Table of Contents
- 1 How to Get to Mykonos
- 2 Transportation Around Mykonos
- 3 Where to Stay in Mykonos
- 4 Where to Eat in Mykonos
- 5 What to do in Mykonos
- 5.1 Take a Boat Tour Around the Island
- 5.2 Visit the Windmills
- 5.3 Stroll Around Little Venice
- 5.4 Watch the Sunset
- 5.5 Go Scuba Diving in the Aegean Sea
- 5.6 Relax at the Beach
- 5.7 Try a Beach Club
- 5.8 Try a Snorkeling Excursion
- 5.9 Explore the town of Ano Mera
- 5.10 Visit the Aegean Maritime Museum
- 5.11 Visit Delos Island
- 5.12 Explore Mykonos
- 5.13 Climb to the Armenistis Lighthouse
- 5.14 Do Some Shopping
- 6 What to Wear During the Summer Months
- 7 PIN IT FOR LATER!
Last updated on January 14th, 2023
The island of Mykonos is a popular tourist destination. It is one of several islands in the Aegean Sea and one of the most visited.
Mykonos is known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, beautiful blue and white style homes, and nightlife.
Mykonos is the perfect getaway if you are looking for an upbeat vacation or romantic getaway.
From soaking up the sun near the water, relaxing at a secluded beach, or exploring Greece by boat, there is plenty to do here. If you plan to visit during the summer, plan on many cruise ships and higher prices.
This Mykonos travel guide covers everything you need to know before your visit including top hotels, restaurants, things to do, and more!
How to Get to Mykonos
Fly into Mykonos
The Mykonos Island National Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the downtown area of the island. The easiest way to get transport from the airport is by taxi. There are also car rental services available at the airport.
Take the Ferry
You can use several Ferries to get to Mykonos, depending on where you are coming from. Seajets is a great Ferry company connecting to most other islands. Another large ferry company is Blue Star Ferries.
Also, if you happen to have a car, you can transport it on the ferry for an additional cost. Ferries are a more cost-effective way of traveling but take longer than flying.
For example, the ferry from Athens takes about 2.5 hours, and travel from Santorini is around 3 hours. The cost of tickets is around between 50€ and 120€ depending on what level of travel you are getting.
The Ferry Hopper App is a great tool for comparing different company ticket prices and schedules.
Transportation Around Mykonos
If it is your first time in Mykonos, I suggest staying in the town where you are closest to shops and restaurants. If you want to explore the island or spend the day at the beach, you will need some form of transportation.
Rent a Scooter or ATV
These, to me, are the best way to travel. They are fairly cheap and allow you to easily explore all areas of the island.
On average, a scooter rental will cost about €20 per day during the summer months, while an ATV will be around double that. During the off-season, rentals will be much cheaper.
Take a Water Taxi
Another wonderful way to get around the island is by water taxi. The company Mykonos Sea Transfer will take you to the island’s beaches.
It is a less expensive form of transportation than a regular taxi and allows you to spend some time on the water.
Ride the Bus
There are KTEL bus stations around the entire island. To travel to the northwest and east parts of the island, you will want to use the Old Port Station.
For the south part of the island and airport, you will use the Fabrika Station. Bus fares can be as little as 2€, but the rates will depend on the time of year.
The best way to check for up-to-date pricing and routes is to visit their website.
Use a Taxi
Getting a taxi is the most expensive option, although it can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage with you.
Besides getting you to and from the airport, I would use another form of transportation.
Rent a Car
As I said earlier, you can rent a car from the airport. If you plan on bringing a lot with you to the beach or do not feel comfortable renting a scooter, rental cars are a convenient way to get around.
Most hotels will be happy to set you up with a rental; surprisingly, there are free parking lots around the town.
Where to Stay in Mykonos
If you want to be in the heart of everything, the Town of Mykonos would be the best place to stay. This village is full of picturesque old streets, restaurants, and shopping. You can easily walk to many of the top attractions from here.
If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, plenty of resort hotels are scattered along the island’s many beaches. Some great areas include Agios, Psarou, and Platis Gialos.
Bluetopia Suites
This small Bed and Breakfast is right in Little Venice near the symbolic Windmills. The rooms are right on the water’s edge with private waterfront balconies. Guests also have complete views of the Aegean Sea right from their bedrooms. You cannot get any closer if you try!
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Mykonos City Center
Hotel Belvedere
This beautiful hotel is close to the Town Center. Hotel Belvedere is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and even has a private pool lined with cabanas for you to relax. Some rooms even come equipped with their own private pool and terrace overlooking the sea. During the summer, guests even have access to a couple of Beach Clubs. The best part of Hotel Belvedere is the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy uninterrupted sunset views at night.
