Let’s learn everything you need to know to visit Delos. The small island of Delos has one of the most important archaeology sites in Greece. The only way to visit the site is to get a day return ferry from a nearby island (Mykonos, Paros or Naxos). You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can’t miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos (Dilos), the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Travelers can see firsthand where the ancients lived and clamber over the ruins they left behind. Held sacred as the mythological birthplace of Apollo, Delos was at the heart of the ancient world as an important religious and commercial center, reaching its zenith in the Hellenic period around the 5th century BC.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
Whether you catch the ferry to Delos to take in as much of its cultural significance as you can or go to experience for yourself one of the most evocative heritage sites in Greece, you will not be disappointed. The island of Delos truly does have something for everyone visiting Greece. Find all of your beach essentials here for your Delos Greece vacation. Let’s visit Delos Island Greece! You can also visit our Cyclades Travel Guide or Pinterest for information on all the best Cyclades Islands.
Delos Weather (When to Visit)
The best time to visit is Delos is spring and early summer (mid-Apr to mid-June) or autumn (Sept to mid-Oct). This way, you’ll avoid the summer high season, with its inflated prices, hordes of tourists and high temperatures (heat waves of 100°F are routine). Avoid August, unless you really like scorching heat, crowds, and overbooked planes, ferry boats, and hotels. In the autumn, you will enjoy warm days with still-warm waters. One drawback: Off-season there are fewer boats and flights to the islands, where some shops, hotels, and restaurants do not open until June and then close in October.
Best Delos Area (Mykonos) Beaches
Psarou Beach
Psarou Beach is famous for attracting celebrities from all over the world. It is a beautiful organized sandy beach with clear turquoise waters situated in the south part of Mykonos. Despite the celebrities and the VIPs, many people choose Psarou because it is a great destination for water sports, such as scuba diving and jet ski. There are plenty of restaurants and beach bars here.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a well-organized flat beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and a spacious parking lot. There are also a lot of popular beach bars (Tropicana, Paradise, and Guapaloca), so it gets crowded during the summer season with the majority of the people being youngish.
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Kalafatis Beach
Kalafatis is known for its water sports. This is very much an active beach. In the left corner of the beach of Kalafatis one can find a hut with hire facilities from a snorkel to diving. There is also a windsurf center, where you can rent a board by hour, and a water sports center for jet skiing.
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Paraga Beach
Paraga Beach is a combination of two sandy beaches separating by a headland and forming a large beach. The southern beach is the calmer, while the northern one is fully organized and lined by many taverns playing music. Paranga beach can be reached by bus.
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Platis Gialos Beach
Platis Gialos is one of the most popular beaches of the island, filling with thousands of people during summer time attracted by the golden sand and the wonderful turquoise crystalline waters. Platis Gialos is a fully organized beach, with many hotels lined in front of the beach. Here many people walk straight down to the beach from their rooms.
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Delos Area Recommended Tours & Activities
Mykonos Catamaran Daytime or Sunset Sailing with Food and Drinks
Set sail on the bright blue Aegean with this unforgettable catamaran cruise from Mykonos. Swim and snorkel in the crystalline coves around the islands of Rheina and mythical Delos, or visit the pristine southern beaches of Mykonos. Drop anchor for a delicious, multicourse Greek meal cooked up right on board, accompanied by unlimited beer and wine from an open bar. Book Your Mykonos Catamaran Sailing Tour Here.
Ancient Delos Tour
Uncover the myths and legends of ancient Greece on an educational tour of Delos from Mykonos. With an expert historian guide, discover ancient monuments like the Temple of Apollo and the Sacred Way. Enrich your historical knowledge at the Museum of Delos; marvel at the archaic Sanctuary of Artemis; and learn about the culture of the Greek empire from your expert guide. Opt to upgrade your tour to include lunch at a Mykonian farm and a walking tour of Mykonos Old Town. Book Your Ancient Delos Tour Here.
