It is not essential to book a guided tour for Delos. Independent visitors can learn the history at the Delos Museum. But a small group tour arguably offers a better experience.
To book a Delos tour, choose from the options here.
For a look at the pros and cons of visiting independently, read on.
Where is Delos?
Delos is a Greek Island, historically regarded as the centre of the Cyclades chain. Most visitors arrive on the ferry from Mykonos.
Indeed, a half day visit to Delos is one of the best things to do on Mykonos. I visited in May 2025, on a shore excursion from the Majestic Princess cruise ship. I wrote about it in an article for the Sydney Morning Herald.
I found the island fascinating, but perhaps would have visited differently given the choice.
Why visit Delos?
Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In ancient Greece it was regarded as the birthplace of the god Apollo.
The island is packed with history and archaeological ruins. In the past, it has been a pilgrimage site, a slave-trading hub and a Roman Empire centre of free trade.
The island’s archaeological ruins are extensive and often impressive. People from other islands competed to build the most impressive monuments and temples on Delos.
Can I stay on Delos?
It is not possible to stay overnight on Delos and, to all intents and purposes, you cannot visit in winter.
However, it is possible to visit the Delos archaeological site independently after taking the ferry from Mykonos.
Should I book a Delos tour?
Whether you should visit Delos independently is debatable. The problem with going it alone is that you don’t really know what you’re looking at. This can be an issue with many ancient sites.
Take a guided tour, and the guide can tell you what the buildings were, when they were built, what purpose they served and the stories behind them.
The advantages of visiting Delos independently
However, the guided tours have weaknesses.
Firstly, you have to explore Delos with the group. And it’s often a large group.
The large group tours often march around Delos with the guide talking through an earphone system. These earphone systems never work very well, and you’ll only hear half of what’s being said.
In these always-moving large group tours, you also don’t really get chance to ask questions.
If you visit on your own, you can explore the ruins at your own pace. You also have time and space to reflect, observe and frame photographs.
Finding out more about the history of Delos
Visit Delos on your own, however, and you can learn a lot about the island’s history at the museum within the archaeological site. It’s by no means a brilliant museum, but it has English language signs, and it offers a good overview, even if it’s somewhat dry and dull.
The museum is also where you’ll find the original lions of Delos. The statues within the ruins are replicas.
How much does it cost to enter the Delos archaeological site?
The entrance fee for the archaeological site and museum is €20. You’ll also have to pay another €45 for the return ferry crossing. The ferry journey from Mykonos takes 30 to 40 minutes.
If coming from the cruise terminal, you’ll need to take another 2.5km Mykonos Sea Bus ferry journey to Mykonos New Port, where the Delos trips depart from.
Tickets for the Mykonos Sea Bus cost €2, one way.
Which Delos tour should I choose?
If you decide to take a tour rather than visit independently, there are several options available. These Delos tours from Mykonos cost from €60 for a half day tour.
However, if you’ve got the money, I’d suggest looking for a small group tour. It will be a better experience and you’ll learn more. Tickets cost from €145.
Delos and Rhenia cruises
Another appealing alternative is a full day cruise that visit Delos and nearby Rhenia. These Delos and Rhenia cruises from Mykonos give you time for a swim off the beaches of Rhenia.
The cruises also include a barbecue lunch and cost from €88. Beware, however, that they do not include the entrance fee to the Delos archaeological site.
If you choose not to pay to visit the archaeological site, there is little else to do on the island. You’re not allowed to swim there.
Delos tours from Paros and Naxos
There are also Delos tour options from Paros and Naxos. Tickets for a Delos and Mykonos cruise from Paros cost from €80. There’s a similar trip available from Naxos for from €75.
All prices were checked on 16 July 2025.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission.
