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Delos is a small barren island to the south east of Mykonos. On the west coast of the island lie the ruins of the Ancient city of Delos, the sacred island of the Ancient Greeks. Delos was, in the myths, the birthplace of Apollo and his sister Artemis (Diana). Today the island is uninhabited: it is a vast archaeological site, the superb monuments of which draw thousands of visitors.

Inspite of its tiny size and barenness, it became the major political and religious centre of the Aegean for more than one thousand years, with an oracle second in importance only to that of Delphi.

The visitor can acquire a full picture of the ancient life.The archaeological site covers almost the entire island, starting on the west side, where the sacred harbour was.

From the harbour, a majestic sacred way led to the Sanctuary of Apollo, where there were temples, altars, votive offerings and other buildings. There are ruins of four temples to Apollo, one of them known as the Temple of the Athenians.

To the east is the Sanctuary of the Bulls, an oblong building, and to the north are the Treasuries and the long, narrow Stoa of Antigonus. In the north-west corner is the much smaller Sanctuary of Artemis, with an Ionic temple to the goddess, and the Tomb of the Two Hyperborean Maidens. Still further north is the region of the sacred lake, with the Terrace of the Lions, the Letoon, the Agora of the Italians and the Institution of the Poseidoniasts of Berytos.

A little further along are some fine examples of houses and a palaestra. To the north-east of the lake are the Stadium and the Gymnasium. Some of the houses yielded superb mosaic floors with representations of Dionysus, a dolphin and a trident.

A narrow channel separates Delos from Rhenia, where there is an important burial ground. The Museum of Delos has sculptures of the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, together with a collection of vases from various periods.

Note: It is certainly worth visiting the island, but it is strictly forbidden to spend the night there. Until recently yachts were not allowed to anchor at all, but the latest reports are that anchoring is allowed until 15.00 hours. When you visit the island, make sure thar you wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen.

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