Tag Archives: Delos

I’m No Pirate: An Afternoon in Delos, Greece

Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite day in Greece was I don’t say my birthday exploring the Parthenon or watching the sunset on the cliffs of Santorini  (Both of those activities are ranked immediately after this.).

Delos was my favorite.

Image may contain: sky, mountain, outdoor and natureA small little island, off the coast of Mykonos, it is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. The excavations in the island are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean. The island is uninhabited and accessible by a 30 minute ferry ride from Mykonos. With a student rate of only 6 Euros it’s worth the little excursion. There is no food or water establishments present on the island so be sure to stop by the local markets in Mykonos to get some water and pack a lunch.

Grab a map from the visitor center and begin your fun archaeological scavenger hunt, searching for the best preserved spots on the island. For my friends with limited mobility the lower ruins are relatively simple to maneuver just make sure you wear proper shoes and we aware that the walk ways are dirt and not paved. For everybody else my advice? Head to the top. As a hiker I always find that giving yourself a bird’s eye view of the area is always a wonder and this does not disappoint. Image may contain: sky, ocean, outdoor and nature

Now I could list off facts about the site like how it is the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo or how the mountain you scaled, Mount Kynthos, is a crowned with a sanctuary of Zeus himself but I am not an expert. I am just explorer with a passion for history and access to the internet. With all of its history this powerhouse did not have the natural resources to sustain life as the trade centers shifted during ancient Greek and Roman times. Its original inhabitants had been piratical Carians expelled from Crete. Never more than a way station for foreign dignitaries and goods, the island had no self-supporting community of its own. Frozen in time and space.

So, here Delos stands to this day, awaiting the curious traveler to make their way.

Stay curious my friends.