Visit Delphi, Greece | Timings, Directions, & Visitor Tips

Delphi archaeological site & museum | Visitor information at a glance

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What are the Delphi opening hours?
The opening hours for the Delphi archaeological site vary in different seasons depending on the daylight hours:
April 1 to August 31: 8am–8pm
September 1 to 15: 8am–7:30pm
September 16 to 30: 8am–7pm
October 1 to 15: 8am–6:30pm
October 16 to 31: 8am–6pm
November 1 to March 31: 8:30am–3pm

The The Delphi Archaeological Museum is open from 8am to 8pm from Wednesday to Monday, and from 10am to 5pm on Tuesday. From 1 November to 31 March, it is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Where is Delphi located?
Delphi is located in the Phocis region of Central Greece, at Delphi 330 54, Delfi 330 54, Greece.

How many annual visitors does Delphi receive?
Over 600,000 people visit Delphi every year.

What are the Delphi opening hours?

Delphi archaeological site

Timings:

April 1 to August 31: 8am–8pm
September 1 to 15: 8am–7:30pm
September 16 to 30: 8am–7pm
October 1 to 15: 8am–6:30pm
October 16 to 31: 8am–6pm
November 1 to March 31: 8:30am–3pm

Reduced/varying hours:

January 6: 8:30am–3:30pm
Shrove Monday: 8:30am–3:30pm
Good Friday: 12 noon – 5pm
Holy Saturday: 8:30am–3:30pm
August 15: 8am–8pm

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time

Closed on: January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, Labour Day (May 1), December 25 & 26

Delphi Archaeological Museum

Timings:

April 1 to October 31:
Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 8am–8pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
November 1 to March 31:
8:30am–3:30pm

Reduced/varying hours:

Good Friday: 12 noon – 5pm
Holy Saturday: 8:30am–3:30pm

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time

Closed on: 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25 & 26 December, Labour Day

When is the best time to visit Delphi?

Weekdays vs weekends

Weekdays typically see fewer crowds than weekends, which means you can take your time exploring the Delphi historical site and museum, and take photographs without too many people getting in the way.
Weekends tend to be busier, especially during the peak season months (June to August). If you’re visiting on a weekend, try to reach the site closer to the opening time to avoid the late morning rush.

Peak season vs off-peak season

The off-peak season months of April, May, September, and October (spring and autumn) are the best time of the year to visit Delphi. The weather is pleasant – not too warm or too chilly – ideal for exploring the ruins. The crowds are fewer, although you might see school tours during April and May.
June to August is the peak season to visit Delphi. The archaeological site and the museum are open for longer hours, and all the facilities and tours are available. However, summers can be quite hot, with high temperatures. Keep in mind that Delphi is located on an open hill slope with very little shade. This is also the busiest time of the year, with larger crowds and longer lines. If you’re looking to spend the night during your visit, accommodation in Delphi or one of the nearby towns might be difficult to find and the rates will be more expensive.
During the low season months from November to March, the weather is usually quite chilly and there are high chances of rain. December and January see snowfall. Some parts of the archaeological site might be closed and the museum might have reduced working hours.

Where is Delphi located?

Address: Delphi 330 54, Delfi 330 54, Greece

Find on map

The Delphi archaeological site and museum are located on Mount Parnassus in the Phocis region of Central Greece, about 180 km from Athens. The site is situated on the southern slopes and offers glorious views of the mountain range while the modern town of Delphi, about 1 km away, provides panoramas of the Corinthian Gulf.

How to get to Delphi?

By public transport

By bus: KTEL intercity buses will take you from Athens to Delphi town. From the modern town, the museum and archaeological site are just about 1 km away. The journey takes about 3 hours, and 4 or 5 buses run between Athens and Delphi every day.

Boarding point: Liosion Station (Terminal B), Athens.

Destination: DELFOI bus station, Delphi.

By car or taxi

You can drive to Delphi or travel there by taxi from Athens. The distance between Athens International Airport and Delphi is around 200 km.

Route: Take the E75 highway from Athens. Exit at Kastro and drive along the Epar.Od. Livadias-Kastrou and EO48 routes to reach Delphi.

Nearest parking:

Free street parking along the main road in Delphi town (1 km from the Delphi archaeological site).
Free parking at the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia parking lot (650 metres from the Temple of Apollo).

Know before you visit Delphi

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Delphi archaeological site:

The archaeological ruins are spread out on a hill slope, with the different monuments located at different levels. Access to these structures is via an uneven path with rocky steps. The path is also quite steep, especially leading up to the theater and stadium. This makes it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate the site.
A special vehicle is available to take visitors with mobility issues up to the Temple of Apollo. To access it, you must inform the authorities at least 7 days before your visit.
Information panels in Braille are located throughout the ruins.

Delphi Archaeological Museum:

The museum is fully accessible by wheelchair. There is a specially designed wheelchair-accessible route with ramps and elevator access.
There is a designated restroom and parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Pamphlets in Braille for those who are blind or have visual impairments are also available.

