Perfect Mykonos Itinerary (For 1 or 2 Days)

A perfect Mykonos itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 days (+ a map with all attractions, the best beaches and how to get around the island).

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is famous for its idyllic beaches, cosmopolitan nightlife and whitewashed towns with colourful bougainvillea. This small island, part of the Cyclades, is one of Greece’s most popular summer destinations. Mykonos is often referred to as the Island of the Winds, because of the consistent Meltemi winds that sweep across it.

The island’s history can be traced back to ancient times when it was inhabited by the Ionians, one of the earliest Greek civilizations. According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. This is also the site, where the famous battle between Zeus and Titans took place.

Perfect Mykonos itinerary

When planning your summer getaway in Greece, be sure to include this beautiful island in your itinerary. With its white houses with painted shutters, colourful bougainvillea and gorgeous sunsets, Mykonos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.

This Mykonos itinerary for first-timers will help you plan your visit, ensuring that you won’t miss anything! It also includes some basic information such as where to stay, how to get around and some of my favourite restaurants.

Perfect Mykonos itinerary (from 1 to 3 days)

• 1-day itinerary: morning – main town Chora (Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice and the Windmills), afternoon – beach time
• 2 days in Mykonos itinerary: Day 1 – Chora, Ornos or Paradise Beach, Day 2 – day trip to the island of Delos, Platis Gialos or Psarou Beach
• 3-day Mykonos itinerary: follow the 2-day itinerary, Day 3 – take a day trip to Ano Mera or enjoy wine tasting

For me, the perfect amount of time to spend on the island is about 2 or 3 days. Spending between 2 and 3 days in Mykonos lets you see all the important places and also have time to chill. You’ll be able to explore the main town called Chora, go on a short trip to Delos island, and enjoy the lovely beaches too. But if your time is limited, I’ve included some suggestions for how to see Mykonos for 1 or 2 days, below the 3-day itinerary.

Tips about your Mykonos itinerary

Accommodation – already have a hotel booked? Take a moment and look at my guide on where to stay in Mykonos to ensure that you’ve chosen the best area to stay.

My favourite place to stay in Mykonos: Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas
Why: great location, right on the beach, a short walk from plenty of restaurants, bars
What I like: pool with sunset views, private outdoor hot tub

Map – find here a map of this Mykonos itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

Best travel guide – for my trip to Mykonos, I used this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide. I love their travel guides, as they have practical information, historical insights and walking tours with maps.

Mykonos Itinerary – Day 1

Morning

On the first day of this Mykonos itinerary, you’ll explore the largest town on the island. It has the same name as the island and is therefore known as Mykonos town (or Chora). It is characterised by tiny cobbled alleys lined with white-washed buildings with blue-painted shutters and bougainvillea flowers. Chora is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Greece!

My advice is to start your day as early as you can because the town is almost deserted before 9 AM. You’ll be able to explore the picturesque stone alleys on your own and enjoy the Cycladic architecture without the crowds. Also, it becomes quite hot around noon and not so pleasant to walk around.

Breakfast at il forno di Gerasimo

08:00 AM – 09:00 AM

Start your day with some Greek pastries and sweets at il forno di Gerasimo. The coffee is also excellent!

Church of Panagia Paraportiani

09:00 AM – 09:20 AM

Situated near the waterfront in the district of Kastro, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani is the most famous church on the island. Dating back to the 15th century, the church is actually a complex of five chapels. Four of them (dedicated to Saint Eustathios, Saint Sozon, Saints Anargyroi and Saint Anastasia) are at ground level and the fifth is built on top of them.

During the 13th century, the district of Kastro used to be the site of a medieval castle. It was built by the Ghisi family, who controlled the island at the time. Unfortunately, the castle was completely destroyed in the 16th century. The church was situated near the entrance of the medieval castle. From here comes its name Panagia Paraportiani, which literally means Our Lady of the Side Gate.

The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is rarely open to visitors, but don’t miss to admire its impressive whitewashed facade.

