Greece › Mykonos › Tours
By Santorini Dave
See Also
• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Towns in Mykonos
• Best Beaches in Mykonos
• Maps of Mykonos
• Mykonos Ferry Port
Teta will show you how to make delicious traditional Greek food in her Mykonos Cooking Class.
The 11 Best Tours & Things To Do in Mykonos
1. Mykonos Cooking Class (Traditional Greek Food)
This is an absolutely wonderful Greek cooking class: fun, informative, great food. And the wine flows freely. It lasts a little less than 6 hours and starts at 10am or 4pm with free transfer from your hotel or the cruise port. Highly recommended. If you only do one organized activity in Mykonos, make it this one. (It’s rare for kids to do the class but when they do they have a blast.)2. Sunset Sailing Cruise
Awesome Mykonos boat tour with swimming, food, and unlimited drinks. Lots of swimming and snorkeling. Good fun.3. Original Morning Delos Guided Tour
After a 45-minute boat ride to Delos, explore the ancient island with a fully accredited guide. Delos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the best-preserved and most important historical sites in Greece and the best day trip from Mykonos. If you’re interested in visiting Delos, we recommend taking a guided tour; there are loads of ruins, but few signs, so it can be difficult to know what you’re looking at without a guide.4. Delos & Rhenia Islands Boat Trip
Tour the ancient island of Delos (entrance fee not included) then swim, snorkel, and sunbathe from the yacht and along the coast of the uninhabited island of Rhenia. BBQ meal and unlimited drinks included.5. Catamaran Cruise with 3-Course Meal
A super fun way to spend a day out on the water. Lots to eat and drink (and the food is surprisingly good quality). Lie on the deck, swim, snorkel, or sight-see as you make your way around the Mykonos coastline or to the island of Rhenia (depending on win, weather, and guest preference). This one is a little expensive, but worth it for the small group size and luxury service.Note: Both of the previous boat tours get fully booked from late June to early September. If that’s the case, the Full-Day Mykonos Catamaran Cruise is an excellent alternative – it’s a little more expensive but the food is also better.
6. Highlights of Mykonos: Half-Day Tour
Starts with a walking tour of Mykonos Town and then visits the best sights, small villages (like Ano Mera above), and small hidden churches all over the island.7. Mykonos Hiking Adventure
This photo is from a helicopter tour I took of Mykonos (awesome but expensive) and I thought the aerial view gave a good overview of the Mykonos landscape. Beautiful beaches backed by rolling countryside with a mix of green farmland and trail-crossed steppes. Which all makes for a great hike. The hike ends with a swim at a beach. Ippos horseback riding is another great way to see the Mykonos countryside.8. Yummy Pedals Bike Tour
Discover the rugged landscape of Mykonos’ interior on a standard bike or e-bike. Offering seven different tour routes to suit all experience levels and varying interests, whether leisure, romance, adventure, or challening. Casual cyclists can enjoy rural back roads, stopping at cultural sites, learning about traditional life, and finishing at the beach for a picnic and underwater photo shoot. More experienced cyclists can opt for a scenic bike ride up the mountain peaks as high as the wind turbines for panoramic views over the island’s north coast. Private, bespoke tours can be arranged on request.9. Wine and Farm Tour
Daily wine tours in English (or French, on request) are on offer at this historic vineyard dating to the 19th-century, when it supplied wine for a local monastery. Guests of this family-owned homestead will learn about biodynamic cultivation and local winemaking customs, while sampling all four types of wines produced onsite. Visit during the fall harvest, and take the opportunity to stomp grapes in the traditional way. Food pairings can be added. This kid-friendly tour also includes visiting and interacting with the farm animals, including donkeys, sheep, and goats. Tours of the farm and vineyard are free; tastings and food pairings are additional.10. Mosaic Workshop
Mosaic artist Irene Syrianou grew up on sacred Delos Island and worked there for ten years, familiarizing herself with the ancient mosaics of the archaeological site while honing her own techniques. In her private and group workshops, she instructs students in replicating the mosaics of antiquity or creating their own modern works. Workshops take place in Manto Garden or in her studio space and can range from an hour or two up to a multi-day seminar. All ages and experience levels welcome.11. Mykonos Farmers Cheese and Cooking Class
Cheesemaking, cheese tasting, and cooking classes are available at this locally-owned dairy in Agios Lazaros, a short drive from Mykonos Town. The dairy makes a variety of regional cheeses only found in Mykonos and the Cyclades, along with more familiar flavors and rich Greek yogurt. Cooking and cheesemaking classes include a tour of the facilities and sampling the wares. Hands-on workshops run for about two hours and are open to beginning and advanced cooks, ages 14 and older.
The Best Free Thing To Do in Mykonos
Mykonos Beach Walk
Walk from Platis Gialos Beach to Paradise Beach, making stops at beach bars and restaurants along the way. You’ll pass Agia Anna and Paraga beaches and several other small swimming coves. Super fun and free! (Besides what you spend on food and drinks, of course.) If you’re staying in Mykonos Town, take the bus to Platis Gialos and then start walking along the beach towards the east (if you’re facing the water, walk to your left). There are several great places to eat along the walk. If you hike straight to Paradise Beach it will take about an hour (without stops). Then bus back from Paradise to Mykonos Town or take the water taxi back to Platis Gialos or Ornos (my personal favorite).
Hotels on Map: Nissaki Boutique Hotel • Petasos Beach Resort & Spa • Petinos Beach Hotel • Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux • Branco Mykonos • Soho Roc House
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Would you say Taxis and/or Ubers are hard to come from from Super Paradise Beach? We are leaving at 3pm to head back to the cruise port for a 6pm departure. This should be MORE than enough time right?
Charmel Morelli
Taxis are hard to get anywhere, anytime. At least with any reliability. I would not depend on taxis. Take the bus back to Mykonos Town. There are sometimes taxis by the bus station, if not, catch another bus from Mykonos Town to the port.
Hi Dave!
Loving this blog!
I have a question about the Mykonos beach walk – we’re very interested in stopping along the way as you suggest but wondering what that’s like summer of 2021 specifically when everywhere is reservations only. Is that true of even just grabbing a drink along the walk? And if so and you had to choose only one to reserve and stay at – which one or which area would it be? We’re not getting much response when messaging the beach clubs directly.
Thanks!
I strongly recommended reservations at least during July/August and a pretty good idea in June/early September. It’s incredibly busy this season pretty much everywhere in the Cyclades, but even in June and early September, it can be hard to get a sunbed/umbrella set at the better beach clubs. But if you’re only going to drink and don’t need a lounge set, then it’s all good. You can get a drink pretty much anywhere no matter how busy, and just lay your towel out on the sand. Especially this year, you can get cocktails to go from almost all bars and restaurants on the island.
Hello Dave, since you have been to both Mykonos and Santorini where would you recommend doing a boat tour more? I don’t want to do a boat tour in both cities. I will be spending 5 days in each and am worried there will be less to do in Santorini–is it better to do a boat tour there? Mykonos seems like there will be a lot more partying/beaches to enjoy. Just wanted your opinion. Thanks!
A Santorini boat tour will be far more unique and awe-inspiring with the views of the caldera and cliffs. In Mykonos it will be more fun and relaxing. But not sure I agree with your premise: Santorini has far more to do than Mykonos – wine tours and wineries, hikes, historical sites, museums, volcano visits, jet ski tours. Mykonos has the beach and nightlife (which are great) and not much else.
HI Dave,
The “Small Yacht Cruise to Delos & Rhenia Islands” appears to not be taking reservations due to availability (I wasn’t even able to put in my dates, seems to be a blanket statement on their site.) Other than the two you also suggest on this page, is there another similiar tour to this one that you’d recommend? I’m going with my mother (in her 60s) and my 8yo daughter – in case that makes a difference in what you recommend.
You’re probably just a little too early. I’d check again in January or February, when most tours should be online and ready to be booked.
Hi Dave,
Do you know of a good scuba diving course/tour in Mykonos for beginners/intermediate? We would like to visit the best scuba dive spots around Mykonos for a reasonable price.
I know Mykonos PADI Scuba Diving does a two-hour scuba course in Mykonos.
Are the paths etc okay for wheelchairs?
If you mean the paths along the coast between the beaches, then no, I wouldn’t say they’re wheelchair-accessible. If you mean the lanes and alleys of Mykonos Town, then yes, I think they should be “ok” for travelers in wheelchairs (though not ideal by any means).
Hello. If my daughter and I do the Mykonos cooking class, do you have any ideas for my adult son and husband? I’m also wondering if they would be able to pay and join us for lunch? Thank you for your expert advice!
They could do the tour to Delos. If not a tour, I highly recommend the walk from Psarou to Paradise Beach along the coast.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your website, such great info. We were planning on having a 6-day Honeymoon, taking in 3 days in Santorini & 3 in Mykonos (Town). We were hoping to go in September but due to personal circumstances that are no longer possible, so we would be looking at something like the 10th to 16th of October. I am concerned though that this will be too late in the season, & we’ll struggle for restaurants & bars, especially in Mykonos.
Can you advise if we will struggle for eating & drinking at this time? We obviously don’t expect it to be full-on party mode but would like some sort of vibe for going out & having a couple of drinks at night (or even places that are at least open).
Santorini will be busy and active, with everything open – no problem there. Mykonos will be slower for sure. A few places will have started to close for the winter but most will be open. Nightlife will be subdued but there’ll definitely be places open to go for a drink and encounter some other travelers. There will definitely be plenty of open restaurants – so I would not worry on that front.
What is the best way to get to Santorini from Mykonos? Just want a day of exploring? There were no available flights during the time we are there to fly there and back.
I recommend taking the ferry between Santorini from Mykonos. There are many ferries every day in summer. But it’s very hard, if not impossible, to do it as a day trip. You’ll need to stay overnight.
Hi Dave,
We have rented a villa near Mykonos town. Most transportation mentioned is a bus or boat, is it reasonable to expect taxi service?
Thank You!
Yes, there are taxis but not a lot. During busy times I’ve found it very hard to secure a taxi.
Hi Dave,
What are your thoughts on boat tours around Mykonos being really rocky due to the winds? I’ve read on other sites that the waters can be very rough and Tours will often go out despite rough seas. Only have 3.5 days in Mykonos so I’m nervous to gamble with a boat tour that could ruin a day. Love your cooking class recommendation, just having a hard time getting my fiancé onboard with that.
Thanks in advance!
Yes, the waters can get rough. Not much you can do about that except hope for the best. We love the cooking class.
Tipping, how does this work for a tour? If we booked the 6 hours BBQ catamaran tour per couple it would come to $491, should we tip 20% ~$100?
Thanks!
Kelly
Yeah, if that’s in your budget then that’s great. Tourism workers in Greece make very little so it would be appreciated.
Hi Dave – Is it warm enough to swim at the end of April / beginning of May?
Water will be cool but if the weather’s nice, yes, people will be hopping in for brief plunges in the sea. By mid/late May it’s usually much warmer for swimming.
Cooking Class in Mykonos, do you know if they are able to accommodate vegetarians?
Amit
Yes, definitely. Many of the best Greek dishes are vegetarian. I’d drop them a note (in reply to the confirmation email that you’ll get) a few days before your date telling them you’re vegetarian but won’t make much difference in either case.
Thanks Dave! Why is it that you prefer renting a car over an ATV?
It’s safer. It’s more comfortable. You can talk to each other instead of yelling over the wind. But just my preference, your experience may differ.
Hi Dave,
My husband and I will be in Mykonos and Santorini at the end of August. We definitely want to get some ATV’s and do some exploring on our own. Do you have any suggestions for places we should rent from on both islands? Is it necessary to book these in advance of our trip?
Thanks!
No need to book ATVs in advance. Where to get them depends on the town you’re staying in but there should be a service/company nearby that can arrange something. BTW, I much prefer renting a car but that’s up to you.
My family together with my sister’s have booked a 10 day trip to Mykonos mid August. I’m slightly annoyed at my sloppy planning and regret not booking a few days first in santorini. There do not appear to be any day trips there from Mykonos unless the ferry companies have different schedules during the summer months? Do you have any fun suggestions during our stay? Our kids ages range from 22-13. Helen Pope
The cooking course (see above) and boat tours to Delos or Rhenia islands are at the top of the list. I would consider taking an overnight trip to Santorini. Keep your hotel in Mykonos and just take a small backpack or two. Stay at a cheap hotel in Fira and you’ll get 30 hours to explore Santorini. You are wasting the one night hotel in Mykonos but a lot cheaper than the plane tickets to get back to Santorini on a different trip.
Can you recommend the best transportation to get from Athens airport to Athens Diamond homtel at 9:00pm and returning to the airport to catch a flight at 7:00 am.
The easiest is a taxi. The cheapest is the metro (you’ll want the Monastiraki station which is about a 5 to 8 minute walk from your hotel). But for your morning flight you’ll need to take a taxi (or the airport bus from Syntagma Square) as the metro won’t be running in time to make your flight.
Your restaurant recommendations for Santorini were very helpful. I went to several of your recommended restaurants and they were great. I am going to Mykonos in 2 days. Any restaurant recommendations for Mykonos? Thank you!!
Karl Smith
I have a list of the best Mykonos restaurants on my Mykonos hotel page.
Hi Dave,
We would be spending about 3.5 days in Mykonos late May. We are considering the Jeep tour and South Coast cruise. Is it worth it to go for 2 full day tours or choose one? Which and what would you recommend?
Thank you!
Perrine
They are very different (one on a boat, one in a jeep) and have little or no overlap. Doing both is reasonable. If I could only do one, it would the south coast boat cruise.
Hi Dave~ your site is a wealth of information! My husband and I are flying into Athens 6/25-7/2. Per your suggestion we will spend the first few nights at the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Need to ferry over to Mykonos for a work meeting for a few days. After researching, I was thinking of ferrying over from Piraeus and back into Rafina since it is closer to the airport. I’m a little nervous that the earliest ferry back on 7/2 is at 11:40. We have a 5:30 flight the same day. Is that cutting it close? Weather/strikes etc.. I would hate to miss our departure home. We could come back the eve of 7/1 and spend one additional night in Athens (shortening MYK by a little bit) to give us wiggle room. If so, should we stay somewhere closer to the airport to get a different vibe? Or would you go back into Athens and head to the airport the next day. Or do you think we are OK on that 11:40- 14:15 ferry? Would love to know how you wold handle getting back to mainland, your input.
Shaun Hammons
That connection time would be too tight for my tastes. Could you make? Yes, certainly. But it doesn’t take much for a SeaJet ferry to be late by 90 minutes and that’s all it would take for you to miss your flight. I would ferry to Piraeus the night before and stay somewhere in the Plaka for a final night (lots of great places to eat in the area). There is nothing out by the airport so definitely do not stay there as you’ll almost have an evening and a good half-day to see and do stuff in Athens. (Or you can fly from Mykonos to Athens and have an extra night in Mykonos – there are afternoon flights that get to Athens at 12:25pm or 3:10pm.)
What is the best tour of Mykonos Town? Is it worth taking a tour or can we explore Mykonos Town on our own?
Thanks!
It’s easy to walk around Mykonos Town on your own and see the sights – but a tour always offer a different level of understanding and history. People almost never regret taking a tour and I highly recommended them. The Mykonos Town and Island Tour goes through Mykonos Town and Ano Mera (the second largest village on Mykonos) as well as a few other stops. It’s well worth the 4 hours.
Hey Dave,
I am going to be visiting in mid may. We have kept 4 days in Mykonos. Any suggestions on a day trip to islands nearby?
Nikhil
Delos (greek history) and Rhenia (beaches and swimming) are the two best day trips from Mykonos. The bigger islands (Naxos, Paros, Santorini) are difficult to make work for a day trip – especially in May when ferries are not as frequent as summer.
Hi Dave, Do you recommend booking at boat tour in Mykonos ahead of time? We will be in Mykonos for four days during the middle of May. Thank you! Alex
If you’re on the fence then wait and see if that’s how you want to spend your time once you’re on the island. If you’re certain there’s something you want to do (e.g. Delos) then book as early as possible.
Hi Dave, I have found your website so helpful for planning our upcoming trip. It seems that the link for the “Full day small yacht cruise to Rhenia Island” on the Mykonos day tours page is not working. Could you direct me to that tour?
Thanks so much!
Megan Reese
I fixed the link. Thanks!
Hi Dave,
Your sharing have indeed been so helpful towards my planning to Greece. I will be travelling at the end of October. Due to my limited travelling time, I would like to catch the best of all in Greece.
Between Mykonos, Crete, & Zakynthos, which is best?
Which will be a better choice? I intend to stay 2 nights in either one of the above.
Mykonos and Crete are the best choices. Mykonos is small and thus the best choice for a quick 2 night trip. But, it will be very quiet by the end of October. Not quite “completely dead” but not lively by any stretch. Chania on Crete will still have plenty going on and has a great array of restaurants that should all still be open. It doesn’t quite give the idyllic greek-island feel as it’s a medium-sized town on a large island – but it’s great nonetheless.
Do you need to do a tour to get to the best Mykonos Beaches (quiet and secluded beaches) or just rent a car and do a self-tour?
To get to the quiet and remote ones, yes, a tour is good – and a boat tour better. But for the most popular ones close to Mykonos Town a rental car is fine for getting around. In fact, bus is the best as you can take it to Psarou or Platys Gialos then walk to Paranga and Paradise beaches along a coastal path that is both beautiful and dotted with little swimming spots. The tours are fun though.