Day Trips & Excursions: Delos

Nearby Destinations

Delos is the foremost day trip from Mykonos and other Cycladic islands. Its closeness to Mykonos makes it an easy and rewarding excursion.

Visitors typically stay on Mykonos and take the dedicated boat to Delos. Mykonos itself features a range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, the charming Mykonos Town for exploration, and its famed nightlife. Rhenia Island, often part of Delos tours, is an uninhabited island next to Delos, recognized for its untouched, clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. From Naxos or Paros, a day trip to Delos involves a longer ferry to Mykonos first, then a transfer to the Delos boat, making for a lengthy day. This suits those who wish to see Delos but reside elsewhere.

Transportation Options for Each

Delos from Mykonos: Dedicated tourist boats leave frequently from Mykonos Old Port. Travel takes about 30 minutes. These boats serve visitors to the archaeological site.
Rhenia from Mykonos: Frequently a component of combined Delos & Rhenia boat tours. These excursions typically dedicate time for both archaeological discovery and swimming.
Naxos/Paros to Mykonos: Regular high-speed and conventional ferries operate, offering connections. Verify schedules, notably during shoulder or low seasons.
For booking excursions and day trips, visit GetYourGuide.

Beyond the ruins, the Cyclades feature natural beauty and tranquil landscapes.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel Comparison

Organized Tour Delos from Mykonos

Often includes return ferry, entrance, and a licensed guide on Delos, offering historical context.
Some tours pair with a swimming stop at Rhenia, bringing variety to the day.
Follows a fixed schedule, with less freedom to explore at your own speed.

Independent Travel Delos from Mykonos

Complete freedom to pick your own departure and return times (within ferry schedule).
Spend as much or as little time at specific locations, enabling exploration of areas of greatest interest.
Requires separate booking of ferry and archaeological site tickets. No guided explanation unless a guide is hired independently on the island.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

Delos Visit

Allow 3-5 hours on the island itself to explore the site and museum thoroughly.
The total trip from Mykonos (including ferry travel) is typically 4-6 hours.
Midday heat can be intense; plan accordingly.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Suggested Itinerary

Take the first morning ferry from Mykonos (e.g., 9:00 AM).
Spend 3-4 hours exploring the site and museum.
Take a midday or early afternoon ferry back to Mykonos. This avoids the hottest part of the day and allows for a complete visit.
Bring plenty of water, as shade and services are limited on Delos.

Natural Escapes

Parks and Nature Reserves:Rhenia Island is uninhabited and has pristine natural beauty, with isolated beaches and clear waters.
Scenic Landscapes:Views of the Aegean Sea and Cycladic islands from Mount Kynthos on Delos.
Delos Coast:Small rocky coves, but no designated swimming areas.
Rhenia Beaches:Numerous beautiful coves and beaches, like Lia, Skinos, Glyfada, and the "Blue Lagoon," perfect for swimming.

Mykonos Beaches:Offers a range of beaches from lively spots to secluded coves.
Mykonos Interior:Some rural landscapes and traditional villages can be found inland.
Seasonal Natural Phenomena:The shoulder seasons present a different natural beauty from the peak summer months.
Protected Zone:Rhenia is part of a protected archaeological zone, keeping its pristine environment.

Note:

For combined Delos and Rhenia boat tours, many operators include swimming stops.

Cultural Excursions

While Delos is the main historical excursion, other nearby islands offer cultural insights.

Historical Sites

Delos represents the main historical excursion. Mykonos Town has historical churches and museums, like the Aegean Maritime Museum, exploring the island's seafaring past.

Rural Villages

Not for Delos. On Mykonos, visit small, traditional villages inland, like Ano Mera, for a look at local life away from main tourist hubs.

Pilgrimage Sites

Panagia Paraportiani (Mykonos Town) is an iconic whitewashed church complex. The Monastery of Panagia Tourliani (Ano Mera, Mykonos) is an 18th-century monastery with historical and religious meaning.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your trip beyond Mykonos and Delos to explore more of the Cyclades.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days to the Itinerary

Naxos: A larger, more diverse island featuring beautiful beaches, traditional villages, hiking paths, and impressive ancient ruins.
Paros: Generally more relaxed than Mykonos, Paros is recognized for its charming towns, beautiful beaches, and watersports.
Santorini: An iconic volcanic island, well-known for its caldera views, white-washed cliffside villages, and stunning sunsets.

Plan your extended travel across the region.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Consider an island-hopping itinerary combining Mykonos with Paros and Naxos for a diverse Cycladic experience.
Alternatively, extend your trip to Santorini for its unique volcanic landscape and luxury amenities.
Frequent ferry connections link Mykonos with other major Cycladic islands (Syros, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Ios).

Logical Next Destinations

Any other Cycladic island forms a logical next destination after Mykonos and Delos.

Alternatively, return to Athens for mainland exploration.

This includes ancient sites like the Acropolis.

And the National Archaeological Museum.

Major ferry companies operate these routes:Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries.

High-speed ferries offer quicker travel between islands.

Travel Tip:

Always book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Ferry schedules can change due to weather conditions.
Consider travel insurance for unexpected delays or cancellations.
Pack light for easy island-hopping.
Wear sunscreen and a hat, especially on sunny days.

Travel choices make a difference in supporting local communities and ethical practices.

Community-Based Tourism Initiatives

1

Local Businesses

On Mykonos, a positive economic impact by supporting small, local businesses, tavernas, and shops rather than large international chains.

2

Accommodation Choices

Choose accommodations that are locally owned and managed to keep earnings within the community.

3

Guided Tours

If you hire a guide for Delos, verify they are a licensed local guide, supporting local expertise and income.

Fair Trade and Ethical Shopping Options

Seek authentic local products and crafts made by Mykonian artisans.
Inquire about the origin of goods to make sure they are ethically sourced.
Verify that producers receive fair compensation for their work.
Avoid purchasing items made from protected species.
Do not purchase items that appear to be mass-produced imports.
Support traditional crafts to keep cultural heritage alive.

Supporting Local Businesses

Opt for local tavernas for meals. This directs income to local families.
This supports the preservation of traditional culinary practices.
Purchase souvenirs from small, independent shops rather than large chains.
Frequent local cafes and bakeries for daily needs.
Engage with local vendors at markets for fresh produce.
Look for family-run businesses for a more personal experience.

Business Patronage

Avoid patronizing businesses that exploit workers or harm the environment. Research business practices before making purchases.

Sales Tactics

Be cautious of overly aggressive sales tactics. Take your time to decide before buying.

Tour Operators

Research tour operators to verify they practice responsible tourism and treat their staff fairly. Look for certifications.

Appropriate Charitable Giving:

If you wish to donate, consider reputable local charities or organizations involved in cultural preservation, like "Friends of Delos," which supports the archaeological site. Avoid giving directly to beggars, as this may perpetuate begging rings.

Day Trips & Excursions