Mykonos
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September (warm, 24-28°C, less crowded than July-August)
Language
Greek (English very widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Airport
Mykonos International Airport (JMK) — 4 km from Mykonos Town
Population
10,700 (permanent residents), swells to 100,000+ in peak summer
Climate
Mediterranean, hot dry summers (28-33°C), mild winters (10-15°C), strong meltemi winds July-August
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1) — petty theft and overcharging are the main concerns
Island Size
86 km² — about 10 km across, easily explored by ATV or bus
Top Highlights
Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili)
Row of 16th-century whitewashed windmills on a hill above the harbor — Mykonos's most photographed landmark. Free to visit anytime. Best at sunset when they're backlit against the Aegean. One windmill (Boni's Windmill) is open as a small museum in summer. Located a 5-minute walk from the center of Mykonos Town (Chora). Allow 30 minutes.
Little Venice (Mikri Venetia)
Colorful 18th-century houses with wooden balconies hanging directly over the sea — the most romantic corner of Mykonos Town. Waterfront bars like Caprice and Galleraki are prime sunset spots (cocktails 15-20 EUR). The Paraportiani Church nearby is the most photographed church in Greece. Free to wander. Best in late afternoon.
Delos Archaeological Site
Sacred island birthplace of Apollo and Artemis — one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, UNESCO-listed. Boats depart Mykonos old port at 9AM, 10AM, 11AM (round trip: ~22 EUR, 30 minutes each way). Site entry: 12 EUR. The Terrace of the Lions, mosaics, and theatre are highlights. Allow 3-4 hours. No overnight stays allowed — last boat back at 3PM or 5PM.
Beach Clubs at Paradise & Super Paradise
Mykonos's legendary party beaches with all-day DJ sets, sunbed service, and bottle service. Sunbed + umbrella: 30-80 EUR depending on row and club. Paradise Beach has Tropicana and Cavo Paradiso; Super Paradise has JackieO' Beach. Free areas exist at the edges of both beaches. Party peaks July-August, more relaxed in June and September.
Chora (Mykonos Town)
The island's main settlement is a labyrinth of white-washed alleys, bougainvillea, boutiques, and over 60 churches. Deliberately maze-like (designed to confuse pirates). Matoyianni Street is the main shopping lane. Visit the Aegean Maritime Museum (4 EUR) or Folklore Museum (free). Best explored on foot — cars are banned in the center. Allow half a day.
Agios Sostis Beach
A hidden gem unspoiled beach on the north coast with no sunbeds, no bars, and no crowds — the antithesis of Mykonos's party scene. Crystal-clear water with a sandy bottom. The famous Kiki's Taverna sits above (no reservations, cash only, expect a 30-60 minute wait for excellent grilled meat and fish, ~15-20 EUR per person). Accessible by car or ATV only.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Mykonos Itinerary
Arrival in Mykonos & Chora Exploration
Fly into Mykonos Airport (JMK) or arrive by ferry from Athens/Piraeus. Transfer to your hotel in or near Chora (Mykonos Town).
Airport/port transfer and check-in(30 minutes)
Taxi from airport ~10 EUR (fixed rates posted). From the new port: taxi ~15 EUR. Stay in Chora for walkability or Platis Gialos for beach access
Chora (Mykonos Town) labyrinth walk(2 hours)
Get lost in the whitewashed maze — deliberately designed to confuse pirates. Matoyianni Street for shopping, tiny churches around every corner (over 60 in total). The Aegean Maritime Museum (4 EUR) and Folklore Museum (free) are small but worthwhile
Little Venice sunset(1.5 hours)
Colorful 18th-century houses hanging over the sea. Grab a spot at Caprice or Galleraki bar (cocktails 15-20 EUR). Arrive by 6:30PM in summer to secure a waterfront seat. The light on Paraportiani Church is magical
Dinner at Joanna's Niko's Place(1.5 hours)
Walk 2 streets inland from the port for better prices. Traditional Greek dishes — moussaka (14 EUR), grilled octopus (16 EUR), house wine (5 EUR/glass). Locals eat here
Delos Archaeological Site
Day trip to the sacred island birthplace of Apollo and Artemis — one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, UNESCO-listed.
