Cruises to Mykonos
Mykonos — the jewel of the Cyclades and the most cosmopolitan island in the Mediterranean. This is a place that draws millions of travellers every year. A small island of 85.5 km² in the heart of the Aegean Sea, it combines immaculate white-washed labyrinths of streets, 16th-century windmills, legendary beaches, and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere unmatched anywhere in Greece. Just 2 kilometres away lies the sacred island of Delos — one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient world, once a destination for pilgrims from every corner of the Mediterranean.
For the cruise traveller, Mykonos is one of the most coveted stops in the Eastern Mediterranean. The island's port welcomes cruise ships from April through November and ranks among the top five most popular cruise ports in Greece. In 2024, the island welcomed over 1.29 million cruise passengers aboard 768 vessels; in 2025, that figure stood at over 1.22 million passengers on 762 ships. Despite the introduction of a mandatory tourist levy and a daily cap on the number of vessels in port, Mykonos confidently maintains its status as one of the most visited islands in Greece. 🚢
📋 Before setting sail on a cruise to Mykonos or going ashore during a port call, here is what you need to know:
🇬🇷 Country: Greece
📍 Region: South Aegean, Regional Unit of Mykonos
👥 Population: approximately 10,700 permanent residents (up to 50,000 in summer)
📐 Area: 85.5 km²
🗣️ Languages: Greek (official); English is widely spoken in tourist areas
💶 Currency: Euro (EUR)
🕐 Time zone: EET (UTC+2), summer EEST (UTC+3) — one hour ahead of Kyiv
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, with mild winters (+10…+15 °C) and hot summers (+27…+32 °C), with strong northerly winds (meltemi)
✈️ Nearest airport: Mykonos National Airport (JMK) — 4 km from Chora
⚓ Official cruise port name: New Port of Mykonos (Tourlos) / Old Port (Chora)
🗺️ Distance from port to town centre: 2 km from the New Port (Tourlos) to Chora
🏛️ The History of Mykonos — from early settlers to the island of the gods and the jet-set
⏳ 3,000 years of maritime and cultural heritage
The island's first inhabitants — Carians and Ionians — arrived around the 11th–9th centuries BC. According to Greek mythology, the island took its name from Mykonos, the grandson of the god Apollo and son of Anius, king of Delos. Another legend links the island's unusual rocky terrain to the labours of Heracles: he reportedly slew the Giants during the Gigantomachy, and their petrified bodies became the rocks of Mykonos.
Thanks to its proximity to sacred Delos — the most important religious centre of ancient Greece, where Apollo and Artemis were said to have been born — Mykonos played the role of a supply island and transit point for thousands of pilgrims in antiquity. Trade in grain, olives, and textiles flourished here. Since religious law forbade anyone from being born or dying on Delos, modest Mykonos literally served as the island's "maternity ward" and burial ground for the inhabitants of the sacred isle.
⚔️ From Venetian rule to an independent Greece
In 1207, following the Fourth Crusade, Mykonos came under the rule of the Venetian Ghisi family, whose legacy lives on in the name "Little Venice" — a picturesque neighbourhood of houses built right over the sea. In 1537, the island was seized by the Ottoman Empire; the flag of Turkish admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa flew over Chora. Despite foreign domination, the people of Mykonos earned a reputation as skilled sailors and merchants — particularly active in the textile trade throughout the Mediterranean.
A defining chapter in the island's history was the Greek Revolution of 1821. The Mykonians contributed 22 ships, 500 crew members, and 140 cannons to the cause. The soul of the resistance was Manto Mavrogenous — an aristocrat, an educated woman, and a passionate advocate of Enlightenment ideals, who funded the liberation struggle from her own fortune and personally organised naval raids against Ottoman vessels. After Greek independence was achieved in 1830, the island became part of the new state. A statue of Manto stands today in the main square of Chora — Manto Mavrogenous Square. 🏛️
After the Second World War, Mykonos gradually opened its shores to tourism. During the 1950s and 1960s, the island began attracting Greek and foreign artists, bohemians, and celebrities. Jackie Kennedy, Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, and Yves Saint Laurent all fell in love with Mykonos and brought it to world renown. Since then, the island has evolved into one of the most glamorous and expensive resorts on the planet. 🌟
⚓ The Port of Mykonos — gateway to the jewel of the Cyclades
📊 Port scale and structure
Mykonos has two ports on the western coast of the island, each serving different functions for cruise passengers.
The New Port (Tourlos) is located 2 km north of the centre of Chora. This is where large cruise ships, ferries, and high-speed catamarans dock. The port is equipped with modern berths; however, some larger vessels anchor in the bay due to the seabed topography and passengers are ferried ashore by tender (small motorboats). The New Port is directly served by a bus station and the SeaBus water taxi to Chora. Regular KTEL buses also run to the town centre.
The Old Port (Chora / Old Port) is situated in the heart of Chora and is used primarily by yachts, excursion boats to Delos, and smaller expedition or yacht-style cruise ships (Windstar, Seabourn, Star Clippers). When a ship anchors in the bay and passengers arrive by tender, disembarkation takes place here — within easy walking distance of all the main sights.
⚠️ Important note: whether you dock at the New Port or are tendered to the Old Port depends on your vessel's size and the port's schedule for that day. Check your disembarkation method with your cruise specialist or the cruise line's on-board office 24–48 hours before arrival.
