Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Delphi with Family

A Day Among Gods and Mortals

Today in Delphi, I felt the palpable connection between the ancient world and our modern lives. The stones here whisper stories of gods, oracles, and the everyday lives of people who walked these paths centuries ago. It's a humbling experience to stand where history was made, and I'm eager to share the day's adventures.

Our day began, as most good days do, with a hearty breakfast. We ventured to Apollon Cafe, a charming spot known for its Greek cuisine and stunning views. The cafe has been run by the same family since 1902, which I always find so charming. I ordered a strong Greek coffee and a simple pastry. Aoife had some yogurt and Liam chose a salad. Fuelled up, we were ready to immerse ourselves in the historical wonders that awaited us.


Discover delightful flavors at Apollon Cafe in Delphi - where tradition meets taste amid stunning views.

Our first stop was the magnificent Ancient Theater of Delphi. As an antiques dealer, I'm naturally drawn to places where history is not just recounted but tangibly present. This theater, built in the 4th century BC, is nestled into the hillside, offering spectators a breathtaking view of the entire sanctuary and the valley below. I could almost hear the echoes of ancient plays and musical contests that once filled this space.


Explore the Ancient Theater of Delphi, a breathtaking historical site that showcases the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization amidst stunning natural beauty.

The theater is remarkably well-preserved. We climbed the stone steps, imagining the thousands of spectators who once gathered here for the Pythian Games and other cultural events. Liam was particularly impressed by the sheer scale of the structure, while Aoife, ever the librarian, was fascinated by the inscriptions detailing the theater's history and renovations. It's amazing to think that this place, after being abandoned for centuries, was revived in the 20th century with performances of ancient tragedies. I made a mental note to try and attend one, should we ever be in Delphi during the summer months.

To walk through Delphi is to walk through the pages of history, each stone a sentence in a story that spans millennia.

From the theater, we made our way to the Ancient Roman Sarcophagi Site. This site, located just below Delphi, holds the remains of tombs constructed by the Romans during Emperor Nero’s reign. Sarcophagi means stone tombs, and these particular ones are believed to be part of a family funerary monument dating back to the second half of the 2nd century AD. As someone who deals in antiques, I found the craftsmanship and the stories behind these sarcophagi particularly compelling. It’s sobering to stand before these ancient burial sites, contemplating the lives and legacies of those interred within.


Discover the captivating Ancient Roman Sarcophagi Site in Delphi, a stunning heritage destination showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and rich history.

The sarcophagus on display near the Archaeological Museum caught my eye. It was discovered in the early 19th century and is adorned with reliefs depicting the myth of the Calydonian Boar hunt. The detail is incredible, and it's easy to get lost in the narrative carved into the stone. Aoife pointed out the female figure sculpted on the sarcophagus lid, likely a representation of the deceased. It's these small details that bring history to life for me.

After a morning steeped in history, our stomachs began to rumble. We decided to have lunch at Iniohos Taverna, a local spot known for its traditional Greek cuisine. The taverna had a cozy, homey atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I ordered moussaka, a classic Greek dish of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Aoife opted for a fresh Greek salad, while Liam, ever adventurous, tried the souvlaki. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous – exactly what we needed after a morning of exploring.


Discover authentic Greek flavors at Iniohos Taverna in Delphi - where tradition meets breathtaking views.

As we ate, we discussed our favorite moments from the morning. Liam was still buzzing about the Ancient Theater, while Aoife was intrigued by the Roman Sarcophagi. For me, it was the combination of the two – the blend of Greek and Roman history, the tangible connection to the past, that made the morning so special. I think it is wonderful that my family shares my passion for history.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we ventured into the town of Delphi itself. We wanted to find a unique souvenir to remember our trip. We stumbled upon Poseidon Workshop, a charming shop filled with handcrafted jewelry, bronze statues, and hand-painted ceramics. I was immediately drawn to the chess sets, each piece meticulously crafted and reflecting ancient Greek mythology. Aoife admired the intricate necklaces, while Liam was fascinated by the bronze statues of Greek gods and heroes.


Discover exquisite handmade jewelry and unique souvenirs at Poseidon Workshop, a gem in the heart of Delphi, Greece.

I ended up purchasing a small bronze statue of Apollo, a fitting memento of our time in Delphi. Aoife bought a delicate silver necklace, and Liam chose a hand-painted ceramic plate depicting a scene from the Trojan War. The shop owner, a friendly man named Georgaras, told us about the history of his craft and the inspiration behind his designs. It's these personal encounters that make traveling so rewarding.

For dinner, we decided to try To Archontiko, a restaurant known for its traditional Greek cuisine and mountain views. The restaurant had a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I ordered lamb kebabs, while Aoife chose the grilled chicken fillet. Liam, went for a stuffed burger. The food was delicious, and the views were simply breathtaking. As we ate, we watched the sun set over the mountains, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at To Archontiko in Arachova - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our cozy room at the Parnassos Delphi Hotel, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Delphi is a place that stays with you, a place that awakens your senses and stirs your soul. It's a place where history comes alive, where the echoes of the past resonate in the present. I am very happy that I could share this experience with my family.


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

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Pavliani Recreation Park and the Water source/Eleonas. I'm looking forward to more adventures and more opportunities to connect with the history and culture of this amazing country. I am excited to see Pavliani Recreation Park, as I have heard it is great for families. We might even stop at Melopoleio for a drink.

Until then, efharisto (thank you) for joining me on this journey.