When you think of the Greek islands, you probably picture whitewashed houses, turquoise waters, and lazy days spent sipping frappés. But just a short boat ride from the party island of Mykonos lies a place that’s the complete opposite: the tiny island of Delos, packed with history and mythology.
When you visit Delos, imagine walking through an ancient city where Apollo was supposedly born, lions once stood guard (okay, they’re marble now, but still), and you can casually trip over a 2,000-year-old mosaic.
So if you’re visiting Mykonos and need a break from beach clubs and overpriced cocktails, or just love history, hop on a boat and prepare to be taken back in time. Just don’t forget your hat and water, Apollo may be the god of the sun, but he’s not offering any shade.
A bit of history about ancient Delos
Delos may be small (you can walk across it in under an hour), but its historical significance is absolutely massive. According to Greek mythology, this unassuming rock in the Aegean Sea is the birthplace of Apollo, god of light and music, and his twin sister Artemis, goddess of the hunt.
Thanks to its divine origins, Delos became one of the most sacred islands in the ancient world. Centuries ago, people began settling here, but things really took off during the 5th century BCE when Delos became a major religious center and bustling port. Picture a multicultural hotspot full of merchants, pilgrims, and politicians, all rubbing elbows and sandals in the agora (marketplace).
During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Delos transformed into a thriving commercial hub. Some even say it rivaled ancient Athens. Unfortunately, prosperity came with a price. Pirates (yes, actual pirates) attacked in 88 BCE, and the island never quite recovered. Eventually, it was abandoned and left to the wind, goats, and future archaeologists.
Today, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It’s like walking through a giant outdoor museum. From temple and theater ruins to mosaics and marble lions, this little island tells the story of ancient Greece in the most vivid way possible.
Is Delos worth visiting?
So, is Delos worth visiting? In one word: yes! If you’re even remotely interested in history, mythology, or want to explore somewhere truly unique, Delos is an absolute must.
Are you only spending a day in Mykonos? Consider visiting Delos in the afternoon (especially if you love archeology, because there isn’t much of that on Mykonos island). If you are staying longer in Mykonos, then Delos should be a must-visit anyway.
After all, it’s not every day you get to wander around an ancient city where gods were supposedly born and merchants once shouted over olive oil prices. A lot of ruins are well-preserved, the views of the Aegean are stunning, and there’s something humbling about standing in a place that was buzzing with life over 2,000 years ago.
TIP: I have heard people say they didn’t like Delos, but that is usually when they have visited the site without a guide or any explanation. Only the stories of the ancient ruins bring the place really to live.
How to get to Delos
Most people will go to Delos from Mykonos, as the island lies only 13 kilometers from Mykonos Old Town. From Mykonos, you can take a ferry or book an organised tour.
But you can also visit Delos from other islands if you book a tour or a private boat, for example, from Paros or from Naxos.
Visit Delos from Mykonos by ferry
Going from Mykonos to Delos is super easy. Ferries run multiple times a day (usually between April and October) from the Old Port of Mykonos, and the ride takes about 30–40 minutes. To get your ferry ticket, you can go to the kiosks at the end of Mykonos Old Town harbor or book them in advance online (as in high season, they can get fully booked).
It’s a short but scenic trip across the Aegean, and before you know it, you’ll be stepping onto one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Usually, the trip goes pretty smoothly, but this stretch is known to be rather rough when there is a lot of wind. If you get seasick easily, plan your trip on a less windy day or take some medication again motion sickness.
TIP: Keep in mind that no matter how you arrive, all visitors must leave the island by late afternoon. Overnights aren’t allowed, as Delos is a protected archaeological site. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance, as it can change depending on the season or weather.
Delos tour from Mykonos
If you really want to make the most of your visit to Delos, booking a guided tour from Mykonos is the way to go. While the ruins are impressive on their own, having a guide (or an audio guide) turns a pile of ancient stones into a living, breathing story of gods, merchants, and ancient drama.
Many tours include round-trip ferry tickets, entrance fees, and a licensed guide who knows all the juicy mythology and historical details, perfect for both history lovers and curious kids. You can book online in advance or through local travel agencies in Mykonos Town.
Other ways to get to Delos
While the regular ferry or a group tour from Mykonos is the most common way to reach Delos, there are a few other options if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous or private.
