The contrast of the stark whitewashed buildings against a deep blue sky and turquoise sea captivated my attention as we sailed into the Mykonos cruise port. We could see the famous Mykonos windmills on the hill. The world looked peaceful.
However, like many of the Greek Islands, Mykonos harbour depends heavily on tourism, and our ship was one of several to dock here on this day. Ideal for business, but not so great for visitors.
Despite the tourists, Mykonos is a Mediterranean paradise, albeit too windy for the beach on the day we visited. Instead, we explored. The cobblestone streets lead us uphill into the village and to the famous Mykonos windmills.
Iconic windmills of Mykonos
Now an icon to the island, the three-story Mykonos windmills originated in the 16th century. Primarily built to mill wheat, only 16 windmills remain on the island. Of these, seven overlook the Chora Mykonos Harbour in an area now called Kato Mili. From here, you can look across the bay to the Mykonos cruise port.
The white walls and straw roof against a cerulean sky are a magnet to photographers.
Shore excursion options
If you are arriving via the Mykonos cruise port, you have three main options:
- Explore independently: This is what we did. It is the ideal option for people who are comfortable doing their own research prior to arrival and happy to explore an unfamiliar area on their own. The town is close to Mykonos port. It is easy to explore on foot. We love Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Cruise Ports book for this region.
- Take a tour offered by the cruise company: This is the easiest option and ideal for visitors who don’t want to walk to town and for those who don’t feel comfortable exploring independently. This will be the most expensive option.
- Take an independent tour: Often offering the same options as the ship, independent tours generally are more personal as they have fewer participants and are lower in cost. Run by locals, we have had good luck with independent tours. Here are three we like the look of:
Excursion tours that include the Mykonos windmills
We love walking tours. The slowed movement through an area allows us to get a far better understanding, especially if we are visiting for a limited time.
Mykonos Walking Tour: This top-rated three-hour walking tour starts from either hotels or the cruise port and takes visitors beyond the superficial as they travel back in time. Tour highlights include the windmills amongst the many key sights of the town. Plus, you will visit and enjoy a treat from a traditional bakery. Reserve your Mykonos walking tour here
Mykonos Shore Excursion: City & Island Tour: This four-hour highly rated tour is priced for groups of up to three people. It includes both a 1-hour walking tour of the city and a driving tour that visits a beach, two panoramic viewpoints, and an interior island traditional village with a 400-year-old monastery. Reserve this Mykonos shore excursion here
e-TUK Mykonos Riviera Tour: This is the perfect tour for people who are environmentally conscious, like to have a guide in a new city, but don’t like to walk. These are private tours in 100% Electric TUK TUK vehicles. Reserve your e-TUK Mykonos Riviera Tour here
By law, whitewashed buildings line Mykonos streets
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades Islands. By law, any new houses (since 1974), or repainted houses on the Cyclades Islands are to be white. As the white houses boosted tourism significantly, the law has been kept intact.
Whitewashed Greek Chapels
Small churches and chapels are around every corner.
In fact, there are more than 600 churches on the island, hundreds more when you include the monasteries and small chapels. Many of the iconic whitewashed Greek houses and chapels have accents of blues, reds, or purples. Visually, Mykonos far exceeded my expectations.
Here are a few of Mykonos churches that caught our eye:
Wall of water
As we arrived on an exceptionally windy day, we found several areas along the shore with water hitting and splashing up along the seawall.
More on Mykonos cruise port
- There are two ports, the Mykonos old port, which generally brings cruise passengers to the shore via tender, and the Mykonos new port in Tourlos, which is about 2 kilometres away.
- We docked at the new Mykonos port and took a free shuttle provided by the ship to town, although we could have walked.
- Mykonos was a sharp contrast to our other Greek port, the capital city of Athens. (We arrived in Mykonos between the ports of Naples, Italy and Istanbul, Turkey).
- Given the opportunity, I would love to go back and spend a week here on Mykonos. Nightlife is one of the island’s well-known features. We clearly missed this aspect with only one day in Mykonos.
- Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Cruise Ports is the best book we have found, whether you are doing your own shore trips or ship excursions.
Mykonos is one of the several incredible European Islands to visit.
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Have you been to Mykonos?
judee
We had a great time on our cruise that included Mykonos – I saw the windmills too. I love your shot of all the windmills in a row!!
Molly
Mykonos is on my must visit one day list. I have always wanted to go there.
Mollyx
Nancy
Absolutely stunning! Truly amazing photos.
Anda
I’ve never been in Greece, although I grew up not so far from it. After seeing your pictures I want to go see it even more. Those white walls with contrasting, colorful doors are so specific for Greece. Great shots!
