Greek Isles Cruise: Mykonos and Delos Islands

Mythical Mykonos, Greece's most famous island, was our destination on day five (Wednesday, November 21, 2018) of our Greek Isles Cruise.  According to Greek mythology, the island was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. And it's name was taken from the grandson of Apollo.  It's hills are layered with white-washed homes and churches, creating a striking contrast to the blue ocean and sky which surround them.  It's the quintessential Greek Isle!

So many cute little churches . . .

  Famous Quaint Windmills . . .

   Vibrant Markets . . . 

(Where I bought a charm of the Island's symbolic mascot, Petros the Pelican)

Beckoning Boats . . .

 And Splashes of Color Everywhere!

 What could be more picturesque?

Our visit to Mykonos came with a bonus!  We arranged to do a little island hopping and explore the magnificent archaeological site of Delos.  Legend has it that the island of Delos, which dates back to 3,000 BC, is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, two of the most important Greek deities.  Initially a sacred religious site, by 167 BC, Delos was the center of all commercial activity for the eastern Mediterranean.  Ongoing excavations, which started in 1872 are unearthing a once-thriving cosmopolitan Hellenistic town.

Bob and I roamed the archaeological ruins on own own and enjoyed hiking to the highest point of the island.  The Naxian (dog-like) Lions are the most iconic symbol of Delos.

As we climbed the hill, we were surprised at the tenacity of the wildflowers as they bloomed between the cracks in the rocks. 

There were incredible views from the summit.

It kind of makes me want to be an archaeologist!

 A visit to the museum provided additional context to the identified 100 points of interest we had seen.  

 I was captivated by the meticulous mosaic work which was found at Delos.  It rivals the beautiful mosaics we had seen in Madaba, Jordan.

Αποχαιρετισμός! (Farewell) Mykonos!