delos tour mykonos

• Delos Experience
• Itineraries
• SeaBus Service
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Tickets from Mykonos to Delos

Sunset At Delos

"He who has not travelled to Delos, has never travelled anywhere."

Delos Archaeological Site

Lion Terrace

Seabus Service between the new and old port of Mykonos Town

Daily afternoon departures to Delos at 17:00

Tours and excursions to Delos

For centuries now, the local Mykonian caiques have serviced the route from Mykonos to Delos and from Delos to Mykonos, as there was never a connection between Delos and Piraeus. Since the end of the 19th century, when the systematic archaeological excavation started, the trips over to the island have become more frequent.

"We offer the best value and the lowest prices for guided tours and individual trips to Delos island"

''The beauty of this enchanted site has always attracted a large number of famous but also anonymous visitors. How can an island which gives birth to Gods, be anything less than enchanted?''

"He who has not travelled to Delos , has never travelled anywhere."

"So there is still Beauty in this World. "

''There are few places in this world where someone is able to travel in time. In Delos this dream comes true. With every step you take , the ancient city of the island comes to life before you.''

Agora of the Kompetaliastae

The Temple of Delians

The Agora of the Italians

Tours and itinerarie.

The schedules below may be subject to change, depending on weather conditions.

We therefore kindly ask you to check the timetables again shortly before your travel dates.

  D aily Tours and Excursions to Delos from Mykonos Old port.

  Τickets can be used for any itinerary of the vessels of

"Joint- Venture of Passenger Vessels of Mykonos-Delos".

Half-Day Guided Tours to Delos, 2024.

Price:: 65 ,00 €.

Children 6-12 years old: 30,00€.

Children under  6 years old for free.  

The price includes: 

• The whole trip and guide from Mykonos to Delos
• Transportation from Mykonos to Delos and back
• Entrance to the archaeological site in Delos (CURRENTLY, €8,00, per person)
• Certified  tourist guide 
• Wireless tour guide system
• Skip the line at the entrance of Delos site

Kindly pay attention on the days of operation per language: 

• English : Daily at 10:00 am (from & at 17:00 pm  
• French : Sunday & Thursday at 10:00 am   
• German & Russian : Available only as private tour, 
• Italian : Wednesday at 11:30am,
• Spanish : Tuesday at 11:30 am

Minimum participation, 8 pax.

                         On your phone 

*important notice*,  rates are subject to change due to anticipated fuel and admission fee increments., delos tours tickets office in mykonos.

You may purchase your tickets and exchange your vouchers at the ticket desk directly outside the vessels, half an hour before the time of departure

Contact information

Delos Tours Ticket Office

Old port, Deliana Pier, Chora, Mykonos Town, 84600.

In Mykonos Town, there is only one area which is called MYKONOS WATERFRONT, the Old port.

At one end of this long moonshaped bay, there is the only TILE ROOFED BUILDING in Mykonos.

This is the Town Hall of Mykonos and exactly opposite this building, there is a small blue domed chapel (dedicated to St. Nicholas).

As you walk past these two buildings (having the Town Hall on your left and the chaple on the right), straight ahead there is a pier where you will find Delos Tours Ticket

Kiosk and all the vessels departing for Delos.

• Terms of use

Visiting Delos from Mykonos

Greece › Mykonos › Delos Tours Updated: September 26, 2022 By Santorini Dave

• Best Hotels in Mykonos • Best Family Hotels in Mykonos • Where to Stay in Mykonos • Best Things To Do in Mykonos • Mykonos Travel Guide

The Stone Lions of Delos. A guided tour to Delos is one of the highlights of a Mykonos visit.

