Delos Island (Greece)

Delos Island is located close to Mykonos, near the centre of Cyclades archipelago. This is one of Greece's major mythological, archaeological and historical sites. In the Cyclades islands, the small Delos (total area of 3,4 km2 / 1,3 ml2) was the legendary birthplace of the Greek sun god Apollo and goddess Artemis the huntress. During Mycenean period, 1400-1200 BC, the Island of Delos was well-established with artistic treasures and palaces. Home to some of the best archaeological remains in Greece, today Delos is a World Heritage site.

The city of Delos, which stood at the Mount Cynthus' foot, is today a mass of ruins. The extensive excavations that started in the 1870s revealed a wealth of porticoes and altars of sacred precinct, as well as warehouses and wharves, bazaars, a gymnasium, a theatre, and several private houses belonging to the prosperous period of 2nd century BC. A sacred place since 7th century BC, matched in importance only by the Oracle at Delphi, the island is currently uninhabited, but its total area of 3.43 km2 (1.32 ml2) offers an evocative journey back into antiquity.

Delos Island cruise terminal