Greece - Korina Miller [182]
Sleeping
Accommodation is plentiful and high quality in Delphi, but it’s advisable to book ahead in peak season (April–May and July–September) and on public holidays.
BUDGET
Hotel Sibylla (Map; 22650 82335; www.sibylla-hotel.gr; Vasileon Pavlou & Friderikis 9; s/d/tr from €24/30/40; ) An excellent budget choice, cosy Sibylla has very helpful staff along with simple and spotless rooms, all with adjustable ceiling fans rather than air-con, and several with views to the Corinthian Gulf.
Sunview Pension (Map; 22650 82349; dkal@otenet.gr; Apollonos 84; s/d/tr incl breakfast from €25/35/50; ) This active pension commands a stunning location in upper Delphi, with brightly painted rooms and friendly family owners who treat it like their own home, which it happens to be.
Hotel Kouros (Map; 22650 82473; www.kouroshotel.com.gr; Vasileon Pavlou & Friderikis 58; s/d/tr incl breakfast €35/45/60; ) The comfortable Kouros is managed by the welcoming Asimina, who gets credit for the room artwork, and for arranging breakfast on the verandah.
Rooms Pitho (Map; 22650 82850; www.pithorooms.gr; Vasileon Pavlou & Friderikis 40a; s/d/tr/q incl breakfast €35/45/65/70; ) Gift shop below, small hotel above, Pitho’s modern rooms, excellent service and location make it a top budget choice in Delphi.
A free shuttle cart runs hourly between Delphi and two excellent camping grounds. The closest, Apollon Camping (off Map; 22650 82762; www.apolloncamping.gr; camp sites per person/tent €7.50/4; ), is 2km west of modern Delphi, and boasts first-rate facilities including restaurant, minimarket and barbecue. Delphi Camping (off Map; 22650 82209; www.delphicamping.com; camp sites per person/tent €6.50/4.50; ), 4.5km from Delphi toward Itea, is similar, with views of the Gulf.
A recommended option is Arion Hotel (Map; 22650 82097; www.hotel-arion.gr; Syngrou; s/d/tr/q incl breakfast €30/45/60/75; ), offering comfort and value, plus a quiet back rooms with views.
MIDRANGE
Varonos Hotel (Map; 22650 82345; www.hotel-varonos.gr; Vasileon Pavlou & Friderikis 25; s/d/tr/ste incl breakfast €42/62/70/120; ) The lobby of the charming Varonos is filled with potted plants and homey antiques, giving it a lived-in feel. A suite sleeps four to six people with room to spare, and there’s wheelchair access too.
Hotel Hermes (Map; 22650 82318; www.hermeshotel.gr; Vasileon Pavlou & Friderikis 27; s/d/ste incl breakfast €45/50/80; ) The welcoming and family-run Hermes is in the heart of Delphi. Most of the large wood-shuttered rooms have balconies facing the gulf. Service is excellent, and the views from the breakfast lounge are splendid.
Hotel Leto (Map; 22650 82302; Apollonos 15; www.leto-delphi.gr; s/d/tr incl breakfast from €45/60/75; ) If the traditional Greek motif is getting you down, head to these smartly decorated digs, with nonsmoking rooms, modern decor throughout, plus free wi-fi.
Hotel Acropole (Map; 22650 82675; www.delphi.com.gr; Filellinon 13; s/d/tr incl breakfast €64/79/98; ) On the quieter street below the main drag, Acropole’s sharp rooms have soft beds, reading lamps, and wood and marble fittings. Top-floor rooms have great views to the gulf. A large lobby bar doubles as breakfast central.
TOP END
Hotel Appolonia (Map; 22650 82919; www.apollonia.gr; Syngrou; s/d/tr/ste incl breakfast €80/120/160/220; ) The swank Appolonia has an intimate feel to it, tucked away on Delphi’s upper Syngrou street. Rooms are quite modern with elegant dark-wood furnishings, carpet, large basin-sink bathrooms and balcony views over all Delphi.
Also recommended is Amalia Hotel (Map; 22650 82101; www.amaliahotels.com; s/d/ste incl breakfast from €110/150/180; ). It’s posh and rambling, but don’t trip over the tour buses.
Eating
Eating in Delphi can find you waiting in crowded restaurants for so-so food. Try these worthy exceptions.
Taverna Gargaduas (Map; 22650 82488; mains €4-9) Easily the local favourite for grilled meats and good value as well. The house summer speciality is provatina (slow-roasted lamb, €7.50). You can also tuck into a combo of pasta,