Delphi, Greece’s second most popular archaeological site is located at the foot of Mount Parnassos and is home to the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. In fact, Delphi is regarded as the centre of the ancient world.
Due to its close proximity to Athens (just over two hours drive), Delphi is an ideal spot for a quick getaway from the Greek capital. This historical site offers incredible cultural experiences, including a tour of a family-owned olive grove, which is one of the oldest in the world.
Socrates Oil is a family business that was created six years ago, out of their love for olive oil and their homeland. What makes it even more special is that the traditional olive grove of Delphi is the largest continuous olive grove in the Balkans; occupying an area of about 60,000 acres, it contains roughly 1,200,000 olive trees.
The area is protected by the UNESCO international treaty, as a world heritage site, as the first olive trees were planted here about 2,500 years ago. All the olive trees are of the “Amfissis” variety and the height of many of them exceeds 10 meters; to embrace such an age-old tree you will need 5 to 6 people.
Socrates Oil produces two types of olive oil, as well as green and black olives, and pate olives. Their Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Premium Olive Oil Socrates are two single-variety olive oils that are produced by the process of cold pressing, in a state-of-the-art olive mill that follows very strict hygiene rules.
“Harvesting is done by hand, in early November for premium fresh olive oil and in early December for EVOO. The microclimate of the area with the mild winter and the wet summer, as well as the natural vegetation of aromatic wild grasses, make us a very aromatic olive oil with a special aftertaste,” owner Panos Danatzis tells IN+SIGHTS GREECE.
“We have won 10 international quality awards (four gold) and the Premium olive oil packaging (black bottle) has won the double packaging and label award at the London International Packaging Competition. Socrates olive oil is exported throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and New Caledonia,” adds Panos.
Visitors to the historic olive grove will have the opportunity to walk around and see the age-old trees up close and if it happens to coincide with the harvest season, guests are also able to help with the olive harvesting and watch the unique process of olive oil production.
“You will be able to try different olive oils from other parts of Greece, as well as olives and olive paste. You can also visit the archaeological site of Delphi and admire the ancient findings of the Archaeological Museum, which each year receives thousands of visitors from all over the world,” says Panos.
When asked what else visitors are able to experience in the area, Panos recommends “Trying Greek cuisine at one of the dozens of traditional taverns in the area, which all use local products. Friends of hiking will be able to cross the ancient path of Kirra, and enjoy a unique view of the Corinthian Gulf.”
Visiting Delphi and the traditional olive grove is a unique experience all year round but to experience the harvesting it’s best to get there anytime from November through to February.
Dior’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2022 presentation in the Greek Capital was nothing short of a high-end fashion extravaganza, as Dior’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri created a stylish spectacle that took place overnight at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
The famous stadium, which is home to the modern Olympics served as the stunning backdrop to showcase a modern collection inspired by Ancient Greece.
Around 500 guests, including many celebrities, artists, and designers, witnessed a runway show that “blended the power of heritage and contemporary inventiveness,” Dior announced to the fashion press.
One of the key inspirations of the collection was the peplos robe worn by ancient Greek women. “The peplos also is an element that allows the body to move freely, that evokes women in movement, and no one more than an athlete moves their body in a really active way,” says Chiuri.
Leading up to last night’s event, Chiuri spent time visiting numerous spots around Greece for research and inspiration; including the expansive Bronze Age ruins of the palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archeological Museum on Crete. “Here, in a place so often associated with the myth of the Minotaur, she uncovered the importance of women in religion, venerated as representations of animals and nature,” Dior announced.
According to Dior, the choice of venue, “creating a prodigious bridge between sport and culture, ancient heritage and contemporary youth, is highly symbolic for Grazia Chiuri, notably through its connections to the body and the freedom of movement she cherishes, but also through the motifs that inform the collection and its sportswear spirit.”
The Panathenaic Stadium was adorned with flags specially created by Italian artist Pietro Ruffo; the illuminated scenography also paid tribute to the architectural lines of the site.
Greece, with its rich history and culture, boasts a wide variety of monuments and archaeological sites. So it comes as no surprise there are currently 18 Greek monuments and areas given the distinction of being UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the list, 16 are cultural sites and two (Meteora and Mount Athos) are mixed, listed for both their natural and cultural significance. Currently, there are also 14 sites on the tentative list, all of which have been nominated and waiting to be added!
