Delphi – Arachova Ancient Path
Long before the road, pilgrims reached the oracle of Delphi on foot over the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Today you can follow their footsteps on the old path from Arachova down to Delphi, through fir forest and above the great sea of olive trees that flows down to the Corinthian Gulf – ending at one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
At a glance
| Region | Mount Parnassus, Central Greece – between Arachova and Delphi |
| Main route | Arachova (Livadi plateau, about 1,200 m) – Delphi: about 12 km, 5–6 hours, about 377 m up and 861 m down |
| Corycian Cave variant | From Delphi up the ancient zig-zag path to the Corycian Cave: about 20 km return and 8 hours – or about 13.7 km if you take a taxi up and walk down |
| Difficulty | Moderate; the climb to the cave is hard at the end |
| Type | One way – the easiest is to go up by car and walk down to Delphi |
| Best season | Spring and autumn; summer is very hot |
| Getting there | About 2½ hours by road from Athens |
The routes
Arachova to Delphi. From the Livadi plateau above Arachova, a local path joins the European long-distance trail E4 and descends through forest to Delphi, with wide views over the olive valley of Amfissa and the Corinthian Gulf. It ends right above the archaeological site.
The Corycian Cave. From Delphi, an ancient zig-zag cobbled path climbs the cliffs behind the sanctuary to the plateau, then continues past Kroki spring and through fir forest to the Corycian Cave – sacred to Pan and the nymphs, its main chamber about 60 metres long and 25 metres wide.
Highlights
- Walking the ancient pilgrims' approach to the oracle of Delphi.
- Views over the olive grove of Amfissa down to the sea at Itea and Kirra.
- The Corycian Cave, an ancient sanctuary of Pan and the nymphs.
- Arachova, the mountain village of Parnassus, and Delphi with its museum.
Safety tips
- Waymarks in the forest are faded in places – take a good map (such as the Anavasi Parnassos map) or a guide.
- There are no shops on the route; water is available at Kroki spring and at the spring by the church of Panagia.
- Avoid summer midday heat; in late autumn and early spring, mountain fog can roll in quickly.
- Wear good shoes – the old cobbled sections are steep and uneven.
How we help
- Transfer from Athens or your hotel to Arachova or the start of the path, and pick-up in Delphi.
- A licensed guide for the archaeological site and the museum, on request.
- Hotels in Delphi or Arachova, and the rest of your trip.
Combine it with
Finish the walk with a visit to the sanctuary and museum of Delphi, or continue north to Meteora.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the site of Delphi on the same day?
Yes – the path ends just above the archaeological site, so you can visit the sanctuary and museum in the afternoon. Check the opening hours for the season.
Is the path suitable for beginners?
The walk down from Arachova to Delphi is suitable for fit walkers used to a few hours on foot. The Corycian Cave is a longer, harder day.
When is the best time?
Spring and autumn. In summer it is very hot in the afternoon; start early.
How do I get there?
Delphi and Arachova are about 2½ hours from Athens by road. We arrange private transfers and the pick-up at the end of the walk.
Tell us your dates and we will reply within 24 hours.
Header photo: from Delphi to Kirra – Paul Stephenson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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