Unforgettable Shore Excursions in Mykonos: What to See and Do in a Day
Whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant alleyways—welcome to Mykonos, Greece! If your cruise itinerary includes this stunning Aegean island, you’re in for a treat.
There are so many fun shore excursions in Mykonos!
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on a world-famous beach, explore ancient ruins, or stroll through the charming streets of Mykonos Town, there’s a shore excursion for every kind of traveler.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the best shore excursions in Mykonos so you can make the most of your limited time and experience the island’s beauty, history, and culture firsthand.
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How to Get to Mykonos from the Cruise Ship
Mykonos has an old port and a new port. The new port is where cruise ships will dock.
If you book a tour through the cruise line, they will have buses and means of transportation to get you to where you want to go.
If you book through Viator or just want to explore on your own, you will need to purchase a Sea-Bus Water Taxi boat ticket to get you to Mykonos Town. This ticket is inexpensive.
Once you jump into the water taxi, it will ferry you over to the town. It takes about 8 minutes each way.
Complete Island Tours
There are some awesome tours that will pick you up right from the cruise port. The most popular are half-day tours with cruise terminal pick-up.
These are perfect for your Mykonos shore excursion, as they will allow you time to explore and get you back on the ship on time.
I didn’t think Mykonos was that big. I always debate if I should book a tour through the cruise line or save money and book through Viator.
I feel like Mykonos is a place where booking to save money is not a bad idea.
Can I Visit Mykonos on My Own?
You could even tour Mykonos town on your own if you wanted. I will highlight some of the spots that you can visit right in Mykonos town.
This self-guided tour will only cost you the 2 euros to take the water taxi. And then I will give you a few more options for the best shore excursion in Mykonos.
I highly recommend going to the beach on Mykonos. There are some famous beaches on this island.
Visit the Mykonos Windmills (Kato Milli)
The iconic whitewashed windmills of Mykonos, known as Kato Milli, are among the island’s most recognizable landmarks.
Nestled near Chora, these historic structures date back to the 16th century, when they played a vital role in milling grain.
Today, they offer a window into Mykonos’ past and provide breathtaking views—especially at sunset—overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Our Experience
This was the first thing we wanted to see. When we stepped off the water taxi in Mykonos Town, we could see them in the distance. We were excited to walk up and get pictures with them.
It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the old port. These windmills are such a unique landmark. It is fun to check them out.
Visit the Church
The most popular church in Mykonos Town is the Panagia Paraportiani. Out of the more than 1,000 churches and chapels scattered across Mykonos, Panagia Paraportiani is truly one of a kind.
It is located in Mykonos Town. This remarkable church is celebrated for its unique architecture—a striking blend of Byzantine and traditional Cycladic styles, with its whitewashed curves and asymmetrical form.
As one of the island’s most photographed sites, it captivates visitors with both its beauty and historical significance.
We were able to walk around and get fantastic shots from all angles. It is worth going to for sure.
Stroll Around Town
One of the things we did was just walk around Mykonos Town.
We took a leisurely stroll through the charming whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town, where traditional cube-shaped homes, vibrant doors, and cascading bougainvillea create a storybook scene.
The alleyways are very narrow! It is so fun to walk through. Just don’t get lost! The city was built this way to disorient pirates. You can easily get turned around.
You will want to take in the authentic character of this former Cycladic fishing village, rich in history and brimming with timeless beauty.
You can probably walk around for an hour and see the different churches and the windmills within that amount of time.
Visit the Ruins
You do not have to go on a Delos tour to see some ruins. (Although you will see a lot more on that tour) Tucked away in the winding streets of Mykonos Town, these ruins are a reminder that the island’s history runs deep.
While Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, sites like this uncover the layers of ancient civilization that once thrived here.
Ongoing archaeological work continues to reveal remnants of early Cycladic and Byzantine-era structures, giving visitors a unique chance to connect with the island’s lesser-known past.