🚢 How many ships does the port accommodate
Following the introduction of a berth allocation system in 2025, the port of Mykonos handles no more than 5–6 cruise ships per day simultaneously — down from the previous 8 or more. This reform is aimed at combating overtourism and improving the visitor experience on the island. On peak days in August, up to 18,000 cruise passengers may pass through both ports, but the new regulations are steadily bringing this number down. In 2024, the island received 768 ship calls with a total of over 1.29 million passengers; in 2025, there were 762 calls and 1.22 million passengers.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Mykonos
Mykonos is a regular port of call for ships from MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara, Windstar, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises, Marella Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and many others. Mykonos features on virtually every Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean itinerary. 🌍
💡 Fascinating facts about Mykonos
A few lesser-known details will make your discovery of the island even richer:
💨 Mykonos has an official nickname — the "Island of the Winds." The powerful northerly winds that prevail here from May through September have long been known to locals and sailors as "meltemi." It was precisely to harness these winds that the island's iconic windmills were built in the 16th century.
🦢 Pelicans live in Chora, and this is a long-standing tradition. In 1954, local fishermen rescued an injured pelican found after a storm and nursed it back to health. The bird, named Petros, became the island's beloved symbol and mascot for many years, freely strolling the waterfront among tourists. The tradition lives on — descendants of Petros still roam the streets of Chora today. 🐦
⛪ Mykonos has around 365 churches — one for each day of the year. This is no exaggeration: by local tradition, sailors returning from dangerous voyages would build a chapel as an act of gratitude. Hence the endless number of small white chapels dotting every hillside.
🎨 The island has a strict colour code. All buildings must be painted white, with doors and windows permitted only in blue, green, or red. This is not merely aesthetic: traditionally, blue doors were painted by sailors, green by farmers, and red by the rest of the islanders. ⛵
🏳️🌈 Mykonos is one of the world's oldest LGBTQ+ destinations. The island openly welcomed gay tourists as early as the 1970s and has since been regarded as one of the most tolerant and inclusive places on earth.
🍿 Several Hollywood films have been shot on Mykonos, including The Bourne Identity (2002) and Shirley Valentine (1989). The narrow alleys of Chora make for an ideal cinematic backdrop.
🧅 The local delicacy is kopanisti. This sharp, pinkish cheese made from goat's and sheep's milk is fermented for several weeks and has been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of Greece. Try it with Mykonian tsipouro (a local spirit) or ouzo at any taverna in Chora.
⏳ The island beside Delos — the island of the gods. Twice a week, excursion boats depart for sacred Delos — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where living and staying overnight are forbidden. It is one of the most significant places of worship of the god Apollo in the ancient world.
📍 Top sights of Mykonos — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise ship typically stays in Mykonos for 6 to 10 hours, so choosing your priorities in advance is essential. A detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours can be found in the "Sights and Points of Interest" section; below is a brief overview of the iconic spots that define the island.
💨 The Windmills of Mykonos (Kato Mili) — 5–6 snow-white conical windmills from the 16th century perched on a hill above Chora, visible from the sea before the ship even docks. The most recognisable symbol of the island and the most photographed sight in Greece after the Acropolis.
🇮🇹 Little Venice (Alefkandra) — a neighbourhood of colourful merchants' and captains' houses built directly over the water's edge. Cocktails here at sunset are a ritual unto themselves — Mykonos just isn't Mykonos without them.
⛪ Panagia Paraportiani Church — the most photographed church in Greece, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. It is not actually one church but five chapels fused together — an asymmetric architectural masterpiece that resembles a sculpture.
🏛️ Chora (Mykonos Town) — the island's capital, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets deliberately laid out in winding patterns to confuse pirates. Here you will find hundreds of shops, galleries, tavernas, and bars.
🗿 Delos — the sacred island 2 km from Mykonos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest open-air archaeological museums in the world, featuring ruins of temples and a theatre, mosaic floors, and the celebrated Terrace of the Lions.
⚗️ The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos — one of the oldest museums in Greece, home to the famous "Mykonos Pithos" — a 7th-century BC ancient Greek storage vessel depicting scenes from the Trojan War.
🌅 The beaches of Mykonos — more than 25 beaches to suit every taste, from the peaceful family-friendly Ornos and the luxurious Psarou to the legendary party spots Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach.
🏠 Panagia Tourliani Monastery (Ano Mera) — the only large village outside Chora, home to a working monastery founded in 1542 and a small Byzantine museum.
✨ Why choose a cruise with a stop in Mykonos
Mykonos is a rare island where everything a traveller could wish for converges in one place.
