Ancient Delos

Lonely Planet review

Despite its diminutive size, the World Heritage-listed Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, and certainly the most important in the Cyclades. This sacred island is the mythical birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis. A climb up the rocky Mt Kythnos will give you a terrific view of the surrounding islands on a clear day.

One of many highlights is the Sanctuary of Apollo, to the north of the harbour, which contains temples dedicated to the main man of Delos, as well as the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. These proud beasts, carved from marble, were offerings from the people of Naxos, presented to Delos in the 7th century BC to guard the sacred area. To the northeast is the Sacred Lake (dry since it was drained in 1925 to prevent malarial mosquitoes breeding) where, according to legend, Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis.