Mykonos Cruise Port: One Day in Mykonos From a Cruise Ship
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We find all the best things to do in Mykonos including food, beaches, historic sites, & great views. Mamma Mia! You'll love it here!
Mykonos Cruise Ship Port: (Jump To)
Planning a cruise to multiple Greek Islands? Check out our Guide to the Cruise Ports of Greece!
Where Does the Cruise Ship Dock in Mykonos
Cruise ships typically dock at the New Port, about 2 miles from the Old Town, also known as Chora. The Mykonos cruise port location is well-connected, with shuttle buses and water taxis available to get you straight to the main sights. Many cruise ships also simply tender with boats taking passengers ashore.
When visiting Mykonos you will most likely have to tender to shore. That’s a fancy cruising term for when your ship anchors near the shore and you take a smaller boat from the ship to the shore. The tenders will take you directly to the old town area.
There is a cruise port called Tourlos that is 1.2 miles (3.5 km) from the main town). If you dock there you can take a 12-minute bus ride to the city center for about €2. You can also walk along a relatively busy street, the walk takes about 30 minutes. It’s a beautiful shoreline walk, but the street traffic and the narrow shoulders make the walk a little undesirable.
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How to Get Around Mykonos
You can explore most of the city on foot if you're sticking to the Old Town. Getting around from the cruise port in Mykonos is easy, and you won’t need a car for one day in Mykonos.
The town is best navigated on foot. The narrow passageways are lined with people and shops. If you plan to leave the old town area, it is best to book a taxi in advance. While there is Uber on the island, the services are very limited. When loads of passengers arrive on the small island, the prices for ride-shares surge and there is no way to guarantee there will be a ride back at the end of the day. For destinations outside the town, like beaches and scenic lookouts, taxis are limited and usually have long wait times. Consider pre-booking a private driver, joining a shore excursion, or renting an ATV if you’re comfortable navigating narrow roads. Local buses run to some beach areas but aren't always reliable on a short cruise schedule.
Taxis and rideshares get slammed on cruise days. If you’re leaving Old Town, lock in a driver ahead of time for a few hours so you can hit beaches and viewpoints without hunting for a ride. Check pricing and reserve.
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What To See in Mykonos
The iconic whitewashed lanes, Little Venice, and Panagia Paraportiani church are must-sees near the cruise ship port in Mykonos, Greece. If you're looking for things to do in Mykonos, Greece from cruise ship arrivals, Old Town has plenty within walking distance.
The old town area is the most visited area of the island. It’s the easiest thing to see and do if you don’t want to spend any money going on shore excursions. The harbor area is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can easily spend a casual half-day slowly wandering the famous passageways.
A guided Mykonos Town walking tour covers Little Venice, Panagia Paraportiani, and photo stops at the windmills in one go. See times and reviews.
Mykonos Town (Chora)
Map: Google Maps
The heart of the island, this labyrinth of whitewashed alleys is packed with independent shops, art galleries, cafes, and sea views. Easy to get lost, but that’s part of the charm.
Little Venice
Map: Google Maps
A waterfront stretch of buildings with balconies over the water. It’s a good spot to grab a drink and take in the sea. This is where a lot of the cruise ship passengers end up before heading back on board.
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Kato Mili Windmills
Map: Google Maps
Five 16th-century windmills sit on a ridge just above town. You’ll recognize them from every postcard. (more on windmills below)
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Map: Google Maps
A whitewashed church complex with asymmetrical lines and five combined chapels. One of the most photographed sites on the island.
Delos Island
Map: Google Maps
UNESCO-listed ruins that include temples, mosaics, and a preserved amphitheater. Guided tours are available and recommended. Boats leave from the Old Port. Delos is best with a licensed guide. Combo ferry + guided tour options sell out on cruise days. Compare options and book.
Rarity Gallery
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Contemporary art gallery in Mykonos Town featuring international artists in a sleek setting.
Where to See Windmills in Mykonos
The famous Mykonos windmills are perched just outside Little Venice, with a view that’s one of the most photographed spots on the island. If you're docking at the cruise port in Mykonos, it’s about a 10-minute ride or a scenic 30-minute walk to the windmills.
The most famous site on the island is the iconic Greek windmills. The most popular row of windmills (Kato Mili Windmills: Google Maps) is a six-minute walk from the old town docks. There are signs around directing you to them. The windmills are along the ocean with views out to the sea.
The interior of one of the windmills is typically open to exploring. It’s free to enter with an optional donation. You climb up the narrow staircase to see the inner workings of the windmills. It’s a cute little place for a quick selfie.
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A less popular windmill, Boni’s Windmill (Map: Google Maps), is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city. It’s a slow but steep climb to the top, but when you get there you will have a full view over the city and out into the ocean. It’s also much less crowded there than the aforementioned easier-to-access row of windmills near the docks.
Where is the Beach in Mykonos
You can reach Paralia Choras Mikonou beach within minutes from the Mykonos cruise port—it's the closest beach to the terminal and ideal for a short swim. For better sand and more options, head to Platis Gialos or Elia Beach by bus or water taxi.