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
The Temple of Apollo Epikourios—a World Heritage Site since 1986—is one of the most important temples of Antiquity and sits in the mountainous region of Andritsaina and Figalia (Bassae). It is one of the best-preserved monuments of classical antiquity and an evocative and poignant testament to classical Greek architecture. The temple was built at the height of the Greek civilization in the second half of the 5th century BC (420-400 BC).
Archaeological Site of Delphi
In Ancient Greece, Delphi was Greece’s most sacred place and was considered to be the navel of the world. The pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke, was the site of the omphalos, the ‘navel of the world’. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world.
Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world.
Mount Athos
This is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world, consisting of 20 monasteries and approximately 2000 monks. An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The ‘Holy Mountain’, which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognised artistic site.
Meteora
A region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these ‘columns of the sky’ from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting.
Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki
Founded in 315 B.C., the provincial capital and seaport of Thessalonika was one of the first bases for the spread of Christianity. Among its Christian monuments are fine churches. Constructed from the 4th to the 15th century, the mosaics of the rotunda, Saint Demetrius and Saint David are among the great masterpieces of early Christian art.
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
In a small valley in the Peloponnesus, the shrine of Asklepios, the god of medicine, developed out of a much earlier cult of Apollo (Maleatas), during the 6th century BC at the latest, as the official cult of the city-state of Epidaurus. Its principal monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos, and the Theatre – considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture – date from the 4th century.
Medieval City of Rhodes
The Order of St John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523 and came under Turkish and Italian rule. With the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital, and the Street of the Knights, the Upper Town is one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period.
Archeological site of Mystras
Mystras, the ‘Wonder of the Morea‘, was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
The site of Olympia, in the Peloponnese, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world.
Delos
According to Greek mythology, Apollo was born on this tiny island in the Cyclades archipelago. Apollo’s sanctuary attracted pilgrims from all over Greece and Delos was a prosperous trading port. The island bears traces of the succeeding civilizations in the Aegean world, from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the palaeochristian era. The archaeological site is exceptionally extensive and rich and conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and New Mini of Chios
Although geographically distant from each other, these three monasteries belong to the same typological series and share the same aesthetic characteristics. The churches are built on a cross-in-square plan with a large dome. In the 11th and 12th centuries they were decorated with superb marble works as well as mosaics on a gold background, all characteristic of the ‘second golden age of Byzantine art’.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
Many civilizations have inhabited this small Aegean island, near Asia Minor, since the 3rd millennium B.C. The remains of Pythagoreion, an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments and a spectacular tunnel-aqueduct, as well as the Heraion, temple of the Samian Hera, can still be seen.
Archaeological Site of Aigai Vergina
The city of Aigai, the ancient royal capital of Macedon, was discovered in the 19th century. It is located between the modern villages of Palatitsia and Vergina, in Northern Greece (Region of Hemathia). At Aigai was rooted the royal dynasty of the Temenids, the family of Philip II and Alexander the Great.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae and Tiryns
The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture.
Historic Centre with Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos island
The small island of Pátmos is where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the ‘beloved disciple’ was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island.
Old Town of Corfu
The three forts of the town on the Ionian island, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.
Archaeological Site of Phillippi
The remains of this walled city lie at the foot of an acropolis in north-eastern Greece, on the ancient route linking Europe and Asia, the Via Egnatia. Founded in 356 BC by the Macedonian King Philip II, the city developed as a “small Rome” with the establishment of the Roman Empire in the decades following the Battle of Philippi, in 42 BC. Later the city became a centre of the Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul in 49-50 AD. The remains of its basilicas constitute an exceptional testimony to the early establishment of Christianity.
A new golf resort, which will be able to host international golf tournaments, as well as other high-end hotels are scheduled to open up in the region of Fokida- aiming to attract golfers and those seeking a luxurious, peaceful, and unique stay in Central Greece.
Reportedly budgeted at 300 million euros and set to create around 1,500 jobs for locals once completed, the main resort will feature a 36-hole golf course, a 5-star hotel, conference and leisure venues, restaurants, bars, as well as a wellness village. Landscaping is planned to include artificial lakes and trees.