Morning boat to Delos(30 minutes)
Boats from Mykonos old port at 9AM, 10AM, 11AM (~22 EUR return). Book at delostoursgreece.com days ahead — the 9AM and 10AM boats sell out. No shade on Delos — bring hat, sunscreen, and water. No food vendors on the island
Delos archaeological site(3 hours)
Site entry: 12 EUR. The Terrace of the Lions (marble lion statues guarding the Sacred Lake), House of Dionysus mosaics, ancient theatre, and Temple of Apollo. An audio guide or guidebook is essential — without context it's just ruins. Allow minimum 2.5 hours
Return boat and afternoon rest(2 hours)
Last boats back at 3PM or 5PM (check schedule). Rest at hotel or cool off at a nearby beach
Dinner at M-eating(1.5 hours)
Kalogera Street in Chora. Modern Greek cuisine in a courtyard. Lamb shank (22 EUR), creative starters. One of the better upscale options at still-reasonable prices. Book ahead in summer
South Coast Beaches — Platis Gialos to Super Paradise
Beach hop along Mykonos's famous south coast, from family-friendly to party central.
Morning at Platis Gialos(2 hours)
Sheltered sandy beach with calm water. Sunbed + umbrella 20-30 EUR at organized sections, or free at the edges. Water taxis to other south beaches depart from here (5-8 EUR one-way). Good family beach
Water taxi to Paradise Beach(2.5 hours)
5-minute water taxi (~5 EUR). Tropicana Beach Bar has DJ sets from early afternoon (sunbed 30-50 EUR). The free section at the far left is less intense. The party peaks July-August; more relaxed in June and September
Super Paradise Beach afternoon(2 hours)
Water taxi from Paradise (~5 EUR). JackieO' Beach Club (sunbed 40-80 EUR depending on row). More upscale party vibe. Free section exists at the far end. Crystal-clear water for swimming between DJ sets
Dinner at Nikolas Taverna, Chora(1.5 hours)
A local institution on the waterfront (Agia Moni Square). Fresh fish priced per kilo (50-70 EUR/kg — ask for portion price). Greek salad (10 EUR), tzatziki (5 EUR). No pretension, fair prices for Mykonos
Rest Day — Agios Sostis & Kiki's Taverna
Escape the party scene at the unspoiled north coast. The antithesis of Mykonos's reputation.
Drive or ATV to Agios Sostis(30 minutes)
North coast, accessible by car or ATV only (rental 30-50 EUR/day). No bus service. Unpaved last section
Agios Sostis Beach morning(2.5 hours)
No sunbeds, no bars, no crowds — just crystal-clear water and sandy bottom. Bring your own water and shade. The beach that proves Mykonos isn't all party
Lunch at Kiki's Taverna(1.5 hours)
Above Agios Sostis. No reservations, cash only, expect 30-60 minute wait. Grilled pork chop, chicken, or lamb with salad and sides — ~15-20 EUR per person. One of the best meals on the island. Worth every minute of the wait
Free afternoon and evening(3 hours)
Return to hotel, swim at your hotel pool, or visit Panormos beach (nearby on the north coast, also quieter). Light dinner at a bakery — tyropita (3 EUR) and Mythos beer (3 EUR)
Windmills, Ano Mera & Inland Mykonos
Explore the island's landmarks and the quieter inland village of Ano Mera.
Windmills (Kato Mili) morning photos(45 minutes)
Morning light on the 16th-century windmills is best for photography. Boni's Windmill museum (free in summer). 5-minute walk from Chora center
Ano Mera village(1.5 hours)
Mykonos's only inland village, 7 km from Chora (bus ~2 EUR). Visit Panagia Tourliani monastery (free, dress modestly). The village square has authentic tavernas at lower prices. A window into pre-tourism Mykonos
Lunch at Spilia, Kalafatis Beach(2 hours)
Built into a sea cave on the east coast near Ano Mera. Fresh seafood, tables on the rocks (mains 18-25 EUR). One of Mykonos's most unique dining settings. Book ahead
Hula Hula sunset(2 hours)
Return to the south coast for sunset at Hula Hula beach bar (free entry, cocktails 10-14 EUR). The island's most legendary sunset spot — DJ set starts as the sun drops. The after-party moves to Chora's bars
Psarou Beach & Mykonos Nightlife
Spend the day at the most glamorous beach, then experience the legendary nightlife.