The 3 Best Delos Tours from Mykonos for 2023 Guided Boat Tour to Delos Excellent tour of Delos with professional guide. The tour leaves from the Old Port in Mykonos Town but if you’re staying outside of Mykonos Town or at one of the beaches then select with Hotel Transfer as it makes the day much easier. There’s also a semi-private tour for groups of 2 to 10 – select Private Group Guided Tour for this option. Boat Tour to Delos and Rhenia Island This is a great tour for those who would like to see Delos, but don’t want to spend hours there. It takes you to beautiful Rhenia island for swimming, snorkeling, and a bbq lunch (onboard). Then to Delos for a short, guided tour when the island is usually much quieter than in the morning. Highly recommended. Guided Delos Tour from Cruise Ship Port If you’re on a cruise and have a limited amount of time, this Delos tour offers pickup and dropoff at the cruise ship port in Mykonos. Delos, Greece In ancient times, Delos was the most important island in the southern Aegean. The Cyclades island group actually gets its name from the fact that the islands form a circle around Delos. Mykonos, by comparison, was considered poor with limited agricultural prospects. A holy island, Delos is the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, and women were once forbidden from giving birth there; instead, women were ferried to Mykonos for the labor and delivery of their children.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site on the small island of Delos is one of the best-preserved and most important archaeological sites in Greece. First settled by the Greeks around 3000 BC, the island became a shrine to Apollo around 800 BC and a thriving, multicultural center of trade in the centuries that followed, with Syrians and Egyptians adding shrines of their homeland gods to the existing Greek ones. Under the Romans, Delos became a duty-free port and important slave market, but the island’s importance diminished as trade routes shifted and by 300 AD the island was languishing in obscurity, used as a hideout by pirates. Delos is accessible by boat from Mykonos. Use your imagination to transform these extensive, well-preserved ruins into the gleaming city that once stood here. As you make your way around the ruins from the Sacred Harbor, where the tour boats dock, sights not to miss include the Sanctuary of Apollo, lined with the remains of three temples dedicated to the god, the Artemision – a sanctuary of Artemis, Apollo’s twin sister, and the Terrace of Lions, lined with the much-photographed replica lion statues. (The actual lions can be found within the site’s small but interesting museum, located near the center of the island.) Nearby is the overgrown Sacred Lake where Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis after hiding from the wrath of Hera, Zeus’ wife, Zeus being the twins’ father. In the Theater Quarter, formerly home to Delos’ wealthiest inhabitants, spot the mosaic depicting the wine god Dionysos riding a panther at the House of Dionysos, and another superb mosaic featuring lions, dolphins and griffins at the House of Dolphins. If you have time, it’s well worth climbing Mt Mynthos for great views of the surrounding islands and to visit the Sanctuaries of Zeus and Athena.

The boat pier on Delos where tours dock and depart from.

Visiting Delos from Mykonos There are generally four boats daily from Mykonos Town (Chora) to Delos during high season, with departures from 9am to 5pm. Return boats run between 12.15pm and 8pm. There are fewer boats from November to March. The boat trip between Mykonos and Delos takes about 30-40 minutes, and you can buy tickets from the kiosk at the southern end of Mykonos Town harbor. When purchasing tickets, find out which return boats they’re valid for. Boat tickets are 20€ round trip, and do not include the entrance fee to Delos Island, which is 12€, paid at the site entrance. Delos Island boat schedule, pricing information, and online booking Visitors to Delos are given a map outlining three self-guided walking tours. Depending on which one you opt for, these take from 90 minutes to five hours, so it’s best to decide in advance how much time you’d like to spend on the island. You can purchase detailed Delos guidebooks both at the Delos ticket office and in bookstores on Mykonos. Guided tours can be booked at the same time as the boat tickets (adult/child 55/30€ including boat, entrance fee, and guide). Wear a hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes. The only place to eat is a basic café at the Delos museum; it’s worth bringing a picnic lunch and plenty of drinking water. A guided tour of Delos is recommended. Without a guide it’s just a collection of ruins without much meaning or context. With a guide it’s a very interesting introduction to Greek history. Delos from Mykonos

Tickets for Delos Island can be purchased in advance online or at the ticket booth in the Mykonos Town Old Port.

Boats to Delos are small and fill quickly. In the busy summer season it’s a good idea to buy tickets first thing in the morning or in advance.

The boat trip to Delos from Mykonos takes 30-45 minutes. There is ample seating and drinks and snacks are sold onboard.

View of Delos Island when arriving by boat.

This map shows how vast and well-developed the island’s infrastructure was in ancient times.

After arriving on Delos and paying admission, you are free to explore across the entire island.

There are ruins everywhere on Delos, and few signs; it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re looking at. Taking a guided tour is recommended.

Even without a tour, it is fun and interesting to imagine the homes and buildings as they existed long ago.

Keeping watch over the island’s ruins, the famous stone lions seen here are only replicas.

The original statues are displayed and kept safe inside the island’s small museum.

