Help with driving suggestions in Delphi.
 

Hi. I am in Delphi now spending two nights. Yesterday we visited the archeological sites and museum in Delphi. Today I would like to take a leisurely scenic drive nearby preferably a loop. We will head to Meteora tomorrow for two nights. We drove to Delphi from Patras yesterday, without stopping except once to take photos, what a beautiful drive. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I read Arachova is a must visit. We don't mind short easy hikes along the way. The weather forecast is perfect for us. Thanks in advance.

Driving to Delphi, you passed through the outskirts of Galaxidi, which is only 25 km away, and a lovely old town to walk around and have lunch at one of the restaurants on the sea.

https://gr.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=galaxidi

You could drive in a loop, visiting Arachova first then Distomo, a martyric village ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distomo) , Osios Loukas Monastery a Unesco world Heritage site ( http://tinyurl.com/kgrnsyr) and from Distomo, via the scenic coastal road to Itea and from there to Galaxidi.

That would be a full day tour :)

Thanks, that's a great suggestion. Indeed we passed by Galaxidi which we thought would be a lovely place to visit.

An other interesting (mountain) road trip around the area, with many possible variations and small side trips is
Delphi-Arahova-Eptalofos(Agoriani)-Lilaia(Kato Agoriani)-Mariolata-Gravia-Elaionas(Topolia)-Amfissa -Delphi.

(Many villages in the area are known under two or even three different names. The reason is that on early 20th century villages known on a particular name originating say from medival times, changed formally their name to names of ancient towns who were located in the same area. Still most locals use the unoffical name.
Then there are other reasons too. For example shephers from one village were living half year on the proper village, half year on a settlement higher in the mountains where their animals were grazing on summer, latter said settlement became a real village. Or one village at some point moved a few kms due to an earthquake or rock falls or whatever. So you often see Pano X and Kato X= Upper X and Lower X or Z and Neo/Nea Z = Z and New Z . It sounds confusing but it's not so much in practice....)

Thanks you Mariha. I might do that tomorrow on route to Meteora. We have a week more to visit mainland Greece before returning car at Athens airport with no definite plans except to visit the monasteries.

Right now having a delicious late 2pm lunch in Galaxidi after a most scenic drive and interesting visit to Ousio Loukas monastery.

At ZYGOS, along the bay. Tasty and great service.

Hello tangwah, I happened to be on Galaxidi two days ago after a very long time, only for a drive-through the town and I was really jealous of the people enjoying their meals and coffees. Now, before the boiling heat of July and August arrives, is a great time to visit this scenic place on my opinion.

Tomorrow, if you do not mind a long day, you could consider driving the mountain route on my previous post till Gravia, then continue towards Meteora . A side trip to consider is visiting the the Corycean cave, you could hike from Delphi there if you had time, but given the circumstances you could drive pat Arachova and past Livadi area, then turn left on a dirt road and you will see signs to Corycean cave on your right after 300 metres. Follow the dirt road on the left and you will arrive 50 metres below the cave. If you have time you could ignore first signage and keep going on original dirt road till you reach Paliopanayia and one to

If you have time you could ignore first signage and keep going on original dirt road till you reach Paliopanayia church where you may park your car and hike 400 metres to the cave.You will have to follow reverse route to leave the dirt roads and catch the tarmaced road towards Eptalofos(Agoriani), a very nice mountain village where you could stop for a coffee.
http://www.aroundparnassos.com/agori...os-delphi.html
All villages on the surrounding area have their charms, but I am not sure you will have time to explore all of them. Gravia is a location where an important chapter of the Greek Revolution against Ottoman Rule took place and the famous Hani (Inn) is restored and open to the public. A very sort description is here but better to google for more info:
http://www.fokida.gr/site/en_US/cate...ni_gravias.csp
On Damasta you will find a monastery who is very sacred to locals, and might worth a visit too.

Have a nice trip : )

Mariha... from Gravia, a nice and very interesting route might also be to Kastelia and then the mountain road to Inohori ( Kaniani as it is known among locals) Sklithro - a small detour to the main village of Pavliani and from there to Lamia. I am sure you know the area ( had a house in Kaniani until recently), this is a beautiful part of Greece that is very green and absolutely not touristic.

Good morning, it's 0630 hours. Planning an early start from Delphi �� if I can drag the husband away from the bed. Thanks Mariha for your detailed route, I will follow it. Thanks too, Clausar. I have ample time to explore and a very good driver in my husband and we look forward to visiting this area.

Goodmorning tangwah, have a nice trip!

Clausar you are so right, there are many scenic routes on this area, lots to explore...