Delos

Delos is an island-museum. As the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the Greek island of Delos (Greek: Δηλος; Dhílos, "Brilliant") was a major sacred site for the ancient Greeks, second in importance only to Delphi. At its height, the sacred island was covered in a variety of temples and sanctuaries dedicated to a variety of gods. Today, it is a fascinating archaeological site located just two miles from Mykonos. Two islands could not be more different - sacred, desolate Delos, madcap, crowded Mykonos - and yet, taken together, they encompass Greece and Greek history itself. Except for a few archaeologists, most of whom leave the island in winter, it remains a quiet refuge. Even the masses of tourists in the summer are swallowed up by the immensity of the site. According to legend, Leto gave birth to Artemis and Apollo here. Ionians arrived about 1000 BC.The Terrace of the Lions faced the Sacred Lake (now filled.) The Sacred Way was the processional road, used by the pilgrims to reach the sanctuary. Today, Delos has been internationally recognized for its importance as one of the most famous centers of ancient times.