Galaxidi

This noble and picturesque village is a city with 4000 years of heritage. It resisted attacks from Franks, Catalans, Knights of Rhodes and Turkish pirates. During the age of sail (up to late 19th century) it was a major nautical force and had a big merchant fleet. Wealth accumulated during that time is mirrored by the size and style of local architecture.

Today Galaxidi is one of the most attracting villages in Greece, and yet it is relatively untouched by mass tourism. Places to visit include the church of Agios Nikolaos with a splendid wooden temple, the Nautical Historical Museum, the Folklore Art Museum, the church of Agia Paraskevi with its sundial, the Byzantine Monastery of Saviour built around AD 1250 and the old Girls' School (Parthenagogeio).

Galaxidi has well-preserved traditional houses and buildings, superb beaches with crystal green-blue waters, an adjacent park to walk and hike, and a small port used by small fishing boats and yachts, encircled by fine restaurants and lively pubs.

Galaxidi makes a popular destination for those who intend to visit the magnificent archaeological site of Delphi, just a short drive away (about 30 km of pleasant driving).

Delphi

After the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site of Greece. A trip to Delphi is listed in just about every tour itinerary and is by far the most popular day trip out of Athens.

Located amidst breathtaking scenery, ancient Delphi is the site of the Sanctuary and Oracle of Apollo, the most important sacred site in ancient Greek religion. The archaeological site also includes the excellent Delphi Museum.

The centre of Delphi is the sanctuary of Apollo, on the southern tip of the mountain slope. The Doric temple was the home of the Pythia, who seated on a tripod above a deep crevasse, would pronounce her prophecies while the priests wrote them down and translated them to the people.

There has been something 'magical' going on in Delphi for several thousand years and the place still attracts a million visitors a year. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, the town and ancient site are as awe-inspiring now as they were three thousand years ago, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth and a valley filled with olive and cypress trees.