My friend and I are going to be stopping in Mykonos for one day on a cruise ship. I had thought about renting a car but from what I've researched the bus system is very good and reliable there.

Bearing in mind the fact that we only have the day there, I would love some recommendations on places that are must-visits. We both live in the Cayman Islands so the beaches in Mykonos are not a priority.

Thanks in advance!

I was on a cruise last year that made a one day stop in Mykonos. We decided to take the ferry to Delos. Beautiful ferry ride past the windmills and the island is very interesting. Ruins and museum are facinating. We even had time to walk through town to the windmills, shop and have a bit to eat. The last scene of the "Bourne Identity" was filmed in Mykonos, so I had to check that out. It was one of my favorite port days...slow paced day filled with history, beautiful scenery and shopping.

Following on from the good advice BarbAnn has given you, take a good few hours to explore Mykonos town. It is one of the prettiest in the Cyclades. Get lost in the narrow little streets, relax and make many coffee stops to let you people watch. Find the pelicans (usually during daytime they are right down on the sand at the harbour front).

The bus service is pretty extensive, at small cost. One place that might be worth checking out is the town of Ano Mera. Buses run from the OTE station close to the harbour area and it is a regular service too. The journey time is only about 15 to 20 minutes. Many locals move back to ‘the second town’ in winter-time from the port. When there, try some food at one of the small tavernas around the main square. I can recommend Apostoli's where you’ll find the best and most authentic Mykonian food.

Across from those tavernas is the Panagia Tourliani church. Built in the 1500's its byzantine icons are a ‘must see’. Depending on how much time you have left, on the hill opposite Ano Mero you can stroll to the Paleokastro monastery where you will see the remains of a Byzantine castle and an ancient fort with equally ancient graves attached.

In Mykonos town itself there is the Archeological Museum and the Folklore Museum. Both are worth a visit.

If your ship hasn’t arranged a tour of Delos and you wish to visit, the small boats run from 9am to 11am from the main harbour, all returning a little over 3 hours later. Cost is 15 euro for the boat and 5 euro access fee to the island. If you are troubled by motion sickness, use the Orca. An ex-Greek navy vessel it is the most stable.

Bill

Bill knows Mykonos like no one else on this forum. Do visit Delos if timing allows with your ship's port call. If I'm not mistaken, your round-trip ticket entitles you to go back on any boat returning to Mykonos harbour, so if you're pinched for time you can return earlier. My favourite part of Delos is the section with the mosaics: House with the Dolphins, House with the Tridents, etc. This is at the end of the 3 hr route, but you can beat the crowds by following the map in reverse order and going there first. ;-)

If you have time to go somewhere else, personally I'd probably just go to one of the beaches.

Steve

>My favourite part of Delos is the section with the mosaics: House with the Dolphins, House with the Tridents, etc. This is at the end of the 3 hr route, but you can beat the crowds by following the map in reverse order and going there first<

That made me smile Heimdall. That's exactly the way I do it too. The most special time for me was in 1992 or 1993 when I was fortunate, with the help of some island friends, to attend an evening celebration of song on Delos. It was extraordinary sitting with the sun almost set over the island and its ruins, watching and listening to a choir. Heavenly voices, all of them.

That once-a-year event continues to this day and if you are ever on Mykonos in early August you must go!

Bill

I hope this works as I never seem to be able to link correctly. Check out this year's concert (my goodness it looks like it's grown in popularity!)and particularly the photograph second down the page. That is how I remember it:

http://www.e-mykonos.gr/index.php?MDL=pages&SiteID=3465

Bill

Hi Bill,

That looks wonderful! I couldn't see clearly in the photographs, but was the performance in the ancient theater near the mosaics?

BTW, the map to which I referred is the free map handed out at the ticket office when you arrive on Delos. You can wander around as you wish, but the map marks out three suggested routes: 1hr30min, 3hrs, and 5 hrs. The 5hr route takes you to the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena at the top of the hill, where you can get a bird's eye view of Delos and Mykonos. The reverse route I suggested is also a shortcut to the path leading up the hill. ;-)

Hi Heimdall

In the early 90's the concert was held almost next to the House of Masks. I will find out for you exactly where they have it these days.

When I first visited Delos (oh so many years ago) I was left there, alone, by a local fisherman. I had with me a single-issue Baedeker map and the evening before I had discussed my visit with an elderly gentleman known as 'old man Pantazatos', originally from Kefalonia. He suggested starting from the House of the Dolphins. I wish he was still with us as I very much miss our conversations. His knowledge of both Mykonos, and Delos in particular, was astonishing. I remember him telling me a terrific story about the House of Inopos but sadly, I cannot now fully recall it.

Bill

There really isn't anything that is a must see, just wonder around town, enjoy the architecture, sights, sounds of the town, to the windmills. If you'd like, find a cafe or bar to have a drink in. The town is full of souvenier shops and jewlery stores. As for the cruise ship, check where it docks, chances are the cruise line will sell you bus transfers to town. Your other option would be to walk, definitely do not walk, buy the transfers, the road is narrow and has no footpath.