GUIDE TO VISITING DELOS FROM MYKONOS [GREECE]

Is it worth visiting Delos in Greece? How to visit Delos?

Located in the heart of the Cyclades, the island of Delos is a major archaeological site in Greece.

The island of Delos is also one of the 20 sites in Greece classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As the mythical birthplace of Apollo, the god of light, and Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, Delos offers a unique glimpse into ancient Greek civilization. This guide will help you navigate this sacred island, ensuring a visit that’s as enlightening as it is unforgettable.

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1. How to get to Delos in Greece?

The island of Delos in Greece is uninhabited and accessible only by boat. Generally, it is visited from Mykonos. The easiest way to reach Delos is to take a boat from the fishing port in downtown Mykonos.

To access Mykonos, you have to take a ferry from the ports of Piraeus or Rafina. The duration of the crossing varies between 2h40 and 5 hours. You will find crossing times and prices HERE. The small airport of Mykonos is also connected to Athens by plane every day. During the tourist season, there are two or three flights per day.

To get from Mykonos to Delos, you will need to take a boat. The duration of the crossing varies from 45 minutes to approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the state of the sea.

The best way is to book a tour which includes the crossing, a guided tour, and your entry tickets to Delos.

Here are a few options:

2. Visit the island of Delos in Greece: prices and tickets

Prices

• 8€ full price
• €4 reduced rate

The ticket price for the archaeological site of Delos does not include the ferry ticket price from Mykonos or any other island.

Where to buy tickets?

You can buy your tickets directly upon arrival on the island. However, if you book a boat tour from Mykonos, your entry ticket will be inclided.

Opening hours and days

In summer, the site is generally open from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. In winter, closing times vary between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Please note, schedules are subject to change, particularly due to staff restrictions. Be sure to check the official website a few days before your visit.

The best season to visit Delos is spring, when the island is all green and dotted with small wild flowers.

3. Should you visit Delos alone or with a guide?

The information panels on the site are extremely succinct, which is a shame. It is really not easy to visit (and understand) the site of Delos on your own. Sadly…

Visiting Delos in Greece with a guide is therefore a must in our opinion… Otherwise you will be looking at things without really knowing what is it about… And as you know, Greece’s history is fascinating. So having a guide will allow you to really understand the site, its architecture, and its importance.

4. Practical tips for visiting Delos in Greece

• The island is uninhabited. So it’s better to bring water and a snack.
• Take something to protect yourself from the sun. A hat is strongly recommended in summer because there is no shade and it is very hot.
• Remember to take sunglasses because the site is made of marble, visitors are dazzled by the reflections of the sun
• Choose sneakers or closed shoes.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited on the site due to fire risks.

At what time of day should you visit the site?

We actually visited late afternoon, and it was perfect! This allowed us to escape the morning crowds and visit Delos more peacefully. We could even catch the sunset from boat on our way back to Mykonos… Magical.

How long does the visit last?

It all depends on the world and your interest in this site. You need at least 2 to 3 hours on site.

5. The 8 Best Things to See at Delos!

1. The Sanctuary of Apollo

As soon as you arrive on the site, you access the sanctuary via the Procession Route, crossing the Agora of the Competaliastes, named after the Compitalia, Roman deities honored by slaves and freed people. Here, you will discover the remains of three temples dedicated to the deity: the Temple of Poros, that of the Athenians and that of the Delians.

2. The Terrace of Lions

After passing the Roman agora, with the Sacred Lake (now dry), you will come across the famous “Terrace of the Lions”, a real postcard of Delos. Formerly 16 in number, today only 5 Parian marble lions remain, placed here for the symbolic protection of the site. The statues that you will see on the site are reproductions, the originals being kept in the island’s museum (a sixth is visible in Venice).

3. The archaeological museum

Going around the lake, you will arrive in front of the Archaeological Museum. Built in 1904, it is one of the most important museums in Greece, bringing together part of the remains found on the island, the other part now located in Athens. As you explore its nine rooms, you will have the pleasure of admiring magnificent statues, mosaics, vases, inscriptions and even ancient jewelry.

4. The Ancient Theater of Delos

South of the Museum, following the path leading to Mount Cynthus, you will be able to distinguish the most luxurious residential area of the ancient city with the remains of the sumptuous residences of Dionysus, Cleopatra and Dioscuri.

Incredible mosaics adorn the floors of period houses, and in their midst stand the remains of a Theater dating from the 3rd century BC that could accommodate 5,500 people. Originally made of wood, it was replaced by the stone one that can be seen today, at the beginning of the 3rd century BC.

5. The Temple of Isis (the highlight!)

Located just at the foot of Mount Kynthos, the Temple of Isis is one of the island’s most notable attractions. There you can admire the statue of worship of Isis, patron goddess of sailors. This place stands out from the rest of the sanctuaries due to its breathtaking beauty.

6. The Temple of Dionysus

As you retrace your steps towards the port, you will pass in front of the most original monuments, which do not fail to attract the curiosity of visitors… Indeed, they are gigantic phalluses erected on pillars, supposed to represent Dionysus.

7. The climb to Mount Cynthe (Kynthos)

The highest hill on Delos (133 m), named Kynthos, or Mount Cynthus, can be climbed in 20 minutes by an ancient staircase. Delos being located in the center of the Cyclades, you can now imagine the view offered to you on the surrounding islands scattered in the Aegean Sea, as well as on the site of Delos.

Be read of the stairs though!

8. Enjoy the view

The small island of Delos is surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean sea! Wherever you look, it’s absolutely beautiful. While wandering in Delos, you can only imagine what it would have been like to live on this island while the city was thriving!

6. Our Final Thoughts – Is Delos worth a visit?

Delos is for us 100% worth a visit! This small, uninhabited island is not just a testament to ancient Greek civilization but also a portal to the past, offering an immersive experience of history and mythology unlike any other. If you are staying in Mykonos, visiting Delos is super easy and makes it for a great half-day trip!

Lastly, we can’t stress enough, that taking a guide will make your visit a lot more interesting!