Posted by Delos is an island of just 3 km², about 45 minutes by ferry from Mykonos. In ancient times, Delos was a holy site. The island is located in the center of the Cyclades. “Cyclades” roughly translates as the circular (islands). This refers to the islands (all other Cyclades) around Delos. This shows what an outstanding position the island had in ancient times.
Our opinion: Delos impresses with its unique atmosphere, which is noticeably permeated with history and mythology. However, the island can seem too barren and not very varied for some in the long run. Nevertheless, Delos leaves a deep impression, especially for those interested in culture and history. One of the most interesting islands in the Cyclades for a day trip.
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Our tip: Excursion to Delos from Mykonos by boat (day trips) with guided tour on Delos and pick-up from the hotel in Mykonos: >>> More information and booking
In Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of the god Apollo. That is why the huge Apollo Temple was built here. The excavations are absolutely worth seeing, and next to Knossos on Crete, they are probably the most interesting on the Greek islands. Today, almost the entire island is a gigantic open-air museum, the cultural highlight of a Cyclades holiday for many tourists. It is definitely worth it!
The island is not inhabited. There is no village or even a town. Only a few employees, such as museum attendants and archaeologists, live on the island during the season. Some bring their families with them.
Excursions to Delos by boat (day trips)
There are no hotels, guesthouses or holiday apartments on Delos, the island can only be entered during daytime opening hours. So you can only visit Delos as part of a day trip with a ferry from a neighboring island. There are also hardly any food options. You should bring a picnic and drinks.
Our tip: Excursion from Mykonos by boat with guided tour of Delos and pick-up from the hotel in Mykonos: >>> More information and booking
The complex is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Unfortunately it is completely closed on Mondays. The prices for the ferry from Mykonos including admission can be found on this link. For about twice the price you can book an organized tour in Mykonos with a guided tour of the complex, travel and admission. In high season around four ferries travel from Mykonos to Delos and back every day. There are organized tours from other large islands in the Cyclades.
You can book the ferries directly at the port of Mykonos in the old town. In low season there is only one ferry at 10:30 a.m. After a 3-hour stay you drive back. The ships are small and do not operate in strong winds.
From the Naxos island and the Paros island you can visit Delos on the excursion boat “Naxos Star”. A full-day tour of Paros – Naxos – Delos – Mykonos – Naxos – Paros is offered several times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday when we visited in 2016). You spend around 3 hours in Delos and the Mykonos island. The Naxos Star ship departs from Naoussa (Paros) and picks up additional passengers for the day trip in Naxos (town). The trip to Naxos starts in Paros at around 8:30 a.m. and you return around 6:30 p.m. Excursions from the Santorini island or the island Ios to Delos are less common. These two tourist islands in the Cyclades are further away from Delos (see map below).
There is also an archaeological museum on the island of Delos which is dedicated to the finds from the island. In the museum’s around 10 rooms you can see sculptures, gravestones, works of art and ceramic products from antiquity, among other things.
The centre of Delos is the so-called Sanctuary of Apollo. This was one of the holiest buildings in ancient Greece for a long time. But you can see a lot more on Delos. We found the statues of people and animals particularly great. The theater and other buildings are also partly still there.
The Lion Terrace with 5 large lions made of stone (marble) is very well known. Originally there were 16 lions. Some have disappeared, one is in Venice.
Hardly any day trip in Greece is more worthwhile than a trip to Delos. If you get the chance, you should definitely visit the ancient island!
How do you get to Delos?
There is only one way to get to Delos, the famous ancient island of the Cyclades, as the island has no airports and only limited access:
Ferries and excursion boats
Delos can only be reached by boat. The most common connections are:
From Mykonos:
Daily excursion boats travel from Mykonos Town (Chora) to Delos (journey time: approx. 30 minutes).
Schedules vary seasonally (there are more connections April-October).
From other Cyclades islands:
Occasionally there are excursion boats from Naxos or Paros that combine Delos and Mykonos.
Summary:
Main connection: Boats from Mykonos (approx. 30 minutes).
Alternative: Excursions from Naxos or Paros (only in high season).
Important: Delos is uninhabited and has no accommodation. Return journey is necessary on the same day.
