Mykonos

Cruise ships dock at the new port in Tourlos, roughly a 30-minute walk from town, and a shuttle service is available. Because the route to Mykonos village, also known as Hora or Chora, lacks a proper pavement, taking the shuttle is advisable. It usually costs 8 Euros.

All ships anchor offshore and tender their passengers straight to the ferry wharf. Each ferry in port then uses the local Blue Line Shuttle bus to carry passengers from the new terminal to the car park outside the old city, where a stone promenade continues into the old city.

Another choice is the “Sea Bus”, which leaves beside the berth and sails into the centre of town for €2,50 each way. It can be helpful for disabled visitors because the walking route has many uneven surfaces. Before entering the city centre, notice the electric chair near the end of the promenade that lowers people into the water.

A taxi from the Tourlos cruise terminal to central Mykonos takes around 5 minutes and costs € 10 per taxi for 4 persons travelling one way. Only a small number of taxis serve the port.

Save a printable map to take ashore.

Mykonos, or Mikonos, is Greece's most cosmopolitan island, bringing together people from varied cultures and all walks of life in a famously exuberant, lively setting. Whether written as Mykonos, Myconos or Mikonos, it is the same distinctive Greek Island, blending a cosmopolitan way of life with tradition into a varied holiday destination. Mykonos Island in Greece draws countless holidaymakers and is popular with celebrities and ordinary visitors alike...

Mykonos Town, called Chora or Hora by locals and many visitors, is the island's jewel. Its hallmarks are the Mykonos windmills, whitewashed Cycladic houses and narrow, twisting lanes made for an unhurried walk. The town's greatest monument is the 16th-17th century Church of Paraportiani, distinguished by its unusual asymmetrical design. Excellent historic collections at the Archaeological, Maritime and Folklore Museums also reward a visit. After touring Mykonos Town, pause for a cold drink or a tasty snack...

The town is highly pedestrian-friendly. Apart from the occasional scooter or taxi, its streets belong to walkers, and the celebrated windmills are also within walking distance.

A port day can easily be spent exploring Mykonos Town and its surroundings at an easy pace. Wander the narrow, winding streets; browse hundreds of outlets ranging from souvenir shops to designer boutiques; visit art galleries; or choose among the archaeological museum, folklore museum, maritime museum and windmill museum.

Mykonos's best-known and most photographed church is Panagía Paraportianí, which dates from 1425.

Míkra Enetía is Mykonos's little Venice, a charming art quarter where every house is built over the water.

For a more local form of travel, board a caique. These fishing boats work as water taxis, carrying passengers out to the island's beaches.

The 16th century Tourliani Monastery stands in Mykonos's village of Ano Mera and is among the oldest monasteries in the Cyclades Islands cluster. It is noted for a fine wood-carved altar screen made in Florence in the 18th century and for ecclesiastical treasures including the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be by the Apostle Luke. At Platis Gialos, other sights include the Well of Giannaros, a large underground cistern reached by a staircase, and three towers constructed during the Hellenistic Era...

Delos is the Sacred Island of Antiquity and birthplace of Apollo. The whole island—all 5 square kilometres—is an archaeological monument, with remnants of temples, sacred sites, homes and settlements spanning the Neolithic to Roman periods. Images of the Lion Terrace and its singular marble Lions are recognised worldwide, while the indoor Archaeological Museum ranks among the country's best. Antiquities are so abundant that repeat visits are common. History is only a short boat trip away, making this essential for visitors, and many tour operators in town offer excursions...

Delos shuts in the early afternoon, so most visits are possible only in the mornings, though certain ship excursions occasionally gain afternoon access. For independent visitors, it is usually closed on Mondays. On other days, ferries from Mykonos normally leave at 9, 10 and 11 am and return at 12:15, 13:30 and 15:00. Timetables can change. The crossing lasts 30 minutes and costs 10 Euro.

Paradise Island is another possible excursion. Ferries and buses serve Paradise Island, with timetables varying by season, while a private transfer costs €70. In summer, beach loungers and umbrellas should be reserved in advance and begin at €80 for 2 loungers and 1 umbrella. Prices across the seven categories depend on proximity to the water.

Ano Mera is an attractive town in the island's centre, reached by public bus from the stop at the beginning of town. A ticket machine stands near the bus station, and timetables vary seasonally. The service runs regularly between the old town and the small beach resort of Paraligo Agios, stopping at the bus car park by the old city. A small blue bus sign marks the stop.

One pleasure of shopping in Mykonos is that boutiques and other shops sometimes remain open very late. Although a few principal shopping streets exist, wandering the side streets reveals smaller outlets and often the best deals. Gold jewellery is a local speciality.

The currency is the Euro.

Greek is spoken, with English widely used in visitor areas.

Several cafés in Hora, or Mykonos town, give customers free WiFi.

Tourist shops and convenience stores generally have no formal opening times and, during the summer months, commonly trade from dawn until well after midnight.