The Best Way To Experience Mykonos And Its Cruise Port

How To Make The Most Of Your Time In Mykonos

Most guests on a Mediterranean cruise holiday that stops in Mykonos won’t be seeking out its late-night bars and buzzing party vibe. In fact, it’s more than likely that the cruise ship will actually have set sail again by that point.

Instead, cruise guests come to Mykonos to enjoy the island’s gorgeous golden sands and turquoise waters, its intriguing history and mythology, and the pretty white-washed houses and cobbled streets - symbolic of this Greek island. 

So, if you’re stopping ashore for a day on the stunning island of Mykonos, here’s how you can experience its underrated charm.

What To Expect When You Arrive At Mykonos Cruise Port

Cruise ships arriving at Mykonos either dock at the new port in Tourlos, a small coastal village about 1.5 miles (or a 30-minute walk) from Mykonos Old Town, or they’ll drop anchor and tender passengers to the pier near the main attractions.

For cruise ships that dock at the new port, you’ll find cafés, souvenir shops, toilets, public buses and taxis here. To get to the Old Town, also known as Chora, check first to see if your cruise ship offers free shuttles. Many do these days.

If not, you can easily catch the bus that runs into the centre, which usually costs around €8. These run every 15 minutes and only take 5 minutes. Alternatively, a ferry, known as the Sea Bus, will take you to the town centre for approximately €5 for a return.

These run every half an hour and take around 12 minutes. Although the distance is short, walking is not recommended as there is no proper pavement and the road is fairly busy.

If your cruise ship drops anchor, you may have to wait a little while for the tender boats, but once on dry land, you are right in the heart of Mykonos town centre, brimming with activities and culture to explore. 

Whether your ship docks in the new port or drops anchor nearby, once in Mykonos, it is pretty straightforward to get around. For that reason, excursions often aren’t needed, and many cruise guests choose to explore independently.

Things To Do In Mykonos

Mykonos offers a captivating blend of traditional Greek culture and upbeat, cosmopolitan living. Alongside its chic boutiques, bars, restaurants and art galleries, there is a picturesque Old Town.

Here, you can meander the day away, taking in its quintessential Greek ambience around the maze of winding streets.

In the Old Town, you’ll find Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani, one of the most photographed churches in the world. It actually consists of five churches in one and is definitely worth a visit. One of the main attractions in the Old Town is Little Venice.

This cluster of charming medieval stone houses, showcasing colourful wooden balconies, attracts artists and tourists alike, who come to take in the marvellous views. This is also known as one of the most romantic places on the entire island, where visitors can marvel at breathtaking sunset views. 

Close to Little Venice are the iconic Mykonos windmills, with their rotund bases and triangular sails reaching up to the sky. Built in the 1500s, they were still in use in the early 20th century, grinding grain to flour, helping farmers to make their living.

The windmills brought great trade to Mykonos, and, with 28 in operation at their height of activity, the island became quite affluent. Nowadays, some are open to the public as tourist attractions and museums- the most famous being the Bonis Windmill. 

For those that can't get enough of the sea, the island of Mykonos has over 30 stunning beaches to explore, most offering clear waters and white powder sands. Megali Ammos beach and Ornos Beach are both within easy reach of the Old Town, and are popular tourist spots among those visiting the island. 

Nearby Places To Visit

The archaeological site of Delos tops the list for many visitors to see when they come to Mykonos. Delos is an island just half an hour’s boat trip from Mykonos. In Ancient Greece, it was considered a highly sacred place, being the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, god of the sun, light, harmony, and beauty.

Now, as an extensive UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s plenty to see, from the imposing Terrace of the Lions to the fascinating Sanctuary of Apollo.

Rhenia island is also close to Delos and often visited as part of one tour. It too has numerous ancient ruins to explore.

The second biggest town in Mykonos, Ano Mera, is much quieter than Mykonos Old Town. Here, you enjoy things at a slower pace: the traditional Greek tavernas, the castle perched above the town and the Paleokastro Monastery. Set in the island’s centre, you can get there by bus, taxi, or even walk- being just over 7km away.