One Day in Mykonos Itinerary: From Cruise Ship
Are you looking for a one-day Mykonos cruise ship itinerary for your next Mediterranean cruise? Then I got you covered!
Mykonos was my favorite stop on my 7-day cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean Sea – and I will make sure you will love it just as much.
There is so much to see and do on this small island that it can be hard to choose from. Mykonos is relatively small, with only 10.000 inhabitants living on the island.
But with only one day to explore this amazing island, how do you make the most of your precious time?
I have been to Mykonos on a cruise and have absolutely loved my day there. To make sure you have an amazing experience as well, I have created this ultimate guide to help you have an unforgettable day in Mykonos.
Let’s dive in!
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One Day in Mykonos Itinerary: at a Glance
If you are just here to snatch up the itinerary without any further explanation, you are in the right spot!
Further down in this post, I’ll get you lots of bonus info and insider tips for your stops on our cruise day. Since the island is pretty small, we can cover a lot of the interesting stops in one day!
Keep in mind that you need some sort of transportation for this itinerary.
- Visit the capital city of Chora Little Venice
- Hike up to the windmills of Mykonos
- Check out Little Venice
- Lunch
- Visit one of the stunning beaches of Mykonos
- Discover one of the archeological sites
The Mykonos Cruise Port
The biggest port in Mykonos is in Tourlos, which welcomes large cruise ships from April through October. It is located near Agios Stefanos Beach.
From there, you can either take a public bus to Chora, the island’s main town, or hire a taxi for a relatively short ride there. It is about 1.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) of driving time. It costs about EUR 10,00 to get to town.
Alternatively, you can also walk, but it takes about 30 minutes and there are no sidewalks.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a scooter or ATV and get ready to explore the island a little more.
The Best Tours and Day Trips in Mykonos
If you don’t want to find your own way around the island, booking a guided tour is your best option.
Here is my selections of the best tours in Mykonos:
- Private Tour: Mykonos Island in Half a Day 🤩 5/5 Stars (82 Reviews)
- Semi-Private Brand-New Catamaran Cruise in Mykonos 🤩 4,5/5 Stars (131 Reviews)
- Mykonos Shore Excursion with Terminal Pickup 🤩 5/5 Stars (11 Reviews)
- Mykonos: Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos 🤩 4,5/5 Stars (322 Reviews)
- Authentic Jeep Adventure Tour 🤩 4,5/5 Stars (37 Reviews)
1. Exploring Chora
The first stop on our Mykonos itinerary is the capital city of Chora, also known as Mykonos town. It’s known for its whitewashed homes and cobblestone streets.
Chora is home to about 600 – 800 little historic churches, you can spot them by the little cross on the rooftops.
My favorite feature of Chora is the bright pink bougainvillea plants that make the small alleys even more picturesque.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Chora, including shopping at the boutique stores along Matoyianni Street. You can also check out the famous galleries and museums.
Chora has several museums worth visiting, such as the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the Aegean Maritime Museum.
If you are interested in a big dose of culture, you might want to visit Virgin Tourliani/ Panagia Tourliani. It is a famous monastery that has a fabulous marble fountain and lots of interesting artifacts.
2. Little Venice
Little Venice is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Mykonos and it is my favorite spot on the island. You can find Little Venice in the western part of Mykonos Town.
Little Venice is known for its charming houses, narrow streets, and restaurant terraces that overlook the sea. Enjoy the stunning views while you relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Visit the Panagia Paraportiani Church: This famous church is located in Little Venice and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Mykonos.
It is a unique example of Cycladic architecture, with a whitewashed exterior and four chapels. Translated it is called “Our Lady of the Side Gate”.
3. See the Windmills of Mykonos
The Kato Mili windmills are one of the most iconic landmarks of Mykonos and something that needs to be on your one-day-in-Mykonos itinerary.
Not only are they super picturesque but you also have an amazing view from the windmills.
The windmills are conveniently located on a hill super close to Chora (Mykonos Town). From the windmills, you can see Little Venice and the Aegean Sea.
The iconic windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century. Back in the day, they were used to grind wheat and barley into flour, which the island people depended on.
Today, they are no longer operational. But they are among the most visited landmarks in Mykonos.
To see the Kato Mili windmills, you will need to climb a few stairs to reach them. I found the stairs not too intense, but you do need to wear good shoes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a scooter or ATV to reach the windmills. Keep in mind that there are only 30 taxis in Mykonos, so you might wait a while.
4. Best Lunch Spots in Mykonos
There are so many great restaurants in Mykonos that serve delicious lunches and traditional cuisine. Personally, I suggest eating at one of the cute restaurants in Little Venice.
However, there is a lot of good food on the island and these are my favorite places:
🍹 Kiki’s Tavern: Located on the beach of Agios Sostis, Kiki’s Tavern is a famous seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish and grilled meats. It has a relaxed and casual atmosphere and stunning views. Fun fact: they do not offer Wifi or electricity so people can actually enjoy the view without being disturbed by phones.
