Visit Delos Island
Table of Contents
- 1 Visit Delos Island
Delos is one of the most important and well-preserved Greek archaeological sites. The island is located just miles away from Mykonos and other popular destinations in the Cyclades. Delos is completely uninhabited today and is only accessible by boat.
Even though Delos has not been a civilization for hundreds of years, it is still home to incredible artifacts and some of the most impeccable ruins in Greece.
In 1990, Delos was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. But what makes this place so remarkable? This guide includes everything you need to visit Delos island.
Learn about the fascinating history of Delos, important tour and travel information, must-see sites, and tips to make the most of your experience.
History of Delos
The island of Delos is only 5 km long and 1.5 km wide and was home to about 30,000 people. It is one of over 2000 islands that make up the Cyclades and like many is uninhabited today.
Delos is actually the reason behind the Cyclades’ name as the other islands form a circle around it.
It was first inhabited around 3000 BC but did not become an important trading location until much later.
Delos is best known as the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the twin god and goddess of light. The island became a sanctuary for the twins and quickly emerged as a religious center for the Greeks.
Later, the Romans turned Delos into a port and important trading hub for the Mediterranean. Over 700,000 tons goods of went through the port each during Delos’s peak trading days.
Soon, the island became not just a shrine for Artemis and Apollo but home to wealthy merchants.
Unfortunately, word of this prosperous place spread, and Delos was targeted by others who came and to try and cease control of the city.
By the 7th century, most inhabitants had moved elsewhere, and the city was left in ruins until it was rediscovered centuries later.
Excavations began in 1872 and are still being done today, with much to uncover.
Getting to Delos
The only way to get to Delos is by ferry from a surrounding island. The most popular port is Mykonos, but you can also buy day trip tickets from the islands of Naxos, Paros, Syros, and Tinos.
Between April and October, you can find multiple ferry trips each day. Unlike some other archeological sites Delos is better visited with a guide since there is much to see and miss without the proper guidance.
You can also purchase cruises that include lunch and entrance tickets if you are interested in spending a day on and around Delos. Here are some popular experiences.
Buying Tickets to Delos
The most popular route is from the island of Mykonos to Delos. The ferries from Mykonos leave from the Old Port. You can buy ferry tickets at the booth for only €22, but I highly recommend booking ahead of time online for an additional €3.
Delos is a popular tourist attraction and waiting until the day of could risk ferry tickets selling out.
Get Your Guide and Delos Tours offer tickets to and from the island in addition tour guided tours. Get Your Guide is also one of the few companies that offer refunds if you cancel before 24 hours.
Ferry Tickets from Mykonos to Delos | Ferry Tickets from Naxos to Delos
Ferry Tickets from Paros to Delos
Between April and October, ferries to and from the island run daily. The earliest ferry leaves at 9 am from Mykonos, with some departing as late as 5 pm during peak season.
Return ferries range from 1pm to as late as 8pm from Delos.
Most ferry schedules leave about 3 or 4 hours to explore the island. Times of departures differ based on days of the week and months.
The trip itself takes about 30-40 minutes each way.
TRAVEL TIP: The ferries do not include guided tours or entry into the archaeological site. The entrance fee is an additional €12 and is purchased through a completely different company.
Entrance to Delos
The entrance fee to the archeological site is €12 and is purchased separately from the ferry ticket. Reduced tickets are only €6. Tickets are bought at the entrance to the site.
The lines do get quite long though! To try and beat some of the crowd, try getting off the ferry before most of the other passengers.
If you spend a little extra on a guided tour, you will be able to skip the lines altogether.
Delos Guided Tours
Depending on which tour you opt for, the prices range from about €50 to €70. Tour prices include a guide, an entrance ticket, the ability to skip the line, and ferry tickets.
Most guided tours depart at 10:00 am for Delos and return at 1:00 pm, though there are other times available.
Guided tours are available in several languages including English, Spanish, French, and Italian. English tours are offered daily with other language tours available on specific days of the week.
