Floating lazily on the Aegean Sea, a tour to Delos island, Greece, is a perfect destination from trendy Mykonos.

Delos, an island full of mysticism, and a deep history. Considered to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis, an island so famous it was featured in Homer’s Odyssey, and the location of the legendary treasure of the Delian leagues, founded to defend Greece from Persian incursion.

With so much history behind Delos, the island is entirely designated as a UNESCO world heritage site; it’s magnificently preserved, and you’ll immediately be transported to the height of ancient Greek civilization.

What to expect

Delos is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Greece, and it is widely considered one of the most important archeological sites in the world. I’m a massive history nerd, especially when it comes to ancient Greece, and the island did not disappoint.

Usually at a site you’ll find one or two ruins that are well preserved or frankly, you’ll see the foundations of a temple which has long disappeared into dust. It is very rare to find an entire island FULL of ruins in superb condition; so well preserved are these ruins that you’ll feel like you are transported back to their glory days. No other place on Earth boasts monumental structures from the three most important eras of Greece – the Archaic, Classic and Hellenistic periods. In other words, you are spanning thousands of years of history in just one visit.

As the Greeks like to say, Delos is history itself.

Getting to Delos

Delos is easily accessible by boat from Mykonos, weather permitting, with trips available every day. If you are island hopping during the summer, you can find round trip service from Tinos and Naxos as well. The only way to get to the island is by boat, so take advantage and get the one of the seats on the top – there is nothing better than sailing the Aegean with salty sea spray cooling you down in the summer sun.

What to do

Obviously, you are here to visit some kick-ass ruins from the height of ancient Greek civilization. As I said earlier, the entire island is full of amazing historical artifacts and you really can’t go wrong in taking a guided tour or a self-walking tour. Frankly, there are many routes you can follow but this one below will help you get to the places worth exploring and getting the most iconic photos the island has to offer.

Delos Archeological Museum: A visit to the museum will provide visitors context to the sites around the island and only takes an hour to complete. Most of the artifacts on exhibit come directly from archeological sites from the island, giving a major significance to the the statues, mosaics and pottery on display.

Tip: The museum is not air-conditioned so it can get very hot inside. Early in the morning visits offer cooler temperatures.

Sacred Way / Apollo’s Sanctuary: In the Island’s heyday, this path was once a paved area lined with shops and stalls to greet visitors. As you enter the Sacred Way, through colonnaded porticos, the path leads you though a series of ruined temples dedicated to the god Apollo. While the majority of the spectacular statues that lined the area have been destroyed (and those which remained have been moved to museums) you can still read the inscriptions dedicating the statue to the god that date as far back to 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. The carved lion heads that mark the path along the Sacred Way once spouted water and still survive to this day.

Avenue of the Lions: Dating back to the 7th century BCE, the Avenue of the Lions invokes the feelings of Delos’s glory days thousands of years ago. Keep in mind not all of the lions are original, as many are now placed in museums for preservation, however the replicas are very authentic – they are made of the same white marble found all over the island.

Temple of Isis: It is one of the most stunning sites on Delos because its façade has been restored to its former glory. The temple sits on top of a small hill, seen from the Archeological Museum, and you’ll have to take a short hike to reach it. The view, both as you ascend the hill and from the top is absolutely stunning; the spot is very popular so get there early. One of the more memorable shots you’ll have to take is of the headless Greek goddess standing in front of the temple ruins.

Tip: Many tour guides won’t take you to the Temple of Isis, it’s a can’t miss site especially for photo opportunities.

House of Dionysus: The “residency” of the god of wine (among many other things) on the island easy to spot, due to the towering columns that can be seen above the remnants of the houses’ wall. At the site you will see one of the most famous depictions of the god – a large mosaic of Dionysus riding a tiger with its wings outstretched, carrying a wreath of ivy and a vine of grapes around his neck, is prominently displayed.

Mount Kynthos: Hiking up the mount will allow you to “walk in the footsteps of Apollo”, as it is the birthplace of the twin gods – Apollo and Artemis. Standing at 120 meters, it marks the highest point on Delos, granting visitors a stunning view; from the top you’ll see many surrounding islands including Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, and Rhenia. The hike is not a difficult one, but you will need to be prepared. Make sure to bring proper shoes (no flip flops) and plenty of water.

The Sanctuaries of the Foreign Gods: Located on the slope heading to Mount Kynthos, you’ll find the sanctuaries on many tour-guide routes. The site is split into 2 areas, each one dedicated to either Egyptian or Syrian gods that were worshiped to a variety of extents during ancient Greece. One of the most noteworthy finds was a statue of Poseidon, god of the sea, earthquakes and horses, signifying the panhellenic world.

