Mykonos: Small-Group Highlights Tour with Beach Swim & Snack

Summary

Walk Mykonos Town, see windmills, swim at Agios Ioannis and snack in Ano Mera village

You’ll wander Mykonos Town’s maze-like streets with a local guide, spot iconic windmills above Little Venice, swim at Agios Ioannis Beach, and share tsipouro snacks in Ano Mera village—all with easy pickup and drop-off included. Expect laughter, salty breezes, and those little moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s waving from the corner of the square—turns out it’s our guide, Maria, holding a little sign and grinning like she already knows we’ll get lost in these whitewashed alleys. We start wandering through Chora Mykonos, dodging mopeds and following the scent of baking bread (seriously, I almost stopped for a second breakfast). She points out a pelican by the harbor—Petros is apparently famous here—and I snap a blurry photo before he waddles off. The sun bounces off every wall; it’s almost too bright but somehow feels right for this place.

We climb up toward the Mykonos windmills, which look like something from an old postcard. The Meltemi wind whips around us—my hat nearly flies into someone’s frappe. Maria tells us how these windmills once milled wheat for the whole island. From up here you can see Little Venice below—balconies hanging over blue water, people laughing over coffee. I try to say “kalimera” to an old man selling postcards; he just nods and keeps reading his newspaper. There’s something comforting about that.

Our driver swings us out of town toward Agios Ioannis Beach—windows down, salt air everywhere. The sand is soft and there’s room to breathe, even with other travelers around. I wade in up to my knees; water so clear you can see every pebble. After drying off (sort of), we roll on past Kalo Livadi and end up in Ano Mera village. Tables spill out onto the square; someone brings tsipouro and bread with olives. I try not to make a face at the first sip—it burns but then tastes kind of herbal? Maria laughs when she sees me hesitate.

The monastery is quiet inside—cool stone walls and flickering candles, everything echoing softly underfoot. Even if you’re not religious it feels good just to stand there for a minute and listen to nothing but your own breath. On the way back I catch myself thinking about that view from the windmills again—I don’t know why it sticks with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mykonos town and beaches

• Pick up from hotel or port
• Walk in old town labyrinth
• Look for Petros the pelican
• Visit Mykonos Windmills
• Admire Little Venice harbor
• See Church of Panagia Paraportiani
• Drive to Agios Ioannis village
• View Agios Ioannis Beach and church
• Pass Agia Anna and Kalo Livadi beaches
• Stop at Ano Mera village square
• Enjoy snack and tsipouro
• Visit Panagia Tourliani Monastery

Top questions

How long does this small-group Mykonos tour last?

This is a half-day tour covering several highlights of Mykonos by foot and car.

Is hotel pickup included on this Mykonos highlights tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or cruise ship port.

Do we visit any beaches during this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at Agios Ioannis Beach for swimming or relaxing.

Are entrance fees covered on this day trip?

Entrance fees to Panagia Tourliani Monastery are included in your booking.

Is food provided during the tour?

You’ll enjoy a light snack accompanied by local tsipouro spirit in Ano Mera village.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and child seats are available if needed.

What attractions are visited on this half-day tour?

The itinerary includes Chora Mykonos, Windmills (Kato Mili), Little Venice, Agios Ioannis Beach, Kalo Livadi Beach, Ano Mera village, Panagia Tourliani Monastery, and Paraportiani Church.

Is there time for photos during the walk?

You’ll have time to take photos throughout Mykonos Town and at main stops like the windmills.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance to Panagia Tourliani Monastery, a light snack with tsipouro in Ano Mera village, plus plenty of time for swimming at Agios Ioannis Beach before returning you back where you started.