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 have set sail again by that point.
Instead, cruise guests enjoy the island’s gorgeous golden sands and turquoise waters, its intriguing history and mythology, and the pretty white-washed houses and cobbled streets.
So, if you’re stopping ashore for a day on the Greek island of Mykonos, here’s how you can experience this underappreciated 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 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 cafes, 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 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 €2.
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 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.
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.
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.
For those that love the sea, the island of Mykonos has over 30 stunning beaches, most offering clear waters and powder sand. Megali Ammos beach and Ornos Beach are both within easy reach of the Old Town.
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 close to Delos and often visited as part of one tour. It also has numerous ancient ruins to explore.
Ano Mera is the second biggest town on Mykonos, but it 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, as it’s just over 7km away.