Tip: As I said there are so many sites to visit, it’s worth spending the entire day on Delos. If you do, make sure you also stop by Cleopatra’s House, the House of Masks, and the Agora of the Italians.

What to pack

You’ll want to pack the following gear to really enjoy the trip to Delos.

Comfortable shoes: While we went with flip flops, you will be doing a good bit of walking. Remember, while it’s hot out, all of the Greek islands have rocky terrain, so have some comfortable hiking shoes for the trip.

Tip: If you bring a backpack, keep a pair of flipflops for the boat ride, especially if you sit on top – it gets wet from the sea spray.

Sunscreen: You will spend the entire time outside, and as with other Greek islands, shade is scarce. Bring Supergoop! to protect your face and also Coppertone for your body.

Swimsuit: As you’ll be both on a boat and spending hours on an island, make sure to pack a swimsuit. Not only will you dry quickly if you get wet on the trip, but you can catch some rays on an island full of ancient Greek ruins.

Towel: This is one item we wished we brought. Whether to dry off from the hot sun or any water form the boat, a quick dry towel will go a long way during this excursion.

Hat: This is key, as you’ll be desperate for shade. Make sure to bring a hat to protect you from the sun so you can enjoy the entire day.

Water bottle: Bring a liter of water, which can be purchased before the boat departs from Mykonos. You’ll have the Aegean sun beating down on you for most of the day, with little reprieve. We recommend you bring the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle, which rolls up for compact travel.

Tip: To get out of the sun, you can always ride inside the boat, however, make sure you don’t close the bathroom door. I got locked in and spent a good 10 minutes screaming my lungs out for help until my wife, who finally realized I was missing decided to look for me. Who knows a few more minutes and this humble blogger would have been a goner.

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Hiking from Fira to Oia is the best way to experience Santorini’s beauty.

The hike from Fira to Oia was one of the highlights of our trip to Santorini. During the hike, we explored magnificent viewpoints; visited adorable churches perched high above the trail; and photographed the picturesque Greek whitewashed houses, that pop out sharply in any photograph with the deep blue Aegean Sea idly set in the background.

The hike is approximately 10 kms one-way (or 6 miles) and doable for most people. Depending on your fitness level, along how much time you stop for pictures -and to catch your breath- the walk can take you between 3-5 hours. Please don’t underestimate the hike – both my husband and I exercise regularly and were totally exhausted when we reached Oia.

We visited Santorini in August, one of the hottest months in Greece and did the hike on a day when there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky; add the lack of trees and shade this made the hike that much harder. Thankfully we were fairly well-prepared and will share what we made sure to bring with us later in the blog.

When to go

Because we wanted to catch the sunset in Oia we started our hike during the early afternoon – when the sun and heat were in full force. Looking back, it wasn’t the best idea. If I had to do the hike all over again, I would definitely do it early in the early morning, then visit Oia later just to watch the sunset. By going in the morning, you will avoid the hottest part of the day and strongest hours of a very hot Aegean sun beating down on you. Even in the morning it will be hot, but you’ll miss out on the worst of the heat.

Tip: The hike will probably take you longer than you expect as there will be many photo spots along the way where you’d want to stop.

For our way back, we caught the bus back to Fira – along with what felt like hundreds of people that had the same idea. We’ve been in packed buses and metros many times before, but this was unlike anything we’ve ever been in. Sardines would have had more room packed in olive oil. The bus was beyond any reasonable definition of packed and the driver furiously encouraged everyone to keep packing in, obviously he didn’t mind squeezing everyone so extremely close to each other.

It was quite uncomfortable because we literally couldn’t move an inch; and in a post-COVID world you will want to consider your comfort level for a potentially packed bus. We recommend that you plan accordingly (and don’t wait for the last bus!) or take the saner option of a taxi back to Fira.

What you can expect along the way

The path to Oia is quite remarkable as it changes significantly along the way. Starting in Fira, you’ll cross the town and its urban sprawl full of the iconic grey sidewalks along whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and steps as you begin to arrive on the trail itself, and finally on the gravely terrain that will mark most of your path. This changing landscape lends itself perfectly for multiple photos as there are striking moments you will want to capture.

While it’s a moderate hike terrain-wise, you should be very prepared for the drastic changes and pack some comfortable shoes – we did it all in flipflops and highly recommend you don’t. Moreover, the majority of the hike is uphill with some steep climbs along the path.