Mykonos: Small-Group Sailing Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos
Discover the beautiful Cyclades Islands the way they were meant to be seen — from the water! On this full-day yacht cruise from Mykonos, sail across the turquoise Aegean to the uninhabited islands of Rhenia and Delos, stopping to swim and snorkel at a pristine beach cove. Customize your day at sea with either a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site at Delos or an extra swimming stop, and savor the good life with a light Greek lunch and refreshing drinks onboard. Book Your Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos Here.
Delos Day Trip from Mykonos
Ride the ferry from Mykonos to Delos with a local guide who shares expert knowledge about the UNESCO World Heritage–listed island. Unveil the drama of Delos during this half-day walking tour through the excavated ruins of its main archaeological site. See the Terrace of the Lions, House of Dionysus, Archaeological Museum of Delos and more as you learn about the sacred isle’s place in Ancient Greek history. Meet at the port or upgrade to include pickup from Mykonos hotels. Book Your Delos Day Trip from Mykonos Tour Here.
Sailing adventure with Nadia K to Delos and Rhenia Island from Mykonos
Leave the crowds on Mykonos behind and catch the wind with this sailing cruise to two nearby Aegean islands. Set sail from Tourlos Bay to the UNESCO-listed island of Delos to explore the ancient Greek ruins at your own pace. Then head to the island of Rhenia, with a stop to swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Relax over lunch on board, served with wine, beer, and soft drinks. Book Your Sailing Adventure Here.
Best Delos Area (Mykonos) Restaurants
Avra Restaurant $21 – 57
Avra is conveniently located no matter which hotel you are staying at or which attraction you are taking in. The Avra salad has become something of a celebrity in this town, and a must have. Also enjoy a range of pastas, including a seafood pasta with fresh caught ingredients. The open-air grill can prepare swordfish, shrimp or souvlaki, but inquiring about the catch of the day may lead to an unforgettable experience. Telephone: 30 22890 22298 Web: Avra Restaurant Menu
Bakalo Restaurant $11 – 30
Bakalo is set in a traditional Mykonian house that dates back to the 18th century. On the menu, you will find dishes such as Mykonian spiced cheese with peppers, Cycladian cheese dumplings with tomato and lemon dressing, marinated octopus from Syros, and baked mushrooms stuffed with pork and gruyere cheese from Naxos. Telephone: 30 22890 78121 Web: Bakalo Menu
Blue Myth $30 & Over
The Blue Myth Restaurant is one of the two restaurants at Petinos Beach. Diners can breathe in the fresh sea air, while dining off a wide choice of Mediterranean dishes, as well as an interesting selection of international dishes, with everything from homemade pizza to filet steaks. Telephone: 30 22890 22127 Web: Blue Myth
Coo $30 & Over
The cuisine offered is world class and the highlight is the sushi. The Kobe Beef Filet, a world-famous delicacy made from cuts of the Wagyu cattle that have been raised by following certain strict traditions, is one of their specialties. Their wine list is impressive with several unique collections that can satisfy even the most discerning wine lover. Telephone: 30 22890 26292 Web: Coo
Hippy Fish $11 – 30
The Hippie Fish Restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes the authentic Mediterranean and Greek cuisines and the dishes are made from fresh ingredients that ensure that traditional dishes retain the same taste they are supposed to possess. The restaurant is open from May to October, Monday through Sunday, for lunch, dinner and late-night meals. Telephone: 30 6930 398588 Web: Hippy Fish
Best Beach Clubs (Mykonos)
Skorpios, Paraga Beach
The beach-side lair encompasses a sandy beach, open-plan restaurant, and sunset beach for our music rituals. Given the popularity of Scorpios and the current regulations, we have a reservations-only policy this season. Telephone: 30 2289 029250 Web: Skorpios
JackieO’, Super Paradise Beach
Experience the most unique Beach Club in Mykonos. Located above the dazzling turquoise waters of Super Paradise Bay, JackieO’ Beach Club awaits with an explosion of the senses. Express yourself and relax among the attentive team all day on the Beach, Jacuzzi or Poolside. Telephone: 30 697 301 0981 Web: JackieO’
Alemagou, Ftelia Beach
A bohemian setting you wouldn’t expect to find in Mykonos. Originally laid-back yet eclectic, totally relaxed yet elegant, both remote and cosmopolitan, rough yet refined. Bring only what’s necessary: your swimsuit, your sunblock, your flip flops, your panama hat and your “surfer’s” attitude without the attitude. Telephone: 30 2289 071339 Web: Alemagou
