This Mykonos shore trip provides all the best sites associated with a visit to Mykonos. You visit the archaeological site on the uninhabited island of Delos and then enjoy a walking tour of the town of Mykonos, including Little Venice, the windmills, and a visit to the Mykonian Archaeological Museum (closed on Mondays).
After meeting your private guide you take a local sea bus to the ferry port in the town of Mykonos, where you board the local kaiki (ferries) to Delos. Located virtually at the center of the Cyclades island group, Delos developed into one of the most important trading centers of the Mediterranean and was once the religious center of the entire Aegean. Pilgrims from all over the known world came to pay their respects to the god, making the island one of the most important sanctuary sites of the ancient world.
In the early 19th century excavations uncovered the ruins of this long dead city. Beautiful artifacts such as the Naxian marble lions and splendid mosaic floors are visible amid the ruins and inside the small museum. Rising above the ruins of the ancient city is Mount Kynthos, where the earliest traces of habitation on Delos were found, dating back to around 2500 BC.
After visiting Delos you take the ferry back to Mykonos and enjoy a walking tour through the narrow whitewashed streets, where you will appreciate the fact that the confusing layout was designed to foil attacking pirates. Your guide will explain the tradition of the painted houses, colorful doors and whitewashed sidewalks which make the town so unique in Greece. You stop to see a traditional 15th century bakery which is still operational today and is one of the few bakeries in Greece that still uses wood burning ovens.
You stroll through picture perfect Little Venice, so called for its resemblance to the famous canal city, where buildings are built right at the sea's edge with balconies that hang over the water. Today some of the most popular cafes in Mykonos offer visitors the chance to dine at the seafront.
On the western edge of town you see the famous windmills, which date back to the 16th century, when Mykonos was a major trading stop between Venice and Asia. Next you visit the Mykonian Archaeological Museum, which houses vases, statues and other treasures from Delos, and your guide will explain the island's mythology and history in more detail.
You end your tour in the old harbor, where hopefully you have the chance to see Petros the Pelican, a local resident and popular photo subject for more than 50 years.
Please note it is about a 20 minute walk along the harbor to return to the pier where large cruise ships dock. Most cruise lines offer a free shuttle from the town back to the ship, and a local sea bus is also available.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Mykonos shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Mykonos shore trip using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.