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Restrooms: Visitors can use the restrooms at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. There are no restrooms at the Delphi archaeological site.

Photography: You can take photographs and videos of the ruins at the archaeological site as well as in the museum. However, you need prior permission for commercial photography or videography.

Audio guides: Most Delphi guided tours include audio guides in English. Audio guides in other languages, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian might also be offered.

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With over 1,500 years of history and a rich and extensive mythology, there is a lot to understand about Delphi. It is best explored with a guided tour, where an expert guide will show you around the ruins and explain the historical and cultural context.
Exploring Delphi involves a lot of walking, a fair amount of it uphill. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip for an enjoyable exploration.
Carry a bottle of water. You can refill it from the water fountain at the archaeological site.
Wear sunscreen and carry a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Delphi is located on an open mountain slope with very little shade and can get quite warm, especially in the summer months.
Carry an umbrella if you are visiting after October as Delphi sees rainfall in the colder months.
There are many hotels in Delphi town if you want to stay overnight. But it is small and hotels might fill up, especially during the peak season from June to August. Arachova, a small ski resort town located just a 20-minute drive from Delphi, has plenty of hotels and restaurants and is a great alternative.

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With the modern town of Delphi just a kilometer away, there are quite a few cafes and restaurants for you to choose from:

Taverna Vakhos: One of the most popular dining spots at Delphi, Taverna Vakhos serves authentic traditional Greek food, like Greek salad, lamb chops, stuffed cabbage leaves, peppers stuffed with feta cheese, baklava, and bread and olive tapenade. From the restaurant, you’re treated to clear views of the Gulf of Corinth.
Taverna DION: A colourful and vibrant restaurant, Taverna DION is known for its attentive service and fantastic local cuisine, such as moussaka, souvlaki, grilled vegetables, and pork steak. Their local cheeses and homemade fresh sheep’s milk Greek yoghurt with strawberry & quince are also highly recommended.
To Patriko Mas: Located at the end of the main street in Delphi, To Patriko Mas is a Greek Mediterranean restaurant known for its incredible setting, with gorgeous views of the valley. Their most popular dishes include fresh bread with tzatziki, traditional spinach pie, slow cooked venison and noodles, and country lamb.

Most restaurants in Delphi offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on their menus as well.

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In Delphi:

Budget: Pan Hotel, Amalia Hotel Delphi
Mid-range: Fedriades Delphi Hotel, Hotel Varonos

In Arachova:

Budget: Hotel Ef Zin Arachova, Ξενώνας Δώμα – Guesthouse Doma
Mid-range: Xenonas Iresioni, Plaza Guest house Αράχωβα

Frequently asked questions about how to visit Delphi

Is Delphi worth visiting?

Delphi is one of the most iconic Ancient Greek archaeological sites and was considered to be the centre of the world. The prophecies made by the Oracle of Delphi influenced events across the known world, so its historical significance speaks for itself. The ruins and the Delphi Archaeological Museum are exceptional and are located in a stunningly scenic setting. Finally, it makes an excellent day trip from Athens. You will definitely not regret visiting Delphi.

Where can I buy Delphi tickets? Do I need to book them in advance?

You can purchase your Delphi tickets online. It’s best to book your tickets in advance so that you can choose a date and time that suits you. It also guarantees your entry, especially if you’re planning to visit Delphi during the peak season.

Should I take a guided tour of Delphi?

Yes, we recommend exploring Delphi with a guide. The site is steeped in history and mythology, and there is not much information available at the site itself. An expert local guide will show you around the site and provide valuable insights and context.

How long should I spend at Delphi?

You’ll need about 4 to 5 hours to fully explore the Delphi archaeological site and the museum. If you opt for a day trip from Athens, you’ll need a full day to visit Delphi.

What are the must-see sights at Delphi?

The Delphi ruins are remarkably well preserved for a site that’s over 2,500 years old. Apart from the Delphi Archaeological Museum and the main complex with the Temple of Apollo, the theatre of Delphi, and the treasuries, don’t miss the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, which is located about 1 km down the hill to the southeast of the main ruins. Also visit the ancient stadium of Delphi, set about half a kilometer up the hill beyond the Temple of Apollo.

What should I wear when visiting Delphi?

Dress for the weather conditions outdoors when you visit Delphi. In the summer, wear light and comfortable clothes and a hat since you’ll be under the sun for most of the time. Wrap up warmly if you visit in the winter as it can get quite cold in the mountains. Wear sturdy shoes that you will be comfortable walking around in.

Are dogs allowed inside Delphi?

Pets are not allowed at the Delphi archaeological ruins and the museum.

Are stroller allowed at Delphi?

Parents with small children can use prams and strollers at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. However, the rough and uneven terrain and the uphill paths at the archaeological site are not stroller-friendly.

Is Delphi wheelchair accessible?

The Delphi Archaeological Museum is fully accessible by wheelchair. However, the archaeological site has uneven ground, stone steps, and uphill paths, which make them difficult to explore by wheelchair. Visitors with some mobility issues, who can walk with assistance, can navigate the site.