In addition to the stone lions, the Delos Museum also houses original mosaics from the island…

…as well as ancient frescoes…

and artifacts from the island’s original excavation. There is no additional charge to visit the museum.

Even at its busiest, there’s plenty of room on Delos, and on the more remote parts of the island it can feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself.

In the springtime, Delos is abloom with wildflowers. These photos were taken in the month of April.

(Yes, those statues are exactly what they appear to be. In Ancient Greece, phalluses symbolized fertility and were thought to protect against evil spirits.)

It’s important to keep track of the time, so you don’t miss the boat back to Mykonos. We don’t know what happens if you’re left behind on the island, and we don’t recommend finding out.

• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Beach Hotels in Mykonos

About Santorini Dave

We are going to be in Mykonos the first week of October and will have a rental car to get us to the port. Should we book the tour ahead of time or just head over to the port when we get there to book a tour?

Personally, I would book in advance but could you show up without a reservation? Sure, and you’d likely be fine.

Is the Old Port walking distance from Mykonos Town? We’re staying at the Belvedere. Thanks!

Yes, the Old Port is an easy walk from all Mykonos Town hotels. From the Belvedere it’s about a 10 or 12 minute walk (assuming you don’t have luggage).

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Visit the island of Delos from Mykonos

Just off the coast of Mykonos, the island of Delos was once one of the world’s most important cities.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: May 2, 2024

Visiting Delos from Mykonos

The archaeological site of Delos is one of the most significant ancient landmarks in the Aegean Sea, and it's well worth a visit.

There's lots to see and lots to learn, so here are some of my tips for planning a visit to the island of Delos.

• A brief look at the history of Delos
• The best things to see at Delos
• How to visit Delos - plus some good Delos tours

Before Mykonos was a popular tourist island, another one just off its coast was where the rich and famous would come. They bought houses, shopped in the markets, cavorted with people from across the world.

But all of this was more than 2,000 years ago.

“Like Mykonos, Delos was the island for VIPs,” says my guide as she starts to show me around.

“It was the island of acceptance,” she explains. “Everyone was welcome – as long as they were wealthy!”

A tour to Delos is one of the most popular things to do from Mykonos these days because, of all the 2,000 Greek islands, it’s one of the most significant historically. During the time of Ancient Greece, it was the commercial and navigational centre of the Aegean Sea.

Just try to imagine all the successful merchants who came here and constructed mansions, attracting the region’s best builders and artisans. And around the port where they would’ve all arrived, luxury shops and boutiques selling perfumes and gems.

That was two millennia ago and, of course, much has changed. What you find in Delos today is not a vibrant bustling city, but a large and fascinating archaeological site stretching out from the water’s edge.

It’s a large site because the ancient city was once home to up to 30,000 people. Although none of the monumental buildings are in their original form, a lot has been excavated and it takes a few hours to walk through the highlights on a guided tour of Delos.

Is Delos worth visiting?

For visitors to Mykonos, it’s certainly worth visiting Delos. Not only does it offer something different to the beaches and the clubs of the larger island, it’s a remarkably easy half-day trip to see one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Aegean Sea. (Delos is also a World Heritage Site.)

What is Delos famous for?

Delos is famous as one of the most important cities in the Aegean Sea two millennia ago. It was a powerful commercial centre that controlled much of the economy of Ancient Greece. Delos is also said to be the island where the gods Apollo and Artemis were born, and the city built here had an important religious and mythological role in the empire.

Are there tours to Delos?

Yes, there are tours to Delos and I think it’s definitely worth taking one. Although it’s relatively easy to visit Delos independently, you’ll definitely benefit from a guide’s explanation of the site. I would recommend this Delos tour from Mykonos , or I have some more information later in the article.

It may just be a short journey by boat from Mykonos to Delos, but it’s a journey that takes you back 2,000 years, into a fascinating part of the history of Ancient Greece, and to one of Greece’s World Heritage Sites .

It’s a story that can sometimes get a bit lost on the Aegean islands, with its focus on modern tourism, so this is an excellent way to dive straight into it.

History of Delos

Delos did not start as a luxurious haven for the rich and famous. In fact, it had existed for centuries already, and this earlier period is, in many ways, much more important.

There’s evidence that people have lived on the island since the 3rd millennium BC (up to 5000 years ago!), but it was Ionian settlers who really transformed Delos when they arrived around 1000 BC.

