Mykonos, Greece
Whitewashed lanes, windmills above the harbor, golden beaches and the ancient island of Delos just offshore. Here’s how to make one day in the Cyclades count.
A Greek Isles icon
Mykonos is the Cyclades at their most photogenic: a maze of whitewashed lanes and blue doors in Mykonos Town, a row of windmills on the hill, the balconies of Little Venice hanging over the water and beaches that range from family-easy to all-day party. Just offshore is Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A day here usually comes down to three choices: town, beach or history. You can mix a little of each, but how you arrive (docked at the New Port or tendered into town) shapes the day. Below are the excursions we’d book and the details that help you plan around crowds, wind and the clock.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Your berth is assigned by the port and can change close to arrival, so confirm on your itinerary and in your cruise line’s daily program.
New Port (Tourlos)
The main cruise pier, about two miles north of Mykonos Town. Most large ships dock here. It’s a working port rather than a place to linger, and town is too far to walk safely along the busy road, so your cruise line will explain the options for getting into town. Many ship and independent tours meet you right at the terminal.
Used by: Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages.
Old Port tender
When the New Port is full, or for some smaller ships, you’ll anchor in the bay and tender into the Old Port on the edge of Mykonos Town. You step ashore steps from the waterfront, the lanes and Little Venice. Tender times can stretch on busy days, so leave extra time to get back.
Used by: any line when berths are full, and often smaller ships. Check your itinerary for your pier.
Excursions we’d book
Hand-picked shore excursions from local operators, bookable through our partner Project Expedition. Every tour here carries Project Expedition’s Back to Ship Guarantee. Prices are per person and can change; check the live price when you book.
Mykonos Shore Excursion With Pick Up From Cruise Ship Terminal
A half-day small-group tour that picks you up at the cruise terminal, stops at Armenistis Lighthouse and the beaches on the way, then walks you through town past the windmills, Little Venice and Paraportiani church. It ends on the town waterfront.
View on Project ExpeditionMykonos: Beach Escape & Free Time in Old Town
A ride across the island to Elia Beach for about three hours of swimming and sun, plus free time in Mykonos Town. Easy, good value and a nice fit for families. Loungers at the beach may cost extra.
View on Project ExpeditionPrivate Jeep Tour
A private jeep tour with a guide to Armenistis Lighthouse, the quiet Bay of Ftelia and lesser-seen corners of the island. Bring swimwear, sun protection and good shoes.
View on Project ExpeditionThe Best Mykonos Small-Group Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships
A small-group tour built for cruise guests, meeting at the New Port: Little Venice, the windmills, Panagia Paraportiani and views toward Delos.
View on Project ExpeditionBest of Mykonos Experience
Mykonos Town, the Kato Mili windmills and Little Venice on foot, plus a stop at Agari Beach. Short drives between stops keep it easy on tired legs.
View on Project ExpeditionHalf-Day Highlights of Mykonos Tour
A half-day with a local guide to the village of Ano Mera, the coast at Kalafatis and the Venetian windmills, then a walk through Mykonos Town.
View on Project ExpeditionThe Back to Ship Guarantee and refunds if your ship skips Mykonos are covered by Project Expedition’s shore excursion terms. Your advisor can walk you through them.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- Ancient Delos. A boat across to the birthplace of Apollo in Greek myth, with a guided walk through temples, mosaics and the Terrace of the Lions. Hot and shadeless in summer; swimming isn’t allowed on Delos.
- Mykonos Town walking tour. A guided stroll through the lanes, Little Venice and the windmills, often with time on your own at the end.
- Island tour & Ano Mera. A drive past beaches and viewpoints to the inland village of Ano Mera and its monastery, for a quieter side of the island.
- Beach break. Transfers to one of the south coast beaches with a lounger and time to swim. A simple, popular day in warm months.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
Little Venice & the windmills
Old captains’ houses with balconies right over the sea, and the row of Kato Mili windmills on the ridge above. Late afternoon light here is famous, though many ships sail before sunset.
The lanes of Chora
Mykonos Town is a deliberate maze of whitewashed alleys, small chapels, boutiques and cafés. Don’t miss Panagia Paraportiani, a cluster of chapels fused into one sculptural white church.
The south coast beaches
Ornos and Psarou are calmer and family-friendly; Paradise and Super Paradise are known for their beach-club scene; Elia is long, wide and a bit quieter.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at your pier or tender landing an hour before all-aboard. Tender lines and traffic can both run long on busy days.
- Traveling with mobility needs? Mykonos Town has narrow lanes, steps and uneven paving, and some calls are tender days. If you or someone in your party has mobility needs, tell your advisor when you book. Our accessibility specialist can help arrange the right support.
- Wind can change the plan. The summer meltemi wind can make tendering or boat trips to Delos impossible on some days. Ships occasionally skip the port, and boat tours can cancel.
- Greek cruise fee. Greece charges a per-person cruise passenger fee for Mykonos and Santorini, highest from June through September. Your cruise line collects it.
- Delos has limits. Delos closes in winter and on some holidays, there’s little shade and no swimming on the island. Bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes.
Sailing to Mykonos
Most Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries call here, sailing from Athens (Piraeus), Rome (Civitavecchia), Ravenna and other Mediterranean ports.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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