First and foremost, there is unrivalled beauty: white cubic houses, the azure dome of the Aegean, windmills and bougainvillea — a landscape familiar to the whole world from postcards. ✈️
Secondly, it offers a perfect blend of culture and pleasure: in 6–8 hours ashore, you can stroll through the alleys of Chora, visit sacred Delos, and swim in crystal-clear waters. 🌊
Thirdly, Mykonos is an ideal base for exploring the Cyclades: Santorini, Paros, Naxos, and Tinos are all close by. 🍷
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you find the ideal ship, itinerary, and cabin with a Mykonos port call, handle the details of transfers and Schengen visa arrangements, and offer exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and other leading brands with whom we partner as a priority agent in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Mykonos
Mykonos is an island that is easy to reach from various parts of Greece and Europe, yet the journey from the airport or ferry terminal to your specific cruise ship disembarkation point has its own important nuances. The port of Tourlos (New Port), where most cruise ships berth, is located 2 km north of Chora and has no direct pedestrian connection to the town — the coastal road runs along a busy highway with no pavement. Below is a tried-and-tested step-by-step guide covering all transfer options, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Where exactly are the cruise ports of Mykonos
The island has two ports, and cruise passengers may use either one depending on the type of vessel and port capacity on the day:
⚓ New Port Tourlos (Tourlos New Port) — the island's main cruise port, where all large ships berth:
• Serves large cruise liners, ferries, and high-speed catamarans
• Located 2 km north of the centre of Chora
• The port is served directly by a bus station and the SeaBus water taxi pier
• Some larger vessels anchor in the bay due to the seabed topography and transfer passengers by tender to the Old Port
📌 GPS address: Tourlos, Mykonos 846 00, Greece
🚶 Distance to the centre of Chora: 2 km along the coastal road (walking is not recommended — no pavement)
⚓ Old Port (Old Port / Chora Port) — closer to the centre, serves as the tender landing point from large ships and also welcomes smaller yacht-style and luxury vessels (Windstar, Seabourn, Star Clippers):
• Located directly in Chora, a 2–5-minute walk from the windmills and Little Venice
• Excursion boats to Delos depart from here
• The "North" bus station and SeaBus stop are nearby
📌 GPS address: Old Port, Mykonos Town, 846 00, Greece
❗ Important: your disembarkation method — docking at the New Port Tourlos or tendering to the Old Port — is stated in your cruise voucher or announced on board the day before arrival. Check it in advance, as it determines your entire plan for the day ashore.
✈️ From Mykonos Airport (JMK) to the cruise terminal
Mykonos Marinellis National Airport (JMK) is located 4 km from Chora and 5.9 km from the New Port Tourlos. It is the island's only airport, operating year-round flights from Athens as well as international charter and scheduled services during the summer season. The journey to the port takes between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the mode of transport.
🚕 Taxi — the fastest and most convenient option
Official Mykonos taxis are silver-coloured with a distinctive yellow-and-black sign on the roof. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals terminal.
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes to the New Port Tourlos
• Fare to Port Tourlos (as of 2025–2026): approximately EUR 19–25
• Fare to Chora (town centre): approximately EUR 15–20
• Payment: cash or card (confirm with the driver)
• Important: taxis on Mykonos are in extremely short supply — queues can be long during peak season. Booking in advance is the key to a stress-free transfer.
💡 Tip from Four Gates: always agree on the price before the journey — a fixed fare is better than the meter during peak season, when prices can vary considerably.
🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling as a family, a group, or with a lot of luggage, a pre-arranged transfer is the ideal choice. The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name board and take you directly to the correct terminal at a fixed price.
• Price: from EUR 25–35 for a saloon car (1–3 persons), from EUR 40–50 for a minivan (up to 7 persons)
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes
• Benefits: fixed price, no waiting, flight monitoring
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚌 KTEL Bus — the budget option
KTEL — the island's local bus network — has a stop right outside the airport.
• Route: Airport → Chora (Fabrika) → New Port Tourlos
• Fare: EUR 1.60–2.50 per journey (cash to the driver)
• Journey time: approximately 20 minutes to the New Port
• Schedule: in summer from 09:10 to 17:50, departing every 90 minutes; in winter there is no direct service to the port
⚠️ Important: buses run infrequently, with no guaranteed seat and possible delays. Do not rely on this option if your time before the ship's departure is limited.
⛴️ From a ferry or high-speed catamaran to the cruise terminal
If you are joining a cruise after travelling independently around the Greek islands by ferry, you will arrive directly at the New Port Tourlos — which is also where your ship, the SeaBus, and the bus station are all located. Ferries from Piraeus (Athens), Rafina, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, and other islands only call here.
🚶 Walking from the ferry to the ship: 2–5 minutes — if your cruise ship is berthed in Tourlos, no transfer is needed.
🚌 SeaBus: if you need to get to Chora or the Old Port — EUR 2–2.50 per trip, 8–12 minutes.
🏙️ From Chora (town centre) to the cruise terminal
If you have spent a night or a few days at a hotel in Chora, you have several options for getting to your ship:
🚕 Taxi from your hotel — EUR 10–15 depending on the pickup point, 5–10 minutes. Convenient with luggage, but book in advance due to the taxi shortage in peak season. Important: Mykonos has only around 30 official taxis for the entire island — in August, waiting for a taxi can take 30–60 minutes.
🚢 SeaBus (water taxi) — the most popular option among cruise passengers:
• Pier: Old Port of Chora (next to the "North" bus station)
• Fare: EUR 2–2.50 one way (cash only)
• Frequency: every 15–30 minutes (more frequent during ship calls)
• Operating hours: 08:30–23:30 (summer), reduced schedule in winter
• Journey time: 8–12 minutes to the New Port Tourlos
• Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible and suitable for pushchairs, with space for luggage
• The SeaBus drops you directly at the pier in Tourlos — from there it is a 2–5-minute walk to your ship's gangway
🚌 KTEL Bus: from the "North" bus station (Old Port) or "Fabrika" (southern Chora) — EUR 2–2.50 to the New Port. Departures every 30–60 minutes, tickets by cash only.
🚶 Walking from Chora to the New Port: approximately 2 km along a road without a pavement beside a busy highway — not recommended, especially with luggage and in the heat.