Little Venice

09:20 AM – 10:00 AM

Little Venice is the most picturesque neighbourhood in Mykonos town. Located in the western part of the town, it stretches from the Old Port to the famous Windmills. The area was built between the 14th and 18th centuries when the Venetians ruled the island. The nickname Little Venice is due to its resemblance of the area to the famous city of Venice in Italy.

Little Venice is known for its charming white houses, overlooking the sea. These houses, constructed right on the sea’s edge, once belonged to rich merchants and captains. Today, many of them are converted into bars and cafes, featuring stunning sea views.

The cobblestone streets of Little Venice are lined with trendy boutiques and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to wander and get lost!

Enjoy the sea views

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Little Venice is the perfect spot to sit and savour a cup of coffee (or a cocktail) while enjoying the beautiful sea views. Try to find a place before noon, as the best spots fill up quickly. My favourite place to enjoy a cocktail is VERANDA Bar (amazing views of the Windmills and the Aegean Sea).

The Windmills

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

The Windmills of Mykonos were constructed during the 16th century by the Venetians. They were used to harness the strong island winds and grind wheat. Today, there are only 16 windmills left on the island and they’re no longer operational. However, they stand as a reminder of the island’s rich history and traditional way of life.

You’ll find 5 of them (known as Kato Mili) on a top of a small hill, just a short stroll from Little Venice. The oldest one, Geronymos Mill, was built around the 1700s and was operational up to the 1960s.

From the Windmills you have stunning views over Little Venice and the Aegean Sea. The spot is extremely popular among tourists, especially at sunset.

The only windmill open to visitors is Boni’s mill, located in the heart of Chora. It has been fully renovated to its original 16th-century condition and houses the Mykonos Agricultural Museum.

Lunch at Sakis

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

For some of the best gyros and souvlaki in town, make your way to Sakis. It’s not a fancy restaurant, but they’ve been in business since 1986 and offer amazing gyros!

Gelato at Snow Pure Ice Cream

My favourite place for gelato is Snow Pure Ice Cream. Their gelato is fantastic, made with only natural ingredients, fresh milk, eggs, seasonal fruits and grape sugar.

Afternoon

Beach time

After lunch, I’d recommend you head to the beach or the pool, because the heat will be unbearable.

Dinner at Busulas

Nestled in a small charming courtyard, Busulas offers an ideal setting to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The restaurant offers traditional Greek dishes (don’t miss the moussaka and the baklava) and seafood specialities.

More ideas for your Mykonos itinerary – Day 1

Enjoy the best views of Mykonos

For the most scenic views of Mykonos town, make your way to St. Vasileios Church (here are the exact coordinates). The viewpoint is located on a road, about a 15min walk from Little Venice. There are some stairs to climb, but it is totally worth the effort, especially if you come at sunset!

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

To learn more about the history of the island, visit the Archaeological Museum. It’s a small museum, located just a short walk from Little Venice. The exhibition includes a large number of Cycladic ceramics and ancient artifacts (mainly from the excavations at Rineia). One of the highlights is the impressive Pithos of Mykonos – a large jar, richly decorated with various scenes from the Trojan War.

The museum is open daily (except Tuesday) from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Folklore Museum

Housed in an old two-story captain’s house, Folklore Museum offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. There are 6 exhibition rooms which house collections of vintage furniture, manuscripts, coins, folk ceramics, embroidered fabrics and many more.

The museum is open daily (except Sunday) from 09:30 AM to 02:30 PM.

Look for Petros the Pelican

While strolling around Little Venice, don’t be surprised if you run across a white pelican. This pelican, called Petros, is the mascot of the island. It all started in 1958 after the bird was found injured on the coast. A fisherman saved it and since then the pelican never left the island. Sadly, Petros was killed by a car in 1985, after living for more than 30 years on the island.

Although it is not possible anymore to see the real Petros, there are three new Petros roaming freely in the town.

Mykonos Itinerary – Day 2

The second day of this Mykonos itinerary is devoted to Delos. It is half a day tour, so, during the rest of the day, you can enjoy the sandy beaches.

