As one of the most popular Greek islands to visit, planning the ideal 2 to 3 days in Mykonos itinerary that includes both relaxation and its notorious party scene can be a bit difficult. Mykonos is a magical place. Since the 1960s it has been a spot for luxury, romance and hedonism.
Locals know it as the ‘Island of the Winds’ for its strong northerly gales, the Meltemi. Whereas visitors know it better for its labyrinth of white houses with painted shutters, magnificent sunsets and tales of revelry at its many incredible beaches.
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How Many Days in Mykonos?
Wondering how many days to spend in Mykonos? You will find that many will visit for a day on a cruise ship and think they have “done” the island. And this might be enough to let you glimpse the meandering streets of Mykonos town – known locally as Chora. But to do Mykonos real justice you need longer.
The best way to visit is as part of an island hopping trip that might include places like Santorini, Naxos, Milos and Paros so you can relax and spend some time getting under the island’s skin.
2 days in Mykonos will let you explore Chora and spend some time on its incredible world-class beaches. But to really get under the skin of this paradise, 3 days on the island is perfect.
This will allow you to feel the salt from the sea in your hair, taste gastronomical delights, party all night at with top DJs and give you time to marvel at its Greco-Roman history.
Getting To & Around Mykonos
Most visitors arrive at the new port of Tourlos via high-speed ferry from Athens (it can be booked here). The port is located 2 km from Chora, while the International Airport is 4 km from town. Taxis are limited – around 30 for the whole island – so it is often worth arranging a transfer here ahead of time.
The old town of Chora is perfect for exploring on foot – the majority of it is tiny winding alleyways are full of surprises and delights. Those of you heading further afield can utilise the island’s very affordable bus service – KTEL.
There are two main bus stations on the island. A small station to the north of Chora at the old port, and the larger, more manic Fabrika station, to the south of Chora. Fabrika is the central point of the island. Going to multiple destinations will involve heading back to Fabrika to catch a new bus. During the summer months, the buses run well into the night.
If you’re spending 3 days in Mykonos, the other option is renting a vehicle – but do so with caution. The island’s roads are small, windy, and crowded. In summer, accidents on scooters and ATVs are common, and renting a car is much safer.
If you would like to hire a car, we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across a number of different companies.
2 to 3-Day Mykonos Itinerary
Day 1 – Explore Chora
The first day of this trip to Mykonos sees you exploring the main town of Chora. If you want to learn more about the history and visit some of the sites listed below, consider taking a walking tour.
Old Town – Chora
Your first glimpse of Mykonos from the deck of the ferry or from the window of an aeroplane will likely be of the white-painted, sugar cube-like maze of houses and shops known as the Chora.
Tiny alleyways that make up the town’s streets open into delightful squares with restaurants, cafes and traditional churches.
Getting lost in Chora is a right of passage for any visitor – don’t worry, eventually, you will end up at the waterfront, at the island’s famous windmills or its main street.
Gioras Wood Medieval Mykonian Bakery
The best time to photograph Chora, in all of its bougainvillaea-clad beauty is early morning. Before the shops open, the cruise ships arrive, and the visitors awake from last night’s revelry.
If you want a sweet or savoury treat to start your day alongside some strong Greek coffee, seek out the small staircase that leads down to Giroas Wood Medieval Mykonian Bakery.
It’s been open since the 15th century – run by the same family for over 250 years. It’s a great place for Greek hospitality, to go alongside your slice of spanakopita.
Matogianni
Matogiani is the lively main street that makes up the centre of Chora. Filled with designer stores, tourist trinkets, pharmacies and just about anything you can feast your eyes on.
It is a great people-watching spot — and this is often what you will find shop owners doing — perched in front of their stores, lazily chatting with a warm smile.
Little Venice
The most photographed part of Mykonos is Little Venice. A picture-perfect series of merchant houses built right over the waterfront with balconies. They’re now home to bars and restaurants. The streets that lead between, constantly glimpsing the sea, house some of the best shops in Mykonos.