🚗 By private or hire car — parking near the port
If you are arriving at the port by private or rental car, parking spaces near the New Port are limited:
🅿️ Tourlos Car Park (by the New Port) — an open parking area directly adjacent to the terminal:
• Address: Tourlos, 846 00 Mykonos
• Cost: paid parking, cash payment
• Note: spaces fill up quickly during peak season
🅿️ Chora Car Parks (town centre) — several parking zones in town, convenient for those wishing to spend time in Chora before boarding:
• Address: car park near Fabrika Square and next to the Old Port
• Cost: from EUR 5–10 per hour
💡 Tip: parking on Mykonos is in critically short supply in summer. If you are renting a car, return it before your boarding time — rental offices are usually located near Chora and the New Port. Using the SeaBus or a pre-arranged transfer is far preferable to spending time searching for a parking space.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Mykonos has a fairly challenging terrain for passengers with reduced mobility, so advance planning is essential:
✅ The New Port Tourlos is equipped with ramps and level surfaces leading to the SeaBus
✅ The SeaBus is fully wheelchair-accessible, with space for luggage and pushchairs
✅ The Old Port has a ramp for access to the Chora waterfront
⚠️ The streets of Chora feature cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and inclines. Most main attractions are reachable without steps, but it is worth planning your route in advance
⚠️ KTEL buses have several steps at the entrance — not recommended for passengers with mobility needs
✅ For passengers with reduced mobility, the best option is a private transfer in an accessible minivan with a ramp, which can be arranged in advance through local travel agencies
✅ Inform your cruise line of any special requirements — some ships have restrictions on tender disembarkation for wheelchair users
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Most cruise lines open check-in 3–4 hours before departure. Recommended arrival times:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity: at your assigned check-in time (30-minute windows)
🕐 Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar (luxury segment): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: typically 60–90 minutes before departure — arriving late means watching your ship sail without you. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.
💡 Expert tips from Four Gates Group
After years of working with Mykonos, our cruise specialists have put together a set of tips that will save you time, money, and stress:
🌅 Arrive a day early. A flight delay of just 2–3 hours due to airport congestion or bad weather can cost you the entire cruise. Mykonos is a wonderful place to spend a day or two before departure — the island is well worth it.
💶 Carry cash in EUR. Most transport on the island — the SeaBus and KTEL buses — accepts cash only. Keep EUR 20–30 in small notes for minor expenses at the port and on public transport.
🚕 Don't count on finding a taxi at the last minute. With only 30 official taxis for the entire island in August, supply is critically tight. If you need a taxi, book it through your hotel the evening before or on the morning of your boarding day.
🌊 Check your disembarkation method in advance. "Tender" or "docked" makes all the difference. If you are tendered, you land in the centre of Chora and can head straight to the sights. If you are docked in Tourlos, you will need the SeaBus or a shuttle. Find out 24 hours before arrival.
⏰ Allow extra time for the SeaBus on your return day. On busy days, the queue for the SeaBus can be long — especially when several ships are in port simultaneously. Return to the port 30–40 minutes before the boarding deadline rather than at the last minute.
📱 Download Google Maps offline. Wi-Fi on the island is patchy. An offline map of Mykonos in Google Maps with the ports, SeaBus stops, and bus stops marked will save you a great deal of hassle.
🎒 Leave large luggage on the ship. A small bag is all you need for a day in town — the narrow alleyways of Chora and the SeaBus are not well suited to large suitcases. There is a luggage storage facility on board for items you do not need ashore.
☀️ Sun protection is essential. Mykonos offers very little shade — the island is rocky and exposed. A hat, sunscreen, and water from the moment you step ashore are not optional extras but necessities, especially in July and August.
📞 Port and emergency contacts
Port of Mykonos (Mykonos Municipal Port Fund): +30 22890 22218
Mykonos Airport (JMK): +30 22890 79000
Mykonos Taxis (bookings): +30 22890 23700
SeaBus (water taxi): mykonos-seabus.gr
KTEL Mykonos (buses): +30 22890 26797
Greek Emergency Services: 112
Mykonos Tourist Police: +30 22890 22716
Four Gates Group Cruise Specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a Mykonos cruise are simpler than they appear once you know the right options for your situation. The SeaBus, a pre-arranged transfer, or a taxi — any of these will get you to your ship reliably and stress-free. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group assist our clients at every stage: from choosing the best flight to Greece to arranging a private meet-and-greet transfer at the airport. Contact our manager — and your Mykonos cruise will get off to a perfect start. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant services.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals
Sights and Places of Mykonos: A Complete Guide for the Cruise Traveller
Mykonos is an island that packs everything a traveller could wish for into just 85.5 km²: 3,000 years of myths and rosy windmills, the most photographed church in Greece, one of the most significant UNESCO archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean, and more than 25 beaches to suit every taste. For a cruise passenger with 6–10 hours ashore, the key is choosing the right itinerary. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the island's key sights, with up-to-date 2025–2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the cruise port to each attraction. 🎯
💨 1. The Windmills of Mykonos (Kato Mili — Lower Mills)
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
The five snow-white conical windmills of Kato Mili on the hill above Chora are the most recognisable symbol of Mykonos, greeting everyone who arrives by sea. Already visible from the ship on approach to the island, they are an absolute must-see and the quintessential backdrop for photographs.
