The sun sets on the west side of Mykonos, which means the town faces it directly, and the best seat for the show is on the water. A sunset cruise leaves in the late afternoon or early evening, heads along the coast with drinks on board and gives you a view of Chora from the sea: the white houses stacked above the harbour, the line of windmills on the ridge and the balconies of Little Venice hanging over the waves. As the sky turns orange and pink, the town lights come on, and the whole scene is one of the best photographs you will take in the Cyclades. This is a relaxed trip rather than a full-day cruise. It is shorter, cheaper and easier to fit into an evening than a sailing day to Delos and Rhenia, and it suits couples, friends and anyone who wants a different perspective after a day at the beach. The crew usually serve drinks as the boat moves along the coast or sits in a quiet bay, and some trips include a swim stop in warm weather. You do not need to be a sailor: you only need to turn up on time, find a spot on deck and look west. Combine it with dinner in town afterwards, and you have a memorable evening for little effort.
How it works
You book a date and a departure time, meet the boat at the marina or the pick-up point named on your ticket and board with the other guests. The cruise lasts a couple of hours, with drinks included as described in the offer, and the route follows the coast so that the town is in view at sunset. Check the exact boarding time, the length of the trip, what is included and the cancellation policy on your ticket, because the programme can change with the season and the sea state.
Season and weather
Sunset cruises run in the warm season, roughly April to October, and the best months are May, June and September, when the evenings are mild and the crowds are smaller. In July and August the cruises are popular and sell out early, and the sunset is later, around 20:30. Wind is the main variable. Mykonos is windy, and when the north wind is strong the skipper may shorten the route, stay in a sheltered area or cancel the trip. Check the weather on the day and keep your plans flexible.
Making the most of it
Arrive early to choose a seat on the west side of the boat, bring a light jacket for the breeze after sunset and wear flat shoes that grip on deck. Take a camera or phone with a strap and a waterproof pouch if you have one. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet before boarding. Book a late dinner in Chora or at Little Venice so that you are not rushing from the dock, and check whether the boat returns to the same point where you boarded.
Good to know
Sunset trips vary from a simple coastal sail to a livelier party boat, so read the description for music, group size and what is poured. If you prefer a quiet evening, choose a smaller boat and an early departure, and if you want something louder, ask about the mood before you book.
What to expect
The experience
A shared evening cruise along the Mykonos coast with drinks on board and views of Chora and the windmills at sunset.
Best time
A clear evening in May, June or September, when the light is soft and the sea is calmer than in the windy heart of summer.
How long
A couple of hours, plus time to board.
Tips
Arrive early for a west-facing seat, bring a light jacket and a waterproof pouch, and book dinner for after the cruise.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, friends and first-time visitors who want the classic Mykonos sunset from the water.
- Families
- Children who enjoy boats will like it, but check the drinks, the timing and the lifejacket arrangements for small ones.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic hours on the island, particularly with a late dinner in Chora afterwards.
- Pair with
- Dinner in Chora or at Little Venice, and Delos on a separate morning.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
When does the sunset cruise run?+
It runs in the warm season, roughly April to October, and the departure time follows the sunset. Check the schedule for your dates.
Are drinks included?+
The cruise is sold with drinks on board. Check the exact inclusions on your ticket, including any food and the number of drinks.
Do we swim on the cruise?+
Some trips include a swim stop in warm weather, but it depends on the operator and the sea. Bring a swimsuit and towel just in case.
What happens if it is windy?+
Mykonos can be very windy. The skipper may shorten or change the route, and a trip that cannot sail is normally rescheduled or refunded. Read the cancellation terms.
Where does the boat go?+
It follows the coast so that Chora, the windmills and Little Venice are in view at sunset. The exact route depends on the sea.