Petros the Pelican
If you’re in Little Venice around noon, try to look out for Petros the Pelican. The real-life pelican is the mascot of the island. Originally found injured in the 1950s and saved by a local fisherman, Petros was nursed back to health but never left the island.
His line of descendants now go for regular walks near the Paraportiani church and Paraportiani Taverna where he is often gifted a fish for his lunch.
Paraportiani Church
On an island that is said to have a church for every day of the year, there is one that stands above all others.
The Paraportiani is one of the most photographed churches in Greece and is actually five chapels that are all built up against each other. Together they give the appearance of a melting wax candle, looking out over the Aegean Sea.
The Windmills
The windmills of Mykonos, known as Kato Mili, are amongst the most iconic backdrops on the island. The seven windmills that overlook Little Venice were a major part of the economy of the island from their creation in the 16th century until the early 20th century – milling wheat to make bread husks for sailors.
Now they are far more valuable to the island as a tourism icon. They also double up as a perfect place to watch the famous sunset.
Sunset in Mykonos
No time in Mykonos is complete without telling you where to view the incredible sunset.
For me, I love nothing more than grabbing a beer from a kiosk (periptero), and a souvlaki from Jimmy’s Gyros and perching myself on the small beach under Little Venice. Making new friends, sharing a laugh and watching the sun go down is an essential experience and one of the best things to do in Mykonos.
If you want a bit more comfort, Rhapsody Bar in Little Venice offers amazing daiquiris to go with the view. But wherever you go for the sunset, make sure you get there early – as everywhere fills up fast!
Alternatively, if you’d like to get out onto the water for sunset, consider this evening cruise.
Day 2 – Kayaking, Delos, Ana Mera & Nightlife
If you’re spending two days in Mykonos, it’s time for you to set your sights beyond Chora.
Kayaking
If you feel like an active morning, why not get in touch with Mykonos Kayak? They run a morning kayak tour of the wild and unexplored northern coves of the island.
It’s suitable for beginners and for approximately two hours you will be paddling through the salty sea, and paddling into incredible caves with friendly instructors.
NOTE: If you kayak in the morning, you would be back with plenty of time to explore Delos in the afternoon, and could probably even fit in Ano Mera. If you visit Delos in the morning and come back with the early afternoon ferry, you could still fit in the monastery and lighthouse with your own transport.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely day, then it’s possible to take a half-day cruise that visits Delos & Rhenia Island and includes some swimming spots instead of kayaking.
Delos
Delos, the incredible ruins of an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos and is one of the most popular day trips. It’s the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. The island was also a huge centre for trading and religious worship.
During peak summer, tours leave the old port, near the chapel of Saint Nikolaos, at 10am and 5pm (outside of peak season there is only the morning tour). I prefer the evening tour as it is cooler on the island, but the wind can make the sea a little rougher.
The guided tour will see you discovering ancient theatres, witnessing intricate mosaics, wandering well-preserved streets and visiting the museum. You can book the guided morning tour here or the guided evening tour here.
Ano Mera
The second-largest settlement on the island, Ano Mera retains a relaxed village vibe. It’s 8km from Chora and can be reached via public bus. Nearly everyone stepping off the bus is visiting for the same reason, to see the beautiful Panagia Tourliani. This marble monastery dates back to the 16th century.
Visitors will find icons painted on the walls and ceilings, incense smoke drifting through the air and impressive chandeliers illuminating the hand-carved iconostasis.
Armenistis Lighthouse
If you have your own transport and want to embrace the natural beauty of the island, a trip to the Armenistis lighthouse at the north of the island is a must. It’s a wonderful remote spot to see the sunset.
Nightlife
So you’ve had a busy day exploring the cultural side of Mykonos. It’s been a long and tiring day, but wait – Mykonos is famous for its nightlife right? Mykonos is known as the Ibiza of Greece, and the nightlife doesn’t disappoint.
If you are in town, and fancy a cocktail after dinner – why not try Galleraki or Katerinas in Little Venice, and when things heat up a bit more you can try the pumping Skandinavian Bar which blasts tunes late into the night.