Morning at Psarou Beach(3 hours)
Bus from Chora (~2 EUR) or taxi. Nammos Beach Club is the island's most famous (sunbed 50-100 EUR, minimum spend applies). The free public section on the left is small but exists. Celebrity-spotting territory
Lunch at Nammos or nearby(1.5 hours)
Nammos is expensive (mains 25-40 EUR) but iconic. For budget, walk 5 minutes to the road and find a souvlaki stand (gyros 5-6 EUR)
Pre-dinner cocktails at Semeli Bar(1 hour)
Stylish hotel bar in Chora with a terrace. Cocktails 14-18 EUR. Good starting point before dinner
Dinner and nightlife in Chora(4 hours)
Dinner at Kastro's in Little Venice (cocktails and seafood, 20-30 EUR mains, sunset views). After midnight, the Chora nightlife ignites — Skandinavian Bar (free entry, cheap drinks), or Astra club (entry 10-20 EUR). Things peak at 2-4AM
Departure Day — Last Swim & Farewell
Final morning on the island before heading to the airport or port.
Morning swim at Ornos Beach(1.5 hours)
Sheltered family-friendly beach close to town and airport. Calm water, good facilities. Bus from Chora (~2 EUR). A gentle farewell to the Aegean
Last souvlaki and shopping(1 hour)
Gyros from Jimmy's Gyros in Chora (5-6 EUR) — best cheap eat on the island. Browse Matoyianni Street for last-minute souvenirs — leather sandals, Greek cosmetics, evil eye jewelry
Airport or port transfer(30 minutes)
JMK airport is 4 km from Chora (taxi ~10 EUR). For ferries, old port or new port (check which your ferry uses). Allow 1.5 hours before flights, 45 minutes before ferries
14-Day Mykonos Itinerary
Arrival & Chora Exploration
Arrive at Mykonos Airport (JMK) or by ferry. Settle into Chora and begin exploring the whitewashed maze.
Transfer and check-in(30 minutes)
Taxi from airport ~10 EUR. Stay in Chora for walkability
Chora labyrinth walk(2 hours)
Matoyianni Street, tiny churches, Maritime Museum (4 EUR), Folklore Museum (free)
Little Venice sunset(1.5 hours)
Caprice or Galleraki bar (cocktails 15-20 EUR). Arrive 6:30PM for waterfront seat
Dinner at Joanna's Niko's Place(1.5 hours)
Inland from port. Moussaka (14 EUR), grilled octopus (16 EUR). Local prices
Delos Archaeological Site
Sacred island birthplace of Apollo — UNESCO-listed, Greece's most important archaeological island.
Boat to Delos(30 minutes)
~22 EUR return. Book at delostoursgreece.com. Bring hat, sunscreen, water. No food on island
Delos exploration(3 hours)
12 EUR entry. Terrace of Lions, House of Dionysus mosaics, ancient theatre. Audio guide essential
Afternoon rest(2 hours)
Return by 3PM or 5PM boat. Cool off at hotel or nearby beach
Dinner at M-eating(1.5 hours)
Kalogera Street. Modern Greek, lamb shank (22 EUR). Book ahead
South Coast Beach Hopping
Beach hop from family-friendly to legendary party beaches along the south coast.
Platis Gialos morning(2 hours)
Sheltered sandy beach, sunbed 20-30 EUR or free edges. Water taxis depart here
Paradise Beach(2 hours)
Tropicana Beach Bar DJ sets. Sunbed 30-50 EUR. Free section far left
Super Paradise afternoon(2 hours)
JackieO' Beach Club (sunbed 40-80 EUR). Free end section. Crystal water
Dinner at Nikolas Taverna(1.5 hours)
Agia Moni Square. Fresh fish per kilo (ask portion price). Fair Mykonos prices
Rest Day — Agios Sostis & Kiki's
Escape to the unspoiled north coast. No sunbeds, no DJ, just sea and grilled meat.
