A day tour to Delos from Mykonos
OVERVIEW
A day tour to Delos from Mykonos
If you love culture, you could spend half a lifetime exploring Delos island and still be thirsty for more. The birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis is not only one of the most important Greco-Roman settlements but also one of the most extensive. It’s an extraordinary insight into power struggles, religion, art, commerce and everyday life in antiquity. The entire island is an open-air museum.
Exploring the UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site, you walk through history dating from Mycenaean times, in the 3rd millennium BC. However, Delos’ peak was from the 6th-1st century BC, amidst a constant interplay of Athenian and Roman domination – interspersed by the influence of powerful Cycladic neighbours, such as Naxos and Paros.
It’s a story now told through a bewildering number of sanctuaries and statues, as well as public and private buildings and the artefacts they once contained. To put it all into context, there’s a hill on Delos called Kynthos. Climb it and take a look around you. Extraordinary!
DON'T MISS
A Mykonos day tour to Delos
The Temple of Delians
Apollo can have had no qualms with the Delians. Three temples were dedicated to Greek mythology’s sun god, the largest of which is The Temple of Delians – or the Great Temple. Built between 476-314BC, it’s an example of Doric architecture, with colonnades on all four sides. We are left with only remnants of the colossal Kouros of Apollo that once stood next to it. But there are other well-preserved places of worship, amongst them the Temple of Hera and the Temple of Isis (in the Sanctuary of the Foreign Gods, at the foot of Mt Kynthos).
The Terrace of Lions
Possibly the best known image from Delos. Today only seven of the dozen or so marble lions remain (some almost complete, others only in part), but the grandeur of the avenue of sculptures gifted as a tribute by the Naxians is clear for all to see. The lions are replicas but the originals are in the island’s museum.
The Ancient Theatre
What impresses most is how the ancient world come to life on Delos. The Ancient Theatre isn’t just a well-preserved 5,500-seat amphitheatre. Its location, with wonderful sea views, was clearly part of the experience.
Daily life on Delos
The Minoan Fountain was where locals stocked up on water, and there is not one but two marketplaces (or agoras) and a gymnasium. Meanwhile, the most impressive of the many residences is the House of Dionysos, famous for its intricate floor mosaic of Dionysus riding a tiger.
Archaeological Museum
There are yet more mosaics – along with murals, furniture, vessels and other artefacts – in the Archaeological Museum.
GET PLANNING
How do you visit Delos from Mykonos?
- Boat tours leave from Mykonos port from 9:00-10:00 daily and return from Delos up to 19:30.
More info - There are also boat connections from Naxos, Paros & Tinos at various times of the year.
- Note that all crossings are dependent on weather conditions.
- You can hire a private boat from Mykonos, which will allow you to also visit uninhabited Renia for a swim on the way back.
When is the best time to visit Delos?
- Delos can get busy during the peak summer months so it is worth visiting in June or September, or better still in spring or autumn.
- If you do visit in July and August, avoid the hottest times of the day.
When is the archaeological site of Delos open?
- The archaeological site and museum of Delos are open all year round (except for national holidays) but seasonal opening times apply.
Opening Hours: Archaeological site & Museum of Delos
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
How long do you need to visit Delos?
- Crossings from Mykonos port to Delos take 30-45 minutes and you will need between 2-4 hours to cover the archaeological site and museum. Take your time. It’s worth it.
How much does a visit to the archaeological site of Delos cost?
What do you need to bring with you on a boat tour of Delos?
- There is nowhere to stay or eat in Delos so bring snacks and water with you.
- There’s very little shade so don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water bottle.
- The ground can be uneven so wear comfortable footwear with a good grip.
