archaeological site of delos

Last year whilst staying in Mykonos, we decided to do some true historical sightseeing and got on a ferry boat and headed to the archeological island of Delos. To tell you the truth I didn't know what to expect to see, I knew that it wasn't as spectacular as the Acropolis in Athens, but as we stepped of the boat the was pure desolation and quietness - was spectacular. Now you can take a guided tour which will give you way more insight and background into this ancient site, but I'm not a fan of tours and love walking around, exploring in my own time. So that's what I did. There are many information boards located all over the site, which is very helpful and tell you a brief history and what a particular building looked like back then. This island must of been truly magnificent for its time and it's hard to believe that today this island stands totally in ruin and silence forever. To walk where ancient Greeks walked and lived really felt inspiring, I can only imagine what it would of felt like watching something in the huge open amphitheater - in wonderment ! The ferry boat ride there was bearable as I do get slightly seasick, but going back! Oh my word a total nightmare for me, as the sea become very rough and we all had to move down below as the waves kept washing over us. Not a great trip back but still a great experience stepping back in time!

We only visit Mykonos so have never visit historical place in Greek. There was a guided tour from the port in Mykonos town, so we decided to join. It takes 15mins by boat. I was a bit worried about sea sick, but it was ok since the boat was big. (I think this guided tour use bigger boat.)the guide tour takes about 1.5hours, the woman explained background of the site with Greek history. At the end of the tour, we visit museum and saw some sculptures.We are quite satisfied to feel history of Greek, even stayed in Mykonos.

We did this as a cruise ship excursion. A local boat took us on a 30-minute scenic ride from Mykonos to the west side of uninhabited Delos Island which led to the entrance of the archeological site and former religious center of the entire Aegean Sea. According to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo, the god of sun, light, music, harmony, and beauty. According to revelations of 19th century excavations, Delos prospered for centuries due to its strategic position within the trade routes of the Aegean. Today, its archaeological ruins stand as one of the most important historical sites in Greece. Our guide was Antoneta. We enjoyed a guided walk into the heart of the sanctuary where we saw the Temple of Apollo. We continued toward the terrace of the foreign gods. We paused for a moment for an unforgettable view of the Cyclades archipelago. We passed through the theatre and walked into the famous Hellenistic mansions of Delos with their superb mosaics decorating the floors and walls. There were cats everywhere. When we went into a little shop, I saw a big bag of cat food. We looked through a museum, seeing lots of found statues. I mentioned spay/neuter release to Antoneta, and she said they should do that.

I was so glad I went to Delos while I was in Mykonos. I caught a ferry there, which was a lovely pleasant trip through the Mediterranean waters. When I arrived we grouped around our tour guide who then walked us around the island and all its archaeological sites. There was so much to look at, and the tour was very interesting. I walked around most of the sites with our tour group, including the famous lions - these were replicas as the real ones were in the museum also on the island. After the tour I made my way to the museum - which had so many more artifacts to look at, it was hard to see it all! There was an option to climb up Delos hill - if you get the opportunity make sure you do this! There are a set of stairs leading to the top and the view from up there is spectacular! I was astounded. I then made my way back to the boat, stopping and looking at many other artifacts along the way. If you are interested in history and mythology then this tour is a must see. It is also a must for those wanting to see terrific views of Greece.

We were hesitant about using up part of our Mykonos cruise port day on this excursion, especially given the number of ruins we had seen already. But this place is so interesting, very extensive yet manageable, and picturesque with the ocean backdrop. As many have mentioned, there is no shade, so bring lots of water and a hat. Don't miss the museum at the back. It has amazing exhibits, including the original lion statues. Plus a rest room!

This place is magical and unforgettable-- one of the highlights of our trip! Easy boat ride from Mykonos (20 minutes). Spent 4 hours there walking through history -- tons of well preserved ruins and so much to see. Take your time, just wander and explore. There were 5 of us on the island that day --- it was awesome. Wear comfortable shoes and 2 waters per person

So glad we ended up being able to do this trip. It took up most of the time that we were staying in Mykonos, but it was by far the most interesting thing to do. It's very hot, no shade, so wear a hat, but it's also really informative and interesting. Hire a guide in advance and go on a group tour. Don't show yourself around and don't hire one of the tours on site. Without a tour guide, you will have NO idea what you're looking at.

