Are you looking for a romantic getaway to one of Greece’s best islands? Look no further. Mykonos, Greece, is a magic island in the Cyclades that attracts thousands of couples, beach lovers, and celebrities yearly.
And despite Mykonos’ reputation for beach parties and nightlife, there is much more to do here. The greek island is home to some important landmarks and has an interesting history. And to squash the rumors, Mykonos is more expensive than many other islands, but you can still visit if you are on a budget.
Planning 3 days in Mykonos is the perfect amount of time to experience the island. Spend some time exploring the many beaches, take a day trip, and get lost in the winding streets of Little Venice.
To get started, this Mykonos itinerary details how to make the most of your time there. Plus, learn about some budget-saving tips, popular accommodations, and more.
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Overview of your 3 Day Mykonos Itinerary
I’ve included a short overview of how to spend 3 days in Mykonos. Of course, your itinerary may change depending on where you decide to stay. In this case, Mykonos Town will be your base.
This itinerary focuses on all the main things to do in Mykonos, with other optional activities if you’ve already visited before. Plus, I’ve included some travel tips and restaurants that we loved and recommend you try.
Day 1 – Mykonos Itinerary
- Mykonos Town: Little Venice, Old Port, Paraportiani Church, Windmills, Watch the Sunset
Day 2 – Mykonos Itinerary
- Platis Gialos and Psarou Beaches, Village of Ano Mera, Armenistis Lighthouse (optional: join an island cruise, or sightseeing tour)
Day 3 – Mykonos Itinerary
- Delos Island, Mykonos Museums, Paradise and/or Paraga Beach, Mykonos town nightlife
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
May and early June, as well as late September and October, are the best times to go. These months are less crowded and have better accommodation rates and possible flight deals.
July to Early September is the most crowded time. The weather during this time is warm and sunny and perfect for swimming in the cold turquoise water. Due to the popularity of visiting Mykonos during this time, the prices for everything skyrocket.
If soaking up the sun and spending time at the beach is one reason you want to visit, then anywhere between May and October will be great.
The winter months are off-season in Mykonos. Unlike other islands in Greece, many locals live in Mykonos full-time. For that reason, you won’t find the island shutting down like in places like Santorini during the winter.
The island gets incredibly windy in the winter, more so than usual, and swimming and beaches will be challenging. There is also a good amount of rain during the winter months. The off-season is a great way to experience Mykonos without the large crowds and high price tags, if this is okay with you.
How to Get to Mykonos
Fly to Mykonos
Mykonos does have its own airport, which you can fly to directly from Athens. If you are coming from other Greek islands or European cities, you will first stop in Athens and get a connecting flight to Mykonos. From Athens, it is less than a 45-minute flight.
The Mykonos Island National Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the island’s downtown area. 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
The most popular way to travel from island to island is by ferry. You can use several companies to get to Mykonos, including Seajets Blue Star. Also, if you 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 high-speed ferry from Athens takes about 2.5 hours, and travel from Santorini is around 3 hours. The ticket cost is between 50€ and 120€ depending on what time of year you travel.
How to Get Around Mykonos
If it is your first time in Mykonos, stay in Mykonos town, close to all the shops and restaurants. This part of the island comprises pedestrian streets and is small enough to walk around easily.
If you want to explore the island or spend the day at the beach, you will need some form of transportation. Of course, renting your form of transportation is the best way to go to Mykonos. However, here are all the different types of vehicles available.
Public Transportation
A cheap and easy way to get from Mykonos Town to nearby beaches is by 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 the 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.
Scooter or ATV
Scooters and ATVs are the most popular way to travel. This is because they are reasonably cheap and allow you to explore all island areas. 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.
Rent a Car
As I said earlier, you can rent a car from the airport, and there are many rental companies around the outskirts of Mykonos Town. If you plan on bringing a lot to the beach or are uncomfortable 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.
Get a Taxi
Getting a taxi is the most expensive option, although it can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage with you. Some hotels offer personal shuttle services, but those are even more expensive. So, besides getting you to and from the airport or port, I would use another form of transportation.
Take a Water Taxi
A fun 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. If you plan beach hopping, this may be a good option.
Where to Stay in Mykonos
There are two places I recommend you stay for your 3 days in Mykonos. The first area would be in Mykonos Town. This is the central part of the island and where you will find all the nightlife, shops, and restaurants.
Chora, also known as Mykonos Town or Old Town, is easily walkable and has many public transportation options available if you want to explore other parts of the island. If this is your first time in Mykonos, staying close the all the attractions is extremely convenient.
The second option would be to stay at a beach resort. The island is full of them! If you’ve visited Mykonos before or want more of a relaxing, luxurious experience, this is a terrific option.
Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach, and the party beach of Super Paradise are two popular places to stay. There are several other excellent resorts located around the island.
