Delos is one of the great archaeological sites of the Mediterranean, a small uninhabited island that was the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and a religious and commercial centre for centuries. Its ruins are extensive and open to walk through: the Terrace of the Lions, the House of the Dolphins and the House of the Masks with their mosaic floors, the theatre quarter and the sacred lake bed. Nearby Mykonos needs no introduction, with its whitewashed Chora, windmills and Little Venice waterfront. The Delos and Mykonos One Day Cruise from Naxos packages both into a single shared day from your base, which is the obvious reason to choose it: you see two of the Cyclades' most famous places without changing hotels.
Be realistic about timing. The crossing takes a couple of hours each way, so the day is long, and you will have a limited time on each island. Delos usually gets a guided visit or free exploration of a couple of hours, and Mykonos town gets a few hours for lunch and wandering. Check the itinerary and departure times when you book, and ask whether a guide is included on Delos, because the site is much easier to understand with explanation.
The Delos site is open and exposed, with almost no shade, so take a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and water, and wear shoes with grip for uneven ancient paving. Archaeological sites in Greece close one day a week and operate on seasonal hours, and boat trips depend on sea conditions, so confirm the schedule and cancellation terms. The meltemi can disrupt the crossing in July and August.
On Mykonos, prices are high in the waterfront restaurants, so walk a few lanes inland for better value. Photographers should head to the windmills and Little Venice in the late afternoon. This trip is best for people who have already seen the main sights of Naxos and want a change.
If you only have a few days on the island, spend them on Naxos first and treat this as an extra. Families should consider whether children will cope with a long day on a boat and a hot archaeological site. Seasick-prone travellers should take medication before departure.
If you decide to go, prepare for the site. Delos has no hotels or restaurants, only a small museum and a cafe near the landing, so bring snacks and water. A good guide will explain the sanctuaries, the merchant houses and the mosaics, and will point out how the island worked as a religious centre and a free port.
Do not expect crowds like those at Athens, but be ready for heat. On Mykonos, wander away from the harbour to find quiet lanes, and keep an eye on the time so you reach the boat for the return crossing without rushing.
Weigh the cost against the alternatives. If your time on Naxos is short, a day on the island itself may give you more for your money. If you will also visit Mykonos or Delos on another trip, skip this cruise and enjoy the Small Cyclades instead. For people who love ancient history and want to see Delos without arranging separate ferries, however, it is an efficient way to do it in one go, with the logistics handled by the operator and a guide to bring the ruins to life.
What to expect
The experience
A shared full-day boat trip from Naxos to Delos and Mykonos with time at the ruins and in Mykonos town; confirm whether a guide is included on Delos.
Best time
Late spring and early autumn for milder temperatures and calmer seas.
How long
Roughly ten to eleven hours.
Tips
Bring a hat, water, sun protection and shoes with grip, and check closing days and sea conditions before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and repeat visitors who want to add Delos and Mykonos.
- Families
- Possible with older children; the day is long and the site is hot.
- Couples
- Ancient ruins by day and Mykonos lanes before the boat home.
- Pair with
- A slow beach day on Naxos afterwards.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How long is the crossing?+
Around a couple of hours each way, depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Check the schedule when you book.
Is a guide included on Delos?+
Not always. Confirm when you book, as the site is easier to enjoy with explanation.
Is there shade on Delos?+
Very little, so bring a hat, water and sun protection.
Is the site open every day?+
Greek archaeological sites usually close one day a week and keep seasonal hours, so check before you plan.
Is this trip worth it from Naxos?+
It is a long day, best for travellers who already know Naxos or want ancient history on top of beaches.
