While Santorini's blue domes and Mykonos' beaches often steal the spotlight on Greek island cruises, one traveller found the most memorable stop to be a deserted island of ancient ruins. After sailing through the Cyclades on two cruises last summer, visiting eight islands including Santorini, Mykonos, Spetses, Patmos, Amorgos, Rhodes and Argostoli, the writer says Delos stood out for its lack of crowds and rich history.
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a permanent population of zero. The island has no souvenir shops or restaurants, only a vending machine for water. Ferries run four times daily from April to November, but even when three large cruise ships were in port, the island felt uncrowded.
Dating back to the third century BC, Delos was considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology. It was a major religious centre and later a key commercial port under Roman rule, before being abandoned after attacks in 88 and 69 BC. Excavations began only in 1872, much later than Pompeii's in 1748.
Visitors can explore restored streets and squares, including the Agora of the Competaliasts, a marketplace centred around a memorial to Hermes. Four remaining lion statues guard a bank near the sea, and pristine mosaic floors and marble columns hint at the island's former wealth. The Ancient Theatre of Delos, with a capacity of 6,000, is also visible.
The writer recommends bringing snacks and drinks from the ferry, as the island offers little refreshment. Despite its sparse amenities, Delos provides a unique glimpse into ancient Greek life without the crowds of more popular destinations.