🔹 The island has 16 windmills in total, seven of which are concentrated within Chora itself. The most famous group — Kato Mili, with its 5–6 mills — stands on the hill between the Alefkandra and Neochori districts, facing the sea.
🔹 All were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to harness the prevailing northerly winds (meltemi) for grinding grain shipped from mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Mykonos stood on the strategic trade route between Venice and Asia — flour produced here was distributed by sea to the surrounding islands.
🔹 The windmills used canvas sails made from reed, spread during operation and furled in storms. The three floors of the cylindrical stone structure housed the millstones, the mechanism, and the miller's quarters.
🔹 With the industrial revolution, the windmills fell into disuse. One — the Bonis Mill — is open as an Agricultural Museum on the separate hill of Ano Mili (Upper Mills). The rest serve as private residences or are simply preserved as heritage monuments.
🔹 Every evening, crowds flock here for the sunset. Tip: come in the morning — at 7–8 am you will find the same windmills bathed in golden light with almost no one around.
📜 History:
The first windmills appeared on Mykonos in the 16th century during Venetian rule. Thanks to its unique geographical position, the island stood at the crossroads of maritime trade routes linking Venice, Constantinople, and Egypt. The constant need to provision ships calling at the port, combined with the proximity of sacred Delos — where agriculture was forbidden — made flour production on Mykonos extraordinarily profitable. At their peak, the island had more than 30 mills. After the opening of the Corinth Canal in 1893 and the rise of steam-powered mills, wind power became redundant, and by the mid-20th century most mills had fallen silent. Today, the windmills of Mykonos are protected as architectural heritage and the island's most popular free tourist attraction.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• If tendered to the Old Port: walk 10–12 minutes south along the waterfront past Little Venice to the windmills. Address: Kato Mili, Mykonos Town
• If docked at Tourlos: SeaBus (EUR 2–2.50) to the Old Port → walk 10–12 minutes
• Taxi to Chora: EUR 10–15, 5–7 minutes
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Admission to Kato Mili (exterior view, photos): free, open 24 hours
• Bonis Mill Agricultural Museum: free, open daily July–September 16:00–20:00 (seasonal)
⚠️ Tip: the windmills are right next to Little Venice — plan both in a single block. The best angles for photos are from the Alefkandra waterfront and from the shoreline below the hill.
🇮🇹 2. Little Venice (Alefkandra)
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
Little Venice is a romantic neighbourhood of colourful 17th–18th-century houses whose balconies hang directly over the waves of the Aegean Sea. It is the most photographed view on Mykonos and a cult destination for watching the sunset.
🔹 The name "Little Venice" (or Alefkandra — the local name) arose from its resemblance to Venetian canals: the houses stand so close to the water that they seem to grow out of the sea itself.
🔹 The houses were built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 17th–18th centuries. The small basement doors opening directly onto the sea gave rise to rumours that their owners were secret pirates who stored their loot underwater. 🏴☠️
🔹 Today most of the houses have been converted into bars, cafés, and restaurants with open terraces over the water. A cocktail here at sunset is the unofficial "ritual" of Mykonos.
🔹 This is where you get the best view of the Kato Mili windmills: houses and mills in a single frame — the classic postcard image of the island.
🔹 The Alefkandra beach adjoins Little Venice — tiny but with crystal-clear water and open access to the sea.
📜 History:
The Alefkandra neighbourhood took shape from the 17th century onwards, when the island was experiencing a commercial boom. Shipowners and merchants growing rich on trade between East and West built their grandest homes here — the most expensive real estate on the island. Cellars served as warehouses and secret hiding places, while sea-facing balconies let owners personally watch for incoming ships. In the 20th century, as the island became a tourist magnet, owners sold or let the buildings for commercial use. Today Little Venice is the heart of Mykonos's evening and nightlife scene.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• If tendered to the Old Port: walk 5–8 minutes south along the waterfront
• If docked at Tourlos: SeaBus → Old Port → walk 5–8 minutes
• Taxi to Chora: EUR 10–15
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Strolling through Little Venice: free, open 24 hours
• Cocktail at the bars: EUR 14–20 per drink
⚠️ Tip: arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset — tables over the water are snapped up very quickly. Always stop and check the menu and prices before ordering: establishments here are expensive.
⛪ 3. Panagia Paraportiani Church
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
Paraportiani is the most photographed church in Greece and one of the outstanding examples of Cycladic architecture in the world. At first glance it appears to be a simple, snow-white building. In reality it is five separate chapels fused into one, each built at a different time and in a different style.
🔹 The name Paraportiani translates as "Our Lady of the Side Gate" — the church stood directly beside the side entrance to the medieval fortress (kastro) of Chora.
🔹 The complex consists of five chapels: four at ground level (St Eustachius — the central one — St Anastasia, St Soazon, and Sts Argyroi) and the fifth — the Church of the Virgin — elevated above them. Construction spanned from 1425 to the 17th century.
🔹 Despite the asymmetry, flowing lines, and differing architectural styles, the church gives the impression of a single organic sculpture — the result of several centuries of gradual additions and restorations.
🔹 It is a national monument of Greece. The interior is usually closed to visitors due to ongoing restoration work, but the exterior is the main attraction in any case.
