Private Delos Archaeological Site Guided Tour from Mykonos

Crossing from Mykonos to Delos

Delos lies only about two kilometres off the west coast of Mykonos, and boats leave from the old port of Mykonos Town for a crossing of about 30 minutes. Many travellers ask how to get to Delos: there is no airport and nobody may stay overnight on the island, so the boat from Mykonos is the only practical way, and day visits are the rule.

On this private Delos tour from Mykonos, our driver drops you at the port with time to spare, and your boat tickets are already arranged. From the deck you see the island appear low and golden on the horizon, with the hill of Kynthos rising above the ruins. In July and August the meltemi wind can occasionally stop the boats; if that happens, we help you choose another date.

The Sanctuary of Apollo and the Terrace of the Lions

According to ancient Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and from the seventh century BC it became one of the holiest sanctuaries of the Greek world. Your guide takes you along the Sacred Way into the sanctuary, past the bases of the great temples of Apollo, the monumental gateway and the giant marble base of a statue offered by the people of Naxos.

Nearby is the Terrace of the Lions, the most photographed sight on Delos: a row of lean marble lions dedicated by the Naxians in the seventh century BC, guarding the now-dry Sacred Lake. The figures outside are faithful copies, as the originals are protected in the museum. Is Delos worth visiting? For anyone interested in ancient Greece, it is an unmissable day from Mykonos.

The theatre quarter and the mosaic houses

After 166 BC Delos became a free port and grew into a crowded cosmopolitan trading city, with merchants from across the Mediterranean. Its residential quarter is remarkably well preserved: narrow streets, two-storey houses around marble courtyards, deep cisterns and drains. Your guide brings you to the House of Dionysus, with its mosaic of the god riding a panther, and the House of the Dolphins with its elegant floor.

The ancient theatre, built in marble in the third century BC on the slope above the port, once seated several thousand spectators; beside it lies a vast arched cistern that collected rainwater. With a private guide you can linger where you are most interested, ask questions freely and stop for photos without following a crowd.

The Delos Archaeological Museum

The site museum keeps the finest finds from the island, including the original marble lions from the terrace, statues and reliefs from the sanctuary, wall paintings and everyday objects from the houses of the port city. Seeing these pieces after walking the streets helps you picture how rich and busy Delos once was.

Entrance to the museum is included with your ticket, and your guide points out the most important pieces in a short visit. Delos opening hours change with the season, longer from April to October and shorter in winter, and the boat timetable follows them; the 11:30 start of this tour fits the regular schedule, and we confirm everything when you book.

Practical visit and the view from Mount Kynthos

The archaeological site covers much of the island, and there is almost no shade, so a hat, sunscreen and water are essential. The ground is uneven, with marble paving and steps; comfortable closed shoes make the visit much easier. A small café near the museum sells water and snacks. The guided tour takes about two hours on the island, followed by some free time before the boat back.

If you have energy left, the path up Mount Kynthos, about 112 metres high, rewards you with a view over the whole site and the surrounding islands. The best time to visit Delos is spring or autumn, when temperatures are gentle; in summer, drink often. After the boat returns, Mykonos Town is just steps from the old port.