Kensho, Psarou Beach
Whether you prefer the laid back ambience of the cosmopolitan beach bar, listening to live music or exploring an impressive wine list, there’s a venue to meet all tastes at Kenshō Beach Bar at Psarou, Mykonos. The place to be once sun sets. On the cosmopolitan beach of Kenshō Psarou with a lounge atmosphere take your time to try from our fabulous wine and cocktail list and enjoy the perfect ambience. Telephone: 30 22890 29002 Web: Kensho Beach Bar
Beefbar on the Coast, Agios Ioannis Beach
Experience the jaw-dropping transformation of this internationally celebrated bar restaurant, constructed to align with the natural environment. Soak up the Greek sun under one of the full-service sunbeds and wooden cabanas on the tiered terrace and jump into the pristine waters of the Aegean sea. Telephone: 30 2289 077865 Web: Beefbar
Best Delos Area (Mykonos) Hotels
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Hi Leahrae,
I’m planning a stag go for this Summer and we’re looking for things to occupy ourselves during the day, the island of Delos sounds like it may well be a good option.
The stag is somewhat of a history buff so walking around ruins will be right up his street. Would you suggest booking this before we arrive or perhaps finding a local tour/ company once we arrive?
I would book it in advance, so you know you it’s done. Please let me know how you guys enjoy Delos! Thanks for visiting.
Thank you so much for sharing such an excellent article with us. I am glad to see your article. Your article is really interesting and informative. I have got a lot of information about Delos Island Greece. Delos Island, Greece, I like very much, thinking for a long time that I was looking for a good place to travel. I enjoyed reading your article and found this valuable information and I love it so I want to take my family to Delos Island, Greece. Can you help me to visit Delos Island in Greece? I will share this article with my friends and after visiting Delos Island, Greece, I will share my new experience with you. I have bookmarked your website so that I can come back to your website later. I thank you again for providing such a beautiful post and I wish you good health.
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, I can help you make your travel arrangements. Just shoot me an email at leahraearend@gmail.com and I will look forward to it!
I have always wanted to visit Greece. So much history took place there including Biblical history. This Delos Island sounds like a perfect day trip. I wonder why they don’t let anyone stay the night.
While in college, I studied Greek mythology and art and fell in love with the country, the culture and the history. It would be an absolute delight to visit the country and see the places I have only read about and saw pictures of.
You have some great information on travel and accomodations on your site which will make booking my visit so much easier.
Karin
Great Karin, sounds like you would really enjoy Greece and not just for the beaches. I agree with you. I home schooled my son in history, among other subjects and that is when I truly became fascinated with Greece and Italy. Sure they do have lots of beauty and amazing beaches, but the history is what draws me.
Yes. That history is what made me fall in love with the place. The different places I could see and imagine what took place there… And the beaches would be pretty cool, too!
Karin
I would agree Karin 🙂
This looks like one of the coolest places in the world because it has a lot of ancient and historic architecture and the coolest thing about it all is they are located next to beaches for the most part. This makes learning about Greece’s history all that much more fun of an experience. Do you think that Greece is one of the most awesome places on earth?
I would agree with you Jon! It is a very awesome place. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Never even heard of this place! It looks like such a beautiful place to visit. I would love to go there, it doesn’t seem like it is crazy expensive either. I am going to have to bookmark this for later!
I have not traveled a ton overseas, mostly just throughout North America. I think that the beaches in Europe as well as the culture though offer much more than anything we could find over here. Such beautiful views, such old structures. I hope you keep posting more of these great places to visit! It is a perfect place for someone of any age!
Thank you Travis. I am glad you enjoyed!
Delos Island is one of the best place to visit Greece I have been there a few times and I must tell you i enjoyed myself to the fullest but for one to enjoy a place like this is getting a good guide like this..thanks alot for this awesome article it would be of great help to the public as it has been of help to me.
