Terrace of the Lions

The Basics

The Terrace of the Lions is a highlight for many a day-tripper from the neighboring island of Mykonos. A typical excursion to Delos, the supposed birthplace of Apollo, includes a stop at the Terrace of the Lions, as well as the three temples of Apollo, Cleopatra’s House, the Altar of Dionysus, the sacred lake where Artemis was believed to be born, and a theater dating back to the second or third century BC. Combine a morning tour of Delos with an afternoon cooking class back on Mykonos.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Terrace of the Lions is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in Greek mythology.

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as there’s practically no shade.

• Parts of the archaeological site of Delos are wheelchair-accessible, though there are some areas where assistance might be required.

• Excursions to Delos from Mykonos typically last around five hours, including travel time.

How to Get There

The Terrace of the Lions is one of the monuments of ancient Delos island, a 30-minute sail southwest of Mykonos. You can take an organized tour to the island or catch a boat from the harbor in Chora Mykonos.

When to Get There

The last ferries from Delos tend to head back toward Mykonos by midafternoon, so it’s a good idea to get an early start to give yourself plenty of time to explore the Terrace of the Lions and surrounding site. Check the weather, as boat trips can get cancelled due to strong winds.

The Legend of Delos

According to Greek mythology, the god Poseidon anchored Delos as a place for Leto (impregnated by Zeus) to safely give birth far from Zeus’s aggrieved wife, Hera. Legend has it that both Apollo and his sister Artemis were born here, making Delos one of the holiest sanctuaries in ancient Greece.