Why Delos
Delos was one of the holiest places in the ancient Greek world — the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and later a great trading port — and the whole island is an archaeological site, uninhabited except for its guardians. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the one cultural excursion on Mykonos that everybody should make.
Getting there
Boats leave from the Old Port in Mykonos Town, several times each morning in season, with return sailings through the early afternoon. The crossing takes roughly half an hour. Buy a boat-only ticket and explore on your own, or book a guided tour that includes the boat, the site entry and a licensed guide.
The site closes on Mondays outside the peak months and has a mid-afternoon closing time year-round, which is why the last boats back are early. Check the current schedule before you plan the day.
Guided or self-guided?
- Guided: the ruins are extensive and largely unlabelled, so a licensed guide turns piles of marble into a city. Best for first visits and anyone who wants the history.
- Self-guided: cheaper and flexible. Take water, a hat and the site map; the museum near the entrance holds the best finds and provides shade.
- Either way, take the earliest boat you can. There is almost no shade on Delos and the wind does little against the midday sun.
What not to miss
- The Terrace of the Lions, the island's emblem (the originals are in the museum).
- The Sanctuary of Apollo and the great agoras around the sacred harbour.
- The theatre quarter's houses with their mosaic floors — the House of Dionysus and House of the Masks.
- Mount Kynthos, a short steep climb for the view over the whole island and the Cyclades.
Delos plus Rhenia
Many sailing trips combine a guided stop on Delos with an afternoon anchored off Rhenia, the uninhabited island just west of it, for swimming in turquoise coves you cannot reach any other way. It is the best single day out from Mykonos for people who want history and a beach in one, and it removes the early-boat pressure because the catamaran sets its own schedule.
Practicalities
- Site entry is paid separately unless your tour includes it; there is a small café but bring water anyway.
- Wear real shoes: the paths are rough marble and rubble.
- Strong meltemi days can cancel sailings; the small ferries are more likely to run than sailing boats.
- Nothing may be removed from the island — not a pebble.