Mykonos Greece
5
Day Itinerary •
Greece
Five days in Mykonos gives you the complete experience of the most glamorous island in the Cyclades, from the extraordinary old town labyrinth and iconic windmills to the finest beaches in the Aegean, the sacred ancient island of Delos and the hidden villages and monasteries of the island's quieter interior. This route covers the full Mykonos experience: the extraordinary Chora labyrinth, the ancient sacred island of Delos, the finest beaches from Paradise to the hidden Agios Sostis, the remarkable lighthouse at Armenistis, the traditional village of Ano Mera and the extraordinary sunset from the Mykonos windmills.
Best Time To Visit
May to June or September to October
Getting There
Fly into Mykonos Airport (JMK) or ferry from Piraeus (5 hours)
Getting Around
ATV or scooter essential for beaches and lighthouse. Bus from town.
Budget Per Day
Approx 120 to 250 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, beach and walking focused
DAY 1
MYKONOS TOWN
MORNING
MYKONOS OLD TOWN (CHORA) EXPLORATION
Mykonos Town is the most extraordinary Cycladic labyrinth in Greece, its remarkable whitewashed alleyways and bougainvillea-draped staircases designed to confuse pirates giving the finest small-town streetscape in the Aegean. The Matogianni Street is the finest shopping street in the Cyclades. The remarkable Paraportiani Church cluster is unmissable. Free.
MIDDAY
THE WINDMILLS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The iconic Kato Mili windmills above Little Venice give the finest view over Mykonos Town and the surrounding Aegean. The Archaeological Museum contains the extraordinary Mykonos pithos, the finest early narrative scene in ancient art, a 7th-century BC storage jar depicting the Trojan Horse. The Folklore Museum gives excellent island context. Museum entry approx 4 euros.
AFTERNOON
LITTLE VENICE AND SUNSET
Little Venice, its remarkable houses built directly over the sea, gives the finest sunset terrace in the Cyclades with extraordinary views over the Aegean towards Delos. The narrow alleyways of the Kastro quarter above give the finest late afternoon light in Mykonos. The old port waterfront at sunset is the finest promenade in the Cyclades. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Church of Panagia Paraportiani in the Kastro quarter is the most photographed building in Mykonos, its 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 for extraordinary empty-alleyway photography. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in the Chora labyrinth Greek coffee and fresh pastries in the finest alleyway setting in the Cyclades. | Lunch: Taverna near the windmills Outstanding Greek lunch with views over the iconic Mykonos windmills. | Dinner: Restaurant at Little Venice Extraordinary Aegean sunset views over dinner. The finest setting in Mykonos. Book well ahead.
DAY 2
THE SACRED ISLAND OF DELOS
MORNING
DELOS , SANCTUARY OF APOLLO AND TERRACE OF LIONS
Delos is the most extraordinary ancient site in the Cyclades, sacred birthplace of Apollo and the most important religious sanctuary in the ancient Aegean. The remarkable Terrace of the Lions, the extraordinary Sanctuary of Apollo and the ancient theatre give the finest ancient experience in the Greek islands. Boat from Mykonos old port. Entry approx 12 euros. Drive: Continue on island
MIDDAY
DELOS , MOSAICS, MUSEUM AND MOUNT KYNTHOS
The residential quarter contains the most extraordinary ancient mosaics outside Pompeii, the House of the Dolphins and House of the Masks giving the finest Hellenistic floor mosaics in Greece. Mount Kynthos, the highest point of Delos, gives extraordinary views over the entire Cyclades. The museum houses the original Lion sculptures. Included in site entry. Drive: Boat back to Mykonos
AFTERNOON
OLD PORT AND MYKONOS AT LEISURE
Return to Mykonos for a relaxed afternoon exploring the old port area and the extraordinary fish market. The hidden quarter behind the port has the finest and least tourist-crowded streets in Mykonos Town. The extraordinary sunset from the windmills with Delos visible on the horizon is the finest view from Mykonos. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary island of Rheneia adjacent to Delos, the ancient purification island where dying Delians were sent, contains a remarkable necropolis entirely unvisited by tourists. The most unusual ancient heritage experience in the Cyclades. Ask Delos boat operators to arrange a Rheneia stop on the return. Free to explore.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before Delos ferry Ferry departs at 9am. Eat in Mykonos Town early. Pack water for the exposed ancient site. | Lunch: Snack on Delos then taverna in Mykonos Limited options on Delos. Have a light lunch then a proper meal back in Mykonos Town. | Dinner: Fish taverna near the old port Outstanding fresh seafood in the finest fish restaurants near the Mykonos old port.
DAY 3
SOUTH COAST BEACHES
MORNING
PARADISE AND SUPER PARADISE BEACH
Paradise Beach is the most famous beach on Mykonos, its white sand and vivid turquoise water backed by the most celebrated beach bar scene in the Mediterranean. Super Paradise, the next bay, gives extraordinary water and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the main party beach. Both accessible by bus from Mykonos Town or water taxi. Free beach. Drive: Water taxi
MIDDAY
ELIA BEACH
Elia is the longest and finest beach on Mykonos, its stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water giving the most extraordinary swimming in a far more relaxed setting than Paradise. The finest casual tavernas on the island are behind the beach. Accessible by local bus or water taxi from the old port. Free beach. Drive: Bus back to town
AFTERNOON
AGIOS SOSTIS HIDDEN BEACH
Agios Sostis is the most extraordinary hidden beach on Mykonos, its 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 is the finest completely undeveloped beach on Mykonos, its wild cove accessible only by dirt road from Ano Mera giving the finest natural beach in the Cyclades with no facilities and no crowds. ATV or 4WD essential. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before beach day Pack sunscreen and water. The south coast beaches are extremely exposed to the Aegean sun. | Lunch: Beach taverna at Elia Outstanding fresh fish at the finest taverna on the finest beach on Mykonos. | Dinner: Restaurant in Mykonos Town Outstanding dinner back in the Chora after the beach day. Local Cycladic wine and fresh fish.
