Mykonos Greece
3
Day Itinerary •
Greece
Three days in Mykonos reveals one of the most iconic islands in the Aegean, its extraordinary labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways, iconic windmills, and the famous Little Venice quarter giving the finest Cycladic townscape in Greece alongside the most celebrated beach scene in the Mediterranean. This route covers the essential Mykonos experience: the extraordinary old town of Mykonos, the iconic windmills above Little Venice, the finest beaches on the island from the lively Paradise to the more secluded Agios Sostis, and a day trip to the extraordinary sacred island of Delos, the finest ancient site in the Cyclades.
Best Time To Visit
May to June or September to October
Getting There
Fly into Mykonos Airport (JMK) or ferry from Athens (Piraeus)
Getting Around
ATV, scooter or local bus. Old town best explored on foot.
Budget Per Day
Approx 120 to 250 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, mostly walking and beach
DAY 1
MYKONOS TOWN
MORNING
MYKONOS OLD TOWN (CHORA)
Mykonos Town is the most extraordinary Cycladic labyrinth in Greece, its remarkable whitewashed alleyways, bougainvillea-draped staircases and hidden churches designed to confuse pirates giving the finest small-town streetscape in the Aegean. The Matogianni Street is the finest shopping street in the Cyclades. Free to explore.
MIDDAY
THE WINDMILLS AND LITTLE VENICE
The iconic Kato Mili windmills above Little Venice are the most recognisable image in the Cyclades, their remarkable white towers above the Aegean giving the finest view over Mykonos Town and the surrounding islands. Little Venice below, its remarkable houses built directly over the sea, gives the finest sunset terrace in the Cyclades. Free to explore. Drive: Walk to waterfront
AFTERNOON
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND CHORA EXPLORATION
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos contains the finest collection of Archaic pottery and grave goods from Rheneia and Delos, including the extraordinary Mykonos pithos, a 7th-century BC storage jar depicting the Trojan Horse in the finest early narrative scene in ancient art. The Folklore Museum nearby gives excellent island context. Museum entry approx 4 euros.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Paraportiani Church in the Kastro quarter is the most photographed building in Mykonos, its remarkable cluster of five chapels built over three centuries into a single organic whitewashed mass giving the finest vernacular architecture in the Cyclades. Arrive early morning before the crowds. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe Paraportiani, Mykonos Town Outstanding Greek coffee and fresh pastries in the finest alleyway setting in the Cyclades. | Lunch: Taverna in the Chora labyrinth Outstanding Greek lunch in the heart of the whitewashed labyrinth. Fresh fish and local Cycladic wine. | Dinner: Restaurant at Little Venice Outstanding dinner at Little Venice with extraordinary sunset views over the Aegean. Book ahead.
DAY 2
THE SACRED ISLAND OF DELOS
MORNING
THE SACRED ISLAND OF DELOS , SANCTUARY OF APOLLO
Delos is the most extraordinary ancient site in the Cyclades, the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and the most important religious sanctuary in the ancient Aegean. The remarkable Terrace of the Lions, the finest ancient sculpture ensemble in the Cyclades, the extraordinary Sanctuary of Apollo with its three temples, and the remarkable ancient theatre give the finest ancient heritage experience in the Greek islands. Entry approx 12 euros. Drive: Continue on island
MIDDAY
DELOS , HOUSE OF THE DOLPHINS AND THE MUSEUM
The residential quarter of Delos contains the most extraordinary ancient mosaics outside Pompeii, the remarkable House of the Dolphins and House of the Masks giving the finest Hellenistic floor mosaics in Greece. The Delos Archaeological Museum houses the original Lion sculptures and extraordinary finds from the island. Included with site entry. Drive: Boat back to Mykonos
AFTERNOON
MYKONOS TOWN AT LEISURE
Return to Mykonos Town for an afternoon at leisure exploring the extraordinary alleyways, boutiques and hidden churches of the Chora. The remarkable Church of Panagia Paraportiani at sunset gives the finest photographic light in Mykonos. The narrow streets around the Kastro quarter are the finest and least crowded in the old town. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary island of Rheneia adjacent to Delos is the finest hidden destination from Mykonos, its remarkable ancient necropolis where all Delos inhabitants were buried entirely unvisited. The extraordinary purification island where pregnant women and the dying were sent from sacred Delos gives the most unusual ancient heritage experience in the Cyclades. Ask boat operators for a Rheneia stop.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before Delos ferry The Delos ferry departs from the old port at 9am. Eat early in Mykonos Town before departure. | Lunch: Snack bar on Delos Limited refreshments on the island. Pack water and snacks for the morning. Hot on the exposed site. | Dinner: Seafood restaurant, Mykonos Town Outstanding fresh seafood dinner in Mykonos Town after the Delos day. The finest fish tavernas are near the old port.