To help with planning, here are some hotel and resort options in town and near the beach.
Popular Mykonos Accommodations
Cavo Tagoo Hotel | $$$
The most sought-after luxury hotel in Mykonos is Cavo Tagoo. The award-winning 5-star hotel is the ultimate place for an unbelievable experience. If you are looking for your own private pool or outdoor terrace, then Cavo Tagoo has some of the best suites available in Mykonos. Not to mention, they also have a fine-dining restaurant, bar, spa, and infinite pool.
Location: Mykonos Town | Check Rates
Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort | $$$
The Mykonos Grand Hotel is a 5-Star resort with all the luxurious amenities you need. The property includes a spa, pool, gym, tennis courts, and restaurants. So if you like to be pampered and want private access to Agios Ioannis Beach, the Grand Hotel is a perfect luxury stay.
Location: Agios Ioannis Beach | Check Rates
Mykonos Blu | $$
Mykonos Blu is an exquisite resort with private bungalows and villas for guests. Many of these come with their own private pools with views of the saw. The resort also has a 2-level infinity pool, spa, and dining options. The best part of your stay is access to the private part of Psarou beach.
Location: Psarou Beach | Check Rates
Bluetopia Suites | $$
This small Bed and Breakfast is 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 could not get any closer if you tried!
Location: Mykonos Town | Check Rates
Day 1: 3 Days in Mykonos
You will spend the first day of your itinerary exploring Mykonos Town (also known as Chora) and all the attractions there. If you are staying in or around the area, you will not need transportation today.
Explore the Streets of Mykonos Town
One of my favorite parts of Mykonos is getting lost in the maze of alleyways and exploring the little shops and souvenir stores. It is the best way to get a feel of the spectacular Greek island.
You will also be able to visit a large number of attractions in a short amount of time.
One of the first streets you will probably stumble upon is Matoyianni Street. Known for its white buildings and shopping scene, it gets extremely crowded here. That being said, this part of the town stays faced paced from morning until night, when nightlife is in full swing.
Stop into the souvenir shops, visit the local art galleries, and venture into some of the luxury brand stores in the area. And if you get lost, don’t worry. Just keep wandering the streets until you find the large crowds in the town center.
TRAVEL TIP: Mykonos Town is almost completely deserted before 9:00 am. For the chance to explore the streets on your own, get up early. It was one of our favorite things to do in Mykonos and a great way to work up an appetite!
Little Venice
Little Venice is the highly photographed area of Mykonos Town. This romantic seaside neighborhood is one of the best places in Mykonos, with a fascinating history.
Historians still need to determine precisely when the Mykonos neighborhood was first constructed, but it was between the 13th and 18th centuries. At the time, the Venetians ruled Mykonos and other areas of Greece and used the island as their trade route.
This area of Mykonos was designated for important merchants and captains, as well as wealthy families, to live. If you look closely, you will notice similarities between the buildings here in Mykonos and those in Venice. The Venetians added colorful accents and arches to the buildings to look like those back home. Thus, the name “Little Venice” stuck.
Today, many residences have been transformed into boutique hotels, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and trendy bars. Although many locals still live there, Little Venice has become a popular tourist area. So if you are searching for some late-night spots, they will be here!
Old Port
Continue through Little Venice to the Old Port of Mykonos. The port sits on the edge of Mykonos Town and is where you will most likely join boat tours of the island.
Next to the water sits the small, blue-domed church of Agios Nikolaos. It was named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen. The Orthodox church was built in the 4th century and is still open for visitors today.
The port is now only used for local fishermen, luxury yachts, and tour boats, making it a quiet place to stroll and enjoy sea views. Several bars and shops are also aligned on the edge of the square.
Panagia Paraportiani Church
Another beautiful church in Mykonos is the Panagia Paraportiani Church, which sits regally overlooking the water between Little Venice and the Old Port.
Its name translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate” as it sits at the entrance of Mykonos Town and some point, the gate of a Medieval castle that once stood here.
You will recognize the church by its completely white-washed facade. Built in the 15th century, this historic church is also significant to the island’s history.
One unique fact about Panagia Paraportiani Church is that it combines five smaller churches built at different points in time. As a result, each has its own style of architecture, which together create one of the most photographed churches in Greece.
Visit the Famous Windmills
Located just steps from Little Venice are the Mykonos windmills. The Venetians also built these structures at the beginning of the 16th century. Today, only five remain in this area and are referred to as “Kato Myloi”.
Although they are no longer in use, the row of windmills has become a popular attraction. Like Mykonos Town, try visiting the windmills early in the morning. You will find crowds here all day long, especially at sunset.
Watch the Sunset
Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea is a highlight for most people. Although there are numerous places to watch it go down, Little Venice has continued to be one of the most popular. It is no mystery why.