The resort, to be constructed in Desfina, is expected to boost luxury tourism to the wider region, which includes destinations such as Delphi, Itea, Galaxidi, and Arachova. Other real estate development projects have also been approved nearby.
This includes the Doric Dune settlement, which has already been designed as a part of the Delphi Golf-Resort and is located in the area of Makranikolas, the southernmost part of the prefecture of Fokida at a distance of 22 kilometres from the Central Hotel unit.
The property boasts short-term accommodation spaces, which will operate all year round. It is aimed at visitors who want to experience the uniqueness of the natural landscape of Dorida, which boasts great views of the Corinthian Gulf.
The spaces are designed with relaxation and meditation in mind, and are located in a quiet and remote spot, 18 kilometres from the nearest settlement.
In the first phase of the design, four subterranean “cave” like spaces have been built, (from the proposed 16 in total) with the main inspiration being the Corinthian Gulf.
Two semi-roofed communal pools will allow guests to enjoy a swim all year round, regardless of the weather.
Each unit is around 60 sqm and can accommodate up to five people. The materials, style, and decor are fresh and raw and the approach has a clear reference to Doric motifs; featuring limestone, colourful clay plaster, and whitish cement mortar- the space has a real earthy and natural look/ feel about it.
Where is Fokida?
The prefecture of Fokida is centrally located in Central Greece. It is a green mountainous area, on the Corinthian Gulf with several small beaches. The most famous destination in Fokida is Delphi.
Situated 1300m above sea level Elatos Resort is the perfect winter escape. You can either relax and take in all the resort has to offer or if you are a ski enthusiast it is located just a hop away from the ski slopes of Mount Parnassos.
Location
It’s only 2.5 hours drive from Athens, close to the famous Mount Parnassos ski slopes, as well as the town of Arachova and Delphi. Only minutes away from the traditional village of Agoriani, the resort is in a secluded fir forest area brimming with fauna and providing for long walks surrounding lush greenery.
Style & Character
Warm and inviting, the beautifully designed log cabins are ideal for the cooler months. Rooms are minimally designed with plenty of wood accents.
Room Types
The resort features 40 secluded wooden chalets scattered throughout a 25-acre forest area; Classic Chalet for 2 – 4 ppl, 9 – Deluxe Chalet for 2-6 ppl and 11 – Family Chalet for 2 – 6 ppl.
Family Chalet
Classic Chalet
Facilities
The wooden chalets are scattered around a central Club House with an indoor pool, restaurant, bar, gym, kids-room, massage room and conference area.
Ideal for…
Anyone looking for an adventurous getaway as the area surrounding the resort is ideal for both experienced and amateur skiers and mountain bikers. The resort often has snowfall during the winter but also far cooler weather during the sweltering Greek summer months. It’s also perfect for families as The Club House offers two separate areas for recreation. The “kids room” is ideal for toddlers and small children, as it has space for kids to play freely. For nature lovers Elatos Resort & Health Club is a great starting point for a visit to the incredible nature of Mt Parnassus, as well as countless trails and paths that lead to green meadows and waterfalls that are over 80m high.
Food & Drinks
The “Itamos” restaurant, with a majestic view to the fir-forest and surrounding mountain, is located on the ground floor of the Club House. The chef prepares a menu that is inspired by the mountain and uses mostly locally sourced produce. During long weekends and the holiday season the kitchen team puts together themed buffets and gala dinners. The hotel’s bar is where you can enjoy your coffee with delicious snacks as well as premium drinks, cocktails, quality wines and aged tsipouro. During the winter months, the fireplace transforms the lounge into an intimate, charming meeting place.
Mainland Greece is magnificently multifaceted, and just as you can find stunning seaside locations for carefree summer fun full of aquatic adventures and seafood in summer you can relish lush, cozy alpine settings in winter.
From spas to action sports like hiking, skiing, rafting and climbing to strolling through picturesque villages with great restaurants, surrounded by marvellous landscapes and historic ruins, the options are endless. So start planning your post-lockdown adventures in wintertime Greece now!
Pelion
One of Greece’s lushest zones year-round, Mount Pelion is often compared to Tuscany for its beautiful nature and rustic architectural charm. A series of villages with pretty squares, cobblestone pathways and thickly forested areas resounding with the sound of running water from crystalline mountain springs and the smell of firewood immerse you in a romantic winter wonderland. In winter Pelion is perfect for trekking, enjoying heartwarming homemade-style traditional stews and soups at the old-fashioned taverns and skiing at world class resorts.
