|
Why 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.
Tips & insights
on Delos, Greece
Greek
mythology tells us that Delos is the birthplace of two major gods, the twins
Apollo and Artemis. Temples, sanctuaries and statues were erected in their
honor.
Later,
in its Hellenistic and Roman periods, Delos became a prosperous trading port of
Greece.
Then,
in the first century BC, it was destroyed in war and never recovered. Excavation
began in 1873.
The
most photographed artifacts are the squatting 7th century BC marble lions (see
photo). Some tourists don't realize that they are copies. The originals are in
the island's museum.
Other
popular Delos tourist stopping points include:
 Agora
Amphitheatre
Mosaic
floors
Sacred
Way
Sanctuary
of Apollo
Bring
a hat. Delos is barren. The sun is relentless and shade is rare.
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 Mykonos
Island, one of the most popular destinations in Greece.
Delos
has no accommodations - it's strictly a daytrip affair.
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.
Be
aware that it can be rather windy in this part of Greece. This could create choppy seas and an
uncomfortable passage. Occasionally, the waves are so rough that boat trips from
Mykonos are
cancelled.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in Greece
 
My Greek
phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
My Greek
cuisine guide
 |
