Your Essential Day Trip to Delos and Mykonos from Naxos
Imagine a day where you effortlessly traverse millennia, from the sacred heart of ancient Greece to the iconic whitewashed alleys of a vibrant Cycladic island. From your Naxos base, a captivating self guided journey awaits, promising a blend of profound historical immersion and quintessential Greek island relaxation. This 10 hour adventure is perfectly crafted for those seeking both cultural depth and stunning Aegean scenery.
A Journey Through Time: Delos Island
Stepping Onto Sacred Ground
Your unforgettable day begins with a sail to Delos, an island unlike any other. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Delos stands as one of Greece’s most important archaeological and mythological treasures. Ancient Greeks revered this small, uninhabited island as the hallowed birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis, making it a pivotal pilgrimage site and center of worship from the eighth century BCE. Later, under Roman rule, Delos flourished as a bustling trading hub for ships crisscrossing the Mediterranean, home to wealthy merchants before its eventual abandonment. Today, ongoing excavations continue to unearth its secrets, allowing you to walk directly through history.
Upon arrival, you will pay a small admission fee, currently EUR 12. We strongly advise disembarking swiftly to bypass any potential queues for tickets. Allow approximately three hours to fully immerse yourself in the sprawling ruins. A crucial tip for your Delos exploration: the island is entirely exposed, offering very little natural shade. Pack plenty of water, some light snacks, and robust sun protection, including a wide brimmed hat. Sturdy footwear is absolutely essential, as the paths are uneven and rocky. Restrooms are available near the archaeological museum, but you will find no other facilities like shops or cafes on the island.
Exploring Delos Architectural Masterpieces
Though tiny, measuring just 1.3 kilometers wide and 5 kilometers long, Delos is packed with astonishing remnants of its glorious past. While the archaeological museum is currently undergoing renovations, the sheer scale of the outdoor archaeological park offers an unparalleled experience. You can follow a suggested route or simply wander, letting curiosity guide your steps.
The Agora of the Competaliasts
Just outside the harbor, you will discover the island’s primary market square. Here, look for a marble monument dedicated to Hermes and the intriguing remains of ancient shops, along with holes in the stones where temporary tent stalls once stood, painting a vivid picture of daily commerce.
The Sanctuary of Apollo
Following the Sacred Way north from the Agora, you will reach the magnificent Sanctuary of Apollo. This complex is not just one temple but a collection of three, dedicated to the sun god. Pass through a grand propylaea entrance to explore the temples, treasuries, and a distinct temple dedicated to his twin sister, Artemis. Gaze upon the monumental remains of a once towering nine meter statue of Apollo.
The Terrace of Lions
Behind the Sanctuary of Apollo lies the iconic Terrace of Lions. These powerful marble lion statues were a gift from the Naxian community in the seventh century BCE, originally intended to guard the now drained Sacred Lake, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. You will see impressive replicas here, with five of the original statues carefully preserved in the Delos Archaeological Museum.
The Theater Quarter and House of Dionysus
On the opposite side of the dock, explore the Theater Quarter, once home to Delos’s wealthiest merchants. Here, lavish houses featured private courtyards and intricate mosaics. Do not miss the House of Dionysus, a particularly elaborate residence showcasing a stunning mosaic of Dionysus riding a panther, encircled by elegant columns. Close by, marvel at the ruins of Delos’s grand theater, built in the third century BCE to accommodate approximately 6,000 spectators.
Ascending Mount Cynthus
For a truly rewarding experience, venture beyond the Theater Quarter and follow the path leading to Mount Cynthus, Delos’s highest point. Standing 112 meters above the Aegean, the climb is steep and exposed but offers breathtaking panoramic vistas across the island’s crumbling remains and the surrounding Cycladic archipelago. It is a fantastic vantage point to truly appreciate the scale of this ancient city.
Mykonos Magic: Beaches or Chora Exploration
After your profound historical journey on Delos, the vibrant energy of Mykonos awaits. Depending on your chosen mode of transport, you will have a few hours to either relax on a beautiful beach or get wonderfully lost in the charming Chora, Mykonos Old Town.
Coastal Bliss at Agios Stefanos
If your cruise boat docks at Mykonos New Port, a short five minute taxi ride or a pleasant 20 minute walk northeast brings you to Paralia Agios Stefanos. This golden sand bay is celebrated for its crystal clear, calm, and shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Sunbeds and umbrellas are readily available for rent, and you can enjoy watching cruise ships glide in and out of the harbor. Traditional tavernas like Saint Stefanos Café Snack Bar & Grill line the beachfront, serving up delicious Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, and other Mediterranean delights.
Wandering the Iconic Chora (Old Town)
For those seeking city sightseeing, or if your public ferry journey brings you directly to the Chora, Mykonos Old Town promises an enchanting experience. From the New Port, a quick 10 minute Seabus ride (EUR 2 per person each way) or a taxi will whisk you there. The Chora is a mesmerizing maze of snaking streets and whitewashed alleys, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, home to iconic landmarks that capture the quintessential Cycladic aesthetic.
The Old Port
The Old Port area offers stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the tiny neighboring islands. It is a delightful spot to watch the kaikia, traditional fishing boats, come and go, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Mykonos’s beloved official mascot, Petros the pelican.
Panagia Paraportiani Church
One of Mykonos Town’s most photographed sites is the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. This truly unique, whitewashed complex is actually five churches harmoniously integrated. The earliest, Agios Anargyros, dates back to the 14th century CE, with the others built alongside and atop it during the 16th and 17th centuries, creating a fascinating architectural marvel.
