Among the ruins of Delos, once one of the most important religious and trading centres of the ancient Aegean, you’ll come across circular stone pits like the one in the photo below. They are not wells but cisterns – storage chambers for collecting and holding rainwater. In a landscape with no natural springs, they were essential for supporting a sizeable population.
Why water storage mattered in Delos
Delos was a hub for merchants, pilgrims and residents, but the island’s arid environment posed a constant challenge. These stone-lined cisterns were designed to capture runoff from rooftops and courtyards, feeding into underground reservoirs. The system highlights how the community adapted to survive in a place with limited resources.
Why book the Mykonos, Delos & Rhenia daily cruise with BBQ?
- ⛵ Full-day adventure to Delos and Rhenia islands
- 🏖️ Swim at secluded beaches only accessible by boat
- 🔥 Fresh BBQ lunch served onboard with drinks
- 📸 Stunning views and photo ops from the water
- 🌅 Relaxing cruise vibes with expert local crew
What you see today
Many of the cisterns still survive in good condition, giving a clear idea of their scale and construction. The circular walls, carefully laid with fitted stones, would once have been sealed with plaster to keep the water clean. Standing above them, it’s easy to imagine the practical role they played in daily life.
Visiting Delos
- Access: Delos can only be reached by boat from nearby Mykonos, with regular ferries and organised tours running during the season. You can’t realistically visit in winter or stay on the island.
- Walking the site: The cisterns are scattered among houses and temples, best spotted as you explore the residential quarter.
- Tip: Bring water and sun protection – the island has no shade and no facilities once you’re inside the archaeological zone.
How to see the cisterns
There are no signposts pointing them out, so keep an eye out for these deep circular pits built from stone. They are a reminder that life on Delos relied not just on trade and religion, but also on careful management of something as basic as water.
More Greece travel articles
Other Greece travel articles on Planet Whitley include
- Why Rhodes is a great cruise destination to explore independently.
- Opening times and ticket prices for the Rhodes city walls walk.
- Athens hotel recommendations.
- Where are the original Lions of Delos?
- How close is Mykonos Town to the cruise terminal?