The easiest beach to get to is Paralia Choras Mikonou. It is right in the main old port area. There is a small patch of sand and crystal-clear water waiting for you there. It’s a busy area. If you’re looking for a more tranquil spot Paralia Megali Ammos is a fifteen-minute walk away. To reach any other beaches you would need to take a bus or taxi. Paralia Platis Gialos Beach is recommended, and Elia Beach is the gay beach on the island.
The Best Beaches in Mykonos, Greece
Want loungers and shade guaranteed? Some beaches offer bookable sets with transfers. Check availability and reserve in advance.
Paralia Choras Mikonou
Map: Google Maps
The easiest beach to access if you’re stepping off the ship. It’s located in the city center and is a mix of fellow cruise ship passengers and locals.
Paralia Megali Ammos
Map: Google Maps
A slightly further walk away from the port will give you a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The beach has a few small tavernas if you’re looking for a drink or bite.
Paraga Beach
Map: Google Maps
A party beach close to town, accessible by bus or water taxi. Loungers dominate, so bring cash.
Platis Gialos Beach
Map: Google Maps
A fully developed beach with hotels, restaurants, and water taxi access to other beaches.
Elia Beach
Map: Google Maps
Popular with gay travelers and nudists, this wide beach is known for its space and more relaxed feel. A bit farther out.
Super Paradise Beach
Map: Google Maps
Known for its party scene and club. Accessible by boat or taxi. Loud and energetic.
Ornos Beach
Map: Google Maps
Good swimming and sunbed options. Accessible by bus and not far from town.
Museums in Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the Folklore Museum are small but easy to reach from the Mykonos cruise port. If you're doing one day in Mykonos, the museums are a good backup option if the weather doesn’t hold up for the beach.
The island is home to a few small museums that could be of interest. Lena's House Folk Museum features a traditional island home with furniture, clothing and dress displays, and lots of folk art pieces. Right next door is the Aegean Maritime Museum housing a small collection of nautical artifacts and tiny ship models. The most noteworthy museum on the island is the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, it's worth a visit if you’d like to learn more about the earliest inhabitants of the islands. It’s a lot of old pots and statues. Admission to any of these museums is under €5.
Aegean Maritime Museum
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Small maritime museum with old nautical instruments, ship models, and local shipping history.
Folklore Museum
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A few small rooms with old tools, photos, and religious items in a historic house near the waterfront.
Lena's House Folk Museum
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
An example home in the traditional historic style of the island complete with furnishings and antiques.
What to Expect in Mykonos
Expect winding alleys packed with boutique shops, photogenic architecture, and a lot of tourists. Cruise passengers should know that Mykonos can feel crowded midday, especially around the cruise port in Mykonos and central Old Town.
If you’re visiting on a cruise and you can do it, you should wake up early and get to the town as soon as you can. The quaint tiny alleys can clog up with other fellow cruise ship passengers during the day. If you’re there on a day trip, plan to visit the town in the early evening when the cruisers have set sail for the night.
Best Cruise Ship Shore Excursions at the Port of Mykonos, Greece
Top-rated cruise ship excursions in Mykonos include guided walks through Chora, beach transfers, and half-day trips to Delos Island. Booking early is smart if you want a guaranteed seat on a small group tour from the Mykonos Greece Cruise Port.
Guided Delos Island Tour
Half-day excursion to the archaeological ruins with a licensed guide. Most tours include the ferry ride from Mykonos to the nearby island of Delos. These trips can usually also be booked independently at the ferry dock.
Mykonos Town and Island Highlights Tour
A driving and walking tour that hits top town spots plus inland villages. These tours can be extremely handy as the narrow passageways can be confusing and sometimes frustrating for some visitors. A trained guide will know the fastest and best ways around to maximize your time on shore.
Beach Transfer to Elia or Paradise Beach
As taxis can be unpredictable this will guarantee an easy ride to one of the island’s best beaches, often with loungers included!
Mykonian Cooking Class
Master the art of Mykonian cooking. You’ll learn to cook a full Greek meal, usually including wine. You can impress your friends back home with a Greek dinner party!
Mykonos Panoramic Drive
Short and scenic, with photo stops at windmills, a lighthouse, and a chapel.
Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Usually paired with meze and hosted in a local home or estate. This is a great way to see more of the interior of the island while also experiencing the food and culture. Highly recommended.
Private Driver for the Day
A customized itinerary often costs the same as booking multiple shorter tours. This is a great option for groups of 3 or more or people who like to avoid the annoyances that can come with group excursions. Typically the cost, when booked with a group, is about the same as an excursion booked through your cruise line.
What to See in Mykonos, Greece:
The Windmills of Mykonos
Boni’s Windmill
The alleys and shops of Old Town
The beach
Aegean Maritime Museum
Lena’s Folk Art Museum
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Best Beaches in Mykonos, Greece:
Paralia Platis Gialos (best overall)
Elia Beach (best for LGBTQIA+)
Paralia Choras Mikonou (easiest to get to for cruisers)
Paralia Megali Ammos (harder to get to, but worth the walk)
