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Exploring the archaeological site of Delos Island

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If you are planning a trip to Greece, specifically to the island of Mykonos, do not miss out on the chance to explore the archaeological site of Delos Island. With its rich history and stunning monuments, Delos is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient civilisations. 

Archaeological Site of Delos, Mykonos
Archaeological Site of Delos, Mykonos
84600 Delos Kyklades, Dilos 846 00, Greece

Delos, a small island in the Cyclades archipelago 

In ancient times, it was considered one of Greece's most important religious and commercial centres. According to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. As a result, it was considered a sacred place and was home to several temples and sanctuaries dedicated to these and other gods.

© Istock/JustinBlackStock
© Istock/JustinBlackStock

Delos was also a significant centre of trade and commerce, with merchants and traders from all over the Mediterranean visiting the island to buy and sell goods. In addition, the island's strategic location made it an ideal stopover point for ships travelling between the east and west, and it became a hub for the slave trade in particular.

In the 2nd century BC, the Athenian government declared Delos a free port, which led to a boom in trade and commerce on the island. However, as the Roman Empire began to rise in power, the importance of Delos started to decline, and it was eventually abandoned in the 6th century AD.

© Istock/Aleksandra Tokarz
© Istock/Aleksandra Tokarz

Today, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination for those interested in history and archaeology. The island is home to a number of well-preserved monuments and artefacts from ancient times, including temples, sanctuaries, and statues. A visit to Delos from Mykonos is a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore one of the ancient world's most significant cultural and commercial centres.

© Istock/Lemonan
© Istock/Lemonan

Make the most of your visit by booking the following tours

For an immersive and informative experience, consider the Delos Archaeological Site Guided Evening Tour, which departs from Mykonos. This tour takes you on a journey back in time as you explore the well-preserved monuments and learn about the island's history from an expert guide.

The Original Delos Guided Tour is a fantastic option if you arrive by cruise ship. This five-hour tour includes a scenic boat ride from Mykonos to Delos, where you can visit the House of Dionysus, marvel at the exceptional mosaics and wall paintings, and see other ancient monuments such as the Theater of Delos and the Temple of Apollo.

For those who want to combine their archaeological exploration with a relaxing day at the beach, the Delos & Rhenia All-Inclusive Cruise with lunch is an excellent choice. This tour offers a private or group cruise from Mykonos, where you can admire the ancient archaeological site of Delos before heading to the golden beaches of Rhenia for snorkelling, sunbathing, and stand-up paddleboarding. With a delicious Mediterranean-style buffet lunch included, this tour is the perfect way to spend a day on the water.

© Istock/onepony
© Istock/onepony

No matter which tours you choose, book in advance to secure your spot. With its rich history and stunning monuments, the archaeological site of Delos Island is not to be missed.

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The author

Chrisa Lepida

Chrisa Lepida

My name is Chrisa and I come from Greece. As nature lover, winter sports addict and Erasmus obsessed, I’m always writing about these topics.

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