ATV to Agios Sostis(30 minutes)
North coast, car/ATV only (rental 30-50 EUR/day)
Agios Sostis beach(2.5 hours)
No facilities. Bring water and shade. Crystal-clear, sandy bottom
Kiki's Taverna lunch(1.5 hours)
Cash only, no reservations, 30-60 min wait. Grilled meats 15-20 EUR. Best meal on island
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Panormos beach nearby, hotel pool, or bakery dinner (tyropita 3 EUR)
Windmills, Ano Mera & East Coast
Island landmarks, the inland village, and a spectacular cave-restaurant.
Windmills morning photos(45 minutes)
Morning light best. Boni's Windmill museum (free)
Ano Mera village(1.5 hours)
Bus ~2 EUR. Panagia Tourliani monastery (free). Authentic tavernas, lower prices
Lunch at Spilia, Kalafatis(2 hours)
Cave restaurant on the rocks. Seafood 18-25 EUR. Book ahead
Hula Hula sunset(2 hours)
Free entry, cocktails 10-14 EUR. Legendary sunset DJ set
Psarou Beach & Mykonos Nightlife
The glamorous beach by day, the legendary nightlife by night.
Psarou Beach and Nammos(3 hours)
Nammos sunbed 50-100 EUR. Free public section exists on the left
Lunch at Nammos or souvlaki(1.5 hours)
Nammos mains 25-40 EUR. Budget: gyros stand 5-6 EUR
Semeli Bar cocktails(1 hour)
Terrace in Chora. Cocktails 14-18 EUR
Kastro's dinner and nightlife(4 hours)
Little Venice seafood (20-30 EUR). After midnight: Skandinavian Bar or Astra club
Ferry to Naxos
Take the ferry to neighboring Naxos — the largest Cycladic island with better beaches, fewer crowds, and a fraction of the prices.
Morning ferry to Naxos(45 minutes)
High-speed ferry ~20-25 EUR. Several daily departures. Book at seajets.gr or bluestarferries.com
Check in and Naxos Town (Chora) walk(2 hours)
Stay near the port or at Agios Georgios Beach. Walk through the Venetian Kastro quarter — 13th-century walls, narrow alleys, and the Archaeological Museum (6 EUR)
Portara (Temple of Apollo)(1 hour)
Free. The iconic marble gate on the islet connected to the harbor by a causeway. Best at sunset — far less crowded than Mykonos sunsets
Dinner at Meze2(1.5 hours)
Old town. Creative Greek mezze — grilled octopus, fava dip, stuffed vine leaves. Dinner for two with wine: 35-45 EUR. Naxos prices feel like a relief after Mykonos
Naxos Beaches & Mountain Villages
Explore Naxos's superior beaches and drive into the marble mountains for authentic Cycladic villages.
Plaka Beach morning(2.5 hours)
6 km of golden sand — one of the best beaches in the Cyclades. Far less crowded than anything on Mykonos. Sunbed 8-10 EUR or spread a towel for free. Shallow water, perfect for swimming
Drive to Halki village(1 hour)
Rent a car (~35 EUR/day). Halki is the former capital, 16 km inland. Venetian tower houses, Kitron liqueur distillery (free tasting of this citrus liqueur), and artisan shops
Lunch at Taverna Axiotissa(1 hour)
Near Halki. Traditional Naxian dishes under a plane tree — rabbit stew (12 EUR), local cheese selection (8 EUR)
Apiranthos marble village(1.5 hours)
Continue 10 km uphill to this striking marble-paved village at 600m. Venetian towers, four tiny museums (1 EUR each). The mountain views are dramatic. Return to coast for evening
Rest Day — Naxos at Leisure
A slow day. Better beaches, cheaper prices, and the genuine Cycladic experience.
Late morning at Mikri Vigla Beach(2.5 hours)
Divided by a headland — one side calm swimming, other side consistent wind for kitesurfing (lessons ~80 EUR). Quieter than Plaka
Lunch at Axia on the harbor(1.5 hours)
Waterfront restaurant with fair prices. Fresh fish (priced per kilo, typically 40-50 EUR/kg), Greek salad (8 EUR)
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Nap, swim, or explore the Bazeos Tower (free, 15th-century fortified manor hosting summer art exhibitions)
Sunset at Portara again(1 hour)
The Portara sunset is too good to see only once. Bring a beer from a kiosk (3 EUR)
Return to Mykonos
Ferry back to Mykonos for the final stretch. Different perspective after seeing quieter Naxos.
