Making the most of Mykonos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships dock in Tourlos a new port, about a 30 minute walk to town, shuttle service available. The path to Mykonos village, also called Hora or Chora, has no real sidewalk, so take the shuttle. Usually 8 Euros.
All ships anchor offshore and tender passengers directly to the ferry wharf. From there each ferry in port uses the local Blue Line Shuttle bus to transport passengers from the new terminal to the carpark outside the old city. From there you can use the stone promenade to the old city.
You can also take the “Sea Bus”, a ferry from next to the berth, which will take you right into the heart of the town, €2,50 each way. This may be a good option for disabled people since there are a lot of uneven surfaces on the way to town. With disablities in mind, be sure to check out the electric chair that lowers people into water near the end of the promenade before entering the city center.
A taxi ride from the cruise terminal in Tourlos to the center of Mykonos takes about 5 minutes and costs € 10 per taxi (4 persons one way). Taxis are few within the port.
Printable map to take along.
Mykonos (Mikonos) is the most cosmopolitan island in Greece, where people from all walks of life and different cultures meet to create an upbeat atmosphere that is expressed by unprecedented exuberance and liveliness. Its name is known throughout the world, and even though it may be spelled Mykonos, Myconos or Mikonos, it is the same unique Greek Island that fuses cosmopolitan lifestyle and traditional features, making a multifaceted holiday destination for all types of visitors. Myriads of vacationers spend their holidays in Mykonos Greece, as it is a favorite of celebrities and simple folk alike. Mykonos Island in Greece is particularly…
Mykonos Town (which is also called Chora or Hora by the locals and many visitors is the jewel of the island, with the trademark Mykonos windmills, traditional Cycladic whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleyways that are perfect for a nonchalant stroll. The greatest monument of Mykonos Town is the 16th-17th century Church of Paraportiani, which is built in a unique asymmetrical architectural style. The Archaeological, Maritime and Folklore Museums in Mykonos Town display excellent collections of historical artifacts and are worth visiting. After a day of touring Mykonos Town, it is time for a cool drink or a delicious snack in…
Getting around
It's very pedestrian friendly. Other than an occasional taxi or scooter, the streets are made for walking. Also the famous windmills are within walking distance.
You could easily spend your port day just exploring Mykonos Town and vicinity at a relaxed pace -- wandering the twisting, narrow streets, shopping or browsing (there are hundreds of stores, from souvenir shops to high-end designer boutiques, and everything in between), visiting art galleries or the local museums, there is an archaeological museum, folklore museum, maritime museum and windmill museum.
Panagía Paraportianí is the most famous and photographed church of Mykonos. It´s dating from 1425.
Míkra Enetía is a little Venice in Mykonos. All houses in that area are built on the water. It´s a charming art district.
For a more local mode of transport, caiques, a type of fishing boat, serve as water taxis, bringing passengers to the island's beaches.
Nearby places
Located in the village of Ano Mera, Mykonos is the 16th century Tourliani Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Cyclades Islands cluster. The Tourliani Monastery is renowned for its beautiful wood-carved alter screen that was crafted in Florence in the 18th century and contains several exquisite ecclesiastical artifacts, including the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the work of the Apostle Luke. In Platis Gialos, we suggest visiting the Well of Giannaros - a large underground cistern, with a staircase that leads to its bottom -, as well as the three towers that were built during the Hellenistic Era and…
Delos, the Sacred Island of Antiquity. The Birthplace of Apollo. The entire island, all 5 square kilometers, is an archaeological monument. Remains of temples, holy places, houses, and settlements dating back from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. There is no place in the world where one will not find photographs of the Lion Terrace, with its unique marble Lions. The indoor Archaeological Museum is one of the best in the country. In fact, the site is so full and rich with antiquities that multiple visits are quite common. Only a short boat ride away, and history awaits you. A must for all visitors. Many tour operators in town offer…
Delos closes early afternoon, you usually can only get over there in the mornings, occasionally some ship excursions can get there in the afternoons. For others, usually Delos is closed on Mondays and the ferry times from Mykonos other days are 9, 10 and 11 am, return ferries are at 12:15, 13:30, and 15:00. Schedules may change. The trip takes 30 minutes. 10 Euro.
Paradise Island is also an option for a visit. There are Ferries and buses that go to Paradise Island but the schedule changes depending on the season. It costs €70 for private transfer. Beach lounges and umbrellas need to be booked in advance during summer and cost from €80 for 2 lounges and 1 umbrella. The pricing is based on how close you are to the water and there is seven catories.
There is a beautiful town in the centre of the island which can be accessed by public bus from the bus stop at the start of the town called Ano Mera. There is a ticket machine near the bus station. The schedules change according to season. The bus runs regularly between the old town and small beach resort of Paraligo Agios stopping at the bus car park near the old city. Look for the small blue sign showing a bus.
Food and shopping
One of the really wonderful things about shopping in Mykonos is that the shops and boutiques sometimes stay open until real late. While there are a few main shopping streets, the best way to find the best deals is to wander throughout the city finding smaller shops that reside on the side streets. Gold jewelry is something special here.
Money
Euro.
Staying connected
Greek spoken, English spoken in tourist areas.
Several cafes which offer free WiFi for customers in Hora (Mykonos town)
Opening Hours and
Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.