Mykonos

Like Santorini, Mikonos belongs to the Cyclades group of islands (Mikonos is the island and Mykonos the city). Famous for its beaches and discos, the island has approximately 100 square kilometers and a population of 6.000 people. In the summer season the population can reach to 25.000 poeple. Mykonos has a small port that can accommodate one large or two small cruise ships. In summer the port is very busy, so it's normal to leave the ship by tender. This is an advantage beacause the tender takes you directly to the fishing port and near the "Manto" taxi stop of Mykonos. If the ship docks you have to pay the shuttle bus or taxi to the city center or just walk 1,5 miles.

OFFICIAL EXCURSIONS: A trip to the ancient island of Delos is the most popular option offered by the companies. That means that you have to take a boat to the island of Delos, and Mikonos is very windy, so it's easy to get dizzy. If it's worth it or not I leave it to you, but my recommendation is to choose the alternative.

ALTERNATIVE: Walk through the little streets of Mikonos. People are very friendly and you can find many hidden gems on every corner. As you leave the fishing port (if you arrive in the morning you can find fresh fish, fruit and vegetables) you'll arrive at Manto. From there turn to your right and walk through the little streets, but be careful because, believe it or not, you can find small vans delivering goods to the shops. If you turn right back to the seaside you'll find a small church, the famous "Little Venice" and the windmills (some of them are used as houses).

The other option is trying to take a taxi at Manto, rent a car or motorbike and go to the beaches of the south as Paradise or Superparadise.

LITTLE VENICE

PETROS: It is possible to find a pelican (yes, you heard right, a pelican) in the streets of Mykonos. Although I'll call him Petros the pelican of Mykonos, there is actually a whole mythology around this figure. So I'm going to tell you the story the same way I was told by the owner of a restaurant, but I don't know if it's true or not. The original Petros was killed by a car accident, so a German tourist brougth Petros II to the island (which supposed to be the actual Petros). You can find Petros elsewhere in the city trying to steal some fish or even getting into the kitchen of any restaurant. I saw him slipping into a restaurants kitchen, but I wasn't fast enough to take a picture. 

If you visit the island ask someone to tell the story and so, together, we'll gather the different versions (I know there is another version telling that a fisherman took him from Mykonos to the neighboring island of Tinos) ...

PETROS

WHERE TO EAT: As in Santorini, the stop here lasts only half a day, so I recommend a drink next to Little Venice (there is a place with good views to the mills), and eating on board. Or just try the greek version of a kebab.

SHOPPING: Through the streets you will find souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, international franchises ...
 

SOUVENIR OF MYKONOS