Begin your journey through one of Greece’s most sacred and historically rich sites with the Delos Island Audio Tour. Let the stories of gods, merchants, and mosaics unfold in real time as you walk the ancient streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
1. Terrace of the Lions
Start your visit at the iconic Terrace of the Lions—a row of impressive marble lion statues that once guarded the Sacred Lake. Though the statues you see are replicas, the originals are preserved in the island’s museum for safekeeping. These lions date back to the 7th century BC and were a gift to Apollo from the people of Naxos.
2. The Sacred Precinct & Sacred Lake
Walk the ruins of the Sacred Precinct, once filled with temples and altars dedicated to Apollo and Artemis. This area, reached through the grand Propylaia gateway, includes the Keraton temple and what was once the Sacred Lake—mythically tied to the birth of Apollo.
3. Temple of Isis
Perched on a hill, the Temple of Isis stands as a rare testament to Egyptian influence in ancient Greece. Inside, you’ll find the lower half of a statue of the goddess of sailors, symbolizing her broad worship across the Mediterranean.
4. Archaeological Museum of Delos
Just a short walk from the Temple of Isis, the Archaeological Museum of Delos brings the island’s history to life with artifacts—from mosaics and pottery to statuary of Apollo’s companions. Notable highlights include original lion statues from the Terrace and portraits of Cleopatra and Dioskourides.
5. Theatre Quarter & House of Dionysus
Explore the Theatre Quarter, where Delos’s ancient amphitheater once hosted up to 5,000 spectators. Hidden nearby is the luxurious House of Dionysus, known for its marble columns and mosaic of Dionysus riding a tiger.
6. Agora of the Competaliasts
Adjacent to Delos’s Sacred Harbour stands the Agora of the Competaliasts, a marketplace from the 2nd century BC. Here, you’ll find remains of monuments dedicated to Hermes and vestiges of shops used by ancient merchants.
7. House of the Lake & Mosaics
The House of the Lake is famed for its exquisite mosaic floors, crafted in elegant patterns such as rosettes and ocean motifs. Delos hosts one of the highest concentrations of Hellenistic mosaics in the Mediterranean.
8. House of the Dolphins (and Snazzy Private Homes)
Visit the House of the Dolphins, adorned with a striking mosaic featuring dolphins and winged figures. Many other richly decorated homes—like the House of Cleopatra—dot the island, offering a glimpse into the luxury of ancient Delian life.
9. Climb Mount Kynthos
For sweeping panoramic views of Delos and its surrounding Cycladic seas, hike up to Mount Kynthos, where the Temple of Zeus and Athena once stood.
10. Ancient Sculpture Highlights
In the museum you’ll encounter monumental pieces like the Colossus of the Naxians, a nearly 9-meter-high kouros from the 7th century BC—plus marble reliefs, kouroi, and mosaics that span millennia of Greek artistry.
Why These Highlights?
Delos isn’t just a pile of ruins—it was the bedrock of myth, religion, and commerce in the ancient Aegean. As a revered sanctuary, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and a once cosmopolitan hub of trade, its remnants encapsulate centuries of civilization.
The Delos Island Audio Tour turns these stones into stories, making every corner of Delos, every mosaic and monument, come alive with the voices of history.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Beat the crowds and heat: Morning ferries from Mykonos offer cooler, quieter exploration.
- Bring essentials: Wear sturdy shoes, apply sunscreen, and carry water—Delos offers little shade.
- Pair with a guide: Local expertise brings context and depth to the ruins.