Morning ferry to Mykonos(45 minutes)
~20-25 EUR. Multiple daily departures
Ornos Beach afternoon(2.5 hours)
Sheltered family beach near town. Calm water, good facilities. Sunbed 15-20 EUR
Revisit Little Venice(1.5 hours)
Sunset from a different bar this time — try Galleraki for a slightly quieter vibe (cocktails 15-18 EUR)
Dinner at Funky Kitchen(1.5 hours)
Near the windmills. Hearty Greek dishes, generous portions. Lamb kleftiko (18 EUR). Good wine list
Elia Beach & East Coast Exploring
Visit Mykonos's longest beach and explore the quieter eastern side of the island.
Bus to Elia Beach(2.5 hours)
The longest beach on Mykonos with both organized (sunbed 20-30 EUR) and free sections. The eastern end is clothing-optional. Less party-focused than Paradise/Super Paradise. Clear water, good swimming
Lunch at Elia Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Beach restaurant with fresh seafood and Greek dishes (mains 15-22 EUR). Shaded terrace
Fokos Beach(2 hours)
ATV to this remote north coast beach — wild, unspoiled, accessed by dirt road. Fokos Taverna serves simple grilled fish (priced per kilo) in a rustic beachside setting. No sunbeds, no music, just waves
Dinner in Chora(1.5 hours)
Pepper Mykonos on Kalogera — creative Mediterranean (mains 18-22 EUR). Quieter alternative to the party streets
Cooking Class & Cultural Mykonos
Beyond the beaches and bars — learn to cook Greek, visit a farm, and see a different side of the island.
Greek cooking class(4 hours)
Several operators (60-80 EUR). Market shopping in Chora, then hands-on preparation of mezze, moussaka, and baklava. Includes lunch with wine. Book via Airbnb Experiences
Mykonos Brewing Company(1 hour)
Craft brewery near Ano Mera. Tasting flight 10 EUR. The Blonde and IPA are both good. Small terrace with views
Free afternoon(2 hours)
Pool, beach, or wandering the back streets of Chora
Dinner at Eva's Garden(1.5 hours)
Hidden courtyard restaurant in Chora. Romantic setting among bougainvillea. Traditional dishes (mains 15-22 EUR). Book ahead
Rest Day — Your Choice
Completely free day. Revisit favorites or try something new.
Sleep in(2 hours)
After 12 days of Greek island life, a late morning is deserved
Free day(6 hours)
Options: revisit Agios Sostis and Kiki's, try watersports at Kalafatis (jet ski 60 EUR/15 min, windsurfing lessons 50 EUR), take a sailing day trip (~100 EUR with lunch and drinks), or simply beach and read
Farewell dinner at Kastro's(1.5 hours)
Return to Little Venice for a last sunset dinner. Shrimp saganaki (18 EUR), Assyrtiko wine from Santorini (8 EUR/glass)
Departure
Final morning on Mykonos before heading to the airport or ferry port.
Morning swim at Ornos(1 hour)
Quick dip close to town. Calm sheltered water
Last Jimmy's Gyros(30 minutes)
Best gyros on the island, 5-6 EUR. One final taste
Airport/port transfer(30 minutes)
JMK airport taxi ~10 EUR. Allow 1.5 hours before flight
21-Day Mykonos Itinerary
Arrival & Chora Discovery
Arrive at JMK airport or by ferry. First evening in the whitewashed maze of Mykonos Town.
Transfer and check-in(30 minutes)
Taxi ~10 EUR from airport. Stay in Chora
Chora walk(2 hours)
Matoyianni Street, churches, Maritime Museum (4 EUR)
Little Venice sunset(1.5 hours)
Caprice bar, cocktails 15-20 EUR. Arrive 6:30PM
Dinner at Joanna's Niko's Place(1.5 hours)
Moussaka 14 EUR, octopus 16 EUR. Fair prices
Delos Archaeological Site
Sacred island of Apollo — UNESCO site, unmissable.
