Leonora Enking · CC BY-SA 2.0 Why visit
Sacred Cycladic island covered by the remains of a major sanctuary of Apollo and a once-thriving Hellenistic trading town. Delos was revered in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and became a Pan-Hellenic sanctuary. In the Hellenistic period it developed into a major commercial port before attacks in the first century BCE led to decline. The visit is strongest when you focus on terrace of the lions, sanctuary of apollo and house of dionysus mosaics.
What you will see
- Terrace of the Lions.
- Sanctuary of Apollo.
- House of Dionysus mosaics.
History
Delos was revered in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and became a Pan-Hellenic sanctuary. In the Hellenistic period it developed into a major commercial port before attacks in the first century BCE led to decline.
Photographs
Leonora Enking · CC BY-SA 2.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.
Visitor tips
- 1
Prioritise Terrace of the Lions if you have less time than the full suggested visit.
- 2
Leave enough time for Sanctuary of Apollo rather than treating Delos as a quick photo stop.
- 3
Check the current island transport or ferry plan before fixing the day around Delos; seasonal services and final local connections can change.
About South Aegean
Cycladic settlements, volcanic landscapes, sacred Delos and major Dodecanese medieval and ancient sites.
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