Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Delphi with Family

Whispers of the Past

Today in Delphi was nothing short of magical. Imagine stepping back in time, surrounded by ruins that have stood for millennia, each stone whispering stories of gods, athletes, and ancient civilizations. It's a surreal experience, one that truly makes you feel connected to the past. The weather was perfect with the sun shining. A slight breeze rustled through the olive trees, as Aoife, Liam and I explored Delphi.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Delphikón. I must say, the Greeks certainly know how to start the day right! The breakfast was a delightful spread of local cheeses, olives, fresh bread and strong Greek coffee. It provided the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Aoife particularly enjoyed the fresh fruit, while Liam couldn't get enough of the local honey.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at Delphikón in Delphi – where tradition meets modern dining in a picturesque setting.

First on our itinerary was the Tholos of Athena Pronaia. The sanctuary itself is a short drive from the main Delphi site. As we approached, the elegant circular structure came into view, set against the backdrop of the rugged Greek landscape. Even in its ruined state, the Tholos exudes a sense of grace and mystery. The remaining columns stand proudly, testaments to the architectural prowess of the ancient Greeks. I couldn't help but imagine what it must have looked like in its prime, a gleaming marble structure dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. Liam, ever the curious one, peppered me with questions about the Tholos's history and purpose. I did my best to answer, drawing on my trusty guidebook and my own knowledge of Greek history. Aoife, meanwhile, was busy capturing the scene with her camera, determined to preserve the beauty of this ancient site.


Discover the Tholos of Athena Pronaia in Delphi, a breathtaking historical landmark reflecting the glory of ancient Greek architecture and spirituality.

The stones of Delphi speak volumes, offering glimpses into a world where gods and mortals intertwined.

Next, we made our way to the Ancient Stadium of Delphi. Now, this was a sight to behold! Perched high above the Sanctuary of Apollo, the stadium offered breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It was easy to imagine the roar of the crowd as athletes competed in the Pythian Games, held in honor of Apollo. The stadium itself is remarkably well-preserved. As I walked along the track, I could almost feel the presence of the ancient athletes, their determination and skill echoing through the centuries. Liam, being a young and athletic man, was particularly impressed by the stadium's size and design. He even ran a few laps, pretending to be an ancient Olympian. Aoife and I watched with amusement, cheering him on from the stands.


Explore the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, a remarkable historical landmark in Greece, and immerse yourself in the legacy of ancient athletic competitions.

After the stadium, we descended back down to the Sanctuary of Apollo to visit the Athenian Treasury. This small but elegant building was erected by the Athenians to house their offerings to the god Apollo. The treasury is made entirely of Parian marble and is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Greek mythology. It's a testament to the wealth and power of ancient Athens, as well as their devotion to the gods. The carvings on the Treasury are incredibly detailed, and I spent a good amount of time examining them, trying to decipher the stories they told. Aoife was particularly interested in the hymns to Apollo that were inscribed on the walls of the treasury. She's always been fascinated by ancient music and poetry, and she was thrilled to see these examples of ancient Greek art.


Explore the Athenian Treasury in Delphi, a stunning historical landmark showcasing the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture and culture.

For lunch, we stopped at Taverna Gargadoyas, a charming little restaurant that came highly recommended. It was a delightful experience! The food was delicious, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I opted for the gyros, while Aoife chose the moussaka. Liam, of course, went for the souvlaki. Everything was cooked to perfection, and we devoured our meals with gusto. The owner of the taverna was a kind and generous man, who made us feel like welcome guests. He even brought us a complimentary dessert of fresh fruit, which was a lovely touch. We enjoyed the local wine and lively conversation. The restaurant was filled with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the delicious food and the convivial atmosphere.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at Taverna Gargadoyas in Delphi – a culinary delight steeped in tradition and warmth.

As the sun began to set, we decided to treat ourselves to cocktails at Mr.Rose Cocktail Bar. The bar had a cozy atmosphere, with dim lighting, comfortable seating, and a well-stocked bar. The bartender was a skilled mixologist, who crafted some truly amazing cocktails. I ordered an Old Fashioned, while Aoife chose a Cosmopolitan. Liam, being the adventurous one, asked the bartender to surprise him. He ended up with a concoction that was both delicious and potent. We sipped our cocktails, enjoying the music and the company of our fellow patrons. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring.


Discover the exquisite cocktails and vibrant atmosphere at Mr. Rose Cocktail Bar in Delphi, a must-visit for every traveler.

Before heading back to the Parnassos Delphi Hotel, we took a leisurely stroll through the town of Delphi, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the cool evening air. The town was bustling with activity, as locals and tourists alike enjoyed the shops, restaurants, and cafes. We stopped at a local bakery to buy some pastries for breakfast tomorrow, and then we made our way back to the hotel. The hotel was comfortable and cozy, and we were grateful for a good night's sleep after a long day of exploring. We were able to walk to the Delphi site in the cooler evening, which was great.


Discover comfort and convenience at Parnassos Delphi Hotel, your ideal base for exploring Delphi's rich history and stunning landscapes.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, I'm excited to explore the Castalia Spring and the Corycian Cave. I'm also looking forward to visiting Jimmy’s antiques. I have heard that Jimmy has many vintage maps, which I would be interested in adding to my collection. I think Liam will enjoy the caves, while Aoife will be interested in the historical significance of the Castalia Spring. It promises to be another day filled with adventure and discovery.

Today was a reminder of why I love to travel. It's about more than just seeing new places, it's about immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with the past, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. And as I reflect on our day in Delphi, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this ancient wonder with my family. The sun was shining, the ruins were breathtaking, and the company was perfect. What more could a man ask for?

The events organized for the Delphi Economic Forum are starting soon, but sadly our trip will be over by then. It seems like a very interesting event to attend, hopefully I can make it next year.

Goodnight from Delphi!