Book Some Beach Time
Mykonos is famous for its stunning beaches, each offering something unique for every kind of traveler. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are among the island’s most iconic, known for their lively party scenes, beach clubs, and DJ sets that keep the energy high all day long.
For families or those looking for a more relaxed vibe, Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos are ideal, with calm, shallow waters, plenty of sunbeds, and nearby tavernas.
If you’re after a more secluded escape, Agios Sostis and Fokos Beach offer unspoiled beauty without the crowds.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, seeking luxury, or chasing the ultimate beach party, Mykonos has a stretch of sand that’s perfect for you.
We decided not to go to the beach, but I did talk with a few cruise passengers who went and loved it. They said the beaches were so nice!
Catamaran and Boat Rentals
Renting a catamaran in Mykonos is an unforgettable way to experience the island’s stunning beauty and vibrant coastal culture.
With crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, a catamaran offers relaxation and adventure.
Unlike crowded beaches, a private boat or even sea kayaking lets you explore secluded spots, swim in serene bays, and soak up the sun in peace.
You can sail past iconic landmarks like the windmills of Mykonos Town or anchor near the nearby islands of Delos and Rhenia for a taste of ancient history and untouched nature.
Whether you’re enjoying a romantic sunset cruise or a lively day with friends, a catamaran rental turns an ordinary vacation into a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Visit the Ancient Ruins of Delos and Visit Rhenia
Taking a Private tour to Delos and Rhenia is one of the most enriching and exclusive experiences you can have while visiting Mykonos.
Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating journey through ancient Greek history with its remarkably preserved ruins, temples, and mosaics that date back thousands of years.
Rhenia is perfect in that it is an uninhabited island known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in nature.
Whether you’re drawn to cultural discovery or serene escape, a private tour to Delos or Rhenia offers a personalized and unforgettable adventure.
Scuba Dive or Snorkeling
Scuba diving in Mykonos is an incredible way to explore the hidden treasures beneath the Aegean Sea.
The Mykonos Diving Center offers beginner dive lessons. These lessons are around 1.5 hours. It also offers a 1-tank dive for experienced divers.
Snorkeling is also available at this site.
The crystal-clear waters offer excellent visibility, revealing vibrant marine life.
You might encounter octopuses, groupers, barracuda, parrotfish, rainbow wrasses, and colorful sponges as you glide through the serene underwater world.
Food Tour in Mykonos
There are lots of tour options if you want to try the local cuisine.
There are food tours, wine tours, beer tours, and cooking classes. There are even olive oil tastings.
I know when I am on a cruise, there is so much food! Booking a food tour may not be my first choice, but then again, you have to ask yourself, when would I ever get this kind of experience again? The local Greek options are unique and might be worth it!
Dine in Mykonos
If you do not want to book a tour, you can dine in Mykonos Town. There are lots of restaurants right on the water.
It is really pretty. The only thing I noticed is that lots of people walk along the path near some of the restaurants, so even though you are sitting down enjoying a meal, it is kind of crowded with people walking right near your tables.
Shopping in Mykonos
As you stroll along Mykonos Town, you will see several stores. These are great places to buy souvenirs.
There are also some designer stores like Tommy Hilfiger.
I noticed a lot of the stores had bracelets, purses, cute summer dresses, and hats. It is fun to get some authentic merch!
Ready for a Mykonos Shore Excursion?!
Hopefully, this will give you an idea of what you can see and do on your Mykonos shore excursion.
Our cruise ship was the Odyssey of the Seas. It was so awesome! When we ported, we were able to walk all around Mykonos town and see the cool windmills, shops, restaurants, and churches. It was really beautiful.
I know you will love visiting this cruise port! Have so much fun.
Facebook Community
If you have any questions, join my Facebook Travel Community. You can ask any questions you have about upcoming trips, and everyone is happy to help you plan your trips. I also try to give exclusive travel deals that companies send me. It is a great group to join!