They brought with them the cult of Leto, a female Titan who, in Greek mythology, had been impregnated by Zeus. To escape Zeus and his furious wife, Hera, Leto looked for somewhere to hide – and she found the island of Delos.

So, it was here that mythology says she gave birth to her twins: Apollo, the god of music, and Artemis, the goddess of wild animals.

Apollo, in particular, became the focus for Delos. He was one of the most important gods of Ancient Greece and, with Delos said to be his birthplace, an enormous sanctuary was built here for him.

The Sanctuary of Apollo is believed to have been founded in about the 9th century BC and it attracted worshippers from across the region and beyond.

With all these pilgrims coming to Delos, you can understand why commerce also grew on the island and it continued to be an important trading port in the region.

But, with such a strong economic and religious position, Delos also became a target for people with political power. The most consequential example is when the island fell under the control of the Athenians.

They undertook a series of ‘purifications’ to make the site more holy, by digging up all graves and moving dead bodies to another island, and then later forbidding anyone from being born or dying on Delos!

Throughout the first millennium BC, there were constant political and religious shifts at Delos.

The Athenians deported all the locals from Delos in 422 BC, for instance. Then the island became independent again in 314 BC. Then the Romans took it over in 166 BC and made it a free port. And so on…

It would take a whole article to cover the details of the history of Delos. But the important thing is to know that just as the worship of Apollo was a defining factor in the growth of the island, so was the money and power that it brought.

Towards the end of the first millennium BC, Delos had become the most important trading centre in Greece. But then it all came crashing down.

Delos was attacked and sacked in 69 BC by the pirates of Athenodoros. Then the trading routes changed and the island was no longer convenient.

It was quickly abandoned by those who were here for just the money and power. Only a few people remained to look after the temples to Apollo… but even the guardians eventually left as the Roman era took hold.

In the years afterwards, there’s evidence that people came and went, and Delos was inhabited by different people over different periods.

But it was eventually completely abandoned in the 6th century AD. Captured by the Byzantines, then the Slavs, then the Venetians, then the Ottomans, these successive occupiers took the stones that had once formed majestic temples and opulent houses.

It wasn’t until archaeological work started here in 1872, that the site began to regain some of its dignity, and the treasures of Delos were again unearthed.

Things to see at Delos

The island of Delos is actually pretty small – a maximum of only about five kilometres long and 1.3 kilometres wide, with an area of 3.4 square kilometres (exactly the same size as New York’s Central Park).

Most of the island is barren, though. The archaeological site is in the northwest of Delos and the main attractions are concentrated in this area, where the centre of the city would’ve been.

There are lots of things to see at Delos. You’ll discover most of them if you wander in the same direction as everyone else, but these are the main Delos sights to look out for (in the order you’ll likely come to them).

Agora of the Competaliasts

There are a few different market areas in the city and I’m mentioning this one because it’s the first you’ll come to, located right on the water where the boat from Mykonos to Delos arrives.

Around the edges of the agora (market) are the remains of shops that would’ve ben based here, while holes in the stones on the ground show where tents would’ve been erected for temporary stalls.

There are also the remains of monuments that were dedicated to the god Hermes.

Sanctuary of Apollo

From the Agora of the Competaliasts, you’ll walk down a paved road called the Sacred Way until you reach the Propylaea, which was once part of the Temple of Apollo.

The area beyond this is known as the Sanctuary of Apollo, and it’s where you’ll find the remains of many of the temples on Delos that were built by different people over the centuries.

The Oikos of the Naxians would once have had a nine-metre-high statue of Apollo in it.

Next to it, the Temple of the Delians was the biggest of the temples here, with construction starting in 476 BC.

Next, you’ll see Poros Temple, the smallest and oldest of the Apollo temples, built in the 6th century BC.

And, on the other side of the path, is the Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the twin sister of Apollo who was also said to have been born here.

Terrace of the Lions

Beyond the sanctuary, past the Agora of the Italians, is one of the most important sights in Delos – the Terrace of the Lions.

These marble statues of squatting lions lined one side of the avenue, looking out towards the Sacred Lake. Added by the people of Naxos around 600 BC, the lions were supposed to protect the sanctuary.

There were originally between 9 to 12 of the lions here (nobody knows for sure), but now there are only four complete ones left. The ones in position on the avenue are replicas, with the originals in the Delos Archaeological Museum for protection.