Delos

Delos is located only 30min away from Mykonos by boat. Although a small island in the Aegean Sea, it holds significant historical and archaeological value. In fact, Delos is considered one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. And according to Greek mythology, the island was the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis.

Inhabited since the 3rd millennium BCE, Delos was an important religious and cultural centre in ancient times. Thanks to its superb central location in the Aegean Sea, the island became a trading hub and a commercial port in the 8th century BCE. Around 25,000 people were living at that time on the small island.

Nowadays, Delos lies in ruins and it’s completely uninhabited. However, you can still see some
of the well-preserved ruins on the island:

• Terrace of the Lions – a row of marble lion statues that once guarded the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo
• Ancient Theatre of Delos – made of marble and originally seated around 7,000 people
• House of Dionysus – an ancient residential complex adorned with stunning frescoes
• Mount Kynthos – climb the hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Delos and the surrounding Aegean Sea

In addition to the ruins, you can explore the Archaeological Museum of Delos. The exhibit includes sculptures, pottery, jewelry, frescoes, and various archaeological finds.

Although you can visit the island on your own, I highly recommend taking a tour. This is the best way to visit Delos and discover its ancient civilization. Keep in mind, that the site mainly consists of ruins and without a guide, you won’t learn much. Also as the tour covers the entrance fee and ferry tickets, you won’t wait in line to buy an entrance ticket once you get off the ferry in Delos.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are often sold out)
On your own: book your ferry tickets to Delos here (free cancellation up to 24 hours)
Best guided tour: you can choose between Delos Guided Morning Tour or Delos Guided Evening Tour (both include the entrance fee and the ferry tickets)

Another option is to take this Delos & Rhenia Islands Cruise. The tour combines the ancient island of Delos with the beautiful beaches on Rhenia Island (perfect for swimming and diving). You’ll enjoy a delightful traditional Greek barbecue as well!

Dinner at Philotimo Restaurant

For amazing sunset views and traditional Greek dishes, head to Philotimo Restaurant. Portions are huge and the food is delicious!

More ideas for your Mykonos itinerary – Day 2

Ano Mera

Ano Mera is a charming village located in the heart of the Greek island. In fact, it is the second largest town on the island after Mykonos town. Ano Mera is a traditional Greek village with a much more relaxed atmosphere than the main town.

The town is known for its beautiful 16th-century monastery, Panagia Tourliani. The monastery is quite impressive with a whitewashed exterior and a colourful dome. Don’t miss the marble fountain and its gorgeous sculptural decorations in the yard, just outside the church!

How to get to Ano Mera

• the easiest way is to take the Discover Authentic Mykonos Tour (more than 1000+ great reviews). The tour will not only take you to Ano Mera, but you’ll also discover a Mykonian Spiti farm and hidden beaches, such as Kalo Livadi, Kalafati and Agia Anna
• by public transport – take a bus from the Old Port to Ano Mera (buses are every half an hour from 10 AM onwards) – about 30min journey

Take a sunset cruise

Enjoy the spectacular Mykonian sunset from the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Join this Sunset Yacht Cruise and make the end of your day truly unforgettable. The price includes refreshing drinks with some savoury snacks as well.

Take a cooking class

Take this Cooking Class with Food and Wine and get acquainted with the island’s culture and cuisine. You’ll visit a traditional Greek home, where you’ll learn the secrets of some popular dishes such as tzatziki, stuffed peppers and tomatoes and spinach pie. All this, accompanied by unlimited Greek wine and Cretan raki.

Wine tasting at an authentic winery

This Winery Vineyard Experience with Food is an absolute must for wine enthusiasts. The tour takes you to a local winery, where you’ll discover the vineyards and learn about traditional wine production. Afterwards, you’ll indulge in a wine-tasting experience with tasty Mykonian appetizers.

Mykonos Itinerary – Day 3

Relax on the beach

The third day is all about relaxing on the beach. You’ll find more than 20 beautiful beaches scattered around the island. Opt for a beach, located in the southern part of the island, because this part of the island is less windy than the northern.