Mykonos is great for big-name acts too. Cavo Paradiso is a megaclub that hosts DJs like Calvin Harris, Robin Schulz and The Chainsmokers. Located at Paradise Beach, the big names don’t usually hit the stage until around 2am, and are still partying when the sun comes up.
Day 3 – Hit the Beach
The final day of this Mykonos itinerary is all about relaxing. The island has world-class beaches dotted all along its southern coast and really, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach that’s relaxed, party-focused, family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, or super luxurious – all can be found on Mykonos.
If you have your own transport, you can drive to any of these beaches – but the best way to explore is with Mykonos Water Taxi, it’s as much of an experience as the beaches themselves. In operation since 1968, these repurposed fishing boats run a route along the southern coast.
Within ten or twenty minutes you will be at the next unique beach, €20 will get you an all-day ticket, and boats run roughly hourly from one beach to the next. Nearly every beach listed below is on that route so choose one if you’re feeling lazy or a few if you want to beach hop throughout the day.
It is also possible to take a full-day cruise that visits a number beaches in Mykonos, or alternatively, if you get unlucky with a rainy day consider taking a cooking class or visiting a winery instead.
Ornos
A trendy, well-sheltered beach, only a short bus journey from the old town. Ornos is great for families and is amongst the most relaxed in Mykonos. It is also my favourite for swimming.
Platis Gialos
A nice all-rounder. A lovely stretch of sand with sunbeds, mini marts, cafes and watersports. Great for families. Platis Gialos is a ten-minute walk over to the trendy Psarou Beach, with the high-end Nammos beach club.
Paraga / Panangka
Paraga Beach is home to 3 beach clubs, making this small beach a party favourite. Its most famous venue is Scorpios, but Kalua and SantAnna are also excellent.
Paradise Beach
The original, and amongst the most famous of the Mykonos beaches. Paradise was the original ‘gay beach’, where everything was accepted. It is now the premiere party beach. Minimarts, bus connections, bars and a great range of food is available. Great pizza can be found at the beach – made by local legend Aris.
Beach parties begin here in the early afternoon, and don’t settle down until the early hours. A short walk from the beach you can find world famous Cavo Paradiso nightclub overlooking the sea.
Super Paradise
Home to legendary beach club Jackie O Beach Club. Super Paradise is the premier ‘gay beach’ on Mykonos.
With an excellent stretch of sand, a well-sheltered bay, hookah bars, big-name DJs and nightly drag shows, Super Paradise will be a highlight for many visitors to Mykonos – nudity is not unusual.
Agrari
Amongst the quietest and smallest of Mykonos’ beaches. Agrari is perfect for relaxing. Not served by the local bus, it can be reached from Super Paradise within a 15-minute walk.
Elia
The longest stretch of sand on the south coast, Elia is a lovely beach. Nearby luxury hotels can make the area feel a little less affordable. But it is still accessible with regularly serviced local buses from Chora. You can find one of the few dedicated nudist beaches at one end of the bay.
Kalafatis Beach
Though not on the water taxi route, Kalafatis Beach is on the easternmost end of the south coast. Kalafatis is much less developed than those mentioned above – it has plenty of sand for you to put your towel down, a few sunbeds, and there are excellent watersports and windsurfing available here.
Where to Stay in Mykonos
Panormos Village – Located on the North Coast of the island, this modern hotel offers a range of rooms including double rooms and suites suitable for couples and families. Breakfast is included and there is a pool on site.
Alissachni Mykonos – A luxurious option in the town of Psarou that offers incredible suites for couples and families. Some room options include private hot tubs or pools and breakfast is also served daily.
MyCocoon Hostel – A large hostel in Kaminaki that offers dormitories and private rooms with a swimming pool and bar for guests to socialise in – an option if trying to minimise your Mykonos trip cost.
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So, now you know what to do in Mykonos for 3 days! This Greek island is a treasure trove of exciting things to do, wonderfully relaxing beaches and incredible hidden gems. Be it ultra-luxe, or on a budget, you don’t need to break the bank to be blown away by Mykonos.
Are you planning to visit Mykonos? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
