Cruise port · Greece · Greek Isles
Mykonos cruise port guide
Mykonos is a compact Cycladic island where most ships dock at the New Port, about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north of Mykonos Town, with a sea bus and shuttle running into the center. The appeal is the town itself, a maze of whitewashed lanes, windmills and waterfront bars in Little Venice, plus beaches and a short boat ride to ancient Delos.
- Island villages
- Ancient Delos
- Beaches
- Shopping
- Sunset drinks
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Greek Isles
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Greek. English is widely spoken in town and at the beaches.
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards work in most shops and restaurants; carry cash for the sea bus, buses and small purchases.
- Best time to visit
- May–September
- Average highs
- 58–78°F through the year
About Mykonos
Mykonos Town, which locals call Chora, is said to have been laid out as a maze to confuse pirates, and it still confuses everyone else. Whitewashed cube houses with blue and red shutters crowd narrow lanes painted with white outlines, bougainvillea spills over balconies, and every few steps you find a tiny chapel. On the edge of town, a row of thatched windmills stands on a ridge above the sea.
A port day here is relaxed and easy to plan yourself. Most visitors spend a morning getting lost in Chora, have lunch by the water in Little Venice, then either swim at a beach or take the boat to Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The island’s party reputation belongs mostly to its night, which cruise visitors usually miss unless the ship stays late.
Mykonos is great for wanderers, shoppers, beach-goers and history lovers who make the Delos trip. It’s less suited to anyone wanting quiet: summer days bring several ships and plenty of ferry passengers, prices in town run high, and the summer meltemi wind can be fierce enough to cancel boat trips.
Where cruise ships dock in Mykonos
Most cruise ships tie up at the New Port in Tourlos, about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north of town. A small sea bus ferries passengers across the bay to the Old Port in the center in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, and shuttle buses also run toward town. Walking takes 30 to 40 minutes along a road with patchy sidewalks, so most people don’t. When the pier is full, some ships anchor and tender passengers straight to the Old Port. Once in Chora, everything is on foot. Allow three hours for the town alone, or a full day if you add Delos or a beach.
Best things to do in Mykonos on a cruise
- 1
Delos archaeological site
history
Boats from the Old Port reach Delos in about 30 to 40 minutes. In myth it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and the whole island is an open-air ruin of temples, mosaic-floored houses and the famous Terrace of the Lions. There’s almost no shade, so bring a hat and water. Strong winds occasionally cancel sailings.
- 2
Little Venice
scenery
A row of old sea captains’ houses whose painted wooden balconies hang directly over the water. By day it’s a lovely spot for a drink with spray hitting the rocks below; in the late afternoon it’s the island’s classic sunset perch, if your ship stays long enough to enjoy it.
- 3
Kato Mili windmills
culture
The row of whitewashed windmills on the low hill above Little Venice once ground grain for passing ships. It’s a five-minute walk from the waterfront and one of the most photographed views in Greece. Come early for the best light and fewer people in your shot.
- 4
Panagia Paraportiani church
culture
Five small chapels fused into one lumpy, sculptural white building near the Kastro neighborhood. Its soft, irregular shape makes it a favorite with photographers and artists. Visitors usually admire it from outside, and it sits right on the walk between the Old Port and Little Venice.
- 5
Beaches: Platys Gialos, Ornos and Paradise
beach
Sheltered Ornos and Platys Gialos on the south coast suit families, with sunbeds, tavernas and calm water, and buses run from town. Paradise Beach is the famous party strand, loud by afternoon. Agios Stefanos, a short walk from the New Port, is the easiest swim if you don’t want to go far.
- 6
Ano Mera and Panagia Tourliani Monastery
culture
The island’s second village sits inland and feels a world away from Chora. Its central square is lined with tavernas, and the 16th-century monastery holds an ornately carved wooden altar screen. It’s an easy taxi or bus ride and a pleasant contrast to the waterfront crowds.
Mykonos weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 5815 | 5915 | 6015 | 6317 | 6820 | 7424 | 7825 | 7826 | 7624 | 7122 | 6619 | 6116 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5513 | 5513 | 5614 | 6016 | 6518 | 7222 | 7524 | 7624 | 7323 | 6820 | 6317 | 5814 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.4111 | 2.768 | 2.153 | 1.025 | 0.820 | 0.616 | 0.25 | 0.26 | 0.922 | 1.436 | 2.461 | 3.795 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Mykonos
Try kopanisti, a peppery fermented cheese spread, and louza, a cured pork loin seasoned with spices, both island specialties. Mykonian amygdalota, soft almond sweets dusted with sugar, make an easy souvenir. Seafood tavernas line the Old Port and Little Venice; for value, look for gyros and souvlaki joints in the lanes behind Matoyianni Street, the main shopping lane.
Tips for your port day
- Take the sea bus into town rather than walking from Tourlos. It’s quick, inexpensive and drops you at the Old Port, steps from the main sights.
- If you want Delos, go on the first boats of the morning. The site is exposed and hot by midday, and wind can cancel afternoon crossings.
- Mark the Old Port on your phone map before you wander. Chora’s lanes are designed to disorient, and it’s easy to lose 20 minutes going in circles.
- Waterfront cafés in Little Venice charge a premium. Have one drink there for the view, then eat a block inland.
- The meltemi wind blows hard in July and August. Bring a layer, hold onto hats, and expect choppy sea bus rides.
Cruise lines that visit Mykonos
Often on the same itinerary
Mykonos cruise FAQs
Where do cruise ships dock in Mykonos?
At the New Port in Tourlos, about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north of Mykonos Town. Some ships anchor and tender to the Old Port in the center when the pier is full.
Can you walk from the Mykonos cruise port to town?
You can, but most people don’t. The walk takes 30 to 40 minutes along a busy road. The sea bus across the bay is faster and drops you right in the Old Port.
Is Delos worth it on a Mykonos cruise stop?
Yes, for anyone interested in ancient Greece. The boat takes about 30 to 40 minutes each way and you need about two to three hours on the island. It’s hot and shadeless, so go early.
What is the closest beach to the Mykonos cruise port?
Agios Stefanos, a short walk north of the New Port. It has sunbeds and tavernas and is the easiest option if you only want a quick swim before heading back to the ship.
Is Mykonos expensive for cruise passengers?
Yes, by Greek standards. Waterfront restaurants, beach clubs and taxis are pricey. Walking the town, visiting the windmills and eating at simple gyros spots keeps costs down.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.