Boat to Delos(30 minutes)
~22 EUR return. Book ahead. Bring everything — no food on island
Delos exploration(3 hours)
12 EUR. Terrace of Lions, mosaics, theatre
Dinner at M-eating(1.5 hours)
Kalogera Street. Lamb shank 22 EUR
South Coast Beaches
Beach hop from Platis Gialos to Super Paradise.
Platis Gialos(2 hours)
Sheltered, family-friendly. Sunbed 20-30 EUR
Paradise Beach(2 hours)
Tropicana DJ sets. Sunbed 30-50 EUR
Super Paradise(2 hours)
JackieO' Beach Club. Crystal water
Dinner at Nikolas Taverna(1.5 hours)
Fresh fish, fair prices
Rest Day — Agios Sostis
Unspoiled north coast. No sunbeds, no music.
ATV to Agios Sostis(30 minutes)
Car/ATV only, 30-50 EUR/day rental
Beach morning(2.5 hours)
Crystal water, bring own shade
Kiki's Taverna(1.5 hours)
Cash only, 30-60 min wait. Grilled meats 15-20 EUR. Best on island
Windmills & Ano Mera
Island landmarks and the quieter inland village.
Windmills photos(45 minutes)
Morning light best. Boni's museum free
Ano Mera(1.5 hours)
Bus 2 EUR. Monastery, authentic tavernas
Spilia cave restaurant(2 hours)
Kalafatis. Seafood 18-25 EUR in sea cave
Hula Hula sunset(2 hours)
Cocktails 10-14 EUR, sunset DJ
Psarou & Nightlife
Glamorous beach and legendary nightlife.
Psarou and Nammos(3 hours)
Sunbed 50-100 EUR. Free section exists
Lunch(1.5 hours)
Nammos (25-40 EUR) or gyros stand (5-6 EUR)
Semeli Bar(1 hour)
Cocktails 14-18 EUR
Kastro's and nightlife(4 hours)
Little Venice dinner then bars until 4AM
Ferry to Naxos
Three days on the largest Cycladic island — better beaches, fewer crowds, real prices.
Ferry to Naxos(45 minutes)
~20-25 EUR. Several daily
Naxos Town and Kastro(2 hours)
Venetian quarter, Archaeological Museum 6 EUR
Portara sunset(1 hour)
Free. Iconic marble gate. Bring a beer (3 EUR)
Dinner at Meze2(1.5 hours)
Creative mezze, dinner for two 35-45 EUR
Naxos Beaches & Mountains
Superior beaches and marble mountain villages.
Plaka Beach(2.5 hours)
6 km golden sand. Sunbed 8-10 EUR or free
Halki village(1 hour)
Car ~35 EUR/day. Kitron distillery free tasting
Lunch at Axiotissa(1 hour)
Rabbit stew 12 EUR under plane tree
Apiranthos marble village(1.5 hours)
Marble-paved streets, museums 1 EUR each
Rest Day — Naxos Leisure
Slow day with cheaper prices and genuine Cycladic life.
Mikri Vigla Beach(2.5 hours)
Calm side or kitesurfing side (lessons 80 EUR)
Lunch at Axia(1.5 hours)
Harbor restaurant. Greek salad 8 EUR
Portara sunset(1 hour)
Too good to see only once
Ferry to Paros
Continue island-hopping to Paros — the Cycladic island that balances beaches, villages, and nightlife perfectly.
Ferry Naxos to Paros(45 minutes)
~10-15 EUR. Frequent connections
Parikia old town(2 hours)
Charming Cycladic port town. Panagia Ekatontapiliani church (free, one of Greece's oldest — 4th century). Venetian castro ruins
Lunch at Levantis(1.5 hours)
Courtyard restaurant in Parikia. Mediterranean-Asian fusion (mains 16-22 EUR). Award-winning
Sunset at Naoussa harbor(2 hours)
Bus to Naoussa (2 EUR, 20 min). Picturesque fishing harbor with Venetian fortress ruins. Cocktails at Sante (12-15 EUR) watching boats come in. Stay in Naoussa area
Paros Beaches & Marble Quarries
Explore Paros's excellent beaches and the ancient marble quarries that supplied the Venus de Milo.
