Is May 1 (Labor Day) a huge holiday on Mykonos? Is Delos closed?

[CaribbeanBound]

Is May 1 (Labor Day) a huge holiday on Mykonos? I ask because Delos Tours, which runs the ferry from Mykonos to Delos is selling tickets online for every day in April through October EXCEPT for April 8 and May 1. I can understand April 8 since it's Easter Sunday there. Is it possible they are closed on May 1 for Labor Day despite a ship being in port? I've sent them 3 inquiries over the past month without a single reply.

 

Are there any other recommended ways to get to Delos on May 1, or might the Delos UNESCO site be closed that day too?

[cruisemom42]

I searched a number of websites and could not find anything definitive regarding Delos in particular, but in general May 1 is a pretty big holiday throughout Europe with most museums and quite a few sites closed.

 

On this page, for example, which lists opening hours for many of the major archaeological sites and museums throughout Greece, there is a statement at the bottom:

 

Archaeological sites & museums as well as our office will be closed at the following dates:

 

Christmas: December 25 + 26

New Year’s Day: January 1

Greek Independence Day: March 25

Greek Easter Day (floating date, usually in April or May)

Labor Day: May 1

 

https://www.athenstourgreece.com/f-a-q/info/hours-entrance-fees-archaeological-sites-museums-greece/

[CaribbeanBound]

Thank you for your response. I got a definitive answer via email this afternoon...

 

In reply to your email we regret to inform you that thearchaelogical site and Museum of Delos will be closed on May the 1st.

 

Kind Regards

 

Themistoklis Vakoulis,

Archaeologist,

Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades

[CaribbeanBound]

So the new question is: With most of Greece shut down on May 1, and our ship being in Mykonos that day, are there any recommendations of things to do other than a short walk through town, a walk to the windmills, and a day at the beach with cold water?

[Hlitner]

So the new question is: With most of Greece shut down on May 1, and our ship being in Mykonos that day, are there any recommendations of things to do other than a short walk through town, a walk to the windmills, and a day at the beach with cold water?

 

Having done a few early season cruises in that part of the world...we understand you are now facing the reality of why its considered shoulder season. The good news is that the island will be less crowded then in the busy months (after early June). The bad news is that the water is a bit cold for swimming and Delos is closed (on May 1) unless they make an exception for a cruise line excursion (this can happen). So what to do? Enjoy Mykonos Town...and if its a nice warm day consider going to a beach (such as Paradise) where you can relax in a lounger. Or you could head out to a place like Paradise and then walk along the coast to check-out some other spots and beaches.

 

A few years ago we went to Santorini in April (on the HAL Prinsendam) which is an island we know well. Since the island was not very crowded it was easy to get around so we grabbed the local bus over to Oia expecting to walk around, browse the shops, and have lunch. What we found was that many of the shops had not yet opened for the season and there were only a few cafes open for lunch. While it was great to be in Oia without crowds...it was a bummer to find our favorite places closed. Bottom line is that out of season cruising is a 2 edged sword.

 

Hank

[marazul]

So the new question is: With most of Greece shut down on May 1, and our ship being in Mykonos that day, are there any recommendations of things to do other than a short walk through town, a walk to the windmills, and a day at the beach with cold water?

 

We did a 4-wheel drive tour of Mykonos that was great fun. Normally, it includes a couple of hours at the beach, but since the water will be cold, you can ask them to shorten it and leave you at Mykonos town at the end. They usually stop for a photo op of the town at the end, but you can ask them to leave you there.

[conquesodor]

Just received confirmation that our May 1 "Ancient Delos" excursion was cancelled for "unforeseen circumstances."

 

Anyone have any advice for what to do in Mykonos on this major holiday? We're not big beach people, so hopefully shops and restaurants are still open?