Sacred Lake

Across from the Terrace of the Lions, the Sacred Lake is not much to look at these days, but it’s one of the most significant parts of the Archaeological Site of Delos.

It’s here that Leto is said to have given birth to Apollo and Artemis, and was an important part of the worship that took place on the island.

The lake was drained in 1925 to stop the breeding of mosquitos that were carrying malaria.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum at Delos is well worth a stop and is included in the price of the entrance ticket. While it’s not particularly large, it displays some of the important artefacts that have been found at the site.

There are frescoes and mosaics, along with busts and other sculptures. But the highlight is the marble statues of the lions that once lined the Terrace of the Lions.

The museum is closed until further notice for renovation work.

House of Dionysus

From the museum, a good path to follow is back to the port and then south, into a neighbourhood full of grand houses (well, the remains of them, at least).

You can walk into some of them, and just peer into others. If they’re open, definitely have a look at the House of Cleopatra and the House of the Trident .

The most impressive residence to visit is the House of Dionysos, with a central courtyard containing marble columns and a large mosaic on the floor. An intricate artwork, it shows Dionysus, the god of wine, riding on a tiger.

Ancient Theatre of Delos

Because of the religious and economic importance of Delos, the city’s theatre can feel a bit neglected – by both tourists and authorities – and it looks a bit rundown unfortunately.

It was built in the 3rd century BC and had room for about 5000 spectators. It’s not nearly as imposing as the Epidaurus Theatre , for example, but it still gives you a sense of the wealth of the settlement here.

Mount Kynthos

Along with all the structures within the archaeological site (and there are many more than I have mentioned), there’s one natural landmark worth noting – Mount Kynthos.

It’s only about 120 metres high so you can walk to the top for a spectacular view across the layout of Delos and the surrounding water. There were probably some buildings on the top during Antiquity, but they’re gone now.

One thing you can see on the way up is the Temple of Isis , which is quite prominent because its facade is relatively intact with columns and a pediment.

How to visit Delos

Delos is less than three kilometres off the coast of Mykonos and the only way to reach it is by boat. Thankfully it’s a popular destination so it’s easy to get there and there are a few ways to do it.

It’s possible to visit Delos independently – or you can do it as a tour. I’ll run through both options now, but my recommendation is to do a tour. The site needs a lot of interpretation from a guide and this Delos tour , for example, doesn’t cost that much more than paying for transport and entry fees yourself.

Another bit of important advice – make sure you bring lots of water and sun protection! You’ll be out in the fierce sun for hours, and there are only very limited opportunities to buy drinks.

Visiting Delos independently

There are a few steps for visiting Delos from Mykonos. The first is to get to the Old Port of Mykonos, from where the boats to the island leave.

There are several boat companies that do trips to the island, and you may see advertisements around town for them. If you’re unsure which to choose I would recommend going with the main operator (which also has the biggest boats) called Delos Tours , which leaves from the southwestern point of the Old Port, near the Town Hall.

Check online for current boat departure times, but it’s usually at 10:00 and 11:30… with return departures at 13:30 and 15:00. To guarantee a spot and avoid the queue (it gets pretty busy in summer) you can buy your ticket here in advance .

The boat trip to Delos takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll need to buy a ticket to enter the archaeological site, which costs €8 regular and €4 concession. The queue at the ticket office gets long when the boat arrives, with a wait of up to 15 minutes or more, so I suggest trying to get off the boat before as many people as possible.

You will then have about three hours to explore the site before the return boat leaves, taking you back to where it departed from.

Where is Delos?

The island of Delos is just 2.5 kilometres off the coast of Mykonos, and less than a kilometre from the island of Rhenia, in the centre of Greece’s Aegean Sea. The archaeological site of Delos is in the northwestern part of the island.

How do you get to Delos?

Most people will get to Delos from Mykonos, and it’s about 10 kilometres to get from port to port. Private boats can’t land at Delos so you need to go with a local operator. There are lots of tours to Delos that include transport. If you just want the boat transfer, I would recommend booking in advance here .

When is Delos open?

In summer, Delos is open from 08:00 – 20:00. In winter, the site is open from 08:30 – 15:00. Remember, though, your visiting hours will probably be determined by the boat schedule.

How much does it cost to visit Delos?

