Exploring Greece: places to visit around Delphi

Winter is a great time to visit the ancient sites in Greece without the summer crowds or scorching sun. Delphi is one of the most important ancient sites. It was home to the famous oracle and considered the navel of the ancient universe, which one can understand and feel when there. Personally, I love visiting Delphi and  spending as much time as possible, soaking up the energy.  Delphi is located on the northern side of the Corinthian gulf, across from the Peloponnese and is quite a large site, so you should plan to dedicate at least a whole day there. 

However, there is much to see and do around Delphi and one should plan at least 2-3 nights in the area. If you start from Athens, you can stop at the archaeological museum in Thebes on the way and then for coffee in the lovely part of Livadeia, called Kryes Piges. Between Livadeia and Delphi is the Byzantine Monastery of Osios Loukas with its absolutely amazing mosaics and then the charming mountain town of Arachova. My favorite town to stay in the area is Galaxidi–a beautiful,  quiet seaside village. Also close by is the town of Amfissa, famous for its olives and delicious food. The drive west from Galaxidi to the bridge of Rio-Antirio, which will take you across the gulf to the Peloponnese, is absolutely gorgeous. You will pass through the historic town of  Nafpaktos, where you should definitively stop for at least a quick coffee in the old harbor. If you like traditional villages, mountain hiking or river rafting, the mountainous region above Nafpaktos is amazing. These are just a few of the treasures of mainland Greece, which can be visited anytime of year!