DELOS

• GRDOS
• Latitude: 37.3988
• Longitude: 25.264
• East Mediterranean
• Marina in Greece

Location: Delos Island South Aegean Greece

Delos, an island in the Cyclades archipelago in Greece, is one of the most significant archaeological and historical sites in the country. Although small in size, Delos holds immense cultural and historical value. Here is an overview of Delos, including a description and some specifications of its marine port facilities:

Generally

Historical Significance:

• Ancient Centre: Delos was a prominent religious, political, and commercial center in antiquity. It was considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, according to Greek mythology.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Delos is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich archaeological heritage.

Location:

• Geography: Located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group.
• Coordinates: Approximately at 37.3964° N latitude and 25.2674° E longitude.
• Proximity: Lies near the islands of Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros.

Marine Port Facilities

Description:

• Type of Port: Primarily operates as a small and seasonal maritime facility, accommodating mostly touristic and archaeological interest.
• Main Users: Tourist vessels, small yachts, and archaeological boats, typically taking visitors from nearby islands, especially Mykonos.

Specifications:

• Berthing: Limited berthing options for small boats and yachts. The facilities are minimal, reflecting the island’s primary function as a historical and archaeological site.
• Docks & Piers: The main dock is straightforward, serving as an entry point for visitors. There are no extensive commercial docking facilities.
• Navigation and Approach:
  • Approach: Generally straightforward from nearby islands. Sailing from Mykonos to Delos is the most common route.
  • Navigation Aids: Basic aids may be in place, but mariners generally rely on GPS and local nautical charts.
• Operating Hours: Mostly daylight hours, aligning with visitor access times which are regulated to protect the archaeological site.

Services:

• Facilities: Minimalistic; there are no extensive port services such as refueling, repairs, or provisioning, aligned with the island’s preservation focus.
• Customs & Immigration: Not applicable for international arrivals as the port is not equipped for handling large volumes of passengers or goods.
• Tourist Services: Guided tours, entry to archaeological sites, some basic amenities for tourists such as restrooms and information points.

Environmental Protection:

• Strict regulations to protect the island’s ecosystem and archaeological integrity.
• Limited human impact policies to prevent damage to the site.

Visiting Delos:

• Accessibility: Most visitors come via organized tours from Mykonos. Private boat access is possible but may be subject to regulations.
• Restrictions: Access may be limited to specific times of the day to control visitor inflow and preserve the site.
• Transportation on the Island: No accommodations or road transport; the island is small enough to walk around, and visiting is typically a daytime affair.

In Summary:

Delos is not a commercial port but serves a significant role in facilitating the tourism and preservation of one of Greece’s most valuable archaeological sites. The facilities are modest, reflecting the need to balance visitor access with conservation priorities.