Mykonos sits at the centre of the Cyclades, which makes it an excellent base for day trips to some of the Aegean’s most compelling destinations. The most important is Delos - one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, lying 30 minutes by boat from the Old Port. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.
Day Trips at a Glance
| Destination | Distance | Price (from) | Transport | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delos Archaeological Site | 9km | from €50/person | Boat from Old Port (30 min) | UNESCO site, Terrace of Lions, Temple of Apollo, site museum |
| Delos and Rhenia Boat Day | 12km | from €70/person | Small group boat | Delos guided tour plus Rhenia swimming stop in clear water |
| Naxos Day Trip by Ferry | 38km | from €30/person | High-speed ferry (40 min) | Portara gateway, Naxos Town, beach at Agios Georgios |
| Paros Full-Day Excursion | 40km | from €30/person | Ferry (35 min) | Parikia Old Town, Naoussa harbour, Venetian castle ruins |
| Tinos Island Pilgrimage and Village Tour | 25km | from €25/person | Ferry (30 min) | Church of Panagia Evangelistria, Pyrgos marble village, dovecotes |
Browse all Mykonos day trips and island excursions → GetYourGuide
Delos: The Sacred Island
Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology, and was one of the most sacred sites in the ancient Greek world. For several centuries it was the commercial and religious centre of the Aegean - a city of temples, markets, mosaic-floored houses, and thousands of inhabitants.
Today, Delos is uninhabited and entirely given over to archaeology. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The excavations cover most of the small island (5km long) and include:
- The Terrace of the Lions: a row of marble Archaic lions (originals now in the site museum; the outdoor versions are casts) facing the Sacred Lake - one of the most reproduced images of Cycladic antiquity
- The Temple of Apollo: the largest sanctuary on the island, with multiple temple structures dating from the 7th century BC through the Hellenistic period
- House of Dionysos and House of Masks: well-preserved private houses with extraordinary mosaic floors showing mythological scenes
- Mount Kynthos: at 113m, the highest point on the island, with views across the Cyclades and the remains of a small sanctuary to Zeus and Athena
Entry costs approximately €12 as of 2026 (confirm current price before visiting; it has fluctuated). The site museum on the island has exceptional finds including original sculptures and the famous lion series.
Getting There
Ferries depart from the Old Port in Mykonos Town. Multiple operators run the route:
- Mykonos Cruise (Sea Line) is one of the main operators - small wooden caïques making the 30-minute crossing
- Delos Tour boats offer guided options with an archaeologist or guide on board
Return ferry tickets cost approximately €25–30 as of 2026. First boats depart from around 9am; the last return from Delos is typically around 3pm. The island closes to visitors at 3:30pm.
Guided vs independent: the site has good interpretive signage and an audio guide is available for rent (approximately €5), making independent visits entirely workable. A guided tour adds context on the site’s commercial history and the mythology linked to specific buildings - worth it for those with a strong interest in classical archaeology. Combined guided tour prices (ferry + entry + guide) run approximately €50–70 through tour operators in Mykonos Town.
What to bring: no food or drink is sold on Delos. Bring water - the site is fully exposed and hot in summer. Wear appropriate footwear; the terrain is uneven. Allow a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to see the main sites; a full visit takes 4 hours.
Rhenia: Uninhabited Island Swimming
Rhenia lies just west of Delos, separated by a narrow strait. The island has no permanent inhabitants, no facilities, and no archaeological sites open to visitors - but it has some of the clearest, calmest water in the Cyclades.
The standard arrangement is a small private or group boat trip that combines a Delos visit with a swimming stop off Rhenia on the return journey. Operators in Mykonos Town and at the Old Port offer these combined tours; expect to pay approximately €60–90 per person for a half-day including Delos entry as of 2026.
Rhenia is not reachable by public ferry. If you want a private Rhenia stop, look for small boat operators at the Old Port or ask your hotel to arrange a private charter.
Naxos: A Full Day on Greece’s Largest Cycladic Island
Naxos is 35 to 45 minutes from Mykonos by high-speed ferry, making it a realistic day trip for those who want to see a different island without committing to a multi-day move. Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets both serve the Mykonos–Naxos route; check departure times at the Old Port or via the ferry company websites.
What to do in a day on Naxos:
- Naxos Chora (Old Town): the Portara - a massive marble gateway to an unfinished Temple of Apollo - stands at the harbour entrance and is visible from the ferry arriving. The Venetian Kastro (castle) above the town has a small archaeological museum
- Beaches: Agios Georgios beach is walking distance from the town; Plaka beach (8km south) requires a taxi or hire car
- Villages: the inland mountain village of Halki (20 minutes by bus from Naxos town) has good tavernas and Venetian towers
Return ferries from Naxos allow 5 to 7 hours on the island depending on your chosen schedule. Book your return boat before leaving Mykonos to guarantee a seat.
Paros: Another Cycladic Option
Paros is 35 minutes by fast ferry from Mykonos. Parikia (Paros Town) and the village of Naoussa in the north are the main attractions. Naoussa’s fishing harbour and its restaurant scene are particularly well regarded; the walk around the Venetian castle ruins at Naoussa is straightforward.
Paros is less commonly done as a day trip from Mykonos than Delos or Naxos, but the frequency of ferry connections makes it feasible. As with Naxos, book your return trip before departing.
Tinos: Pilgrimage and Traditional Villages
Tinos is 30 minutes from Mykonos by ferry. The island is famous for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Greek Orthodox world, and for its distinctive marble dovecotes and traditional villages in the island’s interior. Pyrgos village, with its marble workshops and small sculpture museum, is the stand-out inland destination.
Tinos sees far fewer beach tourists than the other Cyclades and has a markedly different atmosphere - quieter, more religious in character, with good local food.
For the full Mykonos island guide and transport options, see Mykonos travel guide. For organising boat trips and excursions, best tours in Mykonos covers Delos guided tours, sailing trips, and organised day excursions.
Search hotels in Mykonos on Booking.com
See Also
- Mykonos Travel Guide - island overview, getting there, and neighbourhoods
- Things to Do in Mykonos - windmills, Little Venice, beaches, and nightlife
- Getting Around Mykonos - ATV hire, water taxis, and KTEL bus guide
- Best Beaches in Mykonos - Paradise, Platis Gialos, Super Paradise, and Elia
- Where to Stay in Mykonos - Mykonos Town vs Ornos vs beach areas compared
- Greek Island Ferry Guide - ferries from Mykonos to Naxos, Paros, and Santorini