the monastery, which I've heard is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. I’m sure Aoife will enjoy that too. Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Agora Cafe again for a nightcap. Sipping a glass of local wine, we enjoyed the cool evening air and the quiet hum of Delphi at night. It was the perfect end to a day filled with history, mystery, and the simple joy of exploring a new place with my favourite person.

What a day! As I sit here writing, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible places. Delphi has truly captured my imagination, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

As we walked back to the Hermes Delphi Hotel, Aoife and I chatted about the day.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hermes Delphi Hotel, ideally situated in the heart of Delphi, perfect for exploring ancient ruins and local attractions.

We agreed that the Corycian Cave was particularly special, a place where the veil between the ancient world and our own felt thin indeed. Back at the hotel, I realised I had forgotten my travel adapter. I will have to remember to get one tomorrow. I also realised that Aoife was right, I should have brought binoculars on this trip, as they would have been very useful for viewing the distant ruins.

Looking forward to sharing more of our adventures with you soon!