Tip: Bring plenty of water with you (at least a liter) to drink along the way – especially during the summer. There are parts of the trail where there is literally nothing and you won’t find any water to be sold for miles. Make sure you take all precautions to avoid heat sickness.

The hike begins at the square located next to the Hotel Atlantis in Fira, and you will be walking north and mostly uphill as you pass through the town. After leaving Fira, you will pass the picturesque village of Firostefani, which is quite similar to Fira in aesthetic; so much so that it will be hard for you to notice when Fira ends and Firostefani starts. If you haven’t brought water with you make sure you get it before you leave this town.

At Firostefani you can make a detour to visit the Three Bells of Thira at Agios Theodoros which offers a magnificent photo opportunity. To get the picture with the bells and blue dome you will need to head to a parking lot located above. This is well worth the stop, and it’s one of the iconic images of the island.

As you continue your hike you will arrive at Imerovigli, which offers magnificent views of the caldera. Here you can make a detour to visit Skaros Rock, a rocky headland overlooking the sea and a very popular spot for watching the sunsets. It has had many lives, including housing a castle and serving as a meeting point for Christians. While it is close to Imerovigli, the detour will add a significant amount of time to the hike (up to an hour for some). You can reach the path which will lead you to Skaros Rock by staying left when the trail forks near Agios Georgios Church.

In Imerovigli watch for the fork at the Profitis Ilias Church. Here there are two options: stay to the left to continue towards the church and soak in the amazing views of the caldera along the way. The right path is an easier trail (so take this one if you are feeling really tired) but keep in mind you will miss the breathtaking views! After this milestone, the path becomes an uphill hike (just before arriving to the Panagia Church) and it’s a dusty path in the hot summer. Don’t get discouraged, there will be an awesome surprise for you at the peak – one of the most beautiful Greek churches with my favorite view of the entire hike, so keep walking!

Now, as you descend, you’ll be inching your way towards Oia. This stunning town is perfect to enjoy an amazing sunset, peppered with azure domes, charming windmills, and one of the best cityscapes in all Greece. Hopefully you’ll also enjoy a filling lunch/dinner to replenish all the energy you lost during the hike.

What to pack:

The items below are essential for this hike. Please make sure you come prepared; it will make the hike easier.

Comfortable shoes: As you will be walking on rocky terrain make sure you bring along shoes which provide adequate support. After so many hours of hiking comfortable shoes may help reduce the chances of ending up with sore feet and blisters.

Sunscreen: You will spend several hours outdoors, so it’s important that you bring sunscreen with you to avoid being burned the next day. Bring Supergoop! to protect your face and also Coppertone for your body. Since the hike is quite long, make sure you reapply at least once more.

Hat: A hat to protect you from the sun is also imperative so don’t forget to pack one.

Water bottle: Bring at least a liter of water. It will be a long hike which combined with the high temperatures will make you thirsty along the way. Don’t expect to find too many places, if any, to get water – come prepared.

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A tour to the volcano in Santorini, Greece should not be missed during your trip. Walking around the crater of an active volcano, especially one which dramatically changed the island’s landscape when it erupted, is definitely an unforgettable experience.

If you are visiting the breath-taking island of Santorini, a tour to the volcano is a must as it is intrinsically tied to the island’s geography and history. The volcano has been an invisible hand in the island’s history as Santorini was once a major center of pre-ancient Greece until that one fateful explosion.

The volcano’s massive explosion was responsible for not only wiping out this bastion of culture, but it dramatically changed the geography itself. When the volcano exploded, the majority of the island collapsed into the sea, and created five separate islands, Santorini, Therasia, Aspronisi, along with the volcanic islands of Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni.

The volcano will form a strong presence throughout your visit to Santorini as it is visible all over the island from its place in the middle of the sea. Each time you enjoy one the island’s famous sunsets, you’ll see the volcano in ominous silence looking back at you. Regardless, the volcano adds immensely to the setting’s beauty and you’ll find yourself taking several pictures with it in the backdrop.

There are several tours that offer trips to the Volcano by boat from both the old (Gialos) and new port (Athinios). Keep in mind that to reach the old port you’ll have to descend the long stairs that lead from the top of the town to the harbor, which is not as tiring until you have to go back up. Alternatively, there is a cable car that takes only 3 minutes or you can ride the local donkeys. The new port is located approximately 10 kilometers from the capital Fira, at the bottom of the caldera.

