The Old Port is where Chora meets the sea and where much of the town’s everyday life happens, especially in winter. Fishing caïques bob at the quay, the small church of Agios Nikolaos stands by the water, cafés and tavernas line the front, and it is from here that the boats to Delos depart. The port’s most famous residents are its pelicans. In 1958 a local fisherman rescued an injured white pelican, which stayed on the island, was named Petros and became the mascot of Mykonos until his death in 1985. Today three pelicans roam the town, one of them always called Petros in his honour, and they are known for posing for photos, waiting for fish outside tavernas and wandering between the harbour, Little Venice and the windmills. Seeing one is never guaranteed, which makes it all the more delightful when one strolls past. Around the harbour you will also find Manto Square and the Archaeological Museum.
How it works
The harbour front is free to walk at any time and runs from the Archaeological Museum at the northern end, past the quay and Manto Square, towards the town beach where the Delos boats leave. Ferries and cruise ships use the New Port at Tourlos, a few kilometres north, so the Old Port is mostly small boats, excursion boats and local life.
What to expect
In summer the front is full from morning to late night, and in winter the Old Port is one of the liveliest places in town, with residents meeting for coffee, fishermen working on their boats and the smell of grilled fish from the tavernas that stay open. The pelicans like the fish tavernas on the front and the area around Little Venice. Treat them kindly: they are used to people, but they are still wild birds, and you should not feed them yourself.
Making the most of it
Walk the front in the morning when the fishing boats come in, have coffee facing the water, and check the Delos boat timetable at the kiosk while you are there. In the evening the harbour lights reflect beautifully on calm nights. Combine it with the museum and a wander into Chora.
What to expect
The experience
A free stroll along the harbour front of Chora, with fishing boats, waterfront cafés and a good chance of meeting the island’s pelicans.
Best time
Morning, when the fishing boats are working and the light is soft on the water.
How long
About an hour, more if you stop for coffee or a fish lunch.
Tips
Look for the pelicans near the fish tavernas and around Little Venice, keep a respectful distance and do not feed them.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, animal lovers and anyone who enjoys harbour life.
- Families
- Children love spotting the pelicans and watching the fishing boats, and the flat harbour walk is easy with a pushchair.
- Couples
- Coffee by the water in the morning or a harbour-front dinner on a calm evening.
- Pair with
- The Archaeological Museum at the northern end of the harbour and the Delos boats from the town beach.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
Is Petros the Pelican still alive?+
The original Petros, rescued in 1958, died in 1985. Today three pelicans live in the town, and one of them is always named Petros in his honour.
Where can I see the pelicans in Mykonos?+
They are most often seen around the Old Port waterfront, near the fish tavernas and in Little Venice. Sightings are not guaranteed, so keep your eyes open as you walk.
Do ferries use the Old Port?+
No, ferries and cruise ships use the New Port at Tourlos, a few kilometres north. The Old Port serves small boats, including the boats to Delos.
Can I feed the pelicans?+
It is best not to. They are used to people but are still wild birds, and local fishermen and tavernas look after them.
Is the Old Port lively in winter?+
Yes, it is one of the busiest parts of town out of season. Residents meet in the cafés and some waterfront tavernas stay open.
