Delos
The sacred island of Apollo ↓
The Sacred Heart of the Cyclades
Just a few nautical miles south-west of Mykonos lies Delos — one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in all of Greece. Tiny and uninhabited today, this rocky islet was once the spiritual centre of the ancient Greek world and a thriving cosmopolitan port. A visit to Delos is the perfect half-day escape from Mykonos: an open-air museum where temples, statues, mosaics and entire ancient neighbourhoods rise straight out of the Aegean light.
Delos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, recognised as an exceptionally extensive and rich archaeological landscape that conveys the image of a great Mediterranean sanctuary city.
Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis
In Greek mythology, Delos is the island where the goddess Leto gave birth to the twin gods Apollo, god of light, music and prophecy, and Artemis, goddess of the hunt. According to legend, the island floated freely across the sea until it was anchored to the seabed to become Apollo’s birthplace. For this reason Delos became one of the holiest sanctuaries of antiquity, drawing pilgrims, offerings and treasuries from across the Greek world.
A Layered History
From sacred sanctuary to Aegean trade capital
First settled in the 3rd millennium BC, Delos grew into the religious centre of the Cyclades and the home of the Delian League. By the 2nd and 1st centuries BC it had become a free port and one of the busiest commercial harbours of the Mediterranean, home to merchants from Italy, Syria, Egypt and beyond. After it was sacked in the 1st century BC the island was gradually abandoned — leaving its temples, houses and statues remarkably preserved for archaeologists to uncover.
What to See on Delos
The archaeological site is vast — allow at least two to three hours to explore. Among the unmissable highlights:
The Terrace of the Lions — a row of archaic marble lions dedicated to Apollo around 600 BC, standing guard over the Sacred Lake. The originals are protected in the site museum, with replicas in place outdoors.
The Sanctuary of Apollo — the religious core of the island, with the remains of temples, treasuries and altars built in the god’s honour.
The Theatre Quarter — a residential neighbourhood of wealthy merchant houses famous for their stunning floor mosaics, including the House of the Dolphins and the House of Dionysus.
Mount Kynthos — the island’s highest point, crowned by sanctuaries and offering sweeping views across the Cyclades to Mykonos, Tinos, Syros and Naxos.
The Archaeological Museum of Delos — home to original sculptures, mosaics and finds that tell the story of daily life on the island.
How to Visit Delos from Mykonos
Delos is reached only by boat. Excursion caïques and small ferries depart from the Old Port of Mykonos Town, with the crossing taking roughly 30–45 minutes. Boats typically run in the morning and return in the early afternoon, several days a week from spring to autumn (the site is generally closed on Mondays).
An entrance ticket is required for the archaeological site and museum. There is no accommodation on Delos and only limited refreshments, so plan for a half-day trip and bring water, a hat, sun protection and comfortable shoes — much of the site is open and rocky. Licensed guides and guided tours are available at the port and greatly enrich the experience.
From Mykonos Beach Hotel, the Old Port and the Delos boats are just a short walk or transfer from Megali Ammos — our reception team is happy to help you arrange tickets and timings during your stay.
Base yourself by the sea, two minutes from Mykonos Town and the Delos boats.
Stay at Mykonos Beach HotelPlanning your trip? Read our full guide to the island — beaches, weather, things to do and museums in Mykonos.