The most popular beaches in Mykonos are:

• Paradise – the most famous party beach on the island, home to the renowned Cavo Paradiso, Tropicana, and Paradise Beach Club (the parties begin around 4 PM in the afternoon until the early hours)
• Psarou – a beautiful beach with emerald green waters, home to the famous ​​Nammos Beach Club and it’s popular among international celebrities
• Ornos – located near the small fishing village of Ornos Town, this beach boasts calm turquoise waters. A short walk from here is Korfus Beach, famous for its kitesurfing
• Platis Gialos – relaxed beach with calm waters, where you can enjoy numerous water sports. Three additional beaches, namely Psarou, Agia Anna, and Paraga Beach, are conveniently located within walking distance

Paradise and Psarou offer the priciest sunbeds, whereas Ornos and Platis Gialos provide more affordable alternatives. When choosing a beach club, pay attention and look at the menu prices. There are clubs, which offer free sunbeds and you only have to pay for drinks (like DK Oyster on Platis Gialos – avoid at all costs). Sounds great, until you have to pay more than €100 for 2 small beers.

The most popular beaches are not within walking distance from Mykonos town. Although, there are two small beaches right in the town – Paralia Choras Mikonou and Paralia Megali Ammos. Thus, if you decide to stay in the main town, you’ll have to rent a car or use public transport to get to the bigger beaches.

How to get to the beach from Mykonos town

• if you plan to visit more secluded or distant beaches, I highly recommend getting a car (take a look at Rentalcars for the best price). This will give you a lot of flexibility, as there are regular buses only to several major beaches
• by public transport – there are regular buses from Fabrika bus station to Platis Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Paradise, Paraga, Super Paradise and Ornos Beach (buses run once every half an hour or once an hour)
• by water – with the water taxi you can travel from Ornos to Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia (it runs only during the summer months from 10 AM to late afternoon once an hour)

180 Sunset Bar

Ranked as one of the best cocktail bars in Mykonos, 180 Sunset Bar is the place to go for breathtaking sunsets. The bar is very popular, so be sure to make a reservation at the 180 Sunset Bar to secure your spot. Please note that depending on the time of your visit, there is a minimum spend requirement.

Must buy tickets in advance

Delos – it is a very popular day trip, so it’s highly recommended to reserve your spot in advance. You can choose between Delos Guided Morning Tour or Delos Guided Evening Tour.

1-day Mykonos itinerary

If you have only one day in Mykonos and want to make the most of your day, start your day early with a morning stroll in Chora. You can follow the first day of the 3-day itinerary. Spend the afternoon at any of the island’s popular beaches – Paradise, Ornos, Platis Gialos or Psarou.

One day in Mykonos

• Breakfast at il forno di Gerasimo
• Church of Panagia Paraportiani
• Little Venice
• Enjoy the sea views
• The Windmills
• Lunch at Sakis
• Gelato at Snow Pure Ice Cream
• Relax at the beach
• Dinner at Busulas

2 days in Mykonos itinerary

If you planning to spend 2 days on the island, you have two options:

• combine Chora and Delos (an evening tour) in one day and on the second day – explore the island’s beautiful beaches
• use your mornings on the two days to discover Chora (the first day) and Delos (the morning tour of the second day). Spend the afternoons at the beach or by the swimming pool

2 days in Mykonos

• Day 1: main town Chora (see the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice and the Windmills) and take an evening tour of the island of Delos
• Day 2: relax on the beach (Paradise, Ornos, Platis Gialos or Psarou)

3-day Mykonos itinerary

As previously mentioned, in my opinion, 3 days provide the ideal duration to discover the island. You’ll have enough time to take a day trip to the charming village of Ano Mera, enjoy wine tasting, or simply unwind further.

3 days in Mykonos

• Day 1: discover Chora (the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice and the Windmills)
• Day 2: day trip to Ano Mera and the island of Delos
• Day 3: relax on the beach (Paradise, Ornos, Platis Gialos or Psarou)

Where to stay in Mykonos

If this is your first time in Mykonos, stay in the main town, Chora, near Fabrika bus station. Here you’ll find all popular attractions, including Little Venice and the Windmills. In addition, you’ll be within walking distance of numerous restaurants and bars. And you’ll have easy access to the most famous beaches such as Paradise, Ornos and Psarou (just a short bus ride from Fabrika station).

