Delos: Day Trips and Tours from Mykonos

Take a break from partying on Mykonos with a day trip to Delos, one of the most important and best-preserved archaeological sites in Greece, with ancient temples, artistic mosaics and impressive statues. Inhabited since 3000 BC, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, according to Greek mythology, the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Delos, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Mykonos.

How to get to Delos from Mykonos?

Delos is located southwest of Mykonos, close to the neighboring island of Rhenia.

• By ferry: The ferry journey from the Old Port of Mykonos to Delos takes 30 to 40 minutes.
• Guided tour to Delos from Mykonos: A great way to visit the island of Delos is to join a guided tour led by an experienced guide. You’ll be picked up at your hotel in Mykonos and taken to the island by boat, where you’ll enjoy a day of fun activities without having to worry about the logistics.

Typical itinerary of day tours to Delos from Mykonos

Visitors going on a jaunt to Delos will depart from the Old Port in the center of Mykonos, and some day tours have the option of a hotel pickup.

Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to the nearby archaeological site, where you’ll have the opportunity to join an hour-long guided tour. Your guides will bring the site to life with stories of how people lived in Ancient Greece.

Afterward, visitors will have some free time to explore Delos independently before heading back to Mykonos.

Best day trips to Delos from Mykonos

Guided tours to Delos from Mykonos

Discover the world-famous Archaeological Site of Delos with an experienced guide who will share their knowledge of the island’s ancient history. These Delos day tours typically include round-trip ferry tickets, skip-the-line entry to the site and a wireless audio guide.

Our pick: Delos Guided Day Trip

• Includes: Roundtrip boat transfers, professional tour guide, entry tickets, optional hotel pick-up
• Price: From €65 for adults, €30 for children (5-12)
• Duration: 4 hours

Day trips to Delos plus Rhenia from Mykonos

Day trips to Delos which include a jaunt to Rhenia, combine sightseeing with swimming and snorkeling in the Aegean Sea. As full-day affairs, these Delos and Rhenia island excursions often include lunch and a guided tour of the archeological site on Delos.

Our pick: Delos and Rhenia Yacht Cruise

• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, professional tour guide, snorkeling gear, fuel charges, lunch and drinks
• Price: €140 for adults, €90 for children (2-11)
• Duration: 7 hours

Private tours to Delos from Mykonos

Enjoy a luxury private tour of Delos with a knowledgeable guide by your side for the day. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and taken to the harbor in a comfortable private car.

When you reach the island, you’re going to go on a 30-minute guided walking tour of the ruins before enjoying a delicious local lunch. Then kick back, relax and enjoy the cruise back to Myconos.

Our pick: Private Delos & Rhenia Cruise

• Includes: Private boat, snorkeling equipment, towels, fuel surcharge, open bar
• Price: €750 per group (up to 9 travelers)
• Duration: 3 hours

Cost of Delos excursions from Mykonos

Standard guided tours that include ferry tickets and entry to the Archaeological Site of Delos cost around €65 per person.

Boat trips to Delos with a stop at Rhenia costs approximately €80 to €150 each, depending on group size.

Prices for private guided Delos day trip from Mykonos start at around €150 per person and are often charged on group basis, depending on the size of the vessel.

Highlights on Delos

The Agora of the Competaliasts

The Agora was the main market square in Delos and is marked by a monument dedicated to Hermes. Holes in the stone where the tent poles of ancient market stalls stood are still visible.

The House of Dionysus

Dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and theater, this house built in 300 B.C. stands out because of its tall marble columns. It is home to a stunning mosaic floor depicting the god riding on a tiger adorned with a wreath of vines and grapes.

The Theater of Delos

This marble theater was completed in 250 B.C. and once held 6,500 spectators. The area around the theater includes the ruins of many impressive mansions owned by rich merchants at the time.

The Temple of Apollo

This group of ruins consists of three temples dedicated to Apollo, the god of sun and light. A massive statue of Apollo once stood here, although only the torso remains in today’s time.

The Terrace of the Lions

The Terrace of the Lions is one of the most recognizable sites on Delos, built by the people of Naxos in around 600 B.C. The statues are replicas as the originals were moved to the archaeological museum to protect them from the weather.

The Archaeological Museum of Delos

The museum contains a large selection of artifacts unearthed from the Delos site. On display is an extensive pottery collection that dates from the 25th to the first century B.C. There are six rooms dedicated to statues from the site, impressive reliefs, mosaics and frescoes.

When is Delos open over the year?

The Archaeological site and museum on the island of Delos are open year-round.

Opening hours

During the summer months (April to October), the Delos archeological site and museum operate daily, from 8 AM to 8 PM. During the winter, (November to March), they are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Delos ticket prices

While the island of Delos is free to visit, prices for entry to the archaeological site and museum are as follows:

• Adults: €12
• Concessions: €6

Best time to visit Delos

The best time to visit Delos is in the spring and early summer months. It can get very hot in July and August, and the weather can be colder and more unpredictable in the fall. On Mondays, ferry times and opening hours of the archaeological site are reduced, so this might not be the best time to visit the island.

Travel tips

• It can get very hot in Delos in the summer, so remember to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths can get quite rocky.
• Bring snacks and plenty of water on a Delos excursion, as there is limited availability on the island.
• Pack seasickness medication for the journey to Delos, as the ferry ride can get choppy.