Some companies offer private boat tours or even small-group sailing trips (with BBQ), which can be a fun and more relaxed way to explore Delos at your own pace (and often include a stop for swimming at nearby Rhenia Island). These are ideal for families or groups who want a more personalized experience, and you’ll avoid the bigger ferry crowds.
Delos is only accessible by sea, so if you’re staying on another Cycladic island, you’ll first need to make your way to Mykonos to start the journey or book a private tour that goes straight to Delos, for example, from Paros or from Naxos.
TIP: Are you visiting Delos from Syros Island? You can either book the ferry from Syros to Mykonos, or book a private tour with Spira Cyclades (+30 6977394343) and our favorite boat captain, John. He is the best! Tell him Heleen and Jurgen sent you :-).
Tips if you visit Delos from Mykonos
- The entrance fee to Delos (12 euros for adults, kids are free) can be paid at the entrance of the archaeological site. If you book a tour from Mykonos or one of the other islands, sometimes your price includes the entrance tickets, but not always, so be sure to check upfront.
- If you are hungry or thirsty, the only place you can buy something is in the little café at the museum. We strongly advise you to bring your own water (plenty when it is hot, there is no shade) and drinks, and even a picnic or plenty of snacks.
- If you want more explanation, you can either buy a guidebook in Delos or in Mykonos. Or you can book a guide in person when you buy your ferry tickets, at the entrance booth in Delos, or if you book a guided (private) tour to get to Delos.
- Wear proper shoes as the terrain is pretty rocky, and make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen against the heat, as there isn’t any shade or any stores.
- It will take you at least an hour or two to properly explore the archaeological site and museum, but many people stay a bit longer, especially if you also want to climb Mount Kythnos or are very interested in Greek mythology.
What to do in Delos
Once you set foot on Delos, get ready to explore a living museum under the open sky. Start by wandering through the ancient city’s ruins. Although the island is not big, there’s a surprisingly large area to cover. It can get busy on the island, but it is so big that if you go a bit more to the outskirts of the site, you’ll probably be almost by yourself.
Here are some of the highlights of Delos you can’t miss:
- Sanctuary of Apollo: Here you can find the ruins of three temples dedicated to Apollo
- Sanctuary of Artemis (Artimision): The remains of the temple dedicated to Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo
- Grand Terrace of the Lions: One of the most recognisable sights of Delos, with the lion statues. The ones you see outside are actually replicas. The real ones can be found in the museum.
- House of Dionysos: This house is named after the beautifully preserved mosaic floor picturing Dionysos riding a panther. If you love mosaics, also check the House of Dolphins.
- Mount Kynthos: Climb the mountain for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Aegean Sea (yes, it’s a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, but the views are worth every step).
- Ancient theatre: What is a Greek archeological site without an ancient theatre? In Delos, you can also admire the remains of the theatre (part of the wealthiest quarter).
- Sacred Way: Stroll along the Sacred Way, and imagine the buzz of life in the agoras (marketplaces).
- On-site museum: Don’t miss the museum, which houses stunning statues, mosaics, pottery, and artifacts that were found right there on the island.
Visiting Delos with kids
Visiting Delos with kids can be a surprisingly fun adventure. Think of it as a giant outdoor treasure hunt with ancient ruins instead of plastic toys. There are no cars, no modern buildings, and definitely no screens, which makes it feel like stepping straight into a history book (but way more fun).
Kids can roam around temple ruins, spot ancient mosaics, and pretend they’re little archaeologists or Greek gods-in-training. As mentioned before, just be sure to bring snacks, water, hats, and sunscreen. There’s no shade and nowhere to buy anything once you’re on the island.
A guided tour or audio guide can help bring the stories to life and keep younger ones engaged (especially the parts about pirates, lions, and gods!). It’s educational, active, and full of imagination. What more could you want from a family day trip?
Our conclusion on Delos Island in Greece
We really loved our visit to Delos. It is like stepping into a time machine, only instead of flashing lights and buzzing buttons, you’ve got marble lions, ancient mosaics, and the whispers of Greek gods in the wind.
It’s not the kind of island where you’ll find beach bars or infinity pools, but that’s exactly its charm. Delos offers something far more rare: a chance to walk through history, mythology, and ruins that shaped the ancient world.
Whether you’re a history buff, a mythology lover, or a family looking for an educational adventure, this sacred little island is worth adding to your Mykonos itinerary if you ask us.