🔹 This is also a favourite strolling ground of Petros — Mykonos's resident pelican. 🐦
📜 History:
The first chapel on this site — Sts Argyroi — appeared at the end of the 14th century, during the time of the Venetian castle. In 1425, construction of the main Church of St Eustachius began, around which the entire complex gradually grew. The inhabitants of Chora, sheltering within the fortress walls from pirate raids, added chapels one by one over two and a half centuries — until the 17th. Since each chapel was built by different craftsmen at different times, the complex absorbs the traditions of Byzantine, Venetian, and vernacular Cycladic architecture. In the 1920s the structure underwent major restoration to preserve its unusual form. It is recognised as a national monument and listed by the Greek Ministry of Culture.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• If tendered to the Old Port: walk 5–7 minutes north from the pier, towards the Kastro district
• If docked at Tourlos: SeaBus → Old Port → walk 5–7 minutes
• Address: Kastro, Mykonos Town
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Admission (exterior view): free, open 24 hours
• Interior: usually closed; occasionally open for services — check on site
⚠️ Tip: the best photographs are taken in the morning in raking light or at dusk when the church is illuminated. Avoid midday sun — against a white background, overexposure is almost inevitable.
🏛️ 4. Chora — the labyrinth town (Mykonos Town / Chora)
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
Chora is the island's capital and arguably the most beautiful Cycladic town in Greece. But it is not merely beautiful: its layout is a sophisticated defensive system, refined over centuries.
🔹 The alleyways of Chora were deliberately laid out in crooked, irregular patterns with no right angles to disorient pirates who landed on shore. Even today, tourists regularly lose their bearings in the winding lanes — and that is the main pleasure of walking here.
🔹 Matoyianni Street — "the Fifth Avenue of Mykonos" — is the main shopping street: Louis Vuitton and Dior alongside hand-crafted jewellers and little shops selling Cycladic honey and cheese.
🔹 Manto Mavrogenous Square is the heart of Chora, with a statue of the heroine of the Greek Revolution of 1821. All walking routes start from here.
🔹 Chora has around 365 churches — by legend, one for each day of the year. Most of them are tiny and hidden behind ordinary buildings.
🔹 The streets of Chora are repainted by hand every year: local tradition requires the walls to remain immaculately white and doors and windows to be painted blue, green, or red — a standard enforced by the municipality.
📜 History:
Chora was founded in the 11th century by Ionians, but its modern labyrinthine appearance took shape during the Venetian period (1207–1537) and subsequent Turkish raids. Residents built houses flush against one another, spanning the alleys with archways to prevent a mounted enemy attack. The central "Kastro" (castle) has vanished, but the street plan remains. In the 1950s Chora welcomed its first famous visitors: Jean Cocteau, Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas, and Onassis. Their photographs on the narrow streets brought Chora to the world's attention. Today Matoyianni is one of the most expensive retail streets in Greece, yet deep in the back lanes ordinary Mykonians still go about their lives among the ever-present bougainvillea.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• If tendered to the Old Port: you are already in Chora — all sights are within walking distance
• If docked at Tourlos: SeaBus (EUR 2–2.50) → Old Port of Chora
• Taxi: EUR 10–15, 5–7 minutes
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Walking around Chora: free, open 24 hours (shops are closed in the second half of September–April)
• Manto Mavrogenous Square: free
• Matoyianni Street: shops open approximately 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–23:00 in season
⚠️ Tip: scooters and quad bikes are banned in the centre of Chora. The narrow alleys are for pedestrians only — download an offline map in advance, as GPS frequently goes wrong amid the dense buildings.
🗿 5. Delos — the Sacred UNESCO Island
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
Delos is the most important archaeological site in the Cyclades and one of the most significant in all of Greece. It operates on a scale of millennia and can fundamentally alter your understanding of the ancient world.
🔹 According to Greek mythology, it was on Delos that the twin gods Apollo and Artemis were born. As a result the island was declared sacred and a religious prohibition was imposed: no one was permitted to be born or to die on its soil — the sick and women in labour were ferried to neighbouring Renia.
🔹 Delos is one vast open-air museum: ruins of temples, agoras, a theatre, private houses with magnificent mosaic floors, wells, statues, and sarcophagi scattered across an island measuring 5×1.3 km.
🔹 The Terrace of the Lions is the most iconic feature of Delos: a row of marble lions (today replicas — the originals are in the island's museum), dedicated by the Naxians around 600 BC as guardians of Apollo's sanctuary.
🔹 UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 — recognised for its "exceptional completeness and richness" (official UNESCO wording).
🔹 The island is uninhabited: there are no hotels and overnight stays are forbidden. Only custodians and archaeologists live there. 🏛️
📜 History:
The first settlements on Delos date to 3000 BC. Its peak was the 6th–1st centuries BC, when the island became a religious centre and the largest slave market in the Mediterranean (more than 10,000 slaves sold daily). In 88 BC, the Pontic king Mithridates sent an army to the island: in a single day 20,000 inhabitants were killed and most buildings destroyed. After a pirate sacking in 69 BC, the island was deserted for ever. Systematic excavations were begun by the French School of Archaeology in Athens in 1873 and continue to this day — only around 10% of the island has been excavated.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• Excursion boats depart from the Old Port of Chora (the Deliana pier, near the town hall), NOT from the New Port Tourlos
• Journey time: 30–40 minutes by sea
• Departures (April–November): typically at 09:00, 10:00, and 11:30. Returns: at 12:00, 13:30, and 15:00 (schedule subject to change — verify on site)
• Closed: on Tuesdays and in bad weather
⚠️ Important for cruise passengers: if your ship is in port for fewer than 8 hours or you arrive after 09:00, the Delos boat may not be an option. Plan this excursion only with a long port call (8–10 hours or more) and book tickets in advance.
