Cruise Port Guide · Mediterranean
Things to Do in Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is a maze of narrow, whitewashed lanes, bright bougainvillea and little chapels, with the famous windmills on the hill above Little Venice. By day it’s all strolling, shopping and beaches; at night it comes alive.
Mykonos at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
DeeAnn, Allison & Krystal
“An overnight in Mykonos lets you see both sides of the island.” – DeeAnn
Top Things to Do in Mykonos
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Little Venice
Little Venice is the row of colourful old houses built right on the water’s edge, with balconies hanging over the sea. DeeAnn’s group strolled past on their way through town’s maze of narrow streets, lined with whitewashed buildings and vibrant bougainvillea.
- Where
- The waterfront in town
- Cost
- Free to wander
- Good for
- Photos and a drink by the sea
- Wear
- Comfy walking shoes
The windmills
The row of whitewashed windmills on the hill above Little Venice is Mykonos’ most famous view. DeeAnn’s group hiked up to see them, and the views back over town and the sea are worth the climb.
- Where
- Just above Little Venice
- Cost
- Free
- Getting there
- A short uphill walk
- Good for
- The classic Mykonos photo
Beach time
After exploring town, DeeAnn’s group found the perfect beach to unwind on, surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Mykonos has beaches all around the island, from busy beach clubs to quieter bays. Krystal stayed at a resort on Mykonos and loved her beach time there.
- Water
- Crystal clear
- Getting there
- Taxi, bus or water taxi
- Pack
- Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
- Good for
- A slower afternoon
Mykonos after dark
DeeAnn’s cruise stayed overnight, so they got to see the other side of Mykonos: lively and electric under the stars. The next morning, they woke up to a peaceful, quiet island long before the next ships arrived. Seeing both sides made the stop especially memorable.
- DeeAnn’s ship
- Stayed overnight
- At night
- Lively and electric
- Next morning
- Quiet, before the ships
- Good for
- Dinner and a night out
Read DeeAnn’s 10-night Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia sailing on Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady: Santorini, Bodrum, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Kotor and Corfu.
More Things to Do in Mykonos
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Panagia ParaportianiThis sculpted, whitewashed church near the waterfront is one of the most photographed buildings in Greece. It’s free to see from outside and an easy stop on your walk.
Meet the pelicansMykonos’ famous pelicans, known as Petros, wander the harbour and lanes, and Krystal spotted them on her visit. Keep your camera ready!
Dinner by the seaIf your ship stays late or overnight, have dinner in town. Greek olive oil and bread, fresh pasta or a steak with the sea beside you is the perfect way to end the day.
Free Things to Do in Mykonos
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
Little Venice WaterfrontTake the sea bus or a short taxi to town and admire the colourful balconies hanging right over the water in Little Venice.
The Famous WindmillsWalk up to the row of iconic Kato Mili windmills on the hill above Little Venice for one of the island’s best photo spots.
Get Lost in Chora’s AlleysWander the maze of whitewashed lanes, little chapels and boutiques in Mykonos Town, including the much-photographed Panagia Paraportiani church.
Know Before You Go in Mykonos
- Check your times: Some cruises stay late or overnight in Mykonos, which changes your plans. Ask us when you book.
- Best months: May, June, September and October are DeeAnn’s picks: warm, with fewer crowds than mid-summer.
- Fly in a day early: If your cruise starts in Athens, arrive at least a day ahead so a delayed flight doesn’t cost you the ship.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
- ATV rentals: Krystal explored Mykonos by ATV for a day. Canadians need an International Driving Permit along with their licence, riders must usually be 21+, and helmets are mandatory.
Mykonos FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is there to do in Mykonos on a cruise?
Walk to Little Venice and the windmills, wander the whitewashed lanes, spend time at a beach and, if your ship stays late, enjoy Mykonos at night.
What are some free things to do in Mykonos?
Some of our favourite free things to do in Mykonos are little Venice Waterfront, the Famous Windmills and get Lost in Chora’s Alleys. Take the sea bus or a short taxi to town and admire the colourful balconies hanging right over the water in Little Venice.
Can you walk to the Mykonos windmills?
Yes, they’re on the hill just above Little Venice, an easy walk from town.
Is an overnight in Mykonos worth it?
DeeAnn says yes. You see the lively nightlife and then a peaceful, quiet island the next morning before the next ships arrive.
Do I need a passport for a Mediterranean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a Mediterranean cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has actually sailed these ports and can help with pre-cruise hotels, private tours and transfers.
Start planning
Ready for a Greek Isles cruise?
We’ve been there, and we’d love to help you plan every port, from tours and transfers to pre-cruise nights in Athens, including Mykonos.