The 10 things to do in Délos

Visit Delos: what are the best things to do and to see on this island, the native land of Apollo and Artemis?

The Cyclades Islands is one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Its Mediterranean climate, calm and crystal clear waters and beautiful landscapes are nowhere else. Each of its 250 islands (of which 24 are inhabited) has a special charm, including Delos, a magnificent Greek archaeological site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tiny island of 3.5 km2, which has long been uninhabited, was one of the most important cities of Antiquity, a true economic and religious centre. Located in front of the island of Rhénée, and close to Mykonos, going there is simply a return to history, to the discovery of Greece and his mythology.

By staying in Mykonos, the site of Délos is certainly a must not miss! Many guided tours from Mykonos are offered, whether they are a unusual morning visit or of a evening visit for those who would prefer this time of day.

Are you wondering what to do to Delos? This is it!

1. The sanctuary of Apollo

As soon as you arrive on the site, you get to the sanctuary by the Path of Processions, crossing the Agora des Compétaliastes, from the name of the Compitalia Roman deities honored by slaves and freelancers. Here you will discover the remains of three temples dedicated to the deity: the Temple of Poros, the Temple of Athenians and the Temple of the Delinks.

2. The Lions district

After having crossed the Roman agora, with the Sacred Lake (now dried), you will fall on the famous " Terrace of Lions ", a real postcard of Delos. In the past 16, there are only 5 lions left in marble Paros , arranged here for the symbolic protection of the site. The statues you see on the site are reproductions, the original being preserved at the museum of the island (a sixth is visible in Venice).

3. The archaeological museum

If you're wondering what to do in Délos, there's a must not miss! Bypassing the lake, you will arrive in front of the lake Archaeological Museum . Built in 1904, it is one of the most important museums in Greece, gathering some of the remains found on the island, the other part now in Athens. Through its nine rooms, you will have the pleasure of admiring magnificent statues, mosaics, vases, inscriptions or antique jewellery.

4. The Theatre District

South of the Museum, following the path to Mount Cynthe, you can distinguish the most luxurious residential area of the ancient city with the remains of the sumptuous residences of Dionysos, Cleopatra and Dioscures. Unbelievable mosaics adorn the soil of the houses of times, and in the midst of them, stand the remains of a theatre dating from the 3rd century BC that can accommodate 5,500 people. Originally made of wood, it was replaced by the stone that we can see today, at the beginning of the third century BC.

5. The Temple of Isis

Located just at the foot of Mount Kynthos, the Isis temple is one of the most remarkable attractions of the island. You can admire the statue of worship of Isis, patron goddess of the sailors. This place is distinguished from the rest of the sanctuaries by its breathtaking beauty.

6. The Temple of Dionysos

Returning on its steps towards the port, you will pass in front of the most original monuments, which do not fail to attract the curiosity of visitors... Indeed, these are gigantic phallus erected on pillars, supposed to represent Dionysos.

7. Mount Cynthe (Kynthos)

The highest hill of Delos (133 m), named Kynthos , or Mont Cynthe, rose in 20 minutes by an antique staircase. Delos being located in the center of the Cyclades, you can now imagine the view that offers to you on the surrounding islands scattered in the Aegean Sea, as well as on the site of Délos.

8. The terrace of the Foreign Gods

On a terrace overlooking the city, and to meet the wishes of foreign merchants, are erected small temples and meeting rooms. Atargatis, the Syrian Aphrodite, as well as Isis and Serapis for the Egyptians are venerated from 200 BC. Nearby, we also find the bases of a temple dedicated to Hera, more ancient, and good distance from the temple of Apollo, of which she had not facilitated the birth...

9. La Synagogue de Délos

Vestige of a place of worship, the Delos Synagogue is considered one of the oldest in the world. Nestled in the south of the old stadium, the ruins dating from the 1st century BC can be explored during a guided tour and draw a painting out of time of a building built by Phoenician Jewish traders. If the place of worship has so far been subject to a debate when at its origins, it is now recognized as such. Among the ruins, the famous seating called "Moses throne" sits, intact, in the midst of this mystic landscape.

10. Around Delos

The Cyclades are full of amazing sights to visit. If you stay in Mykonos, you will enjoy this lively city, with alleys filled with house and bucolic architecture. After a day to visit Delos and its remarkable vestiges, don’t hesitate to visit the surrounding islands, each with its specificities.

Santorini promises a cultural and fierce moment, or you can marvel at its villages hung on the cliffs and its traditional houses suspended above the void. Then put the sails to the island of Paros to enjoy its beautiful beaches and water activities particularly pleasant. Going to Paros is the opportunity to visit the mountain of Lefkes, the white marble quarries and the natural park, the butterfly valley. But it is also discovering beautiful picturesque villages with their flour mills and historic churches.

Also think about making you to Naxos to walk in the beautiful peaceful coves and to lose you in olive groves, vineyards and gardens in abundance. You will also have access to an infinity of ancient ruins, long beaches as well as church and moments from the time to impressive architecture.

How to get to Delos?

If you want to visit Delos from Mykonos, you will have to take a shuttle from the old port. Take about 30 minutes for around 20 euros. From the nearby major islands, excursions are organized during the day. Note that the entrance price of the site is not included in the boat ticket (about 10€). Are you coming to Mykonos by plane? You can find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses to go directly to the island.

Where to stay in Délos?

If you decide to visit Délos, the island being uninhabited, the easiest will be to stay in Mykonos, located next to it, and rich in accommodation. You can read our article on best places to stay in Mykonos . You can find a cheap hotel in Mykonos by searching for this Compare hotels .

Welcome to Delos, a true divine cradle, full of history and myths... You still wonder what to do to Delos?