Entry to Delos costs €8 for a regular ticket and €4 for concession. The cost of the boat transfer is extra. (Depending on which operator you choose, it’ll be around €20-25 for a return trip.)

Yes, there are lots of tours to Delos and I think it’s a really good way to see the site. It doesn’t cost too much more, because the price includes the boat and entry – and it’ll really help you interpret the ruins. I’ve got details on a few options below, but the standard one that many people take is this Delos tour from Mykonos , which includes transport and a guide.

Often there are local guides waiting at the entrance, offering to take you on tours of the site. Generally, you’ll need to negotiate a price with them.

This can be a good option if you want a private tour on your own terms, but it usually doesn’t end up being much cheaper than going with an organised tour from Mykonos (unless you’re in a large group already).

Tours to Delos

I don’t always think tours are necessary when travelling, but this is one of those situations where I really would recommend having a guide.

Not only does a guided tour to Delos make the logistics much easier, but the guide’s commentary will really add to your visit. All the buildings are in ruins and it makes a big difference to have someone explaining it all.

The best value tour, which has everything you need, is this half-day guided tour . It includes the return boat ride, skip-the-line entrance ticket, and guide.

Or there are a few other similar options here:

Another fun way to visit Delos by tour is to do a boat cruise that also goes to nearby Rhenia island, perhaps including some swimming and lunch.

Let’s be honest, the archaeological ruins at Delos are really interesting, but if you can combine it with a dip in the ocean and a trip on a sailboat, it makes for a much more enjoyable day out!

I would recommend this sailing trip to Delos and Rhenia , or there are some other options here:

It’s interesting to travel from Mykonos to Delos, because in just a short boat journey you will go from one of the most luxurious Greek islands today, to one of the most luxurious Greek islands of the Ancient World.

Are the parallels between the two? In some ways, yes. Of course, they look very different now, though. But it does make you wonder what the vibrant tourism centres of Mykonos may look like in 2000 years time!

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

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1 thought on “Visit the island of Delos from Mykonos”

Greece is amazing! We did not go to Delos though…but saw Mikonos, Santorin and Rhodes. Expensive, but beautiful. I hope I may share our story here? https://www.twoguysabroad.com/greece/ Thanks 😉 Donovan

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Delos Tour from Mykonos: Everything You Need to Know

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Half-day trips to Delos from Mykonos are the most popular trips for visitors. Jump at the chance of a trip to Delos. Mykonos and Delos are very different! And a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a peaceful pause amidst the hedonism of Mykonos Town.

• Best things to do in Mykonos
• Get Around Mykonos Easily: Travel the Famous Island
• Getting from Athens to Mykonos
• 7 Best Santorini Boat Tours for an Unforgettable Experience
• Top Places to See the Fantastic Santorini Sunset

It’s a fabulous choice if you’re visiting the island between April and October.

In this post, I’ll answer your questions about visiting Delos, the sacred island . Things like how to get there and what to do.

Why is Delos So Famous?

In terms of history, myth and archaeology , Delos is one of the most important sites in Greece .

At the heart of the circle made by the Cyclades group of islands, it was a really vibrant commercial centre , port and religious centre in Ancient Greece and the Classical period.

It’s also known as the birthplace of the mythological gods Apollo and Artemis . In ancient times Delos became a cult centre for Apollo and later it became a pilgrimage site .

The sacred island of Delos is still revered and giving birth or dying on the island is forbidden . In the past, pregnant women and people close to death were shipped next door to Rhenia.

Excavations continue on the 1.3 square mile archaeological site to this day. Original items can be seen in the onsite museum . (Closed for building works in 2022. Hopefully the Museum of Delos will reopen in 2023.)

Is Delos Worth Visiting?

Absolutely ! The entire island is an open-air museum and you really get a feel for the history.

The island and universe were said to be bathed in Apollo’s light. Many people also come for this good energy since it’s a sacred site.

Is There a Ferry from Mykonos to Delos?

Yes, boats go across to Delos multiple times a day in the peak season. At the start of the season , there is just one arrival and departure so check availability for the month you’re going. (See below.)

How Long is the Ferry from Mykonos to Delos?

The boat takes around 30 – 40 minutes depending on the season and the weather.

Mykonos to Delos Tour – How Does it Work?

There are a few different combinations you can choose for your Mykonos to Delos tour.

