Visiting Delos: A Sacred Island Day Trip from Mykonos or Naxos

If you’re spending time in Mykonos, Naxos, or Paros, Delos is a unique half- or full-day trip worth considering. Just a short ferry ride from Mykonos (and accessible from the others), Delos offers a rare glimpse into ancient Greek history and mythology.

This small island, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Because of its sacred status, a law was established that no one could be born or die on the island. Even today, there are no accommodations, and the only way to visit is on a day trip.

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Getting There: The Ride Over

We took the ferry from Naxos, which included an unexpected stop in Paros. The sea was a bit rough that day, so by the time we arrived, we were relieved to set foot on solid ground.

We had booked a guided tour through Viator, which had confirmed over the phone that a guide would be included once we arrived. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. After waiting around and trying to sort things out, we gave up on the guide and joined the line for entrance tickets—last ones in, of course.

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Exploring Delos Without a Guide

Once inside, we decided to explore on our own. While we probably missed a few key points, walking around at our own pace still made for a fascinating visit.

The island may be small, but the archaeological site covers nearly all of it. You’ll walk among ruins of homes, temples, a dry lake, statues, and the remains of a large theater. Look down—you’ll spot incredible mosaic floors, some of our favorite details.

Many of the original artifacts, including the famous Terrace of the Lions, are preserved in the on-site museum, and what you see outside are replicas. Don’t skip the museum—it’s air-conditioned, informative, and packed with history.

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A Few Practical Notes

• There’s no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water—especially in the summer months.
• The climate is dry, almost desert-like.
• No food or shops are available on the island, so plan accordingly.
• You might see more cats than staff—they roam freely and add a bit of unexpected charm to the visit.

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Final Thoughts

Delos might not be the most comfortable trip (especially if the seas are rough), and our tour hiccup didn’t help—but we’re still glad we went. There’s something powerful about walking through a place that was once a religious and cultural hub, and that has remained untouched for thousands of years.

It’s not for everyone, and it might not wow you if you’ve already seen several ancient sites in Greece—but if you’re a history lover or mythology fan, Delos is a treasure.

Just be ready to explore with curiosity—and maybe your own guidebook.