Mykonos: Private Half-Day Tour with Lighthouse & Beaches

Summary

Whitewashed alleys, salty breeze, and a drive to Mykonos’ far edge

You’ll walk Mykonos Town’s maze-like streets with a local guide, see iconic windmills and Little Venice, then ride out to Ano Mera’s monastery before reaching Armenistis Lighthouse for wild sea views. Expect honest moments—maybe even sand between your toes or a laugh with your guide—that’ll stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started weaving through Mykonos Town right after pickup—our guide, Eleni, led us down these narrow white alleys where laundry flapped overhead and cats darted around our ankles. The air smelled faintly of coffee and seaweed (odd mix, but somehow it works here). I tried to pronounce “Paraportiani” at the church and Eleni grinned—she said locals just call it “the old lady.” That church really does look like it’s been sculpted by the wind. We bumped into a fisherman mending his nets who nodded at us but kept humming his tune. It felt like the town was half-awake still.

Little Venice was next—those balconies nearly hanging over the water. I could hear plates clinking from a café just opening up. The windmills were right there too, their sails creaking in the breeze. Honestly, I’d seen them in photos but up close they’re rougher and more solid than I expected. After that we hopped into a van and drove out past fields dotted with goats (one goat stared at me so long I started laughing). The monastery in Ano Mera was all quiet marble and incense; Eleni showed us how to spot the oldest stones in the courtyard—she seemed proud of that place.

The last stretch was my favorite part—a winding road to Armenistis Lighthouse. The Aegean was this wild blue under heavy sun, salt on my lips from the wind. No crowds out there, just us and some distant gulls. We stopped for a few minutes just to let it all sink in—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. On the way back we pulled over at Kalo Livadi Beach for a quick look; sand between my toes, water cold even in June. Not everything went as planned (I lost my sunglasses somewhere between stops), but honestly that’s part of why it felt real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mykonos Town and Island Highlights

• Walk through Mykonos Town
• Visit Little Venice
• See Mykonos Windmills
• Visit Church of Panagia Paraportiani
• Drive to Ano Mera village
• Visit Panagia Tourliani Monastery
• Stop at Kalo Livadi Beach
• View Armenistis Lighthouse

Top questions

How long is this private Mykonos tour?

The tour lasts about half a day, covering main sights by foot and van.

Is hotel pickup included on this Mykonos private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Which landmarks do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll visit Mykonos Town, Little Venice, the Windmills, Panagia Paraportiani Church, Ano Mera Monastery, Kalo Livadi Beach, and Armenistis Lighthouse.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but bottled water is provided; there are stops where you can buy snacks or food if you want.

Are infants or children allowed?

Yes—specialized infant seats are available; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can travelers with limited mobility join?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended; some walking on uneven streets is required.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Mykonos island, private transportation by van or car with an experienced local driver-guide throughout the tour, entry to all mentioned sites including Ano Mera Monastery and Armenistis Lighthouse viewpoints, plus bottled water and a handy map so you don’t get lost if you wander off later.