If you prefer to stay near the beach, I’d recommend staying near Paradise Beach (for nightlife) or Ornos Beach (perfect for swimming with calm turquoise waters).

Poseidon Hotel Suites – Most popular hotel in Chora

Guest rating: 8.9 | 1,930+ reviews

Situated between Paralia Megali Ammos and Chora, Poseidon Hotel boasts stunning views of the iconic Mykonos Windmills. The location is perfect, close to the Fabrika bus station, allowing easy access to popular beaches like Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, and more with a short bus ride.

Why book – quiet central location, awesome pool, room with sea views, comfortable beds

Tropicana – Most popular beach hotel

Guest rating: 9.4 | 930+ reviews

Tropicana is set in a quiet location, merely 100 meters from Paradise Beach. The hotel boasts a lovely restaurant which overlooks the sea, a serene Spa centre for relaxation, and multiple pools, including two infinity pools with a bar.

Why book – next to the beach, panoramic Aegean sea views, two infinity pools with bar

Getting around in Mykonos

Measuring 15km (9.3 miles) in length and 10km (6.2 miles) in width, Mykonos is one of the smaller Cycladic islands. If you’re staying in Mykonos town (Chora), you can easily explore the main town on foot. However, to get to the most popular beaches, you’ll need to get the bus or rent a car.

Mykonos has two main bus stations – the Old Port and Fabrika (see the bus schedule here). From the Old Port bus station, you can travel to Ano Mera, Kalafatis Beach, Elia Beach and the New Port in Tourlos (where the cruise ships dock). Fabrika provides regular service to some of the popular beaches (Platis Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Paradise, Paraga, Ornos), the airport and the New Port as well. Buses usually run once every half an hour or once per hour, depending on their route.

The most convenient way to explore the island is by renting a car (take a look at Rentalcars for the best price). However, keep in mind that parking sometimes could be difficult in the high season. Mykonos town is pedestrian-only, but there is a huge parking lot at the Old Port.

I wouldn’t recommend using a taxi. There are only 30 on the whole island and the waiting times in the peak season could be very long.

The water taxi is a great option to get from one beach to another. You can easily travel between Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. Note, that the water taxi runs only during the summer months (from June to September). The first departure for the day is from Ornos at 10 AM (and then it is once per hour until 4 PM).

How to get to Mykonos

By ferry

There are daily ferries from Athens’s two major ports Piraeus and Rafina. If you opt for the high-speed ferry, the journey typically lasts around 3 hours, while the regular ferry takes approximately 5 hours.

The ferries dock at the New Port, which is about 3km (1.9 miles) from the island’s main town. There are regular buses, which run between the New Port and the town (once per hour). The cruise ships also dock at New Port (called Tourlos).

By air

Although a small island, Mykonos has its own airport. Mykonos International Airport (JMK) is located about 3km (1.9 miles) away from the main town. Regular bus service connects the airport with the Old Port and the New Port.

How many days in Mykonos

Is 3 days in Mykonos enough

3 days in Mykonos provides enough time to visit the most important sights and to relax as well. You’ll be able to explore the main town of Chora, take a half-day trip to the nearby island of Delos and spend some time at the island’s beautiful beaches.

Less than 3 days

If you have less than three days, you can easily combine Chora and Delos in one day. Choose the morning or evening tour of Delos and during the rest of the day – explore the beautiful town of Chora. You’ll only need a couple of hours to see it. Spend the second day on any of the numerous beaches.

2 or 3 days for Mykonos

If you have a limited schedule, 2 days are enough to see the island. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace with lots of time for the beach, I’d recommend staying for 3 days.

Best time to visit Mykonos

The best time to visit Mykonos and enjoy plenty of sunshine is from June to September. In July and August, the island gets really busy and this is the peak season. To avoid the crowds, visit it in June or September. The weather is still great and the water is warm, but the crowds are less and the hotel prices are more affordable.

Faqs about visiting Mykonos

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