Carol Cameleon
Oh my goodness, this is just stunning! Everything about these pictures is just idyllic (ok maybe apart from the crowds). The windmills really are something!
Rhonda Albom
I can look past the crowds when the scenery looks like this.
Trisha Velarmino
Greece has always been one of the most photogenic places! I love the wall of water! The whole place is just so calming.
Rhonda Albom
Greece is a photographers paradise.
David @ Travelsewhere
I’ve only even seen Mykonos referenced in terms of partying so it’s nice to know it has another side to it too. Love the windmills and of course the whitewashed buildings. Excellent photos as per usual 🙂
Megan Jerrard
Beautiful photos as always Rhonda – I would love to visit Greece and include a trip to Mykonos. The whitewashed buildings have a certain notion of romance about them, maybe because it seems like this is the setting for every romantic film! Great job catching a photo of the wall of water – that’s intense!
Rachel Elizabeth
So many incredible whitewashed buildings!! I’ve never been to Mykonos but these photos have captured my imagination (and wanderlust)! Nicely done!
Rhonda Albom
That is always my goal, to capture the imagination and induce wanderlust.
Edith & Juan
I have a feeling we’re going to love Mykonos the day we visit. Your pictures are beautiful and only makes us make sure we visit one day!
Rhonda Albom
I am sure you will, it is easy to love.
Barb
I love Mykonos. Funnily, I also have photos of me being splashed by the waves on the port near the Jackie O Bar. Mykonos is such a party island, but it comes across as a quiet, peaceful place through your photos.
Rhonda Albom
I imagine everyone who doesn’t mind getting wet for a good shot has the photo. As for the party atmosphere, we missed it, having been here only for a day as a cruise ship port.
melody pittman
These photos were a great reminder of a week long adventure I had in Mykonos nearly 10 years ago. I loved the beauty of the island as well as the fun nightclubs and uber fresh seafood. It is certainly still on the top of my travels list and my all-time favorite party city.
Rhonda Albom
We were only there as a cruise ship port, so we missed all the nighttime fun.
budget jan
What amazing wave shots. I can imagine how exciting sitting there would be. I love Mykonos and your photos are beautiful.
Rhonda Albom
Thank Jan. Melissa did get wet after a few waves, it was the other wall of water that never seemed to hit the footpath.
Maounas
Your photos are wonderful and I like it very much where the water is very good to take! Imagine you went to a more winter season !!
If you ever visit our island and want to do a tour in Mykonos, rent a motorcycle in Mykonos or rent a car and go to the beautiful beaches Mykonos provides!
Rhonda Albom
I would love to come back and really explore Mykonos.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I thought all the buildings were white with blue accents, so it’s nice to see the red on that church. I like the photo showing all the windmills lined up at the top of the hill. I didn’t realize how many there were, and it gave me a good idea of their respective size. Great photos! I can’t wait to see Mykonos myself. My husband is a huge fan of Rick Steves, so he’ll be glad to know it’s a good guide book.
Rhonda Albom
I had thought the same, but on Mykonos some of the white buildings had red and others purple trim, but most of them were blue.
Rob+Ann
So pretty! The youngest TL Traveler is in Greece as I read this, following your route. Athens today, Mykonos tomorrow. We love her, but we have Travel Envy! 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I have Travel Envy too. I would love to be back there.
Laura Lynch
I’m surprised I’ve never seen a photo of those windmills before this. They are obviously a big draw for tourist in Mykonos. I love the whitewashed buildings with the blue doors. So iconic.
Rhonda Albom
the windmills were my favourite thing on Mykonos.
eileen g
we did a day trip from Athens to a few islands, but I don’t think we got to Mykonos. The windwmills are very scenic. I recall Athens being crowded and smoggy and the islands were quiet and pristine by comparison. i enjoyed them and would like to see more.
Rhonda Albom
I have been to only a few of the Greek islands, and they were each so different from Athens.
Linda Aksomitis
Wow, that’s a lot of photos to be moving and organizing, Rhonda! It’s great that you’re able to share them as you go — Mykonos looks like a beautiful port to stop in.
Rhonda Albom
Actually, they move all at once. I am reviewing them more out of interest than necessity.
Julie
I agree – that last photo of the wave coming up over the wall is my favorite too! For a photography nut, you can’t go wrong in Greece, it is so photogenic!
Rhonda Albom
Very true, it is quite the photographer’s paradise.
Leanne
White buildings against blue water and blue sky is the EXACT reason I want to visit Greece. Now that there are windmills, I want to get there even sooner!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – there have been windmills since the 16th-century.