Birthplace of twins Apollo and Athena. You can take a ferry ride and tour for 40 euros from Mykonos to Delos Island. Would recommend a tour so that you learn what the area is and what you are looking at on this island. There is time afterwards to wander amongst the ancient ruins. Do take water as there is very little shade and can be hot depending on time of year. Fascinating that this entire island is uninhabited and you are free to explore. There is also museum on the island too. You can spend an entire day if you climb the hill and get a wonderful view of this site, the sea and islands. It is worth the visit especially if you love ancient ruins!

This island is amazing -- very few modern incursions. It feels like walking into a newly discovered ancient city. Very much worth the effort of getting to this place. Take a climb to the top of the highest hill for a terrific view of the surrounding sea and nearby islands. Great photo spot.

I ve been there at least 7-8 times its a great, wonderful place u can go around alone or take a private tour 10 euros, and than go alone around take time to see all and climb the hill its realy woth it,

If you love ancient ruins, this is a must see. You are wandering round on a basically uninhabited Island through the ruins of an entire town. You can get a tour guide to show you everything, but we got a map and listened in to bits of large groups when we came across them. Take water as there isn't much shade. In summer it must be very hot, but we went in early October which was fine. The boat trip can be very rough if the wind picks up in the afternoon so catch the earlier boat back. There is a museum, a cafe and a small shop. There is so much to see I could have gone back every day for a week and still not seen it all. Only a few areas are off limits, but you can walk almost everywhere. Would not have missed it for anything.

Delos is an Ancient Greek port town and pilgrimage site on a small uninhabited (except for the guards and archaeologists) island very near Mykonos. It's an easy and comfortable ferry ride away. You must visit as part of a tour. It is easily the best site in the area. Reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister, Delos became a pilgrimage site for the Greeks. Famous for the stone lions (the ones onsite are replicas - the real ones are in the museum onsight) that graced the road leading to the three temples to Apollo (now in ruin), my favorite part of the tour was the residential area of the town that sprung up next to the temple site. Floor mosaics depicting dolphins and a tiger are among the many interesting things to see. We were a little rushed on our tour and did not get to see the area beyond the theater, which was a pity. We also had only a few minutes in the small museum. I would have liked to have stayed longer as the area is more extensive than I had imagined. It was a highlight of our trip to Mykonos.

It was a windy day with pretty big waves, but we did reach Delos and back to Mykonos in the afternoon as well. This "Island of the Gods" is really worth a visit. We went around for a couple of hours, viewing the remains of the temples etc. After visiting the Museum, we went up all the stairs to the mountain, Mount Kynthos. When at the top, you'll get a magnificent view of the island and of Mykonos.

This is one of the best historical sites I've seen, it is just fascinating. It covers a vast area and has lots of different things to see, not just a few columns and walls. It's also good because there aren't so many people there and you can walk in and around many of the remains with only a few things blocked off. I particularly liked the mosaic floors in the private houses, for some reason that made it very easy for me to imagine the people living in them. A guide or guide book would be useful as there is so much to see and it's a bit hard to work out what is what and it there aren't many explanatory panels like there are in other places in Greece. It was very windy when I was there and it is quite exposed so take appropriate precautions - sunscreen and lots of water in summer, warm clothes otherwise. Also beware the boat trip was quite rough - fortunately it's not very long so I lasted without mishap but beware if you have a very delicate stomach.

Just a short boat ride from Mykonos this was a fascinating site to visit, on top of the boat fee you pay another €5 to enter, at the entrance you can also get a guide for €10pp if you want to. We went on our own as it has plaques along the way, also helps if you read up on Delos before you go ..... http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/delos There is a free museum there which was excellent and seeing the artefacts up close was a bit surreal. While there you must also make the effort to climb Mt Kinthos, the views & photo opportunity are amazing! Was well worth the trip