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Boat ticket (return): EUR 25 (adults), EUR 12.50 (children 6–12), free under 6
• Admission to the archaeological site and Delos Museum: EUR 20 (adults), EUR 10 (concession)
• Combo (boat + admission): from EUR 45 when booked independently; guided tours from EUR 65–80
• Site opening hours: daily 08:00–20:00 (April–October), until 15:00 in winter months; closed on Tuesdays
⚠️ Dress code: comfortable shoes are essential — the entire visit is on foot over uneven terrain. Sunscreen, a hat, and water — non-negotiable. 🌞
⚗️ 6. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
One of the oldest museums in Greece, located right by the Old Port of Chora, it houses unique finds from Mykonos, Delos, and neighbouring Renia.
🔹 The museum's star exhibit is the "Mykonos Pithos": a huge clay storage vessel from the 7th century BC depicting scenes from the Fall of Troy, including the oldest known representation of the Trojan Horse. Discovered on the island in 1961, it is considered one of the most precious examples of Greek archaic pottery. 🏺
🔹 The museum holds marble and terracotta sculptures, funerary stelae, jewellery, and weapons spanning the prehistoric to Hellenistic periods (25th–1st centuries BC).
🔹 A particular source of pride is the marble statue of Heracles from Renia (2nd–1st centuries BC), depicting the hero in his characteristic pose with a club and lion skin.
🔹 The museum building dates to 1902 and is itself an architectural monument: a blend of neoclassicism and Cycladic style found only on Mykonos.
📜 History:
The museum was opened in 1902–1905 to house finds from the "Purification Trench" of Renia — the site to which the Athenians transferred all burials from Delos in 426 BC during one of their periodic "purifications" of the sacred island. Excavations were conducted by D. Stavropoulos as early as 1898. The building was designed by architect Alexandros Lykakis. In 1934 it acquired its current Cycladic appearance, and in 1972 a large eastern hall was added for new collections. The museum also receives important finds from the Delos excavations, which have now been ongoing for more than 150 years.
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• If tendered to the Old Port: 2 minutes on foot — the museum stands directly on the port waterfront. Address: Mykonos Old Port, Chora
• If docked at Tourlos: SeaBus → Old Port → 2 minutes on foot
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Adults: EUR 4–6
• Concession (EU students, EU pensioners): EUR 2–3
• Under-18s: free
• Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday 09:00–16:00; closed on Tuesdays and public holidays
• Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, 5 June, 27 September, and the first Sundays of November–March
⚠️ Tip: if you are planning a trip to Delos, visit the museum beforehand — it provides excellent context for understanding the finds and ruins. Allow 45–60 minutes for the visit.
🌅 7. The Beaches of Mykonos — more than 25 options for every taste
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
The beaches of Mykonos are one of the main reasons to visit the island. More than 25 beaches with crystal-clear water, each with its own character:
🏖️ Agios Stefanos — a family beach 3 km from the New Port Tourlos, ideal for those who don't want to stray far from the ship
🏖️ Ornos — a cosy, calm, and the most family-friendly beach, 4 km from the port. Perfect for children
🏖️ Platis Gialos — a well-organised beach with full amenities, water sports, and regular boat services to the beaches on the southern part of the island
🏖️ Psarou — the island's most famous "VIP beach", where billionaires' superyachts moor. A sun lounger and parasol set starts at EUR 80, but the beauty is worth it 🛥️
🏖️ Paradise Beach — the legendary beach with club life from lunchtime to dawn. 9 km from the New Port — best reached by bus from Fabrika or by taxi
🏖️ Super Paradise Beach — a wilder, more LGBTQ+-friendly option, close to Paradise
🏖️ Agios Ioannis — a quiet, wind-sheltered beach with views of Delos; filming location for scenes from the film Shirley Valentine
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• Agios Stefanos: 20–25 minutes on foot from the New Port Tourlos or KTEL bus EUR 2
• Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou: bus from Fabrika EUR 2–2.50, 10–15 minutes
• Paradise and Super Paradise: bus from Fabrika or taxi, 15–25 minutes, EUR 2.50–20
• Water taxi between beaches: from Platis Gialos, water taxis run to Psarou, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Agios Ioannis — EUR 5–10 per route
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Beach admission: free
• Sun lounger + parasol rental: from EUR 15–25 at budget beaches, from EUR 50–80 at Psarou
• Beaches open: year-round; organised facilities available April–October
🏠 8. Panagia Tourliani Monastery and the village of Ano Mera
💡 Interesting facts and background information:
Ano Mera is the only genuine village on Mykonos outside Chora, with a traditional Greek pace of life and a completely different atmosphere. 🌿
🔹 Panagia Tourliani Monastery, founded in 1542, is a working Orthodox monastery with an impressive Baroque bell tower, a carved altar of Florentine marble (18th century), and a collection of rare Byzantine icons
🔹 The monastery has a small museum of ecclesiastical antiquities housing manuscripts, icons, and liturgical vestments
🔹 Ano Mera Square is the place where locals actually sit in cafés, eat local food, and live an ordinary island life — without any tourist artifice
🚢 How to get there from the port:
• KTEL Bus from the Old Port of Chora or Fabrika to Ano Mera: EUR 2, 15–20 minutes
• Taxi: EUR 15–20, 10–15 minutes
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Monastery: free admission (donation welcome); open daily 09:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00 (dress code strictly observed — covered shoulders and knees required)
• Ecclesiastical museum: EUR 2, open during the same hours
🗺️ Three self-guided itineraries for a day ashore in Mykonos
A cruise ship's port call in Mykonos typically lasts 6–10 hours. Seeing 3–5 sights is realistic — if the route is planned correctly. Below are three options depending on the length of your call and your preferences.
