Ancient sites in Mykonos
Ancient Delos is the main reason to come here for ruins. The sacred island lies a short boat ride southwest of Mykonos and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean. Visitors walk among temples, lions, Hellenistic houses and mosaic floors on a site that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mykonos itself has few ancient remains, so Delos is the focus for this activity.
Places to go
Delos
Delos is an archaeological island about 3.5 km southwest of Mykonos, reached by boat. Its ruins, temples and museum are one of the great ancient sites of the Aegean.
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos sits in Mykonos Town and holds pottery, funerary urns and sculpture from the Cycladic, Geometric and Classical periods. It is the island's main collection of its ancient past.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most visits to Delos start with a boat from the pier on the west side of the Mykonos harbor, right behind the little church of Agios Nikolaos. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Once you land, you walk on the site itself, which is uninhabited, so the ruins are the whole experience. Most visitors plan on several hours inside the site and reach the Sanctuary of Apollo first.
The sanctuary is entered through the Propylaia, the main gate, and you walk the Sacred Way between porticos. Along the way are three temples of Apollo, the famous lions beside the Sacred Lake on the Lion Terrace, and the Theater Quarter. The Houses of Dionysos, Masks and Dolphins hold some of the finest mosaic floors. The theater could seat 3,000 to 5,000 spectators. Delos suits people who enjoy slow walking and reading signs.
Where to go
- Sanctuary of Apollo, Delos. Three temples of Apollo, the Lion Terrace lions and the Sacred Way, entered through the Propylaia gate. About 30 minutes by boat from Mykonos, by boat, then walk on the site. A trip that goes here: Private Ancient Delos with Speed Boat, 3 Hours 30 Minutes
- Houses of Dionysos, Masks and Dolphins. Luxurious Delian houses in the Theater Quarter with mosaic floors. On Delos, by walk on the site.
- Theater of Delos. A theater that could seat 3,000 to 5,000 spectators, set among the ruins of the ancient town. On Delos, by walk on the site. A trip that goes here: Private Ancient Delos with Speed Boat, 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Getting there
From the Mykonos harbor, boats to Delos leave from the pier on the west side, right behind the little church of Agios Nikolaos. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.
When to go
Delos is open from April to November, and the site is closed on Mondays. Go early in the day, since the site closes mid-afternoon and the boats are exposed to strong wind. Mid-May through June and September to mid-October are the most comfortable months.
Good to know
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection, since the island has no shade and no drinking water.
- Delos has only a small gift shop at the entrance; guidebooks are sold at the ticket booth and are cheaper than in Mykonos shops.
- Keep your site ticket, because it is checked at the museum entrance.
- Swimming off the coast of Delos is not allowed, so plan your swim for Mykonos beaches.
Questions
How far is Delos from Mykonos?
The boat trip from Mykonos to Delos takes about 30 minutes. Boats leave from the pier on the west side of the Mykonos harbor, right behind the little church of Agios Nikolaos.
Is the Delos archaeological site open every day?
No. The site is closed on Mondays, and it also closes on some public holidays. It opens in the morning and closes mid-afternoon, so an early start helps you see it all.
Can I visit Delos without a guided tour?
Yes. Delos can be booked independently, guided or unguided. A good map with differently colored routes is available, so you can walk the site on your own.