Excursion to Delos by boat (day trips) >>> More information and booking
Where is Delos?
Delos is a small island in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades island group in Greece. It is located:
West of the island Mykonos, just about 2 km away (easily accessible by boat)
Northeast of the island Paros and the island Naxos
Southeast of the Greek mainland
Top 10 Delos
Delos, a small island in the Cyclades of Greece, is one of the country’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are the top 10 highlights you can experience:
1. Terrace of Lions (Terrace of the Lions)
The iconic row of marble lion statues dating to the 7th century BC symbolically guard the Sacred Way and is one of the most recognizable images of Delos.
2. House of the Dolphins
The House of the Dolphins on Delos is a luxurious ancient residence from the Hellenistic period, known for its impressive mosaic floors. Particularly famous is the mosaic in the courtyard, which shows two jumping dolphins surrounded by geometric patterns. It symbolizes wealth and the connection to the maritime culture of the Aegean. The house gives a fascinating insight into the lives of wealthy residents.
3. House of Masks
The House of Masks on Delos is a magnificent ancient house, which is best known for its detailed mosaic floors. Particularly impressive is the mosaic showing theater masks, a reference to the importance of theater in Greek culture. The house reflects the luxurious lifestyle of wealthy residents of the island and is one of the most impressive buildings on the site.
4. Sanctuary of Apollo
The Sanctuary of Apollo on Delos was the religious center of the island and one of the most important temples of ancient Greece. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and music, and attracted pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean region. The temple, originally built in the 6th century BC, was the centerpiece of the sacred site of Delos. Today, ruins of the temple and adjacent buildings are still visible, highlighting the religious and cultural significance of the site.
5. Agora of the Deliadians
The ancient city’s main marketplace, where traders and pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean region converged.
6. Sacred Lake
Once a central sanctuary on the island, now dried up, but still a magical place where, according to mythology, Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis.
7. Archaeological Museum
Here, numerous finds from the island are on display, including sculptures, ceramics and everyday objects from ancient times.
8. Theatre of Delos
An impressive ancient theatre that could accommodate thousands of spectators – a testament to the island’s cultural significance.
9. Skardhana Residential Area
A glimpse into the daily life of the inhabitants of Delos, with remains of dwellings, streets and wells.
10. Mount Kynthos
From here you have a spectacular panoramic view of the island and the surrounding Cyclades. The mountain was once a spiritual place of worship.
Our tip: Excursion to Delos from Mykonos by boat (day trips) with a guided tour of Delos and pick-up from the hotel in Mykonos: >>> More information and booking
Terrace of Lions
The Terrace of Lions (Terrace of the Lions) is one of the most famous landmarks of Delos and an absolute highlight for visitors. Here is the most important information about this fascinating place:
Description
The Terrace of Lions consists of a series of originally 9 to 16 marble lion statues donated by the Naxians (the inhabitants of the island of Naxos) in the 7th century BC. They symbolized protection and strength and were meant to guard the sacred area and the nearby temples of Apollo. Today, 5 of the original lions can still be seen on site, while others have been moved to the Archaeological Museum of Delos to protect them from the elements.
Significance
The lions were an expression of worship for Apollo, the main god of Delos, and also represented the power and influence of the island of Naxos.
They are an outstanding example of early Greek sculpture.
Location
The Terrace of the Lions is located along the Sacred Road that pilgrims used to travel to the Sanctuary of Apollo. It is close to the Sacred Lake, which plays a central role in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Facts Terrace of the Lions
The original lions were placed on marble plinths and faced towards the Sacred Lake.
The outdoor replica of the lions shows the power of Greek craftsmanship and gives visitors a sense of the splendour of ancient sanctuaries.
Tips Lions Terrace
The lions are a popular photo opportunity, especially in the soft light of the morning or late afternoon.
A visit to the Terrace of the Lions can be ideally combined with other attractions such as the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum.
There is little shade, so don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!
The Terrace of the Lions is a symbol of the spiritual and cultural importance of Delos and a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Greek history.
Mythological atmosphere: Delos is considered the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis – a fascinating place for anyone interested in Greek mythology.
The island is car-free and is often visited as a day trip from Mykonos. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a camera to capture the beauty and history of this unique place!
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