Exploring the Historical Sites of Mykonos and Delos

While Mykonos is internationally celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches, the island and its surrounding area harbor a rich historical legacy that often goes unexplored by casual visitors. Beyond the cosmopolitan façade lies a tapestry of ancient ruins, traditional architecture, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of over 5,000 years of human habitation. This guide will help you discover the fascinating historical dimensions of Mykonos and the nearby sacred island of Delos, offering a perfect complement to the island's more hedonistic pleasures.

The Sacred Island of Delos: Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis

Just a short boat ride from Mykonos lies Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to Greek mythology, this small, rocky island was the birthplace of Apollo (god of light, music, and healing) and his twin sister Artemis (goddess of the hunt and wilderness).

Delos served as a major religious and commercial center in the ancient world. By the 5th century BCE, it had become the headquarters of the Delian League, a confederation of Greek city-states under Athenian leadership, and later flourished as an important trading port during the Hellenistic period.

Highlights of Delos Archaeological Site

The remarkably preserved ruins of Delos offer visitors a unique window into the ancient world:

The Terrace of the Lions

Perhaps the most iconic image of Delos, this row of marble lion statues (replicas, with the originals housed in the site's museum) once guarded the Sacred Lake. Dedicated to Apollo in the 7th century BCE, these weathered sentinels have silently witnessed over two millennia of history.

The House of Dionysus

This luxurious 2nd century BCE residence features spectacular mosaics, including a famous depiction of Dionysus riding a panther. The sophistication of these artworks testifies to the wealth and cultural refinement of the island's inhabitants during its commercial golden age.

Theatre Quarter

This residential district contains some of the most impressive private houses of the Hellenistic period, many adorned with stunning floor mosaics and frescoed walls. The nearby ancient theater could accommodate up to 5,500 spectators, highlighting the importance of cultural performances in ancient Greek society.

Sacred Lake and Temple of Apollo

The now-dry Sacred Lake was the mythical birthplace of Apollo. Nearby stand the foundations of three consecutive temples dedicated to Apollo, demonstrating how religious structures evolved over centuries of worship.

Archaeological Museum of Delos

This on-site museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed during excavations, including sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and everyday items that provide intimate glimpses into ancient life on the sacred island.

Historical Sites on Mykonos Island

While Delos may claim the spotlight for archaeological significance, Mykonos itself offers numerous historical attractions worth exploring:

Ano Mera Monastery

Founded in 1542, the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in the village of Ano Mera represents a masterpiece of post-Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. The monastery's impressive bell tower, marble fountain, and intricately carved wooden iconostasis (altar screen) showcase the artistic achievements of the region during the Ottoman period. The small ecclesiastical museum houses valuable religious artifacts, including vestments, icons, and sacred vessels.

The Windmills of Mykonos

The iconic windmills perched above Mykonos Town date primarily from the 16th century, though some were built as late as the early 20th century. Once vital to the island's economy for grinding grain into flour, these cylindrical stone structures with thatched wooden tops have become emblematic of Mykonos. The Boni Windmill, now functioning as a museum, offers visitors insight into traditional milling techniques and the agrarian history of the island.

Little Venice

The picturesque "Little Venice" quarter of Mykonos Town features colorful houses with wooden balconies hanging over the sea, built by wealthy merchants and ship captains in the 18th century. This distinctive architectural style reflects both practical considerations (direct sea access for loading goods) and aesthetic influences from Italy and the Ottoman Empire. Some historians suggest these buildings also facilitated piracy, which was rampant in the Aegean during this period.

Paraportiani Church

Perhaps the most photographed church in the Cyclades, Paraportiani is actually a complex of five small churches constructed gradually between the 15th and 17th centuries. The name means "secondary door," as it was built near the entrance to the medieval castle that once protected Mykonos Town. Its asymmetrical, whitewashed form—created by the unusual arrangement of the chapels—exemplifies the organic, vernacular architecture that defines Cycladic settlements.

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

Housing artifacts from excavations on Mykonos, Delos, and nearby Rhenia, this small but significant museum includes pottery, sculptures, and jewelry dating from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic periods. The collection's highlight is a pithos (large storage jar) from the 7th century BCE, decorated with scenes from the Trojan War, including a rare depiction of the wooden Trojan Horse.

Folklore Museum

Located in an 18th-century sea captain's house, this museum preserves aspects of traditional Mykonian life before tourism transformed the island. Exhibits include authentic furnishings, textiles, ceramics, and photographs that document local customs, crafts, and daily activities from the pre-modern era.

Agricultural Museum

Housed in a restored threshing floor area with a traditional windmill, this open-air museum displays tools and equipment used in traditional farming, baking, and textile production. The exhibits highlight how Mykonians historically sustained themselves through agriculture in the challenging island environment, with limited water and arable land.

The Historical Layers of Mykonos Town

A thoughtful stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town (Chora) reveals historical layers that reflect the island's complex past:

Medieval Layout

The confusing tangle of narrow streets was intentionally designed to confuse pirates and invaders—a common defensive strategy throughout the Cyclades during centuries of maritime raids. The limited number of access points to the town center allowed residents to control entry and quickly secure the settlement when threats appeared on the horizon.

Architectural Elements

The town's architecture incorporates elements from various historical influences: Venetian features like colored wooden doors and windows, Ottoman touches in some decorative elements, and the distinctive Cycladic aesthetic of smooth curves and whitewashed walls. This architectural fusion tells the story of the various powers that controlled the Aegean over centuries.

Historical Churches

Mykonos Town contains an astonishing number of churches and chapels—nearly 400 across the small island—many built by families to honor patron saints or fulfill vows. These religious buildings, with their distinctive blue domes and bell towers, offer fascinating glimpses into local religious practices and family histories.

Our Historical Tours

At Mykonos Dream Tours, we offer specialized historical excursions led by knowledgeable guides with backgrounds in archaeology and Greek history. Our tours include:

Comprehensive Delos Exploration

A full-day journey to Delos with an expert guide who brings the ancient ruins to life through engaging storytelling and historical context. This tour includes transportation, site entry, and a carefully planned route that covers both major attractions and lesser-known corners of this archaeological treasure.

Mykonos Historical Walking Tour

A guided walk through Mykonos Town that uncovers the historical significance behind the picturesque facades. Learn about the island's maritime history, cultural development, and how it transformed from a poor fishing community to an international tourism destination while preserving elements of its traditional character.

Combined Cultural Experience

For those interested in a comprehensive historical overview, we offer a tour that combines visits to Delos in the morning with exploration of Mykonos' key historical sites in the afternoon, providing a complete picture of the area's rich past from ancient times through the medieval and modern periods.