Divsi
Your pictures are spectacular. Mykonos has been on my bucket list since eons. Love the whitewashed structures, the cobbled streets, bricked walls and most of all the contrast of white and blue! 🙂 the blue door looks gorgeous:) thanks for this splendid virtual tour!
Jennifer
Mykonos is lovely. Did you get to meet Petros, the town’s mascot pink pelican? He’s a trip!
We also had time to visit Delos, which is a really interesting archaeological site a short boat ride from Mykonos. It’s a must, especially if you’re in to Greek mythology.
Rhonda Albom
No, we missed the town mascot. Too bad, unless I use it as an excuse to go back again. Also, I would love to visit the other islands nearby.
Elaine J Masters
So sorry to not have made it to Mykonos years ago. That sea is pretty intense and I’m sorry to hear about the relentless hordes of travelers. We’re many and growing. Hopefully, we won’t completely overrun the places we love.
Rhonda Albom
I am not sure there are so many tourists every day, but the day we were there were multiple cruise ships in port.
Brooke
Interesting to see and learn more about the windmills. It seems that I always hear more about Greece and the white and blue buildings, but not much about the windmills–they are quite spectacular. Love the last shot of the water up against the edge of the stone walkway!
Rhonda Albom
That stone walkway with the splash of water was a surprise to us. We watched it for a long time before we were brave enough to walk by.
sallie rainville
Beautiful blue and white! And even a touch of red.
Rhonda Albom
The red was a surprise to me.
Sandy N Vyjay
As you have mentioned – the stark whitewashed buildings against a deep blue sky and turquoise sea is simply marvellous and it is definitely a treat to the eyes as well to a person who loves photography! The old church with the ‘Little Venice’ in the background really looks cute. I glad to have read your post. It has inspired me to check out this place personally soon. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I guess that is why they have kept the law for so long requiring people to paint their houses white.
Kaila Yu
Such beautiful photos! I’ve seen a lot of bloggers post with those backgrounds on Instagram also. Definitely a must-visit destination for the list!
Rhonda Albom
It really is a must see spot.
Sally's Tips 4 Trips
I just love the Greek islands, the whitewash buildings with blue accents. a little odd to see some buildings with the red accents – where they owned by people of non-Greek heritage?
Rhonda Albom
I thought so too, but I liked the addition of the red. There was also a purple one. I have no idea about why they are like that.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – what wonderful photos – I’ve never been to Mykonos … Rhodes was amazing to visit and spend time … similar architecture and colours. Love the water shots … cheers Hilary
beatravelling
I love those whitewashed houses!!
Rhonda Albom
Me too. I was surprised it is required by law to be white.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute
I’m ashamed to say we haven’t yet been to Mykonos, but your photos are definitely inspiring! I love the wild seas you had that day. #wkendtravelinspiraiton
Rhonda Albom
I wonder what it would be like on calm days.
jo
Wow that picture of the wave splashing up is amazing! Love it! I adore the Greek islands and haven’t been to Mykonos. The windmills, the white painted houses, the blue of the sea it’s making me want to return to Greece I can almost smell the ouzo! #Wkendtravelinspiration
Lexa Cain
I was thinking that the harbor water seemed awfully high, and then I got to the pic of your daughter getting splashed! Imagine the harbor during a storm. Yikes!!
Rhonda Albom
I live on an island too, so it’s easy to imagine the roads filling with water.
jill
At the very top of my travel wish list! Such beautiful photos – they just made my day!
Rhonda Albom
Yay. Happy to make you smile.
Lyndall
Stunning photos of the beautiful island of Mykonos Rhonda. It’s such a beautiful part of the world and definitely on my travel bucket list 🙂
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Do you think Melissa has learnt the lesson that fate will always win in the end, or is she still young enough to believe she is invincible?
Rhonda Albom
Ha. Melissa loved it. I think she welcomed the wave of water. And I am pretty sure she still believes she is invincible.
Sabrina
Looks like a beautiful place. Those windmills look so different from the older ones in the Netherlands or Germany. Very interesting. Love the water shots!
Rhonda Albom
I was surprised by the windmills also
Mary {The World Is A Book}
I love these! It’s so beautiful! We’re going to be in Mykonos next month during a cruise stop and looking forward to seeing Mykonos. Thanks for such a great preview!
Rhonda Albom
Enjoy. We were a cruise stop We did it on our own, just walked the island, had a meal, and dipped our toes in the water.
Ruth | Tanama Tales
Such a cute place! I know it is a favorite place of tourists but I really liked it when I visited. That wall of water is amazing! #TPThursday
Rhonda Albom
Me too. I think it is a favourite place by everyone who has been there.
