Delos Island Mykonos

Delos island is considered the sacred Greece island and is located off the Mykonos island at about 45 minutes sailing between Tinos and Syros. The island is currently uninhabited and it is not possible to stay at night above it.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site with Hellenistic ruins from 300 BC, it is the Greek symbol civilization par excellence, as well as the emblem of the Cycladic islands and the land where many immortals were born. The legend says that no mortal could ever have been born or died in this place so much is that the dying people who resided on the island were transferred to the Rineia island to preserve the Delos sacredness.

On the Delos island Apollo God of daylight was born and Artemis Goddess of night light from Leto, lover of Zeus who, chased by the jealous Era, took refuge 'here' to give life to her children and for which, Zeus later created a circle of islands around to pay homage and protect them (Cyclades comes from the Greek word Kyklos which means precisely circle).

In the Roman period, Delos was not only an important religious center but also a cosmopolitan island with a thriving economy. In 1873 excavations began which are still in progress bringing to light a large archaeological site.

There are remains of buildings and monuments from various periods such as the Atermision temple dedicated to the Goddess Artemis, the Apollo temple, the Leto temple, an ancient theater that could accommodate up to 5000 spectators, the Terrace of the Lions where there are 5 statues (originally they were built in honor of the god Apollo with the function of guardians of the island), the sacred lake where mythology tells that right on the banks Leto gave birth to Apollo and Atermide, the altar of Zeus placed on a hill where the panorama is breathtaking, the houses of the inhabitants where it is possible to see mosaic floors dating back to the second century BC well preserved, the House of the Masks an inn with a mosaic dedicated to Dionysus and temples almost everywhere. A beautiful and interesting museum is present on the island with artifacts and objects of common use of the ages.

In short, a real dive into the past not to be missed if you decide to spend your holidays in Greece in the area.

Excursions are organized that depart from Mykonos (there are many agencies that make this service you will be spoiled for choice) every day except Monday as it is closed.

If you have the opportunity to choose to take a guide, history is really a cultural baggage..