Getting to the volcano

There are several boats tours that will take you to the volcano. As always, we recommend you book it through Viator – we never had an issue and had booked several tours throughout the years. Once you get into the boat, you will sail for approximately 15 minutes until you reach the volcano, which will be your first stop.

From here, you will walk an ascending path (a moderate to easy hike of around 20 minutes) to the crater of the active volcano; all the while you’ll be taken in by the magnificent views along the way of the island and caldera. As you walk, you will notice the gray and black volcanic rocks juxtaposing with the deep blue color of the sea – this tiny detail only emphasizes the deadly nature of the volcano next to the lifegiving sea.

Tip: The hike might require some physical effort so bring comfortable shoes. Also note that the dust will probably make them dirty so don’t wear new shoes.

Note that it will get hot in Santorini, which already has little natural shade, during the summer with temperatures rising significantly. Come prepared because it will be even hotter in the volcano. Take all precautions to avoid getting heat sick – a bottle of water, sunscreen and a hat are mandatory.

Visiting the hot springs

After some time enjoying the walk on the volcano, tours will usually make a stop in Nea Kameni, where you can swim in thermal, mineral rich, waters which are known for their therapeutical properties. The thermal “lake” is literally in the middle of the sea, so keep in mind the water is hotter in this spot. You’ll notice the temperature difference as you swim into the area and you’ll immediately smell Sulphur; the color of the water will also change giving it a rusty/yellowish color.

This is a popular area, and you will see plenty of small boats sailing alongside luxury yachts; there will be plenty of people sunbathing and jumping off the boats into the thermal waters. See if you can spot the lovely church located at the edge of the sea.

What to bring:

Comfortable shoes: As I mentioned before, bringing comfortable shoes is key as the terrain can be uneven and you want to make you have good support for your feet. I’d also bring flip flops for your dip into the thermal waters, as everything will be wet afterwards.

Sunscreen: Santorini’s hot summer days urgently call for sun protection. Make sure you use a good sunscreen for your face (such as Supergoop!) and also for your body (like Coppertone). Since the tour takes a couple of hours, bring the sunscreen with you and reapply – there will be no shade during this tour.

Hat: Bring a hat with you to further protect you from the extreme heat and sun. I recommend The North Face Washed Norm Hat – it comes in wide variety of colors.

Water: Make sure you stay hydrated. Bring a plastic bottle or alternatively your own water bottle which you can refill at the hotel when necessary. I recommend the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle, which rolls up for compact travel.

Bathing suit & towel: Do not forget to bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy swimming in the thermal waters. Bring also a small towel to dry yourself. I recommend the Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel Fast Drying.

Tip: Don’t wear a white bathing suit as the minerals in the water will stain it. My husband wore white trunks into the water and then noticed they were permanently orange afterwards.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Check out a list of things to do in Mykonos island, Greece. Stunning beaches, charming windmills, and narrow cobbled alleys await you in this Aegean paradise.

Mykonos is one of Greece’s many islands – and probably the most famous in modern times for the hip jet set crowd. When we traveled to Greece a few years ago, it was difficult to choose where to go – especially as my husband is obsessed with ancient Greece. Not only did every island looked stunning, but every part of the country was too beautiful to miss. After a lot of discussion, we both decided since it would be our first in the country, Mykonos and Santorini islands had to be our first destinations.

Tip: Getting to Mykonos from Athens is easy. There are two ports (Piraeus and Rafina) where you can take the ferry. It will take you 2.5 hours to reach Mykonos from Rafina by ferry and usually 2-5 hours from Piraeus depending on the ferry route.

According to mythology, and my dorky husband, Mykonos was created from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules – who knew that giants’ bones would make such an idyllic island?! Despite the massive size of its corporal creators, Mykonos is a small island making it easy to get around and visit all of the main attractions at a leisurely pace. The island has a length of approximately 14 kilometers across, making it perfect to rent an ATV and explore in a day.

Let me tell you, Mykonos didn’t disappoint. My most vivid memories include the turquoise color of the sea; the windmills; the narrow-cobbled paths across the island dotted with sleepy cats; and the white houses that radiate from the stark contrast with their colorful doors. Mykonos may be famous as a party island but its renowned for wonderful beaches and windy days that cool you off in the hot sun. Take your camera with you because you’ll want to photograph every corner of this island.

Tip: During summer (especially August), Mykonos gets really crowded so make sure you book your accommodation and transportation far in advance.

