Mykonos Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do & Tips
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I recently visited Mykonos on a cruise and had the chance to explore this beautiful island during a port stop.
Part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is often called “The Island of the Winds” and is famous for its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills, sandy beaches, and lively nightlife.
Cruise ships either dock at the New Port or tender passengers to the Old Port, depending on the vessel and schedule.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Mykonos cruise port, including docking, transport, and helpful tips, along with the best things to do in town, nearby beaches, and on shore excursions.
Mykonos Cruise Port Overview
The cruise port of Mykonos sits on the island’s western coast.
Ships either dock at the New Port in Tourlos, about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from town, or anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the Old Port, right in the heart of Mykonos Town.
⚓ Docking at Mykonos New Port
The New Port is located in the village of Tourlos, only a 10-minute drive or a 35-minute walk from Mykonos Town.
It’s also close to Agios Stefanos Beach, which can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot.
One large cruise ship, or two smaller ones, can dock here at a time.
When I visited Mykonos on the Odyssey of the Seas, a Quantum Ultra Class ship, we docked at this port. From here, it was easy to get into town by shuttle bus or water taxi.
From the pier, cruise lines often run free shuttle buses to the main bus station near town.
You can also take a taxi, hop on a public bus, or use the SeaBus water taxi, which connects the New Port and Old Port every 30 minutes. The ride costs around €2.50 and takes about 10 minutes. Boats are wheelchair accessible and have space for luggage and strollers. Check the schedules here.
The SeaBus stops at two points: the Old Port Bus & Taxi Station, which is convenient if you’re heading to the beaches, and the Old Port Town Pier, located right in front of the Town Hall and perfect if you want to explore the old town or take a tour to Delos.
Besides cruise ships, the New Port also serves ferries to nearby islands such as Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Delos, and Rafina.
⛴️ Tendering to Mykonos Old Port
If your ship anchors in the bay, you’ll be transferred by tender boats to the Old Port in just 5–10 minutes.
There are two possible tender piers. The first is by the main bus and taxi station, about a 10-15-minute walk from the old town promenade, where you’ll also find parking, a supermarket, and car rentals.
The second pier is in the heart of Mykonos Town, directly in front of the Town Hall and only steps away from restaurants and main sights.
Keep in mind that passengers don’t get to choose the pier; this is decided by the cruise line and port authority.
Getting Around Mykonos
🚶 Walking
Both the port areas and Mykonos Old Town are easily walkable and wheelchair accessible.
However, even though the New Port is only about a 35-minute walk from town, it’s not recommended due to uneven terrain and a lack of sidewalks. Use a shuttle bus, taxi, water taxi, or public bus instead.
🚌 Public Buses
Mykonos has two main bus stations: Fabrika (South Station) and Old Port (North Station).
Buses, operated by the KTEL company, connect almost every part of the island, including famous beaches like Paradise, Kalafati, Elia, Kalo Livadi, Panormos, Platis Gialos, and Ornos.
Tickets vary by distance and can be bought at station booths or directly from the driver (cash only).
Schedules are available at mykonosbus.com
🚖 Taxis
Taxis are available at the New Port, Old Port, and in Mykonos Town. In town, you’ll find them at the central square by the statue of Manto Mavrogenous.
Prices are fixed and change by season. Be prepared for limited availability during peak summer months.
🚗 Car & Scooter Rentals
Renting a car, ATV, or scooter is a fun way to explore beyond the town, but traffic and parking can be challenging in high season.
👉 Check Mykonos car rental deals here
⛵ Boats & Caiques
Small boats, locally known as caiques, shuttle visitors to beaches around the island. Schedules and fares are usually posted at departure points in the Old Port and on the beaches themselves.
⛴️ Shore Excursions
Cruise line tours tend to be pricey, so I usually book independently.
👉 Explore tours on Viator or browse activities on GetYourGuide for Delos, beach trips, and walking tours at a better value.
✈️ Mykonos Airport
Mykonos International Airport lies just 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the Old Town and New Port, about a 10-minute drive.
It’s well connected by taxis, buses, and private transfers.
Practical Tips for Cruisers
- 💶 Currency & Payments – Greece uses the euro (€). ATMs and exchange offices are available in town, but it’s handy to carry some cash for small purchases and bus tickets. Credit cards are widely accepted, though a passport may be required for money exchange.
- 🗣️ Language – Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few useful words: Paralía / Παραλία = beach, Agios / Agia = holy, Panagia = monastery or church.
- 🏨 Where to Stay – Search the best hotels in Mykonos Town
🎥 Watch – Don’t miss my YouTube video about the Mykonos Cruise Port & Best Things to Do in Mykonos Town!
Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide Ebook
Planning a Mediterranean cruise? My Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide covers 45 ports, with insider tips on docking, transport, excursions, and the best things to do in each destination.
It’s the perfect companion to make the most of every stop!
Top Things to Do in Mykonos on a Cruise Stop
When I visited Mykonos on a cruise stop, I took the water taxi to the Old Port to explore the town, but many cruisers also head straight to the beaches or join an excursion to see more of the island.
🏘️ Mykonos Town (Chora) Highlights
Most cruisers start in Mykonos Town (Chora), and for good reason.
The old town is a maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and small shops where it’s easy (and fun) to get lost.
Around every corner you’ll find cafés, galleries, and little churches, so don’t worry too much about a plan, just wander!