Pat
My husband visited Mykonos before we met, over 40 years ago, before it was so well known, and he loved the experience. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to see it one day and sit by that wall of water like your Melissa did! That was a fun photo!
Rhonda Albom
You should sit by the other wall of water, in the final shot. There you will not get wet. Melissa wasn’t so lucky where she sat.
Nano @ Travel With Nano B
All photos are amazing, but the last one is amazing, I was mesmerized by that wave wall, what a stunning capture!
Jo Tracey
All I can say to these is, oh my! That blue against the whitewashed buildings. Just stunning.
Rhonda Albom
That is exactly what I thought when I looked at it in real life – wow Just wow.
Anda
Wow! Mykonos truly is a photographers paradise. It’s been so long since I wanted to visit Greece, but still no immediate plans to go there. Is the weather always so beautiful? I’d like to go off season but I’m afraid I may get some rain and my pictures won’t come up so perfect. The photo with the tide breaking on the shore is absolutely gorgeous!
Trekking with Becky
I’ve never associated windmills with Greece. They actually remind me of the big black satellite dishes from when I was a kid…lol! Thanks for a great look at Mykonos, a place I heard of for the first time when I watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
These windmills are actually much larger than the satellites from when I was a child
Lydia C. Lee
Your photo with the wave crashing is fabulous! I never knew about the windmills….(I’ve not been to Greece, obvs). Very Don Quixote….
Rhonda Albom
I love Greece, although each island and mainland city has it’s own personality.
Amy Franks
I didn’t know they had windmills in Greece!
Rhonda Albom
They have been there since the 16th century.
L. Diane Wolfe
The windmills are gorgeous. Everything is so crisp. I would’ve filled up a card taking photos there.
Rhonda Albom
I did, these are just my favourite shots.
Sandee
What great shots. How fun.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. 🙂
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
just gorgeous!
nancy chan
Such a beautiful and an interesting place to visit. The windmills look cool. The water can be splashing against the sides and yet not wetting those by the side? Really amazing!
Rhonda Albom
It was a very surreal place to stand and watch the wall of water rise, but stay dry.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
A sea of white and blue. Very beautiful.
Did you get a shot of Melissa getting soaked?
Amazing to see everything so close to the water. You don’t see that here – it would’ve been taken out by a hurricane years ago.
Rhonda Albom
Of course I have the shots of Melissa getting soaked.For me, being close to the water is normal.
Mary-the boondocks blog
There is that amazing blue again Rhonda! I grew up in New York so when I first moved here, it was quite a shock for me to have to deal with the light which is blinding in the summertime! I’ve never been to Mykonos but would love to go sometime.
Rhonda Albom
I’ve been to other Greek islands and elsewhere in the Mediterranean. There are many other great places to take pictures
LD Masterson
I’ve never seen windmills, or even pictures of windmills, quite like those. Very interesting.
[email protected]
Mykonos is in our plans for later this year! I’m excited after seeing your pictures..it looks beautiful.
Corinne
Rhonda, I have not been to Mykonos, but those windmills are gorgeous. I love all kinds of windmills, even the new huge wind turbines, although they do tend to take over a landscape.
Rhonda Albom
I am not so fond of the new wind turbines when I am close to them, but from a distance I think a field of them looks pretty cool.
Ann
I want to go. That’s all I can say.
Comedy Plus
Great shots of your short visit to Greece. I know you had the time of your life.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Nana Prah
Greece looks like such a beatiful country. I’d like to visit it one day.
Lexa Cain
I loved the pic of the water spraying up! Cool! I’m puzzled about how the windmills turn. I guess they used to have canvass sails on them.
Rhonda Albom
I have no idea how the windmills turn 🙂
The water spray was really cool. We could walk by and not get wet from the wall of water.
Lila Asnani
Wow! I knew Mykonos was gorgeous and your pictures do them great justice. I have visited Greece but not Mykonos and I know I will have to make it a priority next time I am in Europe. Thanks for a good read.
Rhonda Albom
I had visited Greece before too, but hadn’t made it to this island in the first trip. It is now my favorite.
Chris
Those are some neat windmills, and that water wall is fascinating! I’ve heard a lot about Mykonos lately, must be a popular vacation spot. Really like that last picture, with the old church in the foreground and the town behind it.
Really enjoying your world traveler posts. You’ve taken some fabulous photos!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Beautiful shots.
That wall of water is wild. Straight up!
Rhonda Albom
You should have seen it, I am sure you could have writing it into a Sci-fi story somewhere. It was really bizarre.