What to do:

Stop by Little Venice (Alefkántra): As soon as you walk into this part of Mykonos town for the first time, you’ll see why it gets his name. This section of the town is by far one of the most scenic, and safe to say its most popular photo spot. Little Venice is an 18th century district featuring houses with colorful balconies perched over the sea. This is also a great spot to photograph the windmills, grab a bite to eat right as the sea gently splashes onto the restaurant patios, and watch the Aegean sunset. There are some bars here where customers drive their boats right up to the windows – this is definitely the good life!

Tip: For a great view of the windmills, head to Katerina’s Bar. The owner of the bar decided to transform her family house into a restaurant/cocktail bar. In addition to serving great food, it offers breathtaking views of the windmills and Little Venice.

Take a boat ride to Delos: Located only a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos, Delos is a sacred island of Ancient Greece and known as the mythological birthplace of Apollo, god of the sun and music, and his twin sister Artemis the goddess of the moon and hunting. The island is a fantastic place to visit ancient ruins which are extremely well preserved. Delos is a UNESCO heritage site and the largest archeological site in Europe; it’s definitely a must visit. It also has a major historical importance as the cog and treasury of the Delian League which protected Greek city states from any future Persian invasion. We recommend you book a tour to this island through Viator and visit the several ruins of monuments, temples, theater and homes this island offers.

Go sailing: Book a catamaran cruise to sail in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. This is the best opportunity to take pictures of Mykonos as the catamaran pulls away from the dock; it’ll give you a great full panoramic view of the town and island. Swim and explore the underwater world via snorkeling and enjoy the sunshine and the sea breeze in your face while you smoothly sail.

Visit the Fanari-Armenistis lighthouse: This lighthouse dates back to the middle 1800s and it’s one of the island’s best kept secrets. The lighthouse is located in the north-western part of Mykonos and it remains fully functional today. This picturesque beacon overlooks the blue waters and the surrounding area.

Go to the beach: Mykonos has plenty of beaches, all of which are considered to be among the most beautiful of the Aegean Sea. There are many options to choose from, but here are some of our favorite beaches:

Platys Gialos: This is a great beach for both couples and families as its crystal-clear waters makes it one of the best beaches in Mykonos. There are restaurants and bars all along the coast where you can eat some food if you spend a full day lounging at the beach. As with most European beaches, you’ll find parasols and loungers available for rent. You can reach this beach by taking a bus from the center of town.

Psarou: This is by far the trendiest beach in the island, populated by the rich beachgoers and party crowds alike; you will probably spot amazing yachts parked along the coast. There are also restaurants and bars, as well as rental parasols, but keep in mind that they will be more expensive than in other beaches. Psarou is about a 10-minute walk from Platys Gialos, so you can do both in one visit. There is also a diving school school, which you should try, and water sports available.

Paradise: This is the party beach where you can find the young crowd partying all day long and for most of the night. There are several clubs and bars around the beach all catering to the party crowd. It’s a fun spot, and you will not be bored – Paradise is easy to get to from the center of town since there are frequent bus connections. It should take you around 20 minutes.

Visit the windmills: Don’t forget to pay a visit to the windmills to soak in one of the best views of the town and harbor. These windmills have become the island’s icons as they stand guard over Mykonos, and make for a killer skyline photo. They can be found south of Chora, between Alefkandra and Neochori.

Tip: There are some great pictures that you can take of the windmills from the narrow alleys of town.

Take a picture of the Paraportiani church: This is by far the most photographed church in the island and constitutes a perfect example of Cycladic architecture. This church consists of 5 separate churches. 4 churches (dedicated to Saint Eustathios, Saint Sozon, Saints Anargyroi and Saint Anastasia) are located at ground level and the 5th church was built above them.

Stroll around the town: Take some time to get lost in Mykonos alleys and cobbled streets. Stop by wonderful coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy local delicacies. Stop by Pepper, tucked away in a tiny corner of town, which has some of the best souvlaki.

What to bring:

Sunscreen: The sun is really strong in Mykonos during the summer so make sure that you bring sunscreen to protect your skin. I recommend Supergoop! SPF40 for your face and Coppertone for your body. Reapply as many times as needed.

Hat: As you will be outdoors for most of the time and enjoying the beach bring along a hat to protect you from the sun. I recommend The North Face Washed Norm Hat – who doesn’t love a teal hat?

Comfortable shoes: Pack comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the island. Flipflops are great, but you’ll do lots of walking and outside the town it gets dusty.

Dramamine: If you are prone to getting seasick, make sure you pack Dramamine as you will probably be taken a few ferries to travel across the islands.

Mosquito repellent: It always comes handy if you are traveling in summer. Bring a bottle of mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten while traveling.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.