A white church with a bright blue dome sitting on a pier at the Mykonos Old Port harbour, with whitewashed Cycladic buildings line the waterfront under a clear blue sky.

Best Things to Do in Mykonos Old Port on a Cruise Stop

ByAngela Price

Mykonos has something for everyone, whether you want a peaceful, sunny escape or a lively beach party scene. However, I wasn't there for the evening's revelries, and so on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise stop at the Old Port, I spent the day exploring winding alleys, admiring the well-known architecture, and enjoying all the energy this Cycladic island offers.

Whether your ship anchors at the New Port in Tourlos (requiring a short 2-euro SeaBus ride) or tenders directly into the Mykonos Old Port (Chora), exploring the island on a self-guided walking itinerary is the best way to spend a port stop.

At A Glance

Cruise Tender / Dock: Old Port (Chora) or New Port (Tourlos — 5-minute SeaBus/water taxi to Old Port).
Top Sights on Foot: Little Venice, Kato Mili Windmills, Paralia Choras, Panagia Paraportiani.
Walking Distance: Entire Old Town (Chora) loop is approx. 1.5–2 miles (flat to slightly cobbled).
Best Time to Beat Crowds: Before 10:30 AM.

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A view of the calm Aegean Sea and distant whitewashed town of Mykonos framed by a leafy tamarisk tree on a sandy beach shore.

Strolling Chora’s Alleys & Matoyianni Street

We were fortunate to have docked early in the morning, so we could be off the ship and start exploring right away. I'm glad we did, because by the afternoon it had become extremely busy, and navigating the narrow lanes wasn't nearly as enjoyable as it had been.

As soon as we had left the harbour, we were in a maze of cobblestone streets with white buildings, blue shutters, and blooming bougainvillaea. After seeing these colours online for years, it felt almost unreal to see them in person.

A whitewashed outdoor staircase with light blue railings next to an ice cream shop and lush magenta bougainvillea flowers.
A classic whitewashed Cycladic building with striking vibrant blue wooden stairs, door, and shutters above the store SĀDH.
An empty, paved stone alleyway in Mykonos Town flanked by white buildings with red and blue balcony railings and boutique displays.
Angie, travel blogger, in a white lace sundress and sunglasses posing under a blooming pink bougainvillea tree beside a Cycladic store front.

As I wandered further into the narrow alleys, which were once designed to confuse pirates, I found that Mykonos Old Town is a shopper’s paradise. Alongside traditional bakeries and souvenir shops, there are stylish designer boutiques and jewellery stores with sparkling gold and gems. Even if you only look in the windows, walking through these beautiful streets is a treat.

If you do fancy trying on a piece of jewellery, the shopkeepers are all friendly enough without a hard sell. I think they have enough wealthy customers who come to Mykonos intending to buy that they don't need to worry about putting pressure on tourists.

A souvenir shop display in Mykonos Old Town featuring blue evil eye charms, painted ceramics, and printed tote bags along a stone pathway.
A boutique display of Greek leather sandals, patterned dresses, and summer fashion on pedestals outside a boutique in Mykonos.

Matoyianni Alley is the main pedestrian street and can get extremely busy, so it's a good idea to wander with no agenda and discover the quieter side streets.

Tourists strolling down a paved pedestrian shopping street in Mykonos Old Town past white buildings and blue balconies.
A cobblestone street lined with white boutique shops and red wooden balconies in Mykonos Old Town (Chora) under a bright blue sky.

Bakery stop: Don't miss popping into Giordas, the oldest Cycladic pastry cafe, dating back to 1420. It's pretty rustic inside; don't expect any bougie seating or iconic views. This is a very basic cafe but a must-visit in Mykonos.

I enjoyed a Freddo cappuccino (iced Greek coffee) and some very sweet Kataifi, made from baked shredded, nest-like pastry wrapped around crushed nuts and drizzled with sweet syrup. It's delicious!

A red-and-white promotional sign outside Gioras Pastry Café in Mykonos Town, advertising its history as the oldest Cycladic bakery (since 1420).
The rustic interior of Gioras Pastry Café in Mykonos, featuring whitewashed stone walls, dark exposed ceiling beams, traditional wooden chairs with woven seats around dining tables, and historic baking equipment like a vintage stone oven and mechanical dough mixer.

Churches and Architecture

There are over 60 churches in the small, compact old town, which is quite amazing given its size. There's literally one on every street. They all vary in size, shape, and roof colour, so the contrasts make for good photography.

a blue domes church in Chora Old Port Mykonos with a mass of seabirds flying above.
A whitewashed seaside chapel with a dark red arched roof and a small bell tower overlooking the Aegean Sea and Mykonos coastline.
The front courtyard of a whitewashed Greek Orthodox chapel with a bell tower under direct sunlight, featuring red wooden double doors, potted plants, and a carved marble altar slab in the foreground.

You can't miss visiting Panagia Paraportiani, the famous asymmetrical whitewashed church located right between the Old Port and Little Venice, as it is one of the most searched photogenic spots in Mykonos.