Tours also include an audio device to better hear your guide as you explore the archeological site.
Delos is one place where guides come in handy. Although there are several plaques around the island with information, most of the island is in ruins and therefore hard to learn about on your own without at least a guidebook handy.
There are lots of places to see on Delos and guides will make sure you have time to explore the main features before allowing you to have some time to explore on your own.
They are also full of knowledge and will give you insight into the history of Delos and the important buildings and artifacts that remain.
Here are some popular tours groups
Self Guided Tours
You do not have to join a guided tour of Delos, but I highly recommend you do, since there is so much to see. If you decide to tour the island on your own, you will only have to purchase a ferry ticket to get there.
Once on the island, you can get tickets for €12 at the ticket office. The entrance ticket will be included with your ferry ticket only if you come from Paros or Naxos for €60.
Ticket lines can be long so getting off the boat as soon as possible is very important. With a limited time on the island, you don’t want to waste it standing in line, especially in the heat!
There are three recommended routes to follow. Make sure to take a picture of the map at the main entrance or grab the pamphlet, A Tour of the Archeological Site of Delos, at the archaeology museum in Mykonos.
There should also be free maps available at the ferry office. Additionally, you can purchase guidebooks in the Delos Museum and Mykonos bookstores.
UPDATE: The Archeological Museum of Delos is currently closed for renovations.
Top Archeological Sites on Delos
Terrace of the Lions
The famous row of marble lions is located near the Sacred Lake. The lions were a gift to Apollo by the people of Naxos in the 7th century BC.
They were placed along the road that led from the port to the Sanctuary across from the Sacred Lake. The lake has been empty since 1925, but it was once a beautiful body of water. Myths say that the lake was the exact birthplace of Apollo.
Of the original 9-12 lions, only five remain. They are currently located in the Delos Museum for preservation with one in Venice. The lions you see outside are replicas constructed in the late 1990s.
Sanctuary of Apollo
The sanctuary consists of three individual temples. The largest is the Temple of the Delians, which was home to a large statue of the Apollo.
Most of the statue was stolen, but part of the torso remains. A couple of other parts of the statue are on display in various museums, including the Delos Museum.
The Theatre Quarter
Home to some of the largest and most luxurious mansions in Delos, the quarter was the main living area of the merchants who traded at the port. The Theatre Quarter still has many remaining houses, paved streets, and impressive mosaics, some dating back to the 2nd century BC.
A few of the most well-known mansions here include the House of Dionysus and the House of Cleopatra. Another notable structure in the Theatre Quarter is the House of the Trident.
One of the only remaining residences with a roof intact, you cannot go inside but are able to see through the gates guarding its entrance.
The House of Dionysus
Though there were plenty of lavish homes on Delos, the House of Dionysus was one of the largest and most exquisite.
Visitors can still see the impeccable mosaic floor of the home that depicts Dionysus riding a panther. The house still has remains of wall paintings, courtyard columns, and a stone staircase.
Theatre of Delos
The expansive marble theatre held over 6,500 spectators and was completed in 240 BC. With spectacular views of the sea, this was the prime location of entertainment for the people of Delos and used for many festivals.
Parts of the lower sections of the theatre has been preserved. The theaters’ large reservoir also remains. It was used to collect rainwater and it still very much intact.
The Agora of the Competaliasts
Once a prominent market square, all that remains now are holes and stones walls of the little shops. A statue of Hermes is in the center of the market.
Excavations have found that the inhabitants of Delos used a sophisticated drainage system. Evidence of bathrooms and wells still remain.
The Temple of Isis
The original temple was constructed back in the 2nd century BC. The current temple has been remarkably restored and still holds the remains of the statue of Isis.
Isis was a goddess worshiped by both the Greeks and Romans and was their representation of the ideal mother and wife.
House of Cleopatra
This was not the home of Cleopatra of Egypt. It is another famous house in the Theatre Quarter and belonged to Cleopatra, daughter of Adrastus of Myrrhinou.