• The simplest thing and I think the best thing if it’s your first visit , is to go all-inclusive .
• For 60 euro you get a return boat ticket, entry to Delos (skipping the queue) and a 90-minute guided option with a wireless headset so you can actually hear it.
• This ticket is 30 euro for children aged 6 – 12 and children under 6 go free.

You can  buy Delos tickets online  here (make sure you tick the box to say you want the guided tour). Or you can get them at the ticket booth at the harbour in Mykonos Town .

Either way, you still need to collect the ticket at the booth.

• Guided tours in English run daily at 10:00 from the 15th April with a few sporadic dates before that (see the Delos Tours site it the signs outside the ticket office.)
• From 2nd May until 31st October there’s also an English tour at 17:00 each day.

Alternatively, you can pick a Mykonos sail cruise to Delos and Rhenia . On  this type of boat trip , you get to swim and snorkel at Rhenia and enjoy a BBQ and drinks on the boat.

Delos Tickets

Although guided tours don’t take you around every single part of the island it takes you to the most prominent places and it’s the best way of understanding what you’re looking at.

There should be time left at the end if you want to do some more exploring before you head back.

If you’d prefer to do a self-guided tour then you’ll have to get your tickets separately. You’ll need to pay for:

• a return boat ticket
• the entrance fee when you arrive at Delos

The boat ticket costs 22 euros for a return ticket to Delos through the  Delos Tours website  or from the ticket booth. (At the harbour in Mykonos Town, near Little Venice, it’s marked on Google Maps.)

If you pay online you still need to go to the ticket booth at the latest 30 minutes before the trip to get a paper ticket. This price is solely for the return journey .

Delos Island Entrance Fee

Once you arrive at Delos you need to pay an entrance fee . In April it was 8 euro although in summer it will be higher, around 12 euro. (Unless the fee is reduced because the museum’s closed.)

• You need to queue up to pay this at the ticket booth when you get off the boat. In peak times it can be busy if several boats from various islands turn up at once.
• Get ready to be first off the boat so that you can head to the front of the line.

One of the benefits of paying the all-inclusive fee is that you can head straight through the entrance to meet your tour guide, no need to wait.

How Much Time Do You Need in Delos?

Most people spend about 3 hours on Delos but if boats allow (depending on the time of year you visit) you can be there for less or more time. The guided tour is 90-minutes .

When you pay your entrance fee you get a map with three different routes in it. They take 90 minutes to 5 hours so it’s up to you how long you’d like to be there.

Your ticket permits you to return on any of the Delos Tours boats running that day.

On my second trip it took me 2 hours to walk around the main areas as well as up Cynthus hill and round the various sanctuaries on the way up and down. We were a bit late arriving as we had a last minute change of boat so that worked out well.

I sat with the cats for about 15 minutes at the end and then got back on the boat.

If you do a tour, and then want to explore on your own you might like a bit longer than three hours . That way you don’t need to rush round and you have time to catch your breath after all those steps!

I wouldn’t recommend doing a huge amount of walking if you visit in July or August because of the heat. The island’s really exposed so please be sensible.

Delos Mykonos Ferry Timetable

• The timetable changes based on the season and the sunset
• At the beginning of the season , the timetable is normally one departure from Mykonos at 10:00 with one return from Delos at 13:30
• From May and into the peak season there are usually 4 departures per day
• The best thing to do is keep an eye on the  itineraries page  here

Pay attention to the various dates on the table to make sure you’re looking at the right times. Having said that, use the booking form to double-check the info there is what’s actually happening.

I noticed in April that the Tues – Sun times available to book were not the same as those advertised. Probably they’ll update the system from month to month .

I don’t want to write out all the times here and then they change so double check when you know your dates.

Delos Evening Tour

The boat schedule does include an evening tour that leaves between 15:30 and 17:00 and returns between 18:30 and 20:00 . Again it’s dependent on the season and sunset times.

My first Delos tour was in the evening. It was beautiful seeing the island at golden hour and it was lovely watching the sunset as we left.

Delos Private Tour

The group guided tours are run for a minimum of eight people . If you’d prefer to have a smaller group or a tour exclusively for your own travel group then book a private Delos tour.

You’ll need to book a certified tour guide as per Greek law. Try  Antonis at Delos Guide  for the dates you want.

Can You Swim on Delos Island?