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Mykonos City Center
Sugar Blue Apartments
If you are staying for a longer period of time or want a full suite with a kitchen and other amenities, these apartment rentals are a great alternative. Like most of the accommodations on this list, they are also only a short walk from the town. Sugar Blue also offers continental breakfast and car service.
Mid-Range Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Near Mykonos Town
Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort
Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort is a 5-Star resort with all the luxurious amenities you could need. The property has everything from a spa, pool, gym, tennis courts, and restaurants. If you like to be pampered and want private access to Agios Ioannis Beach, the Grand Hotel is a perfect luxury stay.
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Agios Ioannis Beach
Mykonos Blu
Mykonos Blu is an exquisite resort with private bungalows and villas for guests to enjoy. Many of these come with their own private pools with views of the saw. The resort also has a 2-level infinity pool, spa, and dining options. The best part of your stay is access to the private part of Psarou beach.
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Psarou beach
Where to Eat in Mykonos
There are so many delicious places to eat around Mykonos. I am a huge fan of the Mediterranean diet, so I was very excited about trying the local cuisine.
You can find many restaurants in the town and on the resorts’ beaches. If you are looking for a unique dining experience and do not mind spending a little more money, I would recommend eating in Little Venice for dinner one or two times during your stay.
Honestly, there are so many great places here, and the food is delightful everywhere!
Nautilus
Nautilus is conveniently located near the Town Center and serves traditional Greek food. Some of their entrees include grilled salmon, moussaka, and mushroom risotto. It is a very busy restaurant, so I recommend making reservations ahead of time.
Jimmy’s Gyros
Jimmy’s Gyros has the best gyros in town. This little restaurant is great for a quick bite to eat as you explore the town. Best of all, Jimmy’s is open late each night if you are looking for a late-night meal.
Kastro’s
Kastro’s has some delicious seafood dishes and is right on the water in Little Venice. The dining room has large windows overlooking the water, but try asking for a seat outside. There is a quiet little outdoor area between the buildings with great water views.
Kounelas Fish Tavern
Kounelas Fish Tavern is hidden away in a little alley. They have some of the freshest fish around and serve mainly seafood dishes. They prepare your fish right before you over an open fire. If you are a seafood lover, this is a must-try restaurant.
M-Eating
M-Eating is a very popular restaurant. They have a romantic outdoor terrace looking onto a small cobble-stone street and have a terrific selection of Greek wines. Their menu has a wide range of dishes, and is famous for their honey pie. Due to their popularity, this is one place you will want to make reservations.
Nammos
Nammos is a Beach Club that doubles as a restaurant. They are open all day long and serve a variety of dishes. During the day, you can stop by for some small appetizers and drinks while you soak up the sun on the beach. For a sit-down meal, grab an outdoor seat at their restaurant.
Yialo Yialo
Located on Platis Gialos Beach, Yialo Yialo is a low-key restaurant steps from the water. For 15 a person, you can rent lounge areas for the day or sit down at a table inside the restaurant. The waiters will serve you either way! Their sandwich platter is one of the more popular beach items. If you want a chair closer to the water, make sure to come earlier in the day.
Pepper is a small restaurant right in the heart of the town with only a handful of tables. It is a wonderful place to grab lunch or small appetizers. Everything here is made with fresh ingredients; you can watch them cook your food in their open kitchen. They also have a few tables outside where you can people-watch while you eat.
Lucky Fish was one of our favorite restaurants in Mykonos. Our table was outside on one of Chora’s winding streets, making for a romantic atmosphere and great people-watching.
What to do in Mykonos
Take a Boat Tour Around the Island
Mykonos offers an infinite amount of boat tours starting at around 50€ per person. From party cruises to island hopping excursions, you can find exactly what you want. Here are some popular tours to get you started.
Recommended Boat Tours
Want more options? Click here for more Mykonos Tours
Visit the Windmills
The windmills near Mykonos Town are a popular place for people to go and watch the sunset.
They are iconic to Mykonos and have been around since the 16th century.
Only five of the original 20 now remain. Although they are not used today, they remain symbols of Mykonos’ past.
They are free to visit and offer beautiful views of the town and the water. Another windmill to visit is Boni’s Windmill overlooking Mykonos town.
The windmill is a museum where visitors can watch how bread and wine products used to be produced here.
Stroll Around Little Venice
One of the most famous parts of Mykonos is the row of seaside restaurants and shops known as Little Venice.
These buildings are picturesque, and they offer diners a spectacular view. This area only has pedestrian streets which just adds to its historic charm.
I recommend spending some time walking around the narrow alleyways and exploring the shops. When you get hungry, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes to stop in.
Just a heads-up, dining here is extremely expensive, but the atmosphere and food are worth the splurge!
