Delos

Why the Greek Island Delos is special
The tiny, rocky island of Delos was once a religious center of the Ancient Greeks. The ruins of its many monuments attest to its former greatness.

Delos tips and insights
Greek mythology
It tells us that the Greek Island Delos is the birthplace of two major gods, the twins Apollo and Artemis. Temples, sanctuaries and statues were erected in their honor.

Trading port
Later, in its Hellenistic and Roman periods, Delos became a prosperous Greek Island trading port. Then, in the first century BC, it was destroyed in war and never recovered. Excavation began in 1873.

Marble lions (see photo)
The most photographed artifacts are the squatting 7th century BC marble lions. Some tourists don't realize that they are copies. The originals are in the island's museum.

Other popular Delos sites

• Agora
• Amphitheatre
• Mosaic floors
• Sacred Way
• Sanctuary of Apollo

View
If you're fit, climb the steps up to the 112-meter (368-foot) high Mt. Kynthos' summit for a view of the Delos ruins below you. In the distance is the Greek Island Mykonos, one of the most popular destinations in Greece

Getting there
You can reach Delos, Greece in under 30 minutes via small tourist boats from Mykonos. There's also service from the more distant Greek Islands of Naxos, Paros and Tinos.

Choppy sea
Be aware that it can be rather windy in this part of Greece. This could create a choppy sea, creating an uncomfortable passage. Sometimes the waves are so rough that boat trips from nearby Mykonos are cancelled.

More pointers

• Accommodations
  Delos has no accommodations -it's strictly a daytrip affair.
  
• Bring a hat
  Delos's landscape is barren. The sun is relentless and shade is rare.
  

Location in Greece