Uncover the Secrets of Delos Island: A Self-Guided Tour

Is Delos Worth Visiting?

Short answer: yes, 100%.

Delos isn’t just another stop on a Greek island-hopping itinerary, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels both magical and haunting. Out of all the ruins I saw in Greece, Delos was the most memorable. It’s quieter, way less crowded than Athens or Delphi, and being on an entire island dedicated to the gods makes it feel significant in a way you can’t quite put into words.

The best part? It’s super easy to organise.

• Ferry: I just hopped on a boat from Mykonos (also possible from Naxos, Paros, Tinos, or Syros). Return ticket is €25, bought at the Delos Tours Ticket Office in Mykonos Old Port.
• Entry Ticket: €20, purchased on arrival at Delos. This covers both the ruins and the Archaeological Museum.

You can’t stay overnight (it’s strictly a day trip), but ferries usually leave Mykonos around 10am and return about 1:30pm. That gives you 3.5 hours to explore, which is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights.

Delos survival kit:

• A hat, sunnies, and sunscreen as shade is basically nonexistent.
• Water. Then more water. Then even more water.
• Light, comfy clothes and sneakers. Your feet will thank you

Guided tours are available for about €79, but honestly, Delos is easy to explore on your own. Save the cash and follow this walking tour instead.

A Quick History of Delos

Delos is steeped in myth and history, and knowing the backstory makes your visit way more meaningful.

According to Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Their mother, Leto, was forbidden by jealous Hera to give birth on solid land, but the floating island of Delos welcomed her. She gave birth to twins here. Apollo, god of light, music, and harmony, and Artemis, goddess of the hunt and moonlight.

The island soon became one of the most important religious sanctuaries in the ancient world, attracting pilgrims from across Greece. By the 5th century BCE, Athens had taken control and turned Delos into a bustling free port, full of temples, statues, and marketplaces. At its peak, Delos was both a spiritual centre and a thriving hub of trade.

But like many ancient powerhouses, it didn’t last. The island was looted twice, first in 88 BCE and again in 69 BCE. After that, Delos fell into decline, eventually abandoned and even stripped by the Byzantines for building materials. What’s left today is a fascinating mix of temples, mosaics, theatres, and ruins that tell the story of both glory and collapse.

1. The Port

Your ferry arrives here, and this is where you’ll buy your entry ticket. There’s a small ticket booth, a souvenir shop, and basic facilities. Definitely hit the bathrooms here before setting off, top up on water, and slather on sunscreen. Once you step out onto the ruins, there’s no shade and nowhere to refill.

2. The Sacred Way

This is the island’s grand entrance. A broad avenue once lined with columns and porticoes. It was the processional route that pilgrims walked to reach the Sanctuary of Apollo. Standing here, you can almost imagine the festivals and rituals that once took place, with worshippers carrying offerings and music filling the air.

3. Temple of the Delians

The largest temple dedicated to Apollo, built under the Delian League in the 5th century BCE. Construction stopped when Athens took over, then resumed centuries later, but it was never fully finished. Despite that, the scale of the ruins makes it easy to see how central Apollo was to Delian life.

4. Temple of Artemis

Apollo’s twin sister had her own sanctuary here. The Hellenistic temple incorporated remains from a much older 7th-century BCE temple, making it a fascinating blend of layers of history. Artemis was goddess of the hunt and moonlight, so her temple would have been an important spot for worshippers seeking protection.

5. Minoan Fountain

One of the oldest structures on the island, dating back to the 6th century BCE. This was a public fountain, essential for life on Delos, and is tied to the myth that Leto drank here after giving birth to her twins. Standing by it feels like connecting directly to thousands of years of history.

6. Agora of the Italians

This enormous marketplace was built by wealthy Roman merchants in the 2nd century BCE. Imagine it buzzing with deals being struck, goods changing hands, and foreign traders bringing exotic items. Today, its arches and columns are partly collapsed, but you can still see the scale of its importance.

7. Terrace of the Lions

One of the most iconic spots on Delos. These marble lions, carved by the people of Naxos around 600 BCE, originally stood in a row guarding the Sacred Way. Only a few remain, but they’re fierce, with snarling mouths, meant to inspire awe and protect Apollo’s sanctuary.

8. Sacred Lake

This is the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, once home to sacred swans. The lake was drained in 1925 due to malaria, but the legend lives on. A palm tree now marks the spot, making it a great photo stop (and one of the few bits of greenery on the island).

9. Establishment of the Poseidoniasts

This guildhall belonged to Syrian merchants and shipowners, showing how international Delos was at its peak. They worshipped Baal (linked with Poseidon here) and used the complex for both business and religious activities. Walking through the ruins, you get a sense of how Delos was a true crossroads of cultures.

10. Archaeological Museum of Delos

Included in your ticket, this museum houses some of the best finds from the island: statues, pottery, mosaics, jewellery, and stelae. It’s worth a stop to see the famous lions up close (the originals are kept here to protect them). Plus, you’ll almost definitely meet the friendly stray cats that hang around outside.

11. Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods

A unique part of Delos, temples dedicated to Egyptian and Syrian deities like Isis and Serapis. It’s a reminder of how cosmopolitan Delos once was, blending Greek, Roman, and Eastern influences into one place of worship.

12. House of the Dolphins

One of the grandest mansions on Delos, named for its stunning dolphin mosaics. Dolphins symbolised Apollo and safe passage at sea, so they were a fitting choice for a wealthy family living on a sacred island. The mosaics are still striking today.

13. House of the Masks

This mansion gets its name from the detailed mosaics of theatrical masks found inside. They reflect the importance of theatre in ancient Greek culture and remind you that this was a society that loved entertainment as much as worship.

14. Ancient Theatre of Delos

Built in the 3rd century BCE, this theatre could hold up to 5,000 people. It hosted plays, festivals, and musical competitions dedicated to Apollo. Standing in the rows of stone seats, you can almost hear the echoes of performances long past.

15. House of Cleopatra

No, not that Cleopatra. This house belonged to a wealthy Delian woman of the same name. It’s a beautifully preserved mansion with mosaic floors and courtyards, giving you a glimpse into how the elite of Delos once lived.

16. House of Dionysus

Another lavish mansion, decorated with mosaics of Dionysus, god of wine and celebration. The most famous depicts Dionysus riding a panther, a striking reminder of how art and mythology were woven into everyday life here.

17. Back to Port

By now, you’ll be sunburnt, dusty, and probably tired but buzzing from everything you’ve just seen. Head back to the port in time for your ferry and soak in the view as Mykonos comes back into sight.

Final Thoughts on Delos

If you’re bouncing around the Greek islands, Delos is one of those spots you just can’t skip. It’s not the kind of place you go for beaches or cocktails, but honestly, that’s what makes it special. Walking through ruins where gods were literally said to be born? Kinda wild. It’s the perfect day trip to balance out the party vibes of Mykonos with a hit of culture, history, and jaw-dropping views. If Greece is on your bucket list, make sure Delos is scribbled on there too, future you will be stoked.