It has happened to me again and again. Friends who have completed their stay in Athens seek advice as they plan where to go next. To those who appreciate ancient Greek culture, I always suggest Delos.
Delos is a unique small island devoted to ancient Greek gods. Many call it an open-air museum right in the middle of the Aegean sea. It is a historical site worth visiting. One can find temples all over Greece. But this island is unique. It is the only one devoted completely to the god Apollo, the god of light, in the ancient Greek Pantheon.
Delos is a temple one visits out of curiosity and leaves with newly acquired respect.
It is a very enjoyable experience to visit the island of Delos from Athens. An excursion to remember!
Delos is a unique small island
Delos is a small island of the Cyclades, west of Mykonos. Around the 5th c. BCE it was particularly famous as the birthplace of the goddess Artemis and the god Apollo. The island as a whole was an important religious center.
Today one can find a population of 24 inhabitants on the island of Delos. They are the staff of the archaeological site and the archaeological museum of Delos. They take care of the whole archaeological site and welcome visitors from all over the world. The island has a small port on its western side. This is the entrance point for boats that bring visitors to the archaeological site. Most boats connect Delos with neighboring Mykonos.
Delos is worth visiting if one loves myths and history
Legend has it that Zeus wanted a son who would be the god of light! For such a unique task he looked for a special partner. This one was Leto a pre-Olympic deity and thus more ancient than his wife Hera.
Hera – of course – found out and pursued Leto not allowing a safe haven for her to give birth. Leto wanders from island to island in despair. We know that from Homer, the famous Odyssey, and Iliad poet who describes her journey. As the story unfolds, we get a wonderful description of the Cyclades islands. Finally, Delos was the island to provide refuge for Leto.
Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis. Since then, it was a sacred place. Ancient Greeks worshiped in Delos the god of light Apollo in a magnificent temple.
Delos has had inhabitants since 2,500 BC. Greeks (both Mycenaeans and Ionians), Persians, and Romans left their mark on Delos.
It was a strong religious center during antiquity. Also, it was a model of economic development with intense commercial activity. In 1873 the French School of Archeology brought Delos out of obscurity. It presented it to the world as an ancient state full of precious works of art. Excavations continue to this day and precious treasures come to light.
The sites you do not want to miss
- The Archaeological Museum of Delos was founded in 1904. One can see the marble lions and everyday life objects from the Hellenistic period. There are beautiful statues, vases, murals, and figurines to marvel at. Major renovation works are currently underway, so the Museum is closed since the spring of 2022. So as you plan your visit you may want to check here. You can get information about the New Museum and see if currently it is open to the public.
- The Terrace of the Lions is one the most famous monuments in ancient Greece. It consists of a path with marble lions built around the 7th century BCE. One can see the originals within the museum in Delos, or get the feeling of the era by walking by the displayed replicas in the area.
- The House of Dionysus is easily visible due to its huge marble columns. Visitors enjoy the famous mosaic decoration in the courtyard where we see the god Dionysus with his two open wings.
- The Temple of Isis is impressive and located just a loop away from the usually guided path. At the foothills of Mount Cynthus, this is an attraction you do not want to miss. The goddess of Isis was supposed to protect sailors and the sea view is amazing.
- The Theater Quarter: this is the oldest district of the settlement. Its most unique highlights include the House of Cleopatra and Dioscorides, where their statues are preserved.
The best way to reach Delos
The itineraries to Delos are directly related to the opening hours of the archaeological site. Overnight, or stays outside the museum’s opening hours, are not allowed on the island. Both Delos and the neighboring Rhine are under the supervision and protection of the Ministry of Culture.
As you visit Paros, Naxos, or Myconos you just need to save about half a day for Delos. Every day except Monday, boats depart from the famous neighboring island of Mykonos. Specifically, you can use a boat from the port located on the beach of Chora on the island, opposite the church of Agios Nikolaos. Departures are in the morning.
Important tips for a great day!
- Water and snacks -One cannot survive the day – ok I exaggerate a bit – without water and some snacks as there are not any for sale on the island. This is not as unexpected as it seems initially if one considers that the island of Delos as a whole is an open-air museum.
- A good hat and some sun cream – Visitors should protect themselves from the sun, assuming you will most probably choose spring or summer months to visit. Precautions must be made in advance as Delos is famous for its lack of trees, water springs, and shades. It was not devoted to Apollo, the god of the sun by mistake!
- Start your day early. Departure times from Mykonos are at 09:00, 10:00, and 11:00, while returns are at 12:00, 13:30, and 15:00. From Mykonos the ferry takes about 30 minutes and the fare is 22,00 euros (return ticket for adults).
- Buy your ferry tickets in advance. The islands close by, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros are very popular and the same goes for Delos itself. Try to book your tickets in advance. From Athens, the route will need to be either by boat from Peiraeus or Rafina, or via the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to one of the islands close by, and the next morning one takes the ferry. For more information try here or here.
Many people visit archaeological museums every day. Many people visit islands. It is a unique journey back in time to visit an island that is a museum!