Mykonos, Greece - Cruise Port

Headed to Mykonos, Greece on a cruise? First of all—lucky you! Second of all—brace yourself for a fabulous (but fleeting) day. Cruise ships don’t linger long here, but with a little planning, you can still squeeze every drop of magic out of this iconic island. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your short stop in Mykonos, complete with transport tips, town treasures, and a hidden gem that made our day!

Resources and links:

Mathios Tavern

Updates:

Suggested by SaSandy569: Gioras Wood Mediaval Mykonian Bakery

First Things First: Where You Land

Cruise ships dock at the New Port in Tourlos, about a 30-minute walk to the heart of the action—Mykonos Town (aka Chora). When you step off, you'll find:

  • A souvenir shop and the tender boat area

  • No bathrooms (yep, none!)

  • A short walk (about 5 minutes) to the ferry terminal, where you'll find:

    • Toilets (finally!)

    • A snack bar and café

    • ATMs

    • The local bus stop for travel around the island

Tips: These buses are more geared toward ferry passengers staying a while—not quick-stop cruisers like us. Use at your own risk if you’re headed to spots like Paradise Beach!

Choose Your Mykonos Adventure

From the dock, cruisers tend to fall into three categories:

  1. Ship Excursions – Easy and organized, they meet at the far end of the dock.

  2. Private Tours – Great for efficiency if you want to hit a specific beach or attraction.

  3. DIY Explorers – The popular choice (we joined this camp), heading to Mykonos Town solo.

Getting to Mykonos Town: The Two Best Ways

Now, walking sounds romantic until you realize it’s a sun-baked, hilly 30-minute trek with no sidewalks. We repeat: No. Sidewalks. Oh, and did we mention the heat and humidity?

Instead, here are your two far superior options:

🚍 Option 1: Cruise Shuttle Bus

  • $9 (2024 price), prepaid onboard

  • Four scheduled departure times

  • Round trip included

  • Reliable, but you have to plan ahead

🚤 Option 2: Sea Bus (Water Taxi)

  • €2 each way (€4 round trip)

  • No pre-purchase needed

  • Frequent trips and beautiful views

  • Slightly chaotic but fun!

We chose the Sea Bus, along with half the ship. Lines can be long, especially if tour groups join in, but the boats move fast, the ride’s smooth, and the views are chef’s kiss.

⏱️ Total time dock-to-town: About 30–40 minutes, factoring in waiting and riding.

Our Bonus Discovery: Mathios Tavern 🍽️

Before heading back to the ship, we decided to check out Mathios Tavern, just a five-minute walk from the port—and WOW. It turned out to be one of our best seafood meals in all of Europe. The host? Absolute legend. The vibe? Cozy and welcoming. The sunset views on the way back to the ship? Unforgettable.

Hello, Mykonos Town!

The Sea Bus drops you in the north part of town near the dreamy neighborhood of Little Venice. From here, you’ve got options:

  • Explore the Old Port area (where you'll also find buses and an ATM)

  • Hop a ferry to Delos, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Or just dive straight into the winding wonderland of Mykonos Old Town

Should You Do Delos?

If ancient ruins and mythology are your thing, Delos is a must. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis? Yes, please.

⚠️ Warning: Timing is tight. If your ship arrives late or you’re a slow mover (no judgment), it might not be doable. But if you can, GO! Tickets are available right where you hop off the water taxi.

Our Choice? Wandering the Maze

We skipped Delos this time (next visit, for sure!) and wandered into the labyrinthine loveliness of Mykonos Town. Here’s what we discovered:

  • 📸 Instagram-worthy whitewashed alleys everywhere

  • 🛍️ High-end shops and souvenirs galore

  • ⛪ Tiny churches like Agios Nikolaos—super charming

  • 🖼️ Little museums (like the Folklore Museum) tucked into nooks

  • 🚻 Paid public toilets near the dock—thank the travel gods!

Back to Port Like a Pro

Heading back is a breeze. Just return to the same Sea Bus stop you arrived at. Simple, scenic, and stress-free.

Tips: Forget using Google Maps for directions. GPS works, but navigation? Not so much. Just let yourself get lost—it’s part of the charm!

Final Thoughts

Even with just six hours in Mykonos, you can have a day full of sunshine, exploration, and unforgettable eats. Next time, we’re hitting up Delos and diving deeper into those delightful backstreets.

Until then—OPA! 🇬🇷💙