01/09/2026
Delos from Emerald Azzurra.
One of the things I really enjoy about this itinerary is that we tender directly into Delos. I’ve honestly never seen another cruise ship do that. Normally, the only way to visit is by ferry or an organised excursion from Mykonos, so being able to step ashore straight from the yacht is a real privilege.
Tiny though it is, Delos changed the course of history. The Greeks believed Apollo and Artemis were born here, and the island became one of the most important religious centres in the ancient world. But it wasn’t just a place of pilgrimage. Thanks to its position in the middle of the Cyclades, it grew into a hugely successful trading city, where merchants from across the Mediterranean bought and sold everything from grain and wine to marble, perfume and slaves.
Walking around the ruins today, it’s hard to imagine the noise and bustle that once filled the streets. This was a wealthy, cosmopolitan town with elegant homes, temples, theatres, marketplaces and beautiful mosaics, all built on an island with virtually no natural water. Every drop had to be collected or brought in, which makes what they created here even more remarkable.
The city flourished for centuries before wars, piracy and changing trade routes led to its decline. Eventually it was abandoned, preserving one of the best archaeological sites in Greece.
It’s one of those places where the mythology is captivating, but the real history is every bit as fascinating.
Have you visited Delos, or is it still on your list?