Matogianni Street
Lose yourself exploring Matogianni Street and its surrounding alleys. You will discover an array of local craft stores, charming souvenir shops, and designer boutiques. The explosion of colorful bougainvillea against the brilliant white buildings creates a picture perfect backdrop. This area is also brimming with small eateries, perfect for a quick bite if you are feeling peckish.
Boni’s Windmill
From the Chora’s winding alleys, make your way up to Boni’s Windmill. This iconic landmark stands majestically, overlooking the sea and the port. Strategically positioned at this higher elevation, it served not only as a mill but also as a vital lookout point, allowing islanders to spot pirate ships approaching from the water. The walk from Matogianni Street typically takes no more than 10 minutes, ascending about 30 meters, and the views are absolutely worth the effort.
Culinary Delights in Mykonos Chora
Mykonos Chora offers an excellent selection of dining options, from quick snacks to leisurely sit down meals. You will find something to tantalize every palate.
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- Vegera Restaurant Café Bar Mykonos: Overlooking the Old Port, this spot is celebrated for its fresh seafood. Open from 7 am to 1:30 am, with seafood mains starting around EUR 19.
- Rhino Vegan Restaurant Mykonos: Consistently highly rated, this is your go to for delicious vegan street food. Offering both takeaway and indoor seating in the heart of Mykonos Town. Souvlaki wraps start at EUR 5.90. Open from 2 pm (1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays) until 9 pm.
- Sakis: Serving traditional grilled gyros, souvlakis, and classic Greek salads since 1986, Sakis is conveniently located near Rhino. Grill plates start at EUR 15.50. Open daily from 11 am to 1 am.
- Gioras Wood Bakery: A historical gem dating back to the 18th century, home to Mykonos’s oldest working bread oven. Located in the south of Mykonos Town, it is perfect for pastries, fresh bread, and sweet treats to go. A traditional spanakopita costs around EUR 4.
Local Tip: While exploring the Chora, keep an eye out for places selling loukoumades, delicious Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey and sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon or walnuts. They make for a perfect sweet treat!
Planning Your Seamless Adventure from Naxos
Embarking on this self guided day trip from Naxos requires a little planning, but the rewards are immense. Here is how to make your journey to Delos and Mykonos as smooth as possible.
The Best Way to Travel: Direct Cruise Option
For a truly hassle free experience, we highly recommend booking a full day cruise that includes stops at both Delos and Mykonos directly from Naxos. Companies like Cycladic Cruises offer this convenient service. This is by far the most straightforward and cost effective method, priced at approximately EUR 60 per person (EUR 30 for children under 12, free for children under six).
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- Schedule: These cruises typically operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays during peak season. They usually depart Naxos around 9 am, allowing three hours for Delos and three hours for Mykonos, returning to Naxos between 6:30 pm and 7 pm.
- Booking: BOOK AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, especially during high season, as these popular tours sell out quickly. You can often book online directly through the operator’s website.
Navigating Public Ferries: An Alternative Route
If your travel dates do not align with the direct cruise options, you can still reach Delos and Mykonos using public ferries, though this route is more complex and significantly more expensive, costing around EUR 100 140 per person for the return journey, excluding Delos admission. It involves multiple ferry connections and taxi transfers.
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- Naxos to Mykonos: Take a public ferry, such as a Seajets vessel, from Naxos to Mykonos. A typical morning departure around 9 am will have you arriving at Mykonos New Port by 9:40 am. This segment alone costs approximately EUR 40 60 per person one way.
- Mykonos New Port to Old Port: From Mykonos New Port, you will need to take a taxi south for about 10 minutes to reach Mykonos Old Port. This is where the boats to Delos depart.
- Mykonos Old Port to Delos: At Mykonos Old Port, purchase a return ticket for the boat to Delos from the kiosk. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs EUR 22 return. Boats typically run from Tuesday to Sunday, with a convenient 11:30 am departure.
- Return from Delos to Mykonos: Catch a return ferry from Delos back to Mykonos at either 1:30 pm or 3 pm.
- Return from Mykonos to Naxos: Head back to Mykonos New Port (via taxi) to catch a return ferry to Naxos. Options often include a 5:15 pm ferry, or a 7:15 pm departure if you wish to spend more time exploring Mykonos. Both return journeys take approximately 1.5 hours and cost another EUR 40 60 per person.
- Important Note: This public ferry itinerary is generally not feasible on a Monday due to potentially tight connections between Mykonos Old and New Ports and limited ferry schedules.
Essential Packing List for Your Day Trip
To ensure your comfort and enjoyment on this incredible adventure, remember to pack these essentials:
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- Passport: Always good practice when traveling between islands.
- Sturdy Footwear: Absolutely critical for navigating the uneven archaeological paths on Delos and the charming but sometimes challenging cobblestone streets of Mykonos Chora.
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat are non negotiable, especially on Delos where shade is scarce.
- Comfortable Clothing: Light, breathable attire suitable for walking and exploring in warm weather.
- Water: Bring plenty, particularly for Delos where there are no shops.
- Cash: While many places accept cards, having some euros on hand is always wise for smaller purchases or in locations where card payments may not be available.
Final Thoughts on Your Island Escape
A day trip from Naxos to the ancient marvels of Delos and the vibrant charm of Mykonos is an experience that truly encapsulates the magic of the Cyclades. You will depart with memories of sun drenched ruins, mythical tales brought to life, and the quintessential beauty of Greece’s most famous island. Prepare for an enriching adventure that will stay with you long after you have returned.