DAY 4
NORTH MYKONOS
MORNING
ARMENISTIS LIGHTHOUSE
The Armenistis Lighthouse at the northwest tip of Mykonos is the most extraordinary viewpoint on the island, its remarkable position above the sea giving the finest panoramic view over the Aegean towards Tinos, Syros and the distant mountains of the Greek mainland. The rocky coastline below the lighthouse is the finest natural landscape on Mykonos. The drive along the north coast is extraordinary. Free. Drive: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
PANORMOS AND AGIOS SOSTIS
Panormos Bay on the north coast is the finest hidden beach bay on Mykonos, its extraordinary turquoise water and traditional fishing boats giving the most atmospheric beach setting on the island far from the south coast crowds. The remarkable beach taverna at Panormos serves the finest casual fish lunch in Mykonos. Agios Sostis next door is completely undeveloped. Free beaches. Drive: 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
FTELIA KITE BEACH AND NORTH COAST
Ftelia on the north coast is the finest windsurfing and kitesurfing beach on Mykonos, its extraordinary exposed bay catching the Meltemi winds that make it the best wind sports beach in the Cyclades. Even for non-surfers the remarkable wild landscape and complete absence of development give the finest natural coastal scenery on the island. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary deserted beach at Mersini on the far north coast of Mykonos, accessible only by boat or a 40-minute walk from the nearest road, is the finest completely untouched beach in the Cyclades with extraordinary turquoise water and no development of any kind. Water taxis from Panormos on request. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Mykonos Town before north coast drive Early start for the lighthouse. The north coast road is finest in morning light. | Lunch: Fish taverna at Panormos Bay The finest casual fish lunch in Mykonos at the most atmospheric hidden bay on the island. | Dinner: Restaurant in Mykonos Town Outstanding dinner in the Chora after the north coast day. Local fish and Cycladic wine.
DAY 5
ANO MERA AND EAST COAST
MORNING
ANO MERA VILLAGE AND PANAGIA TOURLIANI MONASTERY
Ano Mera is the finest traditional village on Mykonos, its remarkable central square entirely removed from the coastal tourist world and the extraordinary 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery giving the finest ecclesiastical heritage on the island. The monastery contains remarkable carved marble iconostasis and extraordinary embroidered vestments. The village square gives the finest local breakfast. Free. Drive: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
KALAFATIS BEACH AND THE EAST COAST
Kalafatis is the finest beach on the east coast of Mykonos, its remarkable sheltered bay with crystal-clear water giving a completely different atmosphere from the famous south coast beaches. The extraordinary diving and snorkelling around the rocky headland at Kalafatis is the finest underwater experience on the island. Diving centre on the beach. Free beach. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
FINAL MYKONOS TOWN WALK AND SUNSET
A final afternoon in the extraordinary Chora labyrinth, revisiting the finest alleyways and hidden churches at the quieter end of the day. The remarkable sunset from the Kato Mili windmills with the entire Aegean turning gold is the finest final view from Mykonos. The Little Venice terrace gives the finest farewell dinner setting on the island. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Dragonisi islet off the east coast of Mykonos contains the finest sea caves in the Cyclades, its remarkable caverns large enough for small boats to enter giving an extraordinary sea-level cave experience. Monk seals occasionally rest inside the caves. Boat trips from Mykonos old port. Approx 30 euros per person.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Traditional kafeneion in Ano Mera Outstanding traditional Greek breakfast on the finest village square in Mykonos. No tourists. | Lunch: Beach taverna at Kalafatis Outstanding fresh fish lunch at the finest beach on the Mykonos east coast. | Dinner: Little Venice farewell dinner Outstanding final dinner at Little Venice watching the extraordinary Aegean sunset. Book ahead.
Where To Stay
Mykonos Town, Nights 1 to 4 Best base. Boutique hotels from 150 to 500 euros per night. Book 6 months ahead for peak season. Ornos Bay, Night 5 For a quieter final night with beach access. Good range of hotels 10 minutes south of Chora. Budget option Hostel or simple pension in Mykonos Town. From 60 euros. Walking distance from everything.
Top Tips
1. Book everything 6 months ahead for July and August. Mykonos is the most expensive island in Greece and accommodation sells out extremely fast.
2. The Delos boat departs at 9am and 10am from the old port. Buy tickets the day before. Bring water and sun protection for the exposed ancient site.
3. Mykonos Town is best at sunrise and after 7pm. The extraordinary alleyways are entirely empty at 7am and fill completely by 10am.
4. Agios Sostis and Fokos beaches have no facilities. Bring everything including water, food and shade. ATV the only practical way to reach Fokos.
5. The north coast in the afternoon Meltemi wind is extraordinary. Ftelia and Panormos have a completely different atmosphere from the south beaches.
6. Delos is the finest ancient site in the Cyclades and almost entirely unknown to the clubbers on Mykonos. Go first thing for an extraordinary experience.
Total Budget
120 to 250 euros/day