Delos, a small Greek island in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, is a world-renowned archaeological site. According to legend, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. And that’s just the beginning! If you’re staying in Mykonos, visiting Delos Island should be on your bucket list. In this article, I’ll give you all the information you need to see this island rich in history and mythology.

Getting to Delos Island from Mykonos

Delos Island is easily accessible from Mykonos. Ferries depart from the old port of Mykonos and run regularly between the two islands. Several ferry companies offer daily trips to Delos, including Delos Tours.

Ferry timetables vary according to the season, with more frequent trips during the summer months. Generally, ferries start operating at 9.00 am, with regular departures until 3.00 pm. The return journey is usually between 12.00 and 5.00 pm.

The average ferry journey between Mykonos and Delos takes around 30 minutes. Ticket prices also vary according to season and company, but are generally between 20 and 30 euros for a round trip.

I recommend that you buy your tickets in advance, especially in high season. You can buy them directly online. Note that this ticket does not include the entrance fee to the island of Delos (12€) or the guided tour.

If you wish to visit the island with a guide, you’ll need to pay between 60 and 70€ per person. For this price, the return ferry trip, the island entrance fee, and the guide’s fee are included.

Visit Delos: must-see attractions.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly a visit to the sanctuary of Apollo. The remains of temples, altars, and statues dedicated to Apollo offer a fascinating insight into the devotion of the ancient Greeks.

Another must-see is the ancient theater of Delos. Built in the 3rd century BC, it could accommodate up to 5,500 spectators. If you’re a lover of history and architecture, a visit to this theater will offer you a unique immersion in everyday life in ancient Greece.

Last but not least, climbing Mount Kynthos is a not-to-be-missed activity for hiking enthusiasts. At 112 meters above sea level, this mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island of Delos and the surrounding Cyclades. The climb can be a bit of a challenge, as the path is quite steep and winding.

Getting around the island of Delos

Delos is best explored on foot. Indeed, due to the nature of its archaeological remains, motorized vehicles are prohibited. I therefore recommend that you wear comfortable shoes!

The main points of interest in Delos are relatively close together. For example, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Theater, and the Terrace of the Lions are all located in the central part of the island, just a few minutes walk from each other. From the port, a well-marked path leads directly to the Sanctuary of Apollo. From here, you can follow well-marked paths to other major attractions.

The best time to visit Delos

The spring months, from April to June, and the autumn months, from September to October, are the best time to visit Delos. During these periods, temperatures are moderate and the crowds are less dense. Not insignificant when you consider that there’s no shade on the island.

So, if you’re visiting Delos in midsummer, from June to August, it’s best to visit in the early morning slots to avoid the stifling afternoon heat. And don’t forget your sunscreen and bottled water!

Can you eat in Delos?

Well, yes, you can eat in Delos. There’s even a small café near the Delos Museum! That’s all there is to it. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic lunch, which you can eat while enjoying the breathtaking view of the archaeological remains. Of course, it goes without saying that you should respect the environment by leaving the place clean after your visit.

In any case, don’t forget to bring water, as the days can be very hot, and access to drinking water is limited on the island.

Gwen’s tips for your journey on Delos Island from Mykonos

1/ Dress comfortably. Opt for sneakers, as the terrain is rather rugged.

2/ Take advantage of the first visiting slots. The first boats usually leave Mykonos around 9 am. This will allow you to avoid the crowds, take your time visiting the island, and avoid the stifling afternoon heat.

3/ Remember to bring sunscreen and a bottle of water.

4/ Allow 3-4 hours to explore the island.

5/ Respect the island’s rules and safety regulations. It’s normal, but it doesn’t hurt to remember.

A final word

To conclude this article, I would say that visiting Delos Island was a very enriching experience. Even if I’m not a fan of ancient Greece, being able to move around this place so steeped in history really impressed me. If I had to do it all over again, I might have taken an audio tour to learn more about the history of this unique place. In any case, for me, it’s a must-see if you’re visiting Mykonos! So, are you convinced?

La Bise,