No, swimming is not permitted in the sea at Delos.

Can You Buy Refreshments on Delos?

Unfortunately, the canteen on Delos island has been closed for a while. That means there is nowhere on the island to buy food or drinks .

I did notice that the boat we came on had a bar facility . It wasn’t open in April , with it being at the beginning of the season. But the bars may run if you visit in the summer .

• However, to be on the safe side, bring plenty of water with you as well as a snack to sustain your walking.

Are There Toilets on Delos?

No. As the toilets were part of the canteen they’re all closed at the moment. You may be able to use the toilet on the boat though as they tend to stay docked while you visit.

Can You Stay on Delos Island?

No, there is no tourist accommodation available on Delos.

Does Anyone Live on Delos?

The only people who live on Delos are the archaeologists who reside there temporarily.

What Else Do You Need to Know About Delos?

There is no real shade on Delos so it’s really important that you take a hat/cover-up/suncream , whatever you need to keep the sun off you. It gets pretty hot in the summer so come prepared.

Want to Visit Delos From Another Island?

Obviously, the easiest trip to Delos is from Mykonos. But it’s still fun and feasible as a full-day trip from some of the neighbouring islands.

Can You Visit Delos from Naxos or Paros?

Yes. Delos tours from Naxos and Paros usually involve a three-hour stop on Delos and a three-hour stop at Mykonos .

You could book through Naxos Cultural Tours  and  Zas Travel  

• From Paros, this tour takes you to  Mykonos and Delos .

Can You Visit Delos from Santorini?

It’s not really feasible to visit Delos from Santorini in a day. You’d need to go via Mykonos and stay overnight.

The only way you could make it work is by private boat transfer or take a helicopter from Santorini to Mykonos on your own schedule.

Suzie Young

Suzie writes informative posts for solo, nervous or first-time travellers to Greece, Turkey and other countries on her 50-before-50 bucket list. She became a Greek resident in 2020 and intends to visit every inhabited island (13 down!).

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Original Tour to Delos

General description.

This is a cruise and walking tour to the island of Delos , only 40 min by boat from Mykonos. This island is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. According to mythology, this was the place where the god Apollo was born, which is why the entire island was devoted to his cult.

In ancient times, Delos was a major religious pilgrimage but with time it acquired political importance. Many temples and buildings were constructed, the Delian games were celebrated every five years, the treasury of the Delian League was kept there, congresses were held in the temple of Apollo and the largest slave market in the region was maintained on the island.

Apart from a religious centre, Delos was never inhabited. Today it is an open archaeological site and also has an interesting museum .

Tour Schedule: 09:30: Meeting time 10:00-10:40: Boat trip to Delos 10:40-10:50: Introduction and entrance tickets 10:50-12:20: Guided tour on the island 12:20-13:50: Free time for the museum 13:00: Departure of the boat 13:30: Arrival back to Mykonos

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Home > Mykonos Attractions > Delos Island

Delos Island from Mykonos

A day trip back in time to ancient greece.

T he tiny uninhabited island of Delos is a World Heritage Site and one of Greece’s most important historical sites . It’s just a short ferry ride from Mykonos, with departures from Mykonos Town in the morning, and return trips in early or mid-afternoon.

Greek mythology says that the island was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and it became an important port and religious center in 1400 BC. Statues, sanctuaries and temples were built, and their ruins (many unearthed in 1873) are now scattered around the island and on display in a museum.

You can walk around and see them by yourself (take comfortable, flat shoes, avoid flip flops and high-heels), or may choose to go with a tour guide.

The most famous displays are the iconic Naxos stone lions , ancient mosaics and the columns of the House of Dionysus.

Ferries from Mykonos to Delos

There are ferries throughout the week (fewer on Mondays), departing from the old port. The departure times from Mykonos are 9am, 10am, 11:30am and 5pm, and returns from Delos are at 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm and 7:30pm. Keep in mind that boats may be cancelled on windy days, and that these times may change at any time, so always confirm them at the port. These visits happen mostly from April to late October, as from November to March there are very few boats and no guided tours.

How long is the ferry ride from Mykonos to Delos?

The ferries take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Be sure to get to the port about a half hour before departure time.

Tickets to Delos

Tickets may be bought at the booth by the port, from tourist shops in Mykonos, or online. Check out prices here: Delos Tours

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