See Also
• Quality Lodging in Mykonos
• Top Accommodations for Families in Mykonos
• Hotel Andra website • A list of best things to do in Mykonos can be found at Popular Activities in Mykonos
• Mykonos Travel Guide
The 3 Best Delos Tours from Mykonos for 2023
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- A guided boat tour to the island of DelosThoroughly descriptive conducted tour of Delos with a skilled guide. The expedition originates from the Old Port in Mykonos Town but if you’re residing exterior of Mykonos Town or at one of the coastlines then pick with Hotel Transfer as it makes the day much more convenient. There is also a small private tour for parties of 2 to 10 – choose Private Group Guided Tour for this alternative.
The shore in front of the White House Beach Resort & Spa.
This tour provides those wanting to see Delos without extensive time there a beautiful alternative. Visitors travel to scenic Rhenia island for swimming, snorkeling, and a shoreside lunch. Then a brief yet informative guided tour of Delos occurs when usually less crowded than mornings. Highly advisable.
- Guided tour of Delos from cruise portIf you’re on a cruise ship with limited time, this Delos tour provides pickup and dropoff at the port in Mykonos.
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Delos, Greece
In ancient times, Delos was the most significant island in the southern Aegean Sea. The Cyclades island cluster essentially receives its name from the reality that the islands shape a circle around Delos. Mykonos, by comparison, was deemed inadequate with restricted agricultural prospects. A holy island, Delos is the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, and ladies were once forbidden from delivering there; rather, women were transported to Mykonos for labor and bringing children into the world of their kids.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the small Greek island of Delos is one of the best-preserved and historically important archaeological areas in the country. The site was originally settled by Greeks around 3000 BC, and became a shrine dedicated to Apollo around 800 BC. Over the following centuries, the island developed into a thriving multicultural center of exchange, with influences added from Syrian and Egyptian cultures through additional shrines representing their homelands` gods. Under Roman rule, Delos became a duty-free port and notable slave market. However, its prominence decreased as trade paths shifted, and by 300 AD the island had fallen into relative obscurity, occasionally used as a hiding place for pirates. Delos can be accessed via boat from the island of Mykonos. Use your imagination to envision these widely preserved remnants transforming back into the once glittering city that stood here long ago.
As visitors circulate around the ruins starting from the Sacred Harbor, where tour boats dock, destinations not to overlook incorporate the Sanctuary of Apollo, lined with stays of three sanctuaries committed to the god, the Artemision – a haven of Artemis, Apollo’s twin sister, and the Terrace of Lions, lined with the broadly caught replica lion sculptures. (The genuine lions can be found inside the site’s little yet fascinating exhibition hall, found close to the focus of the island.) Nearby is the overgrown Sacred Lake where Leto brought forth Apollo and Artemis after hiding from the outrage of Hera, Zeus’ significant other, Zeus being the twins’ dad.
In the former residential quarter of Delos known as the Theater Quarter spot the mosaic depicting the god of wine Dionysus riding a panther at the House of Dionysos, and another exquisite mosaic featuring lions, dolphins and griffins at the House of Dolphins. If time permits, it’s worthwhile ascending Mount Mynthos for amazing views of the surrounding islands and to visit the Sanctuaries of Zeus and Athena.
Visiting Delos from Mykonos
Generally during high season there are four boat departures daily connecting Mykonos Town (Chora) and the island of Delos, with trips running from 9am to 5pm. Return boats to Mykonos operate from 12.15pm to 8pm, with fewer sailings from November through March. The 30-40 minute boat journey between Mykonos and Delos can be booked at the kiosk located at the southern end of Mykonos Town harbor. When purchasing tickets, be sure to confirm which return trips they are valid for. The round trip boat fare is 20€, which does not incorporate the 12€ entrance fee payable on arrival at the Delos archeological site.
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- Those touring Delos are given a map detailing three self-guided pathways. Ranging from 1.5 to 5 hours, deciding your time commitment beforehand is advised for routes of varying lengths..
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- Detailed Delos guidebooks can be purchased both at the Delos ticket office and in bookstores on Mykonos. Guided tours can be reserved at the same time as boat tickets (adult/child 55/30€ including boat, entrance fee, and guide).
- Wear protective headgear, sun-protecting lotion, and comfortable walking footwear. The only eating establishment is a basic café at the Delos museum; it is advised to bring a portable meal and plenty of drinkable water.
Delos from Mykonos
