The best day trips from Mykonos — the sacred island of Delos, Rhenia's beaches and boat tours and cruises to nearby Cycladic islands.
Day Trips from Mykonos
Mykonos sits at the heart of the Cyclades, putting some of the Aegean's most compelling destinations within easy reach. Whether you want to walk ancient ruins, swim at remote beaches, or simply watch the islands drift past from the deck of a boat, the waters around Mykonos offer a full menu of excursions. Most day trips take only a short boat ride, so you can be back in Mykonos Town in time for sunset cocktails.
Delos: The Sacred Island Next Door
No day trip from Mykonos carries more weight than a visit to Delos. The tiny, uninhabited island lies just five kilometres to the southwest, yet it holds one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean. According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which made it a pan-Hellenic sanctuary for centuries.
UNESCO added Delos to its World Heritage list in 1990, recognising the extraordinary density of temples, statues, mosaics, and civic buildings compressed into a small space. The highlight for most visitors is the Avenue of the Lions — a row of marble Naxian lions that once guarded the Sacred Lake. The museum on site houses finds too fragile to leave outside, including vivid floor mosaics and exquisite statuary.
Getting to Delos
Boats depart from the Old Port in Mykonos Town (visible from the port waterfront) several times each morning in summer. The crossing takes around 20–30 minutes. Return boats run through midday, since the island must be vacated by late afternoon — no accommodation exists there. Plan to spend at least two to three hours wandering the site. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential; shade is minimal and the ruins spread across open, rocky terrain. Entry requires a separate fee on top of the boat ticket.
Practical tips for Delos:
- Go early — the site gets crowded and extremely hot by mid-morning
- Bring water; the island has limited facilities
- Combine with an audioguide or printed map so the layers of history make sense
- Check the best time to visit Mykonos guide — Delos runs on a seasonal schedule, typically May through October
Rhenia: Swimming in Near-Solitude
Immediately west of Delos lies Rhenia (also spelled Rinia), a wild, uninhabited island with no archaeological tickets required — just pristine coves and clear turquoise water. Most visitors reach Rhenia by adding it to a Delos excursion or booking a private boat directly from Mykonos.
The beaches here are among the cleanest and quietest in the region. Because there are no permanent facilities, the crowds that fill Ornos Beach or Super Paradise simply do not materialise. Bring your own food, drinks, and snorkelling gear. The rocky seabed around Rhenia is ideal for snorkelling, with good visibility and occasional sightings of octopus, sea urchins, and small fish.
Boat Tours and Island-Hopping Cruises
Beyond individual island visits, a range of boat tours departs Mykonos daily throughout the summer season:
- Sunset cruises — typically a three-to-four-hour sail around the coastline, often calling at smaller coves and passing landmarks such as the Armenistis Lighthouse
- Full-day catamaran or sailing tours — combining Delos, Rhenia, and one or two secluded bays; usually include a meal and open bar on board
- Private speedboat hire — the most flexible option; you choose the itinerary, which might mean Scorpios beach club for lunch and a swim at a sea cave in the afternoon
- Group excursions — more affordable, booked through agencies in the port area or online; often join other small groups for the same circuit
Prices vary widely based on vessel type, group size, and duration. Budget sailboat group tours sit at the lower end of the range; private luxury yacht charters are a significant investment. Booking at least a day or two in advance is wise in peak season.
Nearby Islands Worth the Journey
For those with more time, island hopping further afield opens other options:
- Paros and Naxos — both accessible by high-speed ferry in roughly 30–45 minutes; Naxos in particular rewards a longer stay with its size and interior villages
- Syros — the Cyclades' administrative capital, with elegant neoclassical architecture and a distinctly local atmosphere
- Ios — historically popular for its nightlife; a shorter ferry ride south
If you are already debating which Greek islands to visit, the comparison in our Mykonos vs Santorini guide may help shape your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Delos as a day trip from Mykonos? Yes — boats run from the Old Port in Mykonos Town every morning during the tourist season, typically late spring through early autumn. The round trip is short, and you can easily combine a morning at Delos with an afternoon swim at Rhenia or a return to the beaches of Mykonos.
Is Rhenia accessible without a private boat? Most people reach Rhenia via guided tours that include both Delos and Rhenia on the same excursion. A few operators run Rhenia-only trips. Private speedboat hire also gives you complete flexibility over timing and the coves you visit.
How many days do you need in Mykonos to fit in day trips? At least three full days allows you to see the island itself and still squeeze in one excursion. Our how many days in Mykonos guide breaks this down in more detail.