Zagori
With 46 traditionally-built and beautifully preserved villages of stone houses with slate roofs, amongst them some exemplary bed and breakfast places and boutique hotels, this region is tranquil, delightfully scenic and beautifully verdant. In Zagori you’ll also find the spectacular Vikos gorge, the deepest in Europe, with breathtaking views, and lovely rivers for white water rafting. See our story on Zagori here.
Meteora
Other-worldy with its giant stacks of rock that reach to the skies, rocks into which 25 monasteries are mystically built, this UNESCO World Heritage site is without a doubt one of the most incredible destinations in the world. Stay in the village of Kalabaka and take a few days to explore the geologically incredible landscape by foot, rock climbing, mountain biking or even by hopping into a hot air balloon to get an idyllic view from the top.
Pelion @urban_wanders
Zagori
Karpenisi
From skiing at the Velouchi Ski Centre and climbing to the Black Cave or rafting in Tavropos river, Karpenisi’s rich natural wonders can keep action adventure lovers busy and red-cheeked for days. Located in Evrytania, this traditional and verdant mountain destination offers all the winter charms one could wish for – pretty architecture, good food and quality accommodations where you can curl; up by the fire.
Arachova/Delphi
Sprawling under Parnassos mountain – one of Greece’s most popular skiing destinations -is the traditionally picturesque and simultaneously modern and glamorous village of Arachova. The alpine village is wonderful for shopping everything from local foods to designer items, sipping a glamorous cocktail at a trendy bar and taking in the culture of the nearby areas, such as the stunning ancient site of Delphi only 15 minus drive away or the Corycian Cave dedicated to the God Pan.
Metsovo
Almost like a film set because of its perfectly preserved traditional style, this Epirus village beneath the Tzoumerka mountain range is a favourite spot for skiers and fans of alpine allure. You’ll find everything from tourist shops selling ‘traditional’ items to cozy tavernas, but Metsovo is especially known for its excellent choice of local cheeses (especially the smoky Metsovone) and top-quality wines produced by the Averoff Estate.
Did you know that after the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece?
Located at the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. In fact, Delphi is regarded as the centre of the ancient world.
Due to its close proximity to Athens (just over two hours drive) Delphi is an ideal spot for a long weekend getaway from the Greek capital. This historical site not only offers incredible cultural experiences, you are also in for an adventurous trip, with some fabulous spots to eat and drink.
History
The archaeological site of Delphi includes two sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena, and other buildings including the Treasury of the Athenians, the Theatre, the Stadion, and the Castalian Spring- which are all must-see sites.
Visitors arriving from Athens first encountered the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia – that is, Athena who is before the Temple of Apollo. Outside its walls spread the settlement of Delphi. Within the walls were the famous Tholos, the symbol of Delphi today, and the remains of three temples dedicated to the goddess. Outside and around the two sanctuaries are the remains of the settlement and cemeteries of Delphi, which developed mainly in the Classical and Roman period.
Temple of Apollo
All that remains of the Temple of Apollo, the most important building in the Sanctuary of Apollo, are the foundations. It was built on the same location three times and featured columns, sculptures, and statues inside. The present Temple of Apollo, built in Doric style in the fourth century BC, preserved the ground-plan of the earlier sixth-century-BC Archaic temple and re-used the old column drums, but the detailing is typical of the late-Classical period. It is here, in the adyton (inner shrine) that the Pythia (priestess) would sit and utter the words of the Oracle, sent to her by Apollo and interpreted by the priests.
Modern Museum
The Archaeological Museum, which presents the history of the Delphic Sanctuary in 14 rooms, provides for another profound lesson in Delphi’s political, religious and social history. Lying between the ancient site and the modern town of Delphi, the archaeological museum displays a fascinating collection of finds from the site, including friezes, statues, votive offerings, and stele. Exhibits are displayed in chronological order and arranged across the 14 rooms. There is also a café and a gift shop. Tip: Make sure to check the museum’s opening times ahead, as hours can vary.
