Family Adventure to the Heart of Ancient Greece: Delphi

A Day Etched in Memory

Today was a day of profound reflection, a stark reminder of the weight of history and the importance of remembrance. It was also a day that showcased the resilience of the human spirit and the simple joys that bind us together, like sharing a delicious meal with family. Today, we ventured beyond the ancient wonders of Delphi to explore sites marked by more recent, yet equally significant, historical events.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at L'Aurige Restaurant in Delphi. The restaurant offered a beautiful view, which made the vegan options even more enjoyable. Sofia was particularly excited about the vegan moussaka, while Isabella enjoyed the vegan kebab. I opted for a simple coffee and some toast, as I knew we had a long day ahead.


Experience traditional Greek cuisine at L'Aurige Restaurant in Delphi - where every dish tells a story.

Our first destination was the Distomo Mausoleum. The drive itself was beautiful, the Greek countryside unfolding before us in a tapestry of olive groves and rolling hills. However, the sense of anticipation was heavy with the knowledge of what awaited us. As we approached Distomo, a palpable sense of sorrow seemed to hang in the air.


A solemn memorial honoring the victims of the Distomo Massacre, a tragic event during World War II, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.

The Distomo Mausoleum stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the Distomo massacre, a horrific event that took place on June 10, 1944. In retaliation for an attack by partisans, members of the 4th SS-Polizei-Panzergrenadier Division committed a mass murder of 218 men, women, and children in the Greek village of Distomo. They went house to house and killed everyone they found there. The village was then burned to the ground.

Walking through the mausoleum, we were confronted with the stark reality of human cruelty. The ossuary, containing the skulls of the victims, was a chilling sight. Photos and documents detailing the events of that day lined the walls, each one a testament to the lives lost and the barbarity inflicted. It was a truly sobering experience, one that left us speechless and filled with a profound sense of grief. Sofia, holding my hand tightly, looked up at me with wide, questioning eyes. It was a moment where words failed, and all I could offer was a reassuring squeeze and a silent promise to remember.

Leaving Distomo, we drove towards Chaeronea, the site of another significant historical event, albeit one from a much earlier era. The landscape shifted, the somber atmosphere gradually lifting as we made our way through the picturesque countryside.

Our next stop was the Lion of Chaeronea, a monument erected to honor the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Chaeronea, which took place in 338 BC. This battle saw Philip II of Macedon clash with a coalition of Greek city-states, including Thebes and Athens. The battle was a decisive victory for Philip II, establishing Macedonian hegemony over Greece.


A solemn monument honoring fallen soldiers at the site of the pivotal Battle of Chaeronea in ancient Greece.

The monument itself is a massive stone lion, approximately 20 feet in height. It was erected by the Thebans to commemorate their fallen, particularly the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite military unit. Archaeological excavations have revealed a mass grave containing the remains of 254 soldiers, believed to be members of this Sacred Band. The Lion stands above this mass grave.

Standing before the Lion of Chaeronea, I felt a connection to the ancient world, a sense of awe and respect for the warriors who fought and died on that battlefield. Sofia, always curious, peppered me with questions about the battle, the soldiers, and the meaning of the monument. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my love of history with her, to bring the past to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot. Isabella, too, was moved by the monument's imposing presence and the stories it held within its weathered stones.

History is not merely a collection of dates and facts, but a tapestry of human experiences, both triumphant and tragic, that shape our present and guide our future.

After a morning filled with historical reflection, our stomachs began to rumble, reminding us that it was time for lunch. We drove to Itea, a charming coastal town, where we had a delightful seafood lunch at Zephyros Sea food restaurant. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, the air filled with the aroma of grilled fish and the sounds of laughter and conversation. We ordered a variety of dishes, including fresh grilled octopus, calamari, and a traditional Greek salad. The food was delicious, the seafood incredibly fresh and flavorful. Sofia, a bit hesitant at first, ended up devouring the calamari, declaring it her new favorite food.


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

As we ate, we watched the boats bobbing in the harbor, the sun glinting off the water. It was a perfect moment, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life: good food, good company, and a beautiful view. It was moments like these that made our family trips so special, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

In the late afternoon, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at Astra Cafe Restaurant in Delphi. The cafe offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. I ordered a strong Greek coffee, while Isabella opted for a glass of local wine. Sofia, of course, chose a refreshing lemonade. As we sipped our drinks, we talked about our day, reflecting on the somber experience at the Distomo Mausoleum and the awe-inspiring visit to the Lion of Chaeronea. We also reminisced about our delicious seafood lunch in Itea, laughing at Sofia's newfound love for calamari.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Astra Cafe Restaurant, a culinary treasure in Delphi offering delicious dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

For dinner, we ventured to Arachova, a picturesque mountain town known for its traditional taverns and stunning views. We dined at THE AGNANTIO - TAVERN, a cozy restaurant with a fireplace and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The tavern was bustling with locals and tourists, the air filled with the aroma of traditional Greek dishes. We ordered a variety of local specialties, including lamb, veal, and a hearty Greek salad. The food was delicious, the portions generous, and the atmosphere convivial. Sofia, tired from a long day of exploring, fell asleep in my arms, lulled by the warmth of the fireplace and the gentle murmur of conversation.


Savor authentic Greek flavors at The Agnantio Tavern in Arachova - where tradition meets taste amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.

As I carried Sofia back to the car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had shared today. It had been a day of contrasts, a day of remembrance and reflection, but also a day of joy and connection. We had visited sites marked by tragedy and triumph, we had tasted the flavors of Greece, and we had created memories that would last a lifetime. It was a reminder that even in the face of darkness, there is always light, and that even in the midst of sorrow, there is always hope.

Tomorrow marks the final day of our family adventure in Delphi. We plan to visit the Profitis Ilias Monastery and The Peak of Love, hoping to soak in a little more of the beauty and serenity of this magical place before we begin our journey back to Toronto. We'll have breakfast at To Tsoukali, lunch at Kalýba, and a farewell dinner at To Pithari. And, of course, we'll make sure to stop by Rocky cafe and bar for one last taste of Greek hospitality.

As I write this, nestled in our cozy room at the Artemis Hotel, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Our family adventure in Delphi has been everything I had hoped for and more. We have immersed ourselves in the rich history and culture of ancient Greece, we have explored breathtaking landscapes, and we have created memories that will last a lifetime. And as we prepare to return to our lives in Toronto, I know that we will carry the spirit of Delphi with us, a reminder of the power of history, the importance of family, and the beauty of the human spirit. Perhaps I'll even try my hand at recreating some of the delicious Greek dishes we've enjoyed during our stay. Isabella has already started looking for a good moussaka recipe!


Discover the warmth of Artemis Hotel in the heart of Delphi, offering comfort and convenience with stunning views and great amenities.