Last Updated on 2 April 2023 by Vanessa
Greece’s most iconic islands, the Cyclades, are defined by the purity of their architecture and the beautiful wildness of their landscapes. This most famous group includes Santorini and Mykonos. But you can also experience the intense beauty of the Cyclades on quieter islands, such as Delos island.
Why is Delos island famous?
The island of Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of only 5 kilometers long and 1,300 meters wide. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, steeped in Greek mythology.
If The Odyssey and The Homeric Hymn to Apollo are to be believed, Delos used to be a famous religious center of the Ionians.
Back then, the dominant power in the region was the neighboring island of Naxos, which demonstrated its superiority by erecting on Delos island buildings and dedications. Some of these include the House of the Naxians, the colossal statue of Apollo, and the Terrace of the Lions opposite the Sacred Lake and the Sacred Palm-tree where, according to myth, the Titaness Leto brought Apollo into the world.
The remains of these, including the impressive floor mosaics, can still be explored and admired.
Delos island, which was once home to about 30,000 people, is now uninhabited and almost devoid of vegetation. Yet a good number of cats and sheep can be found roaming the premises. They are cared for by the employees of the museum and the port.
Delos Archaeological Museum
Delos Archaeological Museum collects some of the most important objects relating to everyday life in the Hellenistic period as well as ancient Greek sculptures.
How to get to Delos?
You can visit Delos island and its ancient ruins by taking one of the ferries that depart from Mykonos’ old harbor.
Ferries leave and come back daily, but boats may be cancelled on slow or windy days. Always ask for confirmation at the port.
The boat trip from Mykonos to Delos takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
Delos island can be visited every day, except for Mondays when the archeological site is closed.
If you are interested in mythology and cats, Delos island is one of the best places to see in Greece. It is an enchanting destination where time stands still.
One Response
We were just there on Delos last week and fell in love with all the beautiful cats. There were so sweet & loving & our tour guide had a bag of food, feeding them as she was guiding our tour group. We were so worried about them but happily found this site that says they are being cared for. They appeared so healthy and we were petting them all thru our tour. Thank you for providing this information about them! Kerri &Mike