Great Ben. I am glad you enjoyed my Delos Island Greece guide and it was helpful…..even after the fact 🙂 Lucky you to have been there a few times. Thank you for visiting beach travel destinations.
Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us and as a traveler I would like to say that Delos Island Greece is a great travel guide .You did a great job of providing all the information you need to plan a great vacation through your article .I’m thinking of going to Greece for my vacation next April .I have heard that in April it is quite useful to go here and also through your article I found that the weather is very favorable at this time. Wish to see famous beaches, restaurants and restaurants, traditional places, cities etc. Delos is very keen to see how the elders lived on the island and the ruins they left behind .Delos is an important religious and trade center as well as a sacred birthplace of Apollo .Besides, the lions are eager to see the lake through the terraces .Knowing more through your travel guide has made me want to go further .And the benefit I get the most from travel guides is that in terms of transactions and linguistic publishing. I kept this article in your collection for the future .
I’m glad Shanta and it sounds like you are really going to enjoy Delos. Please let me know how your vacation to Greece goes and where you go, and what you loved the most. I look forward to hearing back!
Thank you so much for sharing with us such a beautiful article. I also read your previous article. So I am going to bookmark it. I enjoy while reading your guide on Delos Island Greece. I found it is the best travel guide for Delos Island Greece. Delos Island Greece history, culture, and architecture with a rugged Adriatic setting of traditional fishing villages, shops, hotels, and restaurants. The video is very awesome and I love it. While traveling Delos Island Greece to we will try to visit everything listed by you. Your guide is very helpful for travelers. Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to read more posts like this.
Thank you Sabrina and I am glad you enjoyed my Delos Island Greece post. Let me know if you need any additional information.
After watching the video and reading the writing, I came to once again see the beautiful creation God made millions of years ago. His creations surely are beautiful (This includes us) A friend of mine told me he visited Greece when I told him I’m about to visit Berlin. I’ll ask him about Delos Island.
Delos is amazing. If you love history, then you will love Delos. You can stay on the beautiful island of Mykonos or Naxos and take the ferry. Worth the trip for sure. Thanks for visiting Linda.
For those passionate about sites, archeology in general and history, a visit to the island of Delos will offer unique experiences. These vestiges of history are looming large throughout the island. But I have a question: if the island was no longer inhabited since 478 BC, how can these unsavory ones be preserved, is there any restoration program?
I completely agree Carmen. It is a unique experience, on top of being in such an amazing location. Yes, Delos is doing restoration on various Delos Island monuments.
I love your all beach travel destination very much. If I got a chance in my life. I will try to visit as much as possible. Every person have some dream and desire for their life. As a traveler I want to visit as much as I can. I am enjoying each destination with my lovely family. Your detailed guide is very useful for everyone to make a decision for travelling. Now it’s my time to travel Delos Island. thank you for your lovely guide.
Thank you Parveen for stopping by and continuing to support beach travel destinations. I am glad you are finding the information helpful.
Thanks for this wonderful, informative post about Delos Island Greece.
I am not much of a beach person but my best mate is. And this article comes at the right time as he has already started looking for an ideal beach holiday destination to visit in summers.
I am going to share this article with him and I am sure it’s going to help him out big deal.
Thanks for the valuable info.
Nick.
You are very welcome Nick. I think you would enjoy Delos too if you enjoy history, culture and architecture. Delos has a little bit for everyone. Thanks for visiting my Delos Island Greece Guide.
Your guide very useful for travelers. While reading I know that the small island of Delos has one of the most important archaeology sites in Greece. The best time to visit is Delos is spring and early summer (mid-Apr to mid-June) or autumn (Sept to mid-Oct).
In the autumn, you will enjoy warm days with still-warm waters. One drawback: Off-season there are fewer boats and flights to the islands.
Soon we will make a plan to visit Delos Island.
Sounds like you learned all you need from my Delos Island Greece guide. I believe you will have a wonderful time in Greece. Let me know if I can provide you with any additional information. Thanks for stopping by.