Delos

Greece

Preserved marble theatre in Delos Delos is an island in Greece's Cyclades, 3.5 km southwest of Mykonos.

Delos, sometimes spelled Dilos, was the most important Panhellenic sanctuary, and, according to mythology, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The first signs of habitation on the island date from the 3rd millennium B.C., and important remains of the Mycenaean period have been uncovered in the area of the sanctuary. In the 7th century B.C. Delos was already a known Ionic centre because of its religious importance as the birthplace of Apollo. The Delos archaeological sanctuary is listed by UNESCO as one of mankind's most important cultural and historical sites.

A narrow channel separates Delos from the island of Rhenia, where there is an important burial ground.

The Cyclades received their name in antiquity because they form a rough circle (κύκλος/kyklos in Greek) round the sacred island of Delos.

Temple of Isis Archaeological sites cover almost the entire island, starting from the harbour at the west side. The most important ruins in this district are:

  • The temples of Apollo: the three temples dedicated to Apollo;
  • The Altar of Dionysos: remains of a huge phallic monument;
  • The Lion Terrace: the famous lions of Delos, a gift from the Naxians;
  • The sacred lake: the place where Apollo was born;
  • Cleopatra’s House: a building (2nd century BC), which took its name from the two headless statues of Cleopatra that where found in it;
  • The theatre: built in 2nd – 3rd century BC, it could seat 3,000 to 5,000 spectators;
  • House of Dionysos, House of the Masks and House of the Dolphins, all of which contain marvelous mosaics.

The Museum of Delos has sculptures of the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, and a collection of vases from various periods. It is open from 8:30AM to 3PM. Admission is included in the entrance ticket of the site, but keep your ticket with you as it will be checked at the museum entrance.

  • Escape the crowds and climb Mount Kynthos. From the top of the mountain you will have a panoramic view of the many surrounding islands.

Since Delos is uninhabited, there are no shops there except for the small gift shop at the entrance.

The small tourist center in the Sanctuary of Apollo has a restaurant and a bar. Beware of high prices.

Bring plenty of water.

Be aware there is no protection from the sun on the island so take the usual precautions.