Much of the house foundation and courtyards remain, but the two headless statues of Cleopatra and her husband Dioscorides are what draw crowds to the site.
Mount Kynthos
The 113-meter mountain offers some of the best views of Delos and the surrounding islands. To hike to the top, you will follow an old stone path.
Empty now, the mountain top was the location of the Temple of Zeus and Athena. If you have 20-30 minutes to spare, it is worth the hike.
Make sure to also stop by the Archaeological Museum
The museum is home to many of the artifacts found on Delos through excavations. You can see pieces of mosaics, pottery, and statues.
You will have to travel to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens for the best artifacts though!
Update: The museum is currently closed to the public for renovations.
Places to Stay Near Delos
Bluetopia Suites
This small Bed and Breakfast is right in Little Venice near the symbolic Windmills. The rooms are right on the water’s edge with private waterfront balconies.
Guests also have complete views of the Aegean Sea right from their bedrooms. You cannot get any closer if you tried!
Hotel Belvedere
This beautiful hotel is close to the Town Center. Hotel Belvedere is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and even has a private pool lined with cabanas for you to relax.
Some rooms even come equipped with their own private pool and terrace overlooking the sea. During the summer, guests even have access to a couple of Beach Clubs.
The best part of Hotel Belvedere is the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy uninterrupted sunset views at night.
Sugar Blue Apartments
If you are staying for a longer period of time or want a full suite with a kitchen and other amenities, these apartment rentals are a great alternative.
Like most of the accommodations on this list, they are also only a short walk from the town. Sugar Blue also offers continental breakfast and car service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Delos
What to pack for your trip?
There is very little shade on Delos, and it gets extremely hot during the summer months. Make sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and bring lots of water.
You will also be spending a good three hours walking so comfortable shoes and light clothing are a must. The island only has a small cafe, and the boats have limited snacks and beverages.
Unless you are part of a cruise that includes lunch, you may want to pack some snacks to bring with you.
Is Delos worth visiting?
Delos is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Greece. It is definitely worth a visit, especially for the history buffs!
To make the most of your time there, spend the extra money on a guided tour.
Since most of Delos is in ruins, you will not get as much from your visit without either a guidebook or an experienced guide.
What is Delos famous for?
It is famous for being the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis.
It was also a religious center and large commercial port.
Now, Delos is known as one of Greece’s most visited and well-kept archaeological sites.
How much does it cost to visit Delos?
The entrance cost is €12, but you will also need to spend an additional €22 on ferry tickets to and from the island.
Guided tours are also available and start at €50.
How must time do you need at Delos?
The total time on Lindos is 3 hours, plus transportation to and from the island.
Most guided tours last about an hour and a half with the rest of the time available to explore on your own. This is plenty of time to explore most of the island and visit the archaeological museum before heading back to the ferry.
You can spend as little as 90 minutes on the island if you explore just a few sites if you visit on your own.
Is there a cafe on Delos?
There is a very small cafe on the Delos, however, it is limited and can get crowded during peak season.
There is also a small snack bar on the ferries that have sandwiches, drinks, and food, however, they only take cash.
I would recommend packing water and snacks to bring with you instead.
How long is the ferry from Mykonos to Delos?
The ferry takes around 30-40 minutes each way.
Conclusion
Delos island is one the most fascinating and well-preserved archeological sites in Greece. If you are planning a trip to Mykonos or other surrounding islands, I suggest adding this destination to your itinerary.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!
Santorini
- Santorini 3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
- The Greatest Things to do in Oia, Santorini
- Guide to Santorini’s Magical Amoudi Bay
- Mykonos vs. Santorini – A Detailed Comparison
Milos
- The Ultimate Milos, Greece Travel Guide
- Where to Stay in Milos, Greece
- 10 Best Restaurants in Milos, Greece
- The 10 Most Beautiful Milos Beaches
Mykonos
- Mykonos Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Island Getaway
- The Ultimate 3 Days in Mykonos Itinerary
- Mykonos vs. Santorini – A Detailed Comparison
Rhodes
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Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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