The small island of Delos, located in the center of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether you want to visit Delos as part of your larger Greek island-hopping itinerary or as part of a trip to Athens, this guide can help you get the most out of your time on the island. From where to stay and what to see to how best to explore Delos and make it worth visiting, this complete guide covers all the bases in preparation for your trip.
If you’re planning to take your first trip to Delos this summer, there’s no better time than now to ensure you make the most of your time there! After taking my first trip to Delos last year, I can honestly say that it’s one of the best islands in the Cyclades – and if you know what you’re doing, it doesn’t have to be an expensive island either!
What You Need to Know Before Going?
Set aside about 5 hours for your visit to Delos, including travel time and waiting times. There are no bathrooms on the island, so make sure you go before you arrive. The cost of admission is $100 for a two-day pass or $150 for a one-day pass, and includes a small audio guide that offers more information about what you’re seeing. Guests are not allowed to take pictures while they explore the site, but there are many photo opportunities available during your wait in line and as you exit the island.
Passengers can only access certain parts of the island on guided tours offered at set times throughout the day. Tour guides provide historical background and inform visitors about how each site was used by ancient Greeks, starting with the most accessible sites near the harbor entrance. Tickets must be purchased online beforehand through an international company, which will send you an e-mail confirmation with a ticket attached after payment. All guests must present their e-mail confirmation to enter Delos, which will also show proof of purchase if asked by police officers stationed around the island. After visiting these initial sites, travelers walk north along the coast until they reach the theater district (where all performances took place), followed by homes reserved for wealthy families and then down towards the agora (marketplace) where goods were sold wholesale.
The History of Delos
Delos is a small island close to Mykonos in the Cyclades, Greece. It’s a tourist hotspot, with people coming from all over the world to experience its beauty and rich history. The island of Delos has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in Europe. Originally called Rheneia (or sandy), it was renamed Delos after Apollo killed Python there and established an oracle. By 540 BC, the island had become a major religious site and sanctuary to many gods. People would make their way across the Aegean Sea to honor them here. In 352 BC, this power came under attack when the Persians invaded. Though they captured Athens a year later, they were unable to conquer Delos because of its status as sacred ground. For 400 years thereafter, things were relatively calm until Roman emperor Hadrian used his visit to Delos as pretext for claiming that he conquered the entire Aegean area and forbade any new temples on Delos–except his own temple honoring himself as The New Apollo.In 313 AD Christianity became legal in Rome which marked the beginning of the end for paganism on the island.
What You See at the Archaeological Site
Delos is an island in the Aegean Sea, and it’s known as the birthplace of Western civilization. The island has been inhabited since 4000 BC, but it wasn’t until a few centuries ago that people started visiting to explore its ruins. Today, tourists are able to visit the archaeological site and view the remnants of ancient temples and other buildings dating back to those early days. One of the main attractions is the House of Dionysus where there are many sculptures depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Visitors can also see remains from a marble theatre, a stadium and other structures on their tour around this unique location. In order to get here by ferry, visitors need to first make their way to nearby Piraeus port in Athens. They’ll then need to get on another boat that will take them out into the ocean and over to one of the three islands that make up Delos – specifically this one which is considered a world heritage site by UNESCO. It may seem like a daunting task but visitors should be aware that they can book tours with guides at any time so they know what they’re looking at. And if you want to spend your day somewhere different instead of just touring the archaeological site, you might enjoy exploring some of the other beaches or getting lunch at one of the local tavernas or restaurants near by – because after all it really is worth taking your time here!
Things to Do on Your Vacation
Delos is a great vacation destination for those who are looking to get out of the city and experience the natural beauty of Greece. The island has many things to offer its visitors, including great beaches, good food, and fun activities. Whether you want to go diving, play volleyball on the beach, or eat at one of the many restaurants on the island, there is something for everyone at Delos.The best part about visiting this beautiful Greek island is that it is close by and can be done as a day trip from Athens! If you are planning your summer vacation now, then consider adding this amazing Greek island to your list.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before Booking Your Flight:
- Location: Delos is located just off the coast of Piraeus which is the port in Athens. It’s a very short boat ride (less than an hour) away.
- Language: Greek is spoken in Delos but most signs have English translations so no worries if your travel partner speaks another language.
- Budget: You don’t need much money while on Delos because everything is included in your ticket price when booking through an agency such as Grecotel Tours & Holidays or Travelsphere Group Ltd.
When is the Test Time to Go and Where to Stay on the Island
The best time to visit the island is during the months of November and December. This is when you will have the chance to experience the beautiful fall foliage, which makes for some really great photo opportunities. The summer months are also a good time to visit as this is when the crowds are smaller and it’s less hot. But don’t forget about Spring! It’s a wonderful time of year on Westworld, with flowers blooming everywhere and plenty of new life awakening in nature. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, visiting during Fall or Spring might be just what you’re looking for.
First and foremost, you need to decide where you want to stay on the island. There are two major hotels, the Westin and the Royalton. The Westin is set up in a resort style with multiple buildings that have their own pools and restaurants. The Royalton is more secluded as it only has one building. If you want to stay by the beach, then you’ll want to stay at one of the villas on either side of the island (east or west). However, if you’re looking for more activities then staying in one of the hotels might be best for you.
Conclusion
The three most notable attractions in Delos are the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Lake and the theater. In addition to these three landmarks, there are also other structures that can be explored such as the gymnasium and ancient bath. Of course, if you want to go back in time and experience how those who lived there might have felt, you can take a tour around the island with a local archaeologist. For those who want to get their hands dirty with a little more history than just what is at eye level, many of the ruins are open for excavation by qualified professionals and amateurs alike. There is plenty to see on this remote island off of Greece’s mainland and it is worth visiting for anyone interested in history or archaeology. Read more for these type of blogs.
