Mykonos tours and tickets
Mykonos is a beach and boat island, and the high season is short and busy. The Delos boat, beach club tables and a sunset sail all fill in July and August. The windmills, Little Venice and the old town lanes are free. A scooter or a car tour is easiest booked a few days ahead.
Book these first
- Delos boat and entry
- a few days to a week ahead in summer. Boats are limited, and entry to the site is timed at busy periods.
- Beach club tables and sunbeds
- weeks ahead in July and August. The best spots are booked out well before you arrive.
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Monuments and landmarks
Delos archaeological site
A sacred island with a lion terrace, mosaics and a theater, reached by a short boat from Mykonos. Entry is by ticket on the island, and the boats run most mornings. Shade is limited.
Which to pick. Take the first boat and bring water and a hat. A guide adds the myth and the layout, which helps on a bare site.
A few days to a week ahead in summerVisitor guideTours and tickets on ViatorLittle Venice and the windmills
A row of waterfront houses with balconies over the sea, and a ridge of windmills beside them. Both are free, and both are busy at sunset.
Which to pick. Go before sunset to find a seat on the wall. A guided walk of the old town adds the lanes and the churches.
Not neededVisitor guideTours and tickets on ViatorPanagia Paraportiani church
A cluster of whitewashed chapels joined into one white church by the sea, in the town's Kastro quarter. Photographs are the draw.
Which to pick. Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds, and combine it with a walk through the Kastro quarter. No ticket is needed.
Not neededVisitor guideTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Sunset boat trip
A short cruise along the south coast, with a swim stop and drinks as the sun goes down. Boats leave from the old port.
Which to pick. Choose a smaller boat for a calmer evening. Check the departure time and what drinks cost.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorSouth coast and Delos cruise
A day cruise that combines swim stops at coves with a visit to Delos or Rhenia. Lunch is often on board.
Which to pick. Pick it if you want the sea and the ruins in one day. Ask for the route and the swim time.
A week ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorPrivate catamaran or yacht
Skippered boats for groups, with set routes, meals and drinks. They sail to quiet bays off the beaten track south of the island.
Which to pick. Choose a skipper with a clear route and ask what is included. Cancellations in high wind should be explained.
A week or more aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
Beach club table or sunbed
Clubs at Paradise, Platys Gialos and Psarou rent sunbeds and tables, with music and food. Prime spots are reserved well ahead.
Which to pick. Book a bed in July or August if you want a day at the beach. Choose by the music and the crowd.
Weeks ahead in July and AugustTours and tickets on ViatorCooking class or wine tasting
A hands-on class with local dishes such as kopanisti and louza, or a tasting at a small winery. Both last a few hours.
Which to pick. Choose a small group away from the harbor crowds, and check what is included, such as transport and tastings.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Tinos
A pilgrimage island with a famous church, marble villages and quiet beaches, about 40 minutes by fast boat from the harbor.
Which to pick. Take a morning boat and rent a car or take a bus. Check the return time.
A day or two ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorParos and Naxos
Larger islands with whitewashed towns, beaches and ruins, reached by ferry in about an hour. A day is tight, so many stay a night.
Which to pick. Treat it as a night away if you can. Book the ferry ahead in summer.
A week ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Mykonos
Do I need to book the Delos boat?
In July and August, yes, since boats fill. Outside peak weeks you can often buy at the harbor on the day. Check the departure times.
Is a guide needed on Delos?
Not required, but the site is bare and a guide makes sense of it. An audio guide is another option. Bring water, a hat and sun protection.
Are beach clubs worth booking?
In July and August, yes, if you want a particular spot. Elsewhere, you can walk in. Ask about minimum spends before you commit.
Can I explore without a car?
Yes. Buses and water taxis reach the main beaches. A quad or scooter is common but risky on steep roads, so be careful.
What happens in strong wind?
Boats and ferries can be canceled in the meltemi winds. Keep a spare day and check the terms. Water taxis may still run.
What can I leave until I arrive?
The town, the windmills, a simple boat and a scooter can be arranged on the spot. Book Delos, sunset cruises and beach clubs in high season.