You can sit along the pebble beach or at a seaside restaurant and enjoy some delicious Mediterranean food with a view. Nice and Easy is one of the waterside restaurants where many people like to wine and dine while watching the sun go down.
Dinner at Lucky Fish
One great thing about Mykonos is that the food scene here is impeccable. There are a large number of top-rated restaurants around the island. Lucky Fish was one place that kept popping up over and over again when I was researching the best places to eat in Mykonos.
We were so glad we made reservations here. The service was terrific, and the food was fresh and absolutely delicious. Best of all, our table was set outside in one of the charming streets of Mykonos Town.
It was an incredibly romantic setting, dining by candle night with the nightlife going on around us. Lucky Fish was our favorite overall restaurant in Mykonos.
Day 2: 3 Days in Mykonos
You will spend your second day in Mykonos relaxing and seeing the rest of the top attractions on the island. Today will be a more leisurely day with several different afternoon itineraries based on what you feel like doing.
Spend the Morning at the Beach
Start your day off with a trip to one of Mykonos’Mykonos’ many beaches. Of course, which you choose will be based on your interests. Thankfully, there is no shortage of beaches to visit. Here are just some of the best beaches in Mykonos.
- Party Beaches: Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach
- Luxury Beaches: Psarou Beach, Paraga Beach
- Family/Relaxed Beaches: Ornos Beach, Platis Gialos
- Remote Beaches: Fokos Beach
Since you will be leaving the main town, today would be a good day to rent a car or ATV to get around. If you plan on mainly spending time at the beach, you could also opt for taking the bus. Some of these beaches can also be reached by water taxi, which is a fun and inexpensive way to get around.
From what we had heard, the buses can be a little unreliable and eat up a chunk of your day, so we decided to spend a little extra and get a car, which we booked in advance.
TRAVEL TIP: Do some research in advance for your vehicle rental. Some places require a minimum two-day rental.
Platis Gialos Beach
Platis Gialos is a great place if you want a relaxing beach day without a high price tag. And although it is a family-friendly beach, I don’tdon’t recall seeing any kids during our afternoon there.
Best of all, it is located next to the famous Psarou Beach, so you can visit without spending a penny. Platis Gialos is the perfect blend of luxurious accommodations, a lively atmosphere, and relaxation.
If you decide to spend the afternoon at Platis Gialos, rent a sunlounger at Yialo Yialo. They are a delicious restaurant located on the beach, full-service for guests renting a chair. Get there early in the day for a sunbed closer to the water.
Psarou Beach
One of the prettiest beaches in Mykonos is Psarou Beach. It is the stopping ground for celebrities and luxury yachts and home to top-end resorts and beach clubs. If you plan to visit Psarou Beach, you will either want to take the bus or park closer to Platis Gialos and walk over.
Even at Platis Gialos, parking is free if you can find a spot on the road. But as you will quickly discover, the roads in Mykonos are very narrow, and street parking is not really an option.
The buses travel between Fabrika station near Mykonos Town and the beach hourly. Taking the bus may be cheaper if you are okay with waiting at the bus stop.
Since Psarou is one of the most popular beaches, the parking here is ridiculous and extremely expensive. We found this out for ourselves! However, it is worth the walk once you finally get to the beach.
If the price of everything does not put you off, Psarou is one of the best beaches in Mykonos and a great place for swimming in crystal clear waters. And for the ultimate luxury, you can lounge on your sunbed while getting served drinks and food all day long.
Explore the Island
If you have your own car or ATV, you will be able to get to the following sites on your own. If not, there are several tours that will take you to these more remote locations. If you decided to join a tour instead, most leave in the morning. If that’s the case, just flip your itinerary around and relax at the beach in the afternoon instead.
Drive to Ano Mera
If you have a car, it is time to explore some further out locations on the island, starting with the village of Ano Mera. Slightly smaller than Chora, this quiet little village is the perfect place to escape the more upbeat atmosphere and discover a more local side of the island.
Ano Mera is home to the beautiful Panagia Tourliani Monastery near the center of the village. Inside the church you can see a large collection of old tools and religious items that were once used.
If you haven’t already, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants along the main square before continuing to your next stop.
Stop by the Armenistis Lighthouse
From Ano Mero, you will take one last stop before returning to your hotel to freshen up for dinner. Close to Ano Mero on the way back to Chora is the Armenistis Lighthouse, sitting proudly on the north part of the island.
Built in 1891 and still operational today, the Armenistis Lighthouse is one of the many sites connected with Mykono’s rich maritime history. Many people like to visit the lighthouse at night for quieter sunset views, but it is beautiful to see no matter what time of the day.
Don’t have a car to explore the rest of the island on your own but not looking to spend the entire day at the beach? No problem, I have the perfect solution for you. Mykonos has an assortment of luxury and adventurous tours and experiences available. Here are some popular things to do in your afternoon that will allow you to see more of this extraordinary island.
