Delos
Δήλος
The birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology; the entire island is an open-air archaeological site and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
Delos lies about 2 km southwest of Mykonos and covers less than 4 square kilometers. In antiquity it was the holiest religious center of the Aegean and a bustling trading port, and the treasury of the Delian League was originally located here. Today the island is uninhabited, with only archaeologists and guards. The site includes the Temple of Apollo precinct, the famous Avenue of the Lions of Naxos (the originals are kept in the island museum, and the lions on site are replicas), the House of Dionysos and the House of the Dolphins with exquisite mosaic floors, the theater district, and Mount Kynthos, which overlooks the whole island.
Getting there: take a boat from the old harbor of Mykonos, about 30 minutes. Boat tickets and the site entrance fee (about 20 euros; Greece has raised ticket prices at many sites in recent years, so check the official figures) are purchased separately. A guided half-day tour is recommended. The island has almost no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. By regulation, visitors may not stay overnight on the island and must take the last boat back. Sailings depend on wind and waves, and there are very few in winter.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 08:00–20:00, shorter in winter (per Greek Ministry of Culture announcements); visitors must leave the island before the last ferry
Nearby sights
- Rhenia
- Agios Ioannis Beach
- Ornos Beach
- Psarou Beach
- Kato Mili Windmills
- Little Venice
- Kastro (Gyzi Castle)
- Platis Gialos