Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Greek Islands. It is well-known for beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, summer party atmosphere and wild nightlife.
It’s the ultimate destination for a whole lot of fun in the sun! This island has so much more to offer to its visitors than only crazy nightlife and parties and I´m here to present to you all the things to do in Mykonos in an amazing 3 day itinerary.
Indeed this itinerary will prove to you that Mykonos has stunning beaches, world-renowned restaurants, impressive museums and churches, and above it all, friendly and hospitable people that truly make this Cycladic island so special.
How to Get to Mykonos
There are two main ways to reach Mykonos: by ferry or by airplane. If you are first visiting Athens than you can take a ferry from Piraeus Port to Mykonos on one of the many ferryboats that leave daily.
For a quicker route to Mykonos, you can take the 40 minute airplane ride from Athens International Airport that also runs daily during the summer months.
Getting around in Mykonos
Measuring at just 33 square miles in size, Mykonos is a fairly small and easy island to get around in. The best way to reach the beaches is by renting a car or quad, while the best way to get around Mykonos town is on foot.
Keep in mind that parking on the island is limited, especially in Mykonos Town.
Where to stay in Mykonos
The big decision visitors need to make is whether to stay in Mykonos (the most nightlife, shopping, and restaurants) or on one of the beaches.
Buses run regularly (and late) between the main beaches, especially Platis Gialos and Ornos, and Mykonos Town, so it’s easy to stay in one spot and enjoy the other.
The best place to stay in Mykonos for partying is Mykonos Town, for families it’s Ornos or Platis Gialos, and for romance and honeymoons stay in Agios Ioannis, Psarou, or Mykonos Town (though pretty much every town is perfect for a honeymoon holiday).
We´ve stayed 2 nights at Amazon Mykonos Resort & Spa in Agios Ioannis: http://www.booking.com/Share-XQVmE9 and 1 night in Mykonos town, in Alessios house http://www.booking.com/Share-XQVmE9.
Things to do and see
Mykonos Town
Perhaps one of the most iconic Greek island capitals. Mykonos town is a labyrinth of white washed alleys, blue painted windows and doors. There is plenty of bougainvilleas to impress any tourist.
Allow yourself to get lost in Mykonos town, exploring every street corner full of shops, from high-end designer brands, to jewelry shops, from handmade leather sandals, to Greek souvenirs and more.
- Little Venice
Once upon a time, Little Venice of Mykonos was a pirate hideout, but has now turned into one of the most photographed places on the island. This famous stretch of seaside restaurants and shops is a great spot for evening strolls at sunset.
It might break the bank, but have dinner at one of the restaurants here for one of the most picturesque meals in Mykonos.
- Windmills of Mykonos
Continuing our Mykonos stroll is a visit to the windmills of Mykonos, or the “Kato Mili,” Greek for lower mills. These iconic windmills that stand in a row overlooking the sea, once served to create flour and build one of the strongest economies in the Aegean Sea.
The windmills may not be milling flour anymore, but that doesn’t stop them from serving a purpose. Thousands of visitors flock every year to these famous windmills to capture a timeless photo.
Enjoy Mykonos beaches
Picturesque coves with unspoiled natural beauty, pristine sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters distinguish Mykonos’s coastal landscape. Going to the beach is a must when spending the holidays in Mykonos.
The list of beaches we´ve visited:
PARADISE BEACH – At only 6 km south of Chora there’s Paradise Beach, a young and party beach that turns into a partygoers’ hotspot after sunset. Here, there are more than enough bars spilling out onto the sand.
AGIOS IOANNIS – Mykonos can get crazy busy at times, but you’ll manage to escape the crowds. Agios Ioannis is a superb option for a beautiful, quiet beach away from the noise and craziness of the most cosmopolitan Super Paradise and Paradise beaches. Situated 5 km south of the Chora, its narrow strip of sand and the peaceful tavernas provide a more laid-back side of Mykonos. The same applies to Agrari Beach (10 km southeast of the Chora) and Fokos Beach (13 km northeast of Mykonos Town).
PARAGA BEACH – relatively small beach, often also spelled “Paranga”, is one of the island’s most popular, as it’s within walking distance of Paradise Beach, can be reached by bus, and is faced by a couple of good hotels. From here you can actually see the island of Delos in the distance. Although it doesn’t offer much space for privacy, nudism is quite common.
MEGALI AMMOS BEACH – it’s located just a short walk down the road from Chora and was one of the first beaches to be developed for tourism. Today, there are many more attractive and popular beaches on the island, but this remains a good spot for some time in the sun, especially for those staying at the hotels nearby.
Surprisingly, it’s almost never crowded, especially when the north winds are blowing.
FTELIA BEACH – the most bohemian beach. It is to the north of Mykonos Town, about a 7 km-drive away. The frequent winds make it a favorite of windsurfers, but also keep almost everyone else away. It’s almost never crowded and only a small section by the bar has sunbeds.
- Take a stroll around the Old Port
A walk around the Old Port is a must towards the end of the day. You’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea, where you can have dinner or a late night drink.
- Visit Delos island
The island of Delos is just a couple of kilometres from the southwest coast of Mykonos. The excavations been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re up to scratch on Olympian Greek mythology, you may know Delos as the birthplace of the twin gods – Apollo and Artemis.
There’s a lot to discover. The Terrace of the Lions from the 7th century BC, the Doric Temple of the Delians, the Minoan Fountain, a series of market squares and the Theatre Quarter, laid with splendid mosaics.
- Explore Panagia Paraportiani
One of the historic religious sites on Mykonos. Panagia Paraportiani is located along the shimmering coastline at the entrance of the Kastro neighborhood of Chora.
The asymmetrical shape and rare combination of architectural styles combined with the ocean view have helped to make this religious site as one of the most photographed sites in the world. Definitely one of the favorite places to visit in Mykonos, Greece.
- Nightlife
Mykonos is also known for its beach parties, which usually start in the middle of the afternoon and often last until sunrise.
The main party beaches are Paradise, Super Paradise, Psarou and Paraga. There’s also a lot of fun to be had on the streets of Little Venice and Chora, with small bars with doors open to the street or waterfront.
Hope these tips will be useful for your perfect getaway to Mykonos! 😉
For more Greece travel inspiration check my posts here: https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/greece/
Yours sincerely,
Anny