Low-angle view looking up at the whitewashed facade and roofline of Panagia Paraportiani church in Mykonos Town against a deep blue sky.

Embracing the "Windy Island" Vibe

They don’t call Mykonos "The Windy Island" for nothing! The famous Aegean Meltemi winds blow across the island year-round, so if you're wondering whether Mykonos is windy in summer, the answer is yes!

Just a few minutes walking by the water, and my hair and dress were blowing everywhere. It makes getting perfect photos a bit tricky, but the cool breeze feels great in the summer heat.

Top Tip: Leave sun hats on the ship or in your bag; otherwise, you might see them fly off across the Aegean!

Angie, travel blogger, wearing a white lace dress posing on a stone-paved street in Mykonos Old Town beneath festive blue and yellow Greek flag bunting.

Drinks in Little Venice

After exploring the alleys, I had lunch and drinks at a tavern by the water near Little Venice. Sitting so close to the sea, enjoying a cold drink, and watching the waves hit the old stone walls is a classic Mykonos moment. Be prepared to pay for the experience, though. Cocktails along the sea wall in Little Venice average €18–€25, but the front-row view of the Aegean is hard to match.

Outdoor wooden dining tables set along a cobblestone patio beneath vibrant pink bougainvillea and lush green foliage in Mykonos Town.

See the Iconic Mykonos Windmills

From Little Venice, it’s a 3-minute walk to the famous Kato Mili Windmills, the well-known 16th-century whitewashed buildings overlooking the sea. There are 7 windmills remaining, though the most photographed are clustered in a group of 5. Standing next to these huge landmarks and taking in the harbour views is a real highlight. Remember what I said about it being windy - my dress whipped up almost over my head, and my hair was a lost cause!

Traditional whitewashed Kato Mili Windmills with thatched roofs overlooking a cobblestone courtyard under a bright blue sky in Mykonos.
Angie, travel blogger, in a white dress standing beside the whitewashed base of a Kato Mili windmill overlooking the Aegean Sea and cruise ships in Mykonos.
A couple sitting on a wooden bench embracing next to a whitewashed windmill, looking out at the Aegean Sea and cruise ships anchored off Mykonos.

Old Port Beach Dip

You don’t have to pay for a taxi to a distant beach club to enjoy the Aegean Sea. There are two small, sand-and-pebble beaches right by the harbour in the Old Port, called Chora Beach and Paralia Choras.

Paralia Choras is free to access, has calm waters protected from the strong northern Meltemi winds, and offers a public shower area near the harbour.

I couldn’t resist popping on my swimsuit and swimming in the clear water. Swimming with the backdrop of white buildings around the harbour was the best way to cool off before returning to the ship.

Three tourists waving while swimming in the turquoise sea at Paralia Choras beach in Mykonos Old Port, with cruise ships docked in the harbour behind them.
(Harbour View): Panoramic wide view of the clear turquoise waters at Mykonos Old Port harbour, lined with whitewashed waterfront buildings and distant ferry boats.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mykonos Cruise Port

  • How far is Mykonos Old Port from Little Venice? Mykonos Old Port is right in Chora (Mykonos Town). It is a scenic 5- to 10-minute flat walk along the waterfront promenade to reach Little Venice and the Kato Mili Windmills.
  • Can you walk into Mykonos Town from the cruise ship? If your ship tenders directly into the Old Port, you drop off right at the edge of Mykonos Town. If your ship docks at the New Port (Tourlos), you can take a 5-minute SeaBus water taxi (€2 each way) or a 30-minute walk along the coastal road to reach the Old Port.
  • Do I need to book a shore excursion for Mykonos? No, Mykonos Town (Chora) is fully walkable, safe, and easy to explore on your own. You do not need a paid cruise excursion unless you plan to visit Delos Island or distant beach clubs like Paradise Beach.
  • How long do I need in the Old Port? 3-4 hours is enough to stroll around the lanes, shop, get something to drink and have a dip in the ocean.
  • When is the best time to visit? First thing in the morning is the best time to visit Old Port Mykonos before the crowds arrive.
A wide view of three large cruise ships anchored in the deep blue waters off the coast of Mykonos under a clear blue sky.

The Verdict: Is Mykonos Old Port a Good Cruise Stop?

Yes, absolutely! Mykonos Old Port is easy to walk around and very photogenic. It has a great mix of history, luxury shopping, seaside dining, and relaxing beaches, all close to where your cruise drops you off.

All day, the atmosphere reminded me of Ibiza Old Town in Spain, with its artistic, bohemian feel, busy bars, and old stone streets. The only difference is that Mykonos is clearly Greek.

If your cruise stops in Mykonos and a guided shore excursion is more your thing, here are some recommendations:

Mykonos-Island tour for cruise travellers (small group).
Shore Excursion with Cruise Ship Terminal Pickup.
From Mykonos Cruise Port: Delos Guided Tour.
Beach Escape and Free Time in Mykonos Town (designed for cruise passengers).

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