Watch the Sunset
The sunsets in Greece are magnificent, and thankfully there are so many great places to watch them.
Many of the restaurants on the water in Little Venice offer uninterrupted views.
Other great places to watch the sun go down are the windmills and the Armenistis Lighthouse. Excavations of this city began in 1873 and continued for about 50 years.
Go Scuba Diving in the Aegean Sea
Greece is a great place to go diving. Mykonos has several great diving companies to choose from.
The two main places to dive are Paradise Reef and the Dragonisi Island caverns. You will be able to see a large amount of sea life here and even some underwater wrecks.
One of the most popular wrecks to see is the Peloponnese Wreck. For beginner divers, try looking to dive near Lia Beach.
Relax at the Beach
Part of the allure of Mykonos is the number of white sand beaches around the island. Some of the most popular party beaches are Paradise Beach, Elia Beach, and Paraga Beach.
Elia Beach is around 6 miles from the town, making it quieter than some other beaches. It also has beach-side restaurants and bars and water sports rentals.
Paradise and Paraga Beaches are closer to the Town and can easily be walked to depending on where you are staying. There are also public buses that will take you to both these beaches. Unlike Elia, Paradise and Paraga are more lively with beach clubs and a vibrant party atmosphere at night.
Other great beaches include Platis Gialos Beach and Ornos Beach, which are more kid-friendly but are easily accessible and also have great beach bars to enjoy while soaking up the sun.
Most of the beaches on Mykonos can be reached by water taxi, which is a fun way to get around. The ones close to the town also have bus services that run throughout the day.
Try a Beach Club
Many of the beaches in Mykonos are lined with luxurious restaurants and beach clubs.
Each club involves renting your own beach chairs or cabanas for the day, where you can order food and drinks and listen to live music.
Every Beach Club is different. For example, Scorpios is a luxurious, secluded Beach Club on a cliff, while places like Branco are quieter and more laid-back. Beach Clubs are a different way to enjoy the beach and are all over the island.
Although more expensive than just going to the beach, I highly recommend going for at least one day!
Try a Snorkeling Excursion
If diving is not for you, you can still explore the crystal-clear water by snorkel. Several places around the island rent out snorkeling equipment.
Many boat tours will take you out into the water. Tours range from half a day to full-day tours around the island, with stops along the way to enjoy the water.
Explore the town of Ano Mera
Ano Mera is another village on Mykonos located in the island’s center.
Unlike Mykonos Town, this area is where most of the locals live. There are a few budget hotels here and several restaurants and shops as well in the main square.
If you are looking for an authentic Mykonos experience that is a little off the beaten path, try renting a car and coming here.
You will find few tourists as many stay at the luxurious beach resorts near the water.
Visit the Aegean Maritime Museum
This museum spans everything from ancient times to today and focuses on nautical artifacts. You will see exhibits showcasing old maps, navigation instruments, and other pieces of sailing equipment. Best of all, admission is only €2!
Visit Delos Island
Delos is an impressive archaeological site that you can visit through day tours. It is the best-preserved city in Greece and was once the commercial center of all the Aegean Islands.
This is also the place where Apollo and Artemis were said to have been born.
Here are some popular tours groups
Explore Mykonos
Get away from the main town and explore the more secluded areas of the island. The easiest way to do this is by renting an ATV or car.
Unlike other European cities, it is easy to get around by car here. Try visiting some of the secluded beaches such as Ftelia Beach or Paralia Agios Sostis Beach.
Climb to the Armenistis Lighthouse
The Armenistis Lighthouse is located in Fanari on a hill. The lighthouse remains abandoned today, but it is a great place for views of the surrounding area and a place where many people come to get away from the crowds.
Do Some Shopping
The town has some great little shops and boutiques to explore. From art to clothing, you can find anything you want here. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, getting lost in Little Venice is fun.
What to Wear During the Summer Months
During the summer, the weather will be in the high 70s to low 80s with lots of sunshine.
You will spend most of your trip outdoors, so make sure to pack lots of swimsuits, coverups, and other beach apparel. I would also bring a couple of sunhats and flip-flops.
Also, make sure to pack some lightweight clothes. Sundresses are my go-to, but shorts and tank tops are also good choices. Make sure to pack at least one pair of sneakers as you will be doing a good bit of walking.
You may want to pack a pair of heels or wedges if you plan to go to the club or have dinner at a high-end restaurant. I would not advise wearing them down in Little Venice since the streets are all cobblestoned.
If you have any water gear, such as snorkels, I would put those in your suitcase with lots of sunscreen.
Of course, I never go anywhere without my camera! Mykonos is breathtaking, and you will surely want to take many pictures.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!
Mykonos
Santorini
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