Solo Journey to the Heart of Ancient Greece: Exploring Delphi

Saying Goodbye to Delphi, For Now

As my solo journey through Delphi nears its end, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences I've had exploring this ancient sanctuary. Today was a day of transitions, both physical and emotional, as I prepared to leave Delphi while still soaking in its beauty and charm. From the heights of Mount Parnassos to the quaint shops and tavernas, it was a day of embracing the essence of Greece one last time.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Kaplanis Taverna in Arachova. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Greek coffee filled the air as I settled in for a traditional morning meal. I savored every bite, knowing that it would be one of my last tastes of authentic Greek cuisine on this trip. The taverna was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to start their day with a delicious meal and warm conversation. It was the perfect way to fuel up for my Parnassos experience.


Indulge in traditional Greek flavors at Kaplanis Taverna in Arachova - a must-visit for food lovers seeking authentic cuisine.

After breakfast, I decided to visit Poseidon Workshop, a local shop known for its handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs. I wanted to find a special memento to remind me of my time in Delphi. As I stepped inside, I was immediately captivated by the intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship on display. Dimitris Georgaras sells handmade and oxidized cast-bronze chess sets and statues; most being copies of ancient museum pieces. I spent quite some time browsing the various pieces, admiring the artistry and attention to detail. I finally settled on a beautiful silver pendant depicting the Delphic oracle, a perfect reminder of the wisdom and history I had encountered during my journey.


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

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

With my souvenir in hand, I set off for the highlight of the day: the Parnassos Experience. Mount Parnassos, with its rugged slopes and breathtaking views, offered a welcome change of scenery from the ancient ruins of Delphi. I drove through winding mountain roads, each turn revealing a new vista of stunning natural beauty. Patches of snow still clung to the higher elevations, a reminder of the winter season, while the valleys below were lush with greenery.


Explore the beauty of Arachova with Parnassos Experience, the go-to outdoor activity organizer for adventure seekers and nature lovers in Greece.

As I ascended, I couldn't help but think about Lena and how much she would have loved this view. We've always enjoyed hiking together, and I made a mental note to bring her here someday. I could imagine us exploring the mountain trails, hand in hand, discovering hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. Maybe we could even try one of the ATV/buggy adventure tours in Parnassos.

I reached a scenic overlook and parked the car, eager to stretch my legs and breathe in the fresh mountain air. The view was simply spectacular. Rolling hills stretched out before me, dotted with quaint villages and ancient ruins. In the distance, I could see the sparkling waters of the Corinthian Gulf, a reminder of the connection between the mountains and the sea. I spent a few moments simply soaking in the view, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such beauty.

After my mountain interlude, it was time for lunch. I drove down to Itea, a charming coastal town, and found myself at Zephyros Sea food restaurant. The restaurant was located right on the beach, offering stunning views of the sea. I ordered a plate of grilled octopus and a glass of local wine, savoring the fresh flavors and the salty sea breeze. Polyzos Constantine worked as a cook in Germany, and at a vacation time in the attractive Itea, he decides to make his dream come true, at the 27 years old he was, so in 1985 he created ZEFYROS. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge before the final leg of my journey.


Experience authentic Greek seafood at Zephyros Seafood Restaurant in Itea—where fresh ingredients meet stunning sea views.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way back to Delphi for a farewell dinner at To Archontiko. This restaurant, known for its traditional Greek cuisine and cozy atmosphere, seemed like the perfect place to reflect on my experiences. I ordered a hearty moussaka and a glass of retsina, reminiscing about the temples, statues, and stories I had encountered during my time in Delphi.


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

I thought about the Temple of Apollo, where ancient pilgrims sought guidance from the Delphic oracle. I remembered the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, with its iconic Tholos, a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Greek architects. And I recalled the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where countless artifacts told the story of this once-thriving city.

My thoughts drifted back to Berlin and Lena. I missed her dearly and couldn't wait to share my stories and photos with her. I knew she would be eager to hear about everything I had seen and done, and I looked forward to reliving the experience through her eyes. I even considered buying her a handmade chess set from Poseidon Workshop as a special gift.

As I finished my dinner, I felt a sense of gratitude and contentment. My solo journey to Delphi had been an incredible experience, filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. I had explored ancient ruins, hiked through stunning landscapes, and savored delicious cuisine. And I had done it all at my own pace, allowing myself to fully immerse in the experience.

Tomorrow, I will begin my journey back to Berlin, filled with memories and inspiration. While this chapter of my adventure may be coming to an end, I know that the experiences and lessons I have learned in Delphi will stay with me forever. I am already looking forward to my next adventure, wherever it may take me. Perhaps Lena and I will explore more of Greece together, discovering new corners of this beautiful country and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For now, it's time to say goodbye to Delphi. But I know that I will carry a piece of this ancient sanctuary with me, wherever I go. And I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced its magic and shared it with all of you.

Until next time, keep exploring and keep discovering!

Safe travels,
Giorgos

P.S. I almost forgot! I managed to find a portable phone charger at a local shop. Crisis averted! Now I can continue capturing memories without worrying about my battery dying.