Panagia Paraportiani is a complex of five whitewashed churches in the Kastro district of Mykonos Town, one of the most photographed landmarks in Greece. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The Municipality of Mykonos dates the complex to the 16th and 17th centuries, while many other guides describe construction beginning as early as the 14th century; both refer to the same gradual, centuries-long building process.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Exterior always viewable; interior generally closed to the public |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | Kastro, Mykonos Town 846 00, near Little Venice |
| Nearest transport | A short walk from the Old Port bus station, within Mykonos Town |
| Typical visit length | 20 to 30 minutes |
Panagia Paraportiani opening hours
There are no set visiting hours, since the complex’s exterior stands in an open public space accessible at any time.
The interior chapels are generally closed to the public, aside from occasional services, so most visits are limited to viewing the building from outside.
The church of Agioi Anargyroi, one of the five chapels, draws crowds during its feast day in early July, when the courtyard fills with worshippers.
5 great Mykonos experiences to book
- 🚐 Small group highlights tour: Take a small group Mykonos highlights tour from the cruise port and avoid the chaos of large coach groups.
- 🏍️ Explore by ATV: Discover hidden beaches and backroads the fun way on an all-terrain vehicle.
- ⛵ Catamaran cruise: Relax on a catamaran cruise with meals, drinks and transport included.
- 🏛️ Delos day trip: Visit one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites on a half-day guided tour to Delos.
- 🍽️ Food tasting tour: Sample traditional dishes and local flavours on a Mykonos food tour.
Panagia Paraportiani ticket prices
There is no admission fee. Panagia Paraportiani is a working religious site rather than a ticketed attraction.
It is not included in any city pass, since entry is free and unticketed at all times.
Background information was checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
How to get to Panagia Paraportiani
The complex stands in the Kastro district of Mykonos Town, on the western edge of the old town beside Little Venice.
From the Old Port bus station, it is about a 10-minute walk through the narrow lanes of Chora.
No bus route is needed, since the site is well within Mykonos Town’s pedestrian centre.
Why book the Mykonos Small-Group Cruise Shore Excursion?
- 🌬️ The Iconic Kato Milli Windmills: Capture postcard-worthy photos of the historic 16th-century whitewashed windmills standing high on the hill, one of the most famous symbols of the island.
- 🏘️ Little Venice & Panagia Paraportiani: Stroll through the romantic Little Venice neighborhood with its colorful Venetian structures hanging over the sea, and admire the unique whitewashed architecture of Panagia Paraportiani church.
- 🔔 Historic Village of Ano Mera: Venture into the island’s quiet interior to visit the traditional village of Ano Mera and explore the serene 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery.
- 🏖️ Kalafati Beach Stop: Take in the coastal scenery and Aegean breeze during a stop at Kalafati Beach, known for its clear waters and golden sand.
- 🚢 Guaranteed On-Time Return: Travel stress-free in an air-conditioned vehicle with direct port pickup and drop-off, a maximum group size of 18 guests, and a guaranteed timely return to your ship.
Parking near Panagia Paraportiani
Mykonos Town’s old town is pedestrianised, so there is no parking near the site itself.
Visitors arriving by car should park at the edge of town, near the Old Port or Fabrika, and walk in.
How long to spend at Panagia Paraportiani
Most visitors need 20 to 30 minutes to view the exterior and take photographs from different angles.
Allow extra time at sunset, when the changing light is considered the best time to see the whitewashed walls.
Accessibility at Panagia Paraportiani
The surrounding waterfront path is relatively flat, though Kastro’s older lanes include some uneven, stepped sections.
Since the interior is generally closed to visitors, accessibility concerns mainly affect the approach rather than the building itself.
Inside Panagia Paraportiani: what to see
The complex consists of five churches built over roughly two centuries: four at ground level, dedicated to Agios Efstathios, Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Anastasia, and Agios Sozon, and a fifth, domed church of the Virgin Mary raised above them.
The site originally formed part of the rectangular tower of Mykonos‘s medieval castle, of which little else survives today.
Its irregular, sculptural form, smoothed by centuries of whitewash and weather, is often cited as a defining example of Cycladic architecture.
Major restoration work took place around 1920 to stabilise the complex’s unusual combined structure.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit around sunset, when the light on the white walls is considered most photogenic. |
| Dress modestly if visiting during a service, since this remains an active place of worship. |
| Combine your visit with a walk through neighbouring Little Venice, just a few minutes away. |
| Expect crowds in high season, since this is one of the most visited spots in Mykonos Town. |
| Do not expect to go inside, since the chapels are generally closed outside of services. |
Frequently asked questions about Panagia Paraportiani
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Panagia Paraportiani suitable for children? | Yes, since visits are brief and take place outdoors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, there is no ticket or booking system. |
| Is the site open on Sundays? | Yes, the exterior is always viewable, including Sundays. |
| Can you go inside the church? | Rarely; the interior is generally closed except during religious services. |
| Is the site wheelchair accessible? | The waterfront approach is mostly flat, though nearby lanes can be uneven. |
Things to do near Panagia Paraportiani
Little Venice (Alefkandra), with its waterside houses, is a few minutes’ walk away. The Kato Mili windmills stand on the hill just beyond Little Venice.
The Aegean Maritime Museum, in the Tria Pigadia area, is a short walk into the old town. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, near the Old Port, lies a similar distance in the other direction.
Matoyianni Street, Mykonos Town’s main shopping street, is a few minutes further into Chora.
Alternative attractions
Panagia Tourliani Monastery, in Ano Mera, is the island’s most significant working monastery, about 20 minutes away by car or bus. Panagia Evangelistria, on Tinos, is Greece’s major site of Marian pilgrimage, a short ferry ride away.
Ekatontapyliani, in Parikia, Paros, is one of the oldest working churches in Greece, also reachable by ferry. The Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa, on Amorgos, is a dramatic cliffside monastery for those extending their trip further into the Cyclades.
More Cyclades travel
Other Cyclades travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- The Mykonos to Delos ferry: Times, prices and departure point.
- How close is Mykonos Town to the cruise terminal?
- Is there any accommodation on Delos?
- Do you need a guided tour for Delos?
- Mykonos beach guides: What to expect when visiting Kalafati Beach.
