Delos Car Hire

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Delos might be a tiny island, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. Believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the island is crammed full of ancient temples, monuments and sculptures. Now a Unesco World Heritage Site, it’s one of the top sights in Greece. It isn’t possible to spend the night in Delos, but it’s easy enough to make the day trip from neighbouring Mykonos on your own or as part of an organised tour.

To help you make the most of your trip to Delos, you can book your Mykonos car hire in advance with Enjoy Travel!

Guide of Delos

Geography

Delos is one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades, with an area measuring just 3.4 square km. The terrain here is mostly rugged granite and the highest point is Mount Kynthos, which reaches 120 metres above sea level.

Climate in Delos

Like Mykonos, Delos has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature in Delos is 20°C. The hottest month of the year is August, with an average temperature of 26°C, though temperatures frequently exceed 30°C. The coldest months of the year are January and February, both averaging daily temperatures of 14°C. The best time to visit the island is during the spring or summer, when temperatures are cooler.

Culture

Delos is one of the most important mythological, archaeological and historical sites in the whole of Greece. According to Olympian Greek myth, the twin deities Apollo and Artemis were born here, but it was a holy sanctuary for almost a millennium before that. Between 900 BC and 100 AD, it became a major cult centre of worship and a religious pilgrimage site to Dionysus and Leto.

According to the myth, Apollo and Artemis also rendered the island sacred, ensuring that no mortal would ever be allowed to be born or die on the island. Historically, anybody on the brink of labour or death would be swiftly transported to the neighbouring island of Rineia.

Excavations on the island began in 1872 and are still in progress today. The entire island was designated a World Heritage Site in 1990 and today the island is uninhabited, save a handful of archaeologists and island caretakers.

Things To Do in Delos

The Archaeological Museum of Delos

Built in 1904, this impressive archaeological museum is crammed full of historical artefacts dating back to the Hellenistic period. There are two rooms dedicated to ancient pottery, one room dedicated exclusively to art for everyday use and six rooms containing statues and reliefs found in Delos. The crowning jewel is an ivory plaque that dates to 1400-1200 BC depicting a Mycenaean soldier with a helmet made from wild boar teeth.

Sacred Precinct

The Sacred Precinct was once stuffed full of temples and altars dedicated to the Greek Gods. Today, visitors can meander around multiple buildings, including three parallel temples dedicated to Apollo. The oldest structures date back to the 6th century. Don’t miss the gargantuan Statue of Apollo.

The Terrace of the Lions

Also known as the ‘Avenue of the Lions’, this eye-popping sight features a row of five crouching white marble lions seemingly guarding the Sacred Lake. It was built in the 7th century BC by the inhabitants of Naxos. Swans used to swim in the lake, but authorities drained it in 1925. It’s still a magnificent spot to take in the magic and mysticism of it all.

The House of Cleopatra

These recently excavated ruins were once home to a wealthy couple called Cleopatra (not to be confused with the Egyptian queen) and Dioscurides. The site is notable for its pristine white marble doric columns and selection of statues, many of which are headless.

The Temple of Isis

Built in the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Isis is located at the foothills of Mount Cynthus. Its collonaded facade has been expertly restored, making it one of the most picturesque spots on the island.

The Ancient Theatre of Delos

Today’s stone construction dates back to the 3rd century BC, though a wooden construction would have pre-dated it. At one point, the theatre could accommodate as many as 7,000 spectators.

The House of Dionysus

This spectacular sight is best known for the famous mosaic depicting Dionysus, God of Winemaking and Fertility, riding a tiger.

The Sacred Lake

This once magnificent pool of water is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, though it’s been nearly a century since the water was drained due to a malaria outbreak. The lake is guarded by the Terrace of Lions.

Hall of Bulls

Erected in the 4th century BC, the Hall of Bulls is thought to have been designed to house a trireme, a long, narrow boat used in ancient times. Visitors can explore the marble steps inside and get up close to the famous columns, which feature carved depictions of bulls.

Mount Kynthos

Fancy walking in the steps of Apollo? At 120 metres tall, Mount Kynthos is the highest point on the island. You’ll need to hike to reach the summit but it’s worth the effort. The views stretch across the turquoise waters to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Syros and Rhenia.

Eating Out in Delos

There is no longer a canteen or snack bar on the island of Delos, so make sure you eat a hearty meal before you set out. You should also bring plenty of snacks and water, as the island can get very hot during the summer. However, if you travel with Delos Tours, each ferry ship does have a snack board selling coffee, sweet treats and bottled water onboard.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport on Delos island. The closest airport to Delos is Mykonos International Airport (JMK), which is served by both domestic and international airlines serving major European cities. To reach Delos from Mykonos Airport, you can hop on a ferry from the Old Port. Boats depart several times a day and the journey takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that Mykonos Airport does not currently schedule direct flights from the United States, Canada or Australia. To reach Delos, you will need to take a flight to Athens International Airport, followed by a flight or ferry to Mykonos. You could also book a day tour from Mykonos, Naxos or Paros.

Getting Around Delos

Delos is a tiny island and you can explore the entire island on foot. Visitors can choose to explore the island’s sights in their own time as part of a self-guided day trip or opt for an organized tour.

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FAQs about car hire in Delos

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Delos

Car hiring prices in Delos start at €31.09 per day.
Budget and Europcar are the most popular car hire companies in Delos.
The driving distance between Delos and Athens is around 150 kilometers.
The average price of a litre of fuel in Delos can vary between €1.75 and €1.69.
The budget friendly choices between small cars in Delos start at €215.11 for a week, which is about €30.73 per day.
The most affordable car hire options in Delos for an entire month go for €901.50, or €30.05 per day.
The best time to travel to Delos is from late April to late June and from late August to mid October (according to average temperatures).
Archaeological Site of Delos is the best place to start exploring Delos.

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