🥉 Itinerary No. 1. Budget — up to EUR 20 per person
⏱️ Total time: 6 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 10–20 + meals
🕘 09:00 — Disembark from the ship
If tendered — you are already in Chora. If SeaBus — EUR 2, 10 minutes.
🕘 09:15–10:30 — Chora: streets, square, alleyways
Walk from Manto Mavrogenous Square along Matoyianni Street to Little Venice — free.
🕙 10:30–11:15 — Little Venice and the windmills
Coffee at a café (EUR 4–5), sightseeing and photos — free.
🕚 11:15–11:30 — Paraportiani Church
5-minute walk, exterior viewing — free.
🕛 11:30–13:00 — Agios Stefanos or Ornos beach
Bus EUR 2 return, swimming — free. Sun lounger optional EUR 15.
🕐 13:00–14:00 — Lunch in Chora or Ano Mera
Local tavernas: gyros or moussaka EUR 8–12.
🕝 14:30–15:30 — Return to the ship
SeaBus or taxi to the New Port.
💰 Breakdown of expenses:
• SeaBus return: EUR 5
• Bus to beach return: EUR 4
• Lunch: EUR 10–15
💸 TOTAL: EUR 20–25 per person (without sun lounger)
🥈 Itinerary No. 2. Optimal — EUR 50–70 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 60–80 + meals
🕘 08:30 — Disembark, head straight to Chora
SeaBus or taxi (EUR 10–15).
🕘 09:00–09:30 — Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
EUR 4–6. Ideal as an introduction before the Delos trip.
🕤 09:30 — Delos boat from the Old Port
Boat ticket EUR 25, admission EUR 20. Departure at 09:30 or 10:00.
🕚 10:00–13:00 — Delos: ruins, Terrace of the Lions, museum, view from Mount Kynthos
Minimum 2.5–3 hours for a self-guided visit. Return at 12:00 or 13:30.
🕝 13:30–14:30 — Lunch in Chora
Restaurant near the Old Port or on Matoyianni: EUR 20–30 per person.
🕞 14:30–16:00 — Little Venice, windmills, Paraportiani
On foot, free. Sunset cocktail: EUR 14–18.
🕟 16:30 — Return to the ship
SeaBus or taxi.
💰 Breakdown of expenses:
• SeaBus return: EUR 5
• Museum: EUR 5
• Boat + Delos admission: EUR 45
• Lunch: EUR 25
• Cocktail: EUR 15
💸 TOTAL: EUR 95–110 per person
💡 Replacing Delos with Psarou beach saves EUR 45, but offers a different kind of experience.
🥇 Itinerary No. 3. Premium — private guided tour from EUR 300 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 300–500 + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Private driver meet-and-greet at the pier after tendering or at the port
• ✅ Comfortable minivan for the full day
• ✅ Licensed guide (in English or Ukrainian)
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets for Delos and the museums
• ✅ Restaurant table reservation
• ✅ Flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go
You can book through your cruise manager or contact us by any convenient method:
Telephone: • Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01 • Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53 • Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53 • Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
🕘 08:30 — Meet driver and guide
🕘 09:00–10:00 — Delos (guided tour, skip-the-line)
Departure by private boat (no queue for the public ferry). Private guided tour with commentary on every site.
🕛 12:00–13:30 — Lunch at a restaurant in Chora
For example, Joanna's Nikos Place or Tikis — authentic Greek cuisine from EUR 40–60 per person. Reservation handled by the guide.
🕝 13:30–15:30 — Chora: Matoyianni, Little Venice, windmills, Paraportiani
Private walking tour with the guide.
🕟 15:30–16:30 — Psarou or Agios Ioannis beach
Transfer by car; guide and driver wait.
🕟 17:00 — Return to the port by comfortable car
💰 Breakdown of expenses:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from EUR 250
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from EUR 200
• Tickets (Delos + museum): from EUR 65
• Restaurant lunch: from EUR 50
💸 TOTAL: from EUR 565 for a group of 2–4 (not per person!)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private guided tours of Mykonos with licensed guides, private transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Mykonos will be perfectly tailored to your wishes. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Essential information before going ashore
🕐 The "all aboard" rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late, the ship will not wait — and catching up with it will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card.
💶 Cash: have EUR 30–50 in cash — the SeaBus, KTEL buses, and many small shops only accept cash.
👟 Footwear: comfortable shoes are essential — the cobblestones of Chora are uneven. For Paraportiani and the monastery — covered shoulders and knees required.
📱 Internet: download an offline Google Maps map. Wi-Fi is available in town but patchy.
🔐 Safety: Mykonos is a safe town, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowds, especially during peak season.
☀️ Sun protection: the island is rocky and offers almost no shade. Sunscreen, a hat, and water from the moment you step ashore — essential, especially when visiting Delos.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals