Mykonos tour options are more concentrated than most Greek islands — Delos is the standout non-negotiable experience and the sailing catamaran tour the most popular. Both fill up in summer, particularly morning Delos departures. Here are the tours worth booking in 2026.
✔ Delos guided tour — sells out in summer, closed Mondays
✔ Catamaran sailing tour — book 48–72 hours ahead in peak season
1. Delos Guided Day Trip
The most important experience available from Mykonos — Delos is one of the most significant ancient sites in the Mediterranean and the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The site includes the Avenue of Lions (5 original marble Naxian lions from 600 BCE), the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of Foreign Gods and the extraordinary mosaic House of Dionysus. A guided tour is essential — without interpretation the ruins are difficult to understand.
💡 Take the morning boat (10am departure from Old Port). Delos is closed Mondays — plan accordingly.
Check Availability →2. Sunset Sailing Catamaran Tour
An afternoon catamaran tour around Mykonos and the surrounding Cycladic waters — swimming stops in crystal-clear Aegean water, snorkelling, a visit to a sea cave and a return at sunset with views back to the island. Most tours include food and unlimited local wine and beer. The finest way to experience Mykonos from the sea.
💡 Book 48–72 hours ahead — the best-reviewed catamaran operators fill up fast. Choose a tour with a maximum 12–15 person capacity for the best experience.
Check Availability →3. Mykonos Town & Windmills Walking Tour
A guided walk through Mykonos Town (Chora) — the history of the Cycladic labyrinthine lanes (deliberately confusing to disorient pirates), the five windmills above Little Venice (built by the Venetians in the 16th century to grind wheat), the old harbour, the Paraportiani Church (the most photographed church on the island — four interlocking churches in a single white structure) and Little Venice itself. Excellent for context on the island's Venetian and pirate history.
💡 Free (tip-based) walking tours of Mykonos Town also run from the main square — excellent for orientation on your first day.
Check Availability →4. Private Boat Tour to Delos & Rhenia
A private speedboat that combines Delos (where the public tour boats go) with Rhenia island (directly adjacent, where ancient Delians were taken to give birth and die — still uninhabited, extraordinary atmosphere, private beaches). The combination gives you Delos with expert guide plus a private Rhenia beach with almost no other visitors.
💡 Good value for groups of 4–6 — the per-person cost becomes competitive with the group tour plus a Rhenia addition.
Check Availability →Compare All Mykonos Tours
GetYourGuide and Viator — compare pricing and availability
View All Mykonos Tours →Booking Tips
- ✔ Delos is closed Mondays — plan the rest of your itinerary around this
- ✔ Morning Delos departure (10am) is less crowded than afternoon — book this slot
- ✔ Catamaran tours: choose small group (max 12–15) for a significantly better experience
- ✔ Kiki's Taverna at Agios Sostis — the best lunch after a morning Delos trip (no reservation, arrive 12pm)
- ✔ The town walking tour is best on your first full day for orientation before solo exploration
How To Choose the Right Mykonos Tour For You
If you only book one tour: Delos — it's closed Mondays and genuinely requires a guide to interpret, so it deserves priority planning over any other single experience on the island.
If you're travelling as a couple wanting something memorable: A small-group catamaran sailing tour (max 12-15 people) delivers the best combination of scenery, swimming and sunset — worth paying more for the smaller group size.
If you're arriving without a plan: Start with the town walking tour on day one — it orients you to Chora's maze-like lanes before you attempt to explore independently.
If budget matters: Delos, Ano Mera and Agios Sostis can all be done independently at a fraction of guided-tour prices — reserve your tour budget for the sailing experience, which benefits most from a small-group operator.
FAQs
Is the Delos day trip worth it?
Absolutely — one of the Mediterranean's great ancient sites and surprisingly uncrowded compared to Delphi or Olympia. The guided tour is essential; without it the ruins are hard to interpret.
How do I get to Delos from Mykonos?
Boats run from the Old Port in Mykonos Town, €20 return. The crossing takes 30 minutes. Boats run roughly hourly in summer. Delos is closed Mondays.
Is the catamaran sailing tour worth it?
Yes — Mykonos from the water is extraordinary. Choose a small-group operator (max 12–15 people) for the best experience. All-inclusive food and drink tours are better value.
What tours can be done independently in Mykonos?
Delos (boat is straightforward), Ano Mera village (bus €2), Agios Sostis beach (ATV rental). The sailing and walking tours genuinely benefit from guides. Delos without a guide is manageable but significantly less enriching.
How far ahead should I book Mykonos tours?
1-2 weeks ahead for the catamaran sailing tour in peak summer — it's the most in-demand experience and the small-group operators sell out first.