Osios Loukas @daydreamtourist
Inside Osios Loukas @gallerybyzantine
Historical Monasteries
On the western slopes of Mount Elikonas, just outside Distomo village (15 km from Delphi town) is the Holy Monastery of Osios Loukas (Saint Luke). The large walled complex contains two adjoining churches, one of which is the 10th Century Church of the Theotokos, dedicated to Panagia, Virgin Mary. Adjoining it is the Katholikon cathedral, built in 1011. A bell-tower, monastic rooms and a little store selling religious items are also located in the complex.
Adventurous activities
From the fresh, mountainous air to the incredible caves, springs and ancient paths, Delphi is the ideal spot for hiking, paragliding, rock climbing and mountain biking. There are many tours that are organised here throughout the year or you can of course, adventure out on your own and explore the wonderful surroundings.
Visit the Pretty Town
The gorgeous little town of Delphi (population of around 2,000) is now home to a range of hotels, guest houses, restaurants and shops. It was established in 1892, when the village of Kastrí, which had grown up on the site of the Temple of Apollo, was moved to a new position one kilometer west to allow excavation of the ancient site. This is a good base for exploring the surrounding area.
Before You Leave
Check out the picturesque town of Amfissa, which is at the foot of Delphi. Here you can enjoy the endless olive groves and walk along the paved streets, admiring traditional stores and cafes, with locals who are ready to welcome you with authentic delicacies.
New York City-based blogger, travel agent, and certified meeting planner Sara decided she would book her first solo trip to Greece for her 30th birthday and says the experience she had been putting off for years, ultimately changed her life.
Sara recently spoke to IN+SIGHTS GREECE about her solo travel experience and why she believes Greece is the ideal destination to travel alone.
Why did you decide to make Greece the first place to visit alone?
I have been a lover of Greek history and mythology since I was a little girl. When I was thinking of what to do for my 30th birthday I knew I wanted it to be big and something I did for myself. Choosing Greece was a no brainer for me because of that.
Did you research whether Greece was a safe place to travel as a solo female?
Actually, no. Funny thing is I went in 2015 right during the big economic crisis Greece was facing. The more I overthink something, the more excuses I will make. So, instead, I did basic research, talked to some friends I knew who studied abroad in Greece, and then I just made my way over there.
What did you do to make sure you felt comfortable during your visit?
From the little research, I did I knew that 1. The language barrier would be minimal as many people/guides do speak basic English. 2. The hotels I looked into were well-reviewed. 3. The tour company I worked with to go on excursions and such had a high reputation.
What spots did you see and how long did you stay?
I was there for about ten days and I visited Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Mycenae, Delphi, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and Patmos.
What was your favourite ancient site?
Delphi was my favourite. I love stories about Pythia.
Out of all the places you explored, where would you revisit?
All of them but, I would have loved more time in Mykonos. It is absolutely beautiful.
Would you recommend Greece as a place for solo travellers?
1000% for anyone.
How did you find the locals? Were they helpful and welcoming?
Extremely helpful and friendly. I was never uneasy.
Was there a time when you felt alone or unsafe?
Never, however, I do live in NYC so, I am used to lots of tourists and people. You just always have to trust your gut and be smart in the decisions you make.
Did you meet a lot of people along the way?
Yes, I have made a few lifelong friends whom I met on the tours I joined in on. It was great.
If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?
Stay longer.
What did you love most about your time in Greece?
Walking among streets and sites that were older than anything here in the US. It was magical.
Do you have any tips for anyone planning on travelling to Greece alone?
Do some research on where you want to go and stay- make sure you are comfortable with the locations. Put a plan together – I wouldn’t just “wing it” as there is so much to do and see. I only suggest 2-3 days in Athens. It is not all about the islands – make sure you venture inland and visit Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, and Nafplion.
Tell us more about your Solo Travel Woman blog.
My father always inspired me to go after my dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem to others. He sadly passed away and that is when I decided to start Solo Travel Woman (STW). I wanted to inspire other women to travel without anything holding them back as he did with me. My goal is to help change the view on solo travel and inspire other women to travel the world without fear or other people holding them back. In May 2020, I expanded to include travel planning services so, I can help others experience the world I have fallen in love with. If you are open-minded, have a passion to explore the world, experience new cultures, and live the life you have always dreamed of without anything holding you back – you are in the right place.
Did you research whether Greece was a safe place to travel as a solo female?
What was your favourite ancient site?
Tell us more about your Solo Travel Woman blog.