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:
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.
Dinner at Nautilus
Another delicious meal we had in Mykonos was at Nautilus. The restaurant is located in the town a little outside of the main streets which made for an extremely cozy atmosphere. The restaurant’s owner was very hospitable and kept coming around to all our tables to make sure we were okay.
Then there was the traditional Greek food. Everything we had here was delicious, especially our salad. A Mykonos specialty, it is made with seedless tomatoes grown and all local products.
Day 3: 3 Days in Mykonos
Your last day in Mykonos will be spent exploring the historic sites, starting with a day trip to Delos Island. Today will entail a lot of walking and time in the sun. Dress comfortably and bring lots of sunscreen with you.
Tour Delos Island
One of the best things to do for your 3 days in Mykonos is to take a half-day trip to the historic island of Delos. The birthplace of the Greek god Apollo and once a booming economy, Delos is one of the most important sites in Greece.
Since the island is completely uninhabited, joining a tour is the primary way to get there. You can also book a ferry ride if you prefer to explore the important archeological site on your own, but for the little extra, a tour guide comes in extremely handy.
The entrance fee is €12, purchased separately from the €22 ferry ticket. Guided tours cost €60 and include the entrance ticket, ferry ride, plus the knowledge of a guide.
There are options for both morning and afternoon tours to Delos. The most popular and frequent is the 10 am to 2 pm tour. Since there are limited seats on the ferries, it is important to pre-book your tickets well in advance. We used the Mykonos to Delos Guided Tour and highly recommend it.
You will pick up your ticket at the Delos Tour Office at the Old Port next to Mykonos Town. The building is tiny and sits at the beginning of the pier. Once at the ticket booth, they will tell you which ferry will take you to the island and where to stand and wait.
Once on the island, your tour guide will take you to the main archeological sites and dive deep into the island’s history. After that, you will spend the remainder of your time exploring the rest of the island on your own.
For a more detailed description of the island’s history and our Delos guided tour, check out our experience visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop by a Museum
For more information on the island’s history, stop by the Archaeological Museums of Mykonos just near the old harbor. Here you will find some extraordinary artifacts dating back to prehistoric Greece. The museum was constructed in 1902 after discovering some important artifacts dating back to around 425 B.C. You can find vast collections of pottery, figurines, and even jewelry from the prehistoric to Hellenistic periods.
Another popular museums is the Agricultural Museum in Mykonos Town. Much of the museum is outside, however a portion of the artifacts are house inside the Boni Windmill, one of the remaining windmills on the island.
The museum sits high above Mykonos Town and is about a 10 minute walk from the Fabrika station. It also makes for another tremendous sunset viewing spot if you decide to visit later on in the day.
Spend the Afternoon at the Beach
After spending the morning exploring Delos island, the perfect way to spend your afternoon is relaxing seaside. Today, venture to some new beaches near Mykonos Town which are a little more upbeat.
Super Paradise Beach
If you are looking for a more upbeat vibe, then Super Paradise Beach is the one you want to try. It is known for having beach clubs with music and a more party scene. Especially at night, the beach turns into a pretty lively place to be. Paradise Beach is similar to Super Paradise but is a little closer to town.
Paraga Beach
Another popular beach is Paraga Beach, just a short walk from Paradise Beach. It is especially popular at night because Scorpios is a high-end beach club near the water. It is quieter during the day but gets lively at night and includes some luxurious beach accommodations.
You can either grab dinner at Scorpios, or head back to your hotel to freshen up before dinner out in Mykonos Town.
Explore the Town at Night
One of our favorite things when visiting any new place is exploring the streets at night. Mykonos Town is a palace that stays open late, and the atmosphere is perfect for some late-night strolls. Also, shopping is ideal because many shops stay open late and are less crowded than during the day.
Best of all, there are some great bars in the area. Stop by a bar or two for a drink as you meander through the streets. Some popular places for late-night drinks are Scarpa Bar, Nigerita, and Lola Bar. If you’d like a seat outside in Nigerita, you will want to make a reservation in advance. There is limited seating here, and they stay busy.
Conclusion
I was presently surprised at how much I loved Mykonos. Like many, I thought of the Greek island as a place the party-goes flocked to each summer, with clubs on each corner. However, it was indeed not like that at all. Yes, many places around the island draw in that crowd, but generally, Mykonos was pretty laid-back.
This guide to spending 3 days in Mykonos helped you get a feel of what the island is truly like. It was one of our favorite places in Greece, with lots of history and an overall wonderful atmosphere. Not to mention, the food scene here is impeccable!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!
Milos
- The Ultimate Milos, Greece Travel Guide
- The Top 10 Best Beaches in Milos
- 10 Best Restaurants in Milos, Greece
- Where to Stay in Milos, Greece
Santorini
Mykonos
Rhodes
Other Greek Destinations
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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