DAY 3
MYKONOS BEACHES
MORNING
PARADISE AND SUPER PARADISE BEACH
Paradise Beach is the most famous beach on Mykonos, its remarkable white sand and vivid turquoise water backed by the most celebrated beach bar scene in the Mediterranean. Super Paradise, the next bay, is the finest alternative with extraordinary water and a more relaxed atmosphere. Both accessible by local bus from Mykonos Town or by water taxi from the old port. Free beach. Drive: Water taxi or bus
MIDDAY
ELIA BEACH
Elia is the longest and finest beach on Mykonos, its remarkable stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water giving the most extraordinary swimming on the island in a far more relaxed setting than Paradise. The extraordinary tavernas behind the beach give the finest casual lunch on the island. Accessible by local bus or water taxi from the old port. Free beach. Drive: Water taxi back
AFTERNOON
AGIOS SOSTIS HIDDEN BEACH
Agios Sostis is the most extraordinary hidden beach on Mykonos, its remarkable unspoilt cove with no beach bars, no sunbeds and no facilities giving the finest natural beach experience on the island. The extraordinary clear water and complete absence of development make it the best-kept secret on Mykonos. Accessible only by ATV or scooter. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Fokos Beach on the northeast coast of Mykonos is the finest completely undeveloped beach on the island, its remarkable wild cove accessible only by a dirt road from Ano Mera giving the finest natural beach experience in the Cyclades. No facilities, no crowds, extraordinary clear water. ATV or 4WD essential. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before beach day Early start for the beaches. Pack sunscreen and water , the Mykonos beaches are extremely exposed. | Lunch: Beach taverna at Elia Outstanding fresh fish lunch at the finest taverna on the best beach on Mykonos. | Dinner: Sunset dinner at Little Venice Outstanding final dinner watching the extraordinary Aegean sunset from Little Venice. Book ahead.
DAY 4
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
DAY 5
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Where To Stay
Mykonos Town (Chora) Best base for everything. Boutique hotels from 150 to 500 euros. Book months ahead for July and August. Ornos or Psarou Bay Quieter area south of town with excellent beach access. Good range of hotels. 10 minutes by taxi to Chora. Budget option Mykonos Town hostel or simple pension. From 60 euros. The old town is small enough to walk everywhere.
Top Tips
1. Book accommodation 6 months ahead for July and August. Mykonos is the most expensive island in the Cyclades and fills up fast.
2. The Delos boat departs daily at 9am and 10am from the old port in summer. Book tickets the day before at the port ticket office.
3. Mykonos Town is best explored early morning before 9am or after 7pm. The midday heat and crowds make the alleyways uncomfortable.
4. Agios Sostis beach has no facilities whatsoever. Bring everything you need including water, food and shade. No ATV, no beach.
5. Little Venice sunset tables fill up 2 hours before sunset. Book a restaurant table in advance or arrive extremely early for a bar stool.
6. The Paraportiani Church is best photographed at sunrise when the light is extraordinary and the alleyways are completely empty of tourists.
Total Budget
120 to 250 euros/day