Mykonos New Port

Mykonos New Port sits at Tourlos, a small headland roughly 2 km north of Mykonos Town (Chora). This is the island's primary deep-water ferry terminal, capable of berthing the large conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans that connect Mykonos to Piraeus, Rafina, Santorini, Paros, Syros, Heraklion, and a dozen other Aegean destinations. Almost every visitor arriving or departing by sea passes through here.

The port at Tourlos was developed specifically to handle the volume of traffic that the older, shallower quay inside Mykonos Town harbour could not accommodate. Large Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets, and Golden Star Ferries vessels all dock at the New Port, while the old port in town retains some smaller inter-island and excursion boat traffic. Knowing which port your ferry uses before you travel saves significant confusion on the day.

For most travellers, the New Port is a functional transit point rather than a destination: you arrive, clear the quay, and move on quickly. But understanding how the terminal operates — especially during the busy summer months when multiple large vessels can be in port simultaneously — makes the experience considerably smoother.

What to Expect

The terminal at Tourlos is an open-air quay rather than an enclosed station. A long concrete pier accommodates several vessels at once, and passengers board via gangways directly from the quayside. In high season (July and August) the area can be crowded, with queues forming well before departure time as multiple sailings may share overlapping boarding windows.

There is a basic waiting area with some seating and shelter, along with a small number of kiosks and vending options near the quay. Facilities are functional but limited — this is not an airport-style terminal with extensive lounges or retail. If you have a long wait, Mykonos Town is close enough that heading into Chora and returning in good time is a realistic option.

Tickets are not sold at the port itself in any significant way; virtually all ferry bookings for routes out of Mykonos should be arranged in advance, either online through ferry operators' own sites or through agencies in Mykonos Town. In peak summer, tickets on popular routes — especially fast services to Santorini or Piraeus — can sell out days ahead.

Car and motorcycle transport is handled through the same terminal. If you are taking a vehicle onto a ferry, arrive earlier than foot passengers, as vehicle loading begins before walk-on boarding.

How to Get There

The New Port at Tourlos is about 2 km north of Mykonos Town centre along the coastal road. On foot the walk takes roughly 25 minutes along a road that has limited pavement in stretches, so most travellers use transport.

Taxis from Mykonos Town to the New Port are the most direct option and the fare is short. The main taxi stand in Mykonos Town is on Fabrica Square (the main bus station square). In high season, taxis can be difficult to find at peak departure times — book ahead or allow extra time. Ride-hailing apps have limited penetration on Mykonos; hotel concierges can often arrange transfers.

The KTEL bus network on Mykonos runs a service between Mykonos Town and the New Port; check current schedules locally as frequency varies by season. Private transfer services and hotel shuttles also serve the port regularly, and many accommodation providers will arrange a port transfer on request.

For drivers, there is parking available near the terminal, though spaces fill quickly in July and August. If you are leaving a vehicle on the island while travelling onward, parking near the port is not well-suited to multi-day storage — use one of the designated parking areas in or around Mykonos Town instead.

The quay is flat and accessible for luggage trolleys. Passengers with mobility requirements should note that boarding large ferries involves a gangway with some incline; conditions vary by vessel.

Best Time to Visit

Most travellers have no choice about when they use the port — your ferry schedule determines your timing. That said, a few patterns are worth knowing.

Early morning departures (typically around 07:00–09:00) are common for conventional ferries heading to Piraeus. High-speed services to Santorini and other Cycladic islands often run mid-morning and early afternoon. Arriving at the port at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure is standard advice; in high summer, 60 minutes is more comfortable.

July and August are the busiest months. The quay can feel hectic when a large ferry is loading, especially if a second vessel is simultaneously unloading arriving passengers. Late June and September offer similar route frequency with noticeably lower crowd pressure.

Wind is a meaningful factor in the northern Aegean. The meltemi — the strong northerly wind that characterises Mykonos summers — can cause delays or cancellations to high-speed catamarans, which are more susceptible to rough conditions than conventional roll-on/roll-off ferries. If you are travelling on a tight schedule, a conventional ferry is a more reliable choice in windy weather.

Tips for Visiting

• Book tickets well in advance. On popular summer routes — particularly Mykonos to Santorini and Mykonos to Piraeus — seats on fast ferries sell out days or weeks ahead. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
• Confirm which port your ferry uses. Some smaller vessels still depart from the old port in Mykonos Town, not from the New Port at Tourlos. Your ticket or the ferry operator's booking confirmation will specify the departure point.
• Check for delays on windy days. High-speed catamarans can be delayed or cancelled when the meltemi is strong. Monitor your operator's website or app on the day of travel, and have a contingency if your schedule is tight.
• Arrive with luggage ready. There are no left-luggage facilities at the New Port. If you need to store bags, ask your accommodation or look for luggage storage services in Mykonos Town.
• Cash and cards. The terminal kiosks may be cash-preferred; carry some euros if you want a coffee or snack while waiting. Ferry tickets bought at any remaining on-site agency windows typically accept cards, but confirm before queuing.
• Vehicle loading starts early. If you are taking a car or motorbike onto the ferry, check the ferry operator's instructions — vehicle lanes open and close earlier than walk-on boarding, and missing the vehicle cut-off means missing the sailing.
• Download your e-ticket before you leave accommodation. Mobile data at a busy quayside can be slow, and having your ticket accessible offline avoids stress at the boarding gate.
• Taxis are scarce at peak times. For early morning sailings, arrange your transfer the evening before. Walking from Mykonos Town with heavy luggage on the coastal road is feasible but not comfortable.

Practical Information

Location: Tourlos, approximately 2 km north of Mykonos Town (Chora), accessible by taxi, bus, or a 25-minute walk.

Main operators using the New Port: Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, and other Aegean carriers. Check individual operator websites for current schedules and ticket sales.

Key routes: Piraeus (Athens), Rafina (Athens), Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Syros, Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (seasonal), and other Cycladic islands.

Facilities on site: Open-air quay with basic shelter and seating, small kiosks. No extensive dining, retail, or left-luggage services.

Parking: Available near the terminal; limited in peak season.

Accessibility: Flat quayside; ferry boarding via gangway (incline varies by vessel).

Note on the Old Port: Mykonos Town's old harbour handles excursion boats, some inter-island small vessels, and the water taxi to Delos. Confirm which port applies to your specific service before travelling.