The main shopping street is Matoyianni Street, lined with boutiques, jewelry stores, and stylish bars.
From there, it’s an easy walk to the iconic Windmills of Mykonos, overlooking the harbor and perfect for sunset photos, and Little Venice, where colorful houses sit right on the water and now host restaurants and cocktail bars.
Down by the harbor, look out for the blue-domed Saint Nikolaos Church and, if you’re lucky, one of the island’s pelicans wandering along the promenade.
For something more cultural, stop by the Panagia Paraportiani Church, a striking 17th-century building made of five chapels joined together.
The best way to enjoy Mykonos Town is simply to stroll, shop, and soak up the lively atmosphere before heading back to your ship.
👉 Explore Mykonos Old Town tours and activities
☀️ Mykonos Beaches
If you’re stopping in Mykonos on a cruise, chances are you’ll want a few hours on the beach.
The closest option is Agios Stefanos, about a 15–20 minute walk from the New Port.
A short drive or bus ride away, Ornos Beach is one of the most popular with families, thanks to calm waters, plenty of tavernas, and easy access.
Platis Gialos is another favorite, lined with hotels and restaurants, and from here you can catch a small boat to other beaches around the island.
For those chasing the party scene, Paradise and Super Paradise are where the DJs, bars, and clubs are.
If you’d rather avoid loud music and crowds, skip them and head to Elia Beach, the island’s largest stretch of sand with sunbeds, restaurants, and a more relaxed mix of visitors.
If you have extra time and don’t mind a car ride, Agios Sostis and Lia Beach are quieter, less developed, and perfect if you want to escape the busiest spots.
👉 Explore Mykonos beach tours and activities to find transfers, boat rides, and day trips that make it easy to enjoy the island’s most famous beaches.
🏺 Shore Excursions & Day Trips
Scenic Island Tour
If you want a bit of everything, a panoramic tour of Mykonos is a great option.
These tours often include beaches, viewpoints, and Ano Mera village, where you can see the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery.
Many end with meze and a glass of ouzo in a local taverna.
👉 Check Mykonos island tours and activities
Archaeological Site of Delos
A visit to Delos is one of the most popular shore excursions from Mykonos.
The tiny UNESCO World Heritage island is the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, anda place filled with ruins of temples, houses, mosaics, and statues.
Boats leave from the Old Port and take about an hour each way. Bring water and sun protection, as it gets hot in summer, and note that the terrain is uneven.
👉 Explore Delos tours and tickets
Wine & Dine
Mykonos is also known for its food and wine. You’ll find small farms and wineries in the countryside offering tastings of local wine with Greek appetizers.
In town, try classics like gyros, moussaka, souvlaki, or fresh seafood, along with homemade pies, tzatziki, and a shot of raki or ouzo.
FAQ: Visiting Mykonos on a Cruise
❓ Is Mykonos a tender port?
It depends. Some ships dock at the New Port in Tourlos (about 2.5 km from town), while others anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the Old Port in Mykonos Town.
❓ How far is Mykonos port from town?
The New Port is about a 10-minute drive or a 35-minute walk from Mykonos Town. The Old Port is located directly in town, so you can start exploring on foot.
❓ Can you walk from the cruise port to Mykonos Town?
It’s not recommended to walk from the New Port due to lack of sidewalks and uneven terrain. Use the shuttle bus, a taxi, or the SeaBus water taxi instead.
❓ What is the best way to get from Mykonos cruise port to the beaches?
From the New Port, take the SeaBus to the Old Port and then a local bus to popular beaches like Paradise, Ornos, or Platis Gialos. Taxis and beach shuttles are also available.
❓ What is the most popular excursion from Mykonos?
A boat trip to the island of Delos is the most popular shore excursion. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient ruins and an archaeological museum.
❓ How long do cruise ships stay in Mykonos?
Most cruise calls last 6 to 10 hours, giving enough time to explore the old town, visit a beach, or join a half-day excursion to Delos.
❓ Is Mykonos walkable for cruise passengers?
Yes. If you’re tendered to the Old Port, the town is fully walkable, with flat pedestrian streets. Just wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.
Helpful Resources for Mykonos Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find Mykonos Cruise Port on Google Maps
- Mykonos Cruise Ship Schedule
- Mykonos Tourism Office
- Local Weather Forecast
- Mykonos SeaBus
- Mykonos Bus (KTEL)
🛳️ Ports Often Included with Mykonos
When planning your Eastern Mediterranean cruise, Mykonos is usually paired with other Greek and nearby ports:
- Santorini – famous for its caldera views and whitewashed villages.
- Chania (Crete) – explore the Venetian harbor and Old Town.
- Rhodes – home to a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town.
- Katakolon – gateway to Ancient Olympia.
- Corfu – a mix of Greek and Venetian architecture and beaches.
- Piraeus (Athens) – access to the Acropolis and archaeological sites.
- Kusadasi (Turkey) – the starting point for excursions to ancient Ephesus.
- Istanbul (Turkey) – explore the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and more.
Mykonos can also appear on Western Mediterranean itineraries, often combined with:
- Barcelona – a major cruise homeport in Spain.
- Civitavecchia (Rome) – gateway to Rome’s ancient wonders.
- Naples – close to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
- Marseille – a stop for exploring Provence.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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