🍹 Spilia Seaside Restaurant: This restaurant is located on a small platform of rocks in Agia Anna, and it serves Mediterranean cuisine. It is also one of the most iconic Mykonos hotspots, so it can get quite full. Keep in mind that they only open at 2:00 pm so it might be a late lunch.
🍹 Nikolas Taverna: Nikolas Taverna is a family-run restaurant that serves delicious homemade Greek food. The menu includes dishes such as moussaka, stuffed tomatoes, and grilled lamb.
🍹 Kastro’s Cafe in Mykonos is probably the most famous hot spot on the island. It is mainly known for being located in a small alley right by the water.
🍹 Kyklamino: A family-run business specializing in sweet delights. Make sure to stop by for a yummy dessert!
6. Relax on the Best Beaches of Mykonos
After lunch it is time to relax a little – and there is no better place than the fabulous beaches of Mykonos!
Here are my favorite beaches to visit during your one day in Mykonos:
🏝️ Paradise Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos. With soft golden sand and clear blue water, there’s plenty to do here. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing and more! It also has lots of beach bars and restaurants.
🏝️ Elia Beach is located on the south side of the island and is perfect for relaxing in the sun. It is a lot quieter than the other beaches of Mykonos.
🏝️ Agios Sostis Beach is another quiet and peaceful spot located in northern Mykonos. This glorious beach is backed by mountains and offers some stunning turquoise waters.
🏝️ Super Paradise Beach is home to some of the best parties on Mykonos. It is quite fun in the day, but I feel like it is a bit crowded in the evenings.
🏝️ Agios Ioannis Beach is a beautiful, quiet beach located on the southwestern coast of Mykonos. It offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Delos.
🏝️ Psarou Beach is a beautiful sandy beach that is popular among celebrities and VIPs, so you have probably seen it on Instagram. Here are fancy restaurants and beach clubs.
7. Visit Archaeological Sites
If you still have some time after your beach break, you can dive a little more into the culture of Mykonos.
Mykonos is not particularly known for its archaeological sites. But there are still a couple of interesting archaeological sites that you can visit on the island.
Here are my favorite historical sites to visit in Mykonos:
🌴 Delos is a small uninhabited island located just a few kilometers southwest of Mykonos. The site includes temples, sanctuaries, markets, and residential areas. Super interesting and only a short boat ride away.
🌴 Kastro Panigiraki is an old castle and fort with high stone walls. It is located right outside of Mykonos Town. It is mainly famous for housing the Anemos Windmill.
🌴 Ftelia Archaeological Site is located on the northern coast of Mykonos which was once a significant settlement in the Neolithic period. The Site is located on a beach and shows ruins of houses and other interesting structures.
I suggest including at least one of these sites in your one-day Mykonos itinerary – since it is a great chance to learn about the history and culture of the small island.
Conclusion: One Day in Mykonos From Cruise Ship
Mykonos is a magical little island in Greece that will captivate your heart with its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and delicious food.
Even with just one day, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience by exploring its hidden gems and exploring the cute towns.
One day may not be enough to see the entire island, but this guide will surely help you make the most out of your one day in Mykonos on a cruise!
See the famous windmills, the charming town of Little Venice and the impressive churches of Mykonos in just one day.
We saw some cool attractions, enjoyed the crystal clear waters of the Greek islands, visited souvenir shops, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and saw the sunset as we sailed off the island!
Art galleries, greek mythology, and an old harbor are also found in our one-day itinerary.
Headed to Santorini next with your cruise? Check out my one-day in Santorini Itinerary.
Keep on reading:
One Day in Santorini Itinerary From Cruise Ship (Without Crowds)
One Day in Athens Itinerary: From Piraeus Cruise Port
Awesome One Day in Bari Itinerary: From Cruise Port
One Day in Mykonos From Cruise Ship: The Perfect Itinerary
FAQ: One Day in Mykonos From Cruise Ship
Is one day enough in Mykonos
One day in Mykonos is definitely enough to get a taste of the island. Start by exploring the beautiful town of Mykonos with its iconic Greek architecture and breathtaking views. Take a stroll through Little Venice catch glimpses of the famous windmills and explore the 15th-century Greek Orthodox Paraportiani church. If you wish to explore the island more, I suggest staying for at least 5 days.
How much do you spend in Mykonos in one day?
It greatly depends on what your plans are. If you wish to do some sightseeing and eat a light lunch, you can expect to be spending no more than 50 USD. If you wish for more luxury it can be anywhere from USD 100 and upwards.
Is Mykonos town walkable?
Yes, Mykonos Town is walkable. The town is not very big and everything is close by. You can reach the famous windmills in only a couple of steps. From the cruise port to Mykonos town, you might want to catch a cab.
Is Mykonos or Santorini better?
I prefer Santorini over Mykonos. The island is a bit bigger and has more to offer. While Mykonos has some amazing spots, it is mainly attracting partygoers and jet setters. Santorini does have a lot more cultural and historical sites to offer.
When is the best time to go on a cruise to Mykonos?
The best months to go on a cruise to Mykonos are May, June, and September. I have been in April and it was a little bit too chilly to swim. In July and August, it can be too hot and too touristy, so I would not recommend going then.
About the Author
Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.
Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.