Kolymbithres Beach(2 hours)
Unique smooth granite boulder formations creating sheltered swimming pools. Bus from Naoussa or boat (5 EUR). Sunbed 8-10 EUR
Ancient marble quarries(1 hour)
Entry: 4 EUR. Underground quarries near Marathi village that produced the luminous Parian marble used for the Venus de Milo and Napoleon's tomb. Tunnel descends 100m underground. Flashlight provided
Lunch in Lefkes village(1.5 hours)
Mountain village with the island's finest church (Agia Triada). Kafeneio tou Lefkes — simple grilled meats and salad under a mulberry tree (10-14 EUR)
Santa Maria Beach sunset(2 hours)
Long sandy beach on the northeast coast. Kitesurfing and windsurfing hub. Laid-back beach bars (cocktails 8-10 EUR)
Antiparos Day Trip
Quick ferry to Paros's tiny sister island for cave exploration and bohemian village charm.
Ferry to Antiparos(10 minutes)
From Pounta port (1 EUR, every 30 min). Or excursion boats from Parikia
Antiparos Cave(1.5 hours)
Entry: 6 EUR. A massive cave with stalactites and stalagmites. 400 steps down. Lord Byron carved his name here in 1810. Cool temperature inside
Antiparos village and beach(3 hours)
Tiny village with a Venetian kastro, a few cafes, and a Tom Hanks connection (he owns a house here). Swim at Psaraliki beach (calm, sandy, free). Lunch at Captain Pipinos — fresh fish (12-18 EUR)
Return to Paros and dinner(2 hours)
Ferry back. Dinner at Barbarossa in Naoussa old port — octopus and risotto (18 EUR). Naoussa nightlife is lively but relaxed
Return to Mykonos
Ferry back for the final stretch with a new appreciation for the Cycladic variety.
Ferry Paros to Mykonos(50 minutes)
~15-20 EUR. Direct service
Ornos Beach afternoon(2.5 hours)
Sheltered beach close to town
Little Venice revisit(1.5 hours)
Galleraki for a different perspective (cocktails 15-18 EUR)
Dinner at Funky Kitchen(1.5 hours)
Lamb kleftiko 18 EUR. Good wine list
Elia Beach & East Coast
Mykonos's longest beach and the quieter eastern side.
Elia Beach(2.5 hours)
Longest beach, sunbed 20-30 EUR or free sections
Lunch at Elia Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Seafood 15-22 EUR, shaded terrace
Fokos Beach(2 hours)
Remote north, dirt road access. Fokos Taverna grilled fish. Wild and unspoiled
Dinner at Pepper(1.5 hours)
Kalogera Street. Mediterranean 18-22 EUR
Rest Day — Pool & Wandering
No agenda. Sleep in, swim, discover new corners of Chora.
Wander Chora's back streets(2 hours)
Beyond Matoyianni — the residential back lanes where laundry hangs from balconies and cats sun themselves. The real Mykonos behind the brand
Afternoon at Paraga Beach(2.5 hours)
Between Platis Gialos and Paradise. Scorpios beach club is trendy but not as intense (cocktails 12-16 EUR)
Light dinner(1 hour)
Jimmy's Gyros (5-6 EUR) and a walk along the old port
Cooking Class & Cultural Day
Beyond the beaches — Greek cooking and island history.
Greek cooking class(4 hours)
60-80 EUR. Market shopping, make mezze, moussaka, baklava. Includes lunch
Mykonos Brewing Company(1 hour)
Near Ano Mera. Tasting flight 10 EUR
Dinner at Eva's Garden(1.5 hours)
Hidden courtyard, bougainvillea. Mains 15-22 EUR
Sailing Day Trip
Full-day sailing cruise around Mykonos and nearby islets with swimming stops.
Full-day sailing trip(7 hours)
~100-150 EUR per person. Departs Mykonos old port 10AM. Sailing around the south coast, swimming stops at Dragonisi island (uninhabited, sea caves for snorkeling), and Rhenia (island next to Delos, swimming allowed). Lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear typically included. Book at mykonossailing.com or through hotel
Evening at hotel(2 hours)
After a day on the water, a quiet evening. Light dinner from a bakery or souvlaki
Mersini & Ftelia — Hidden Mykonos
Seek out the beaches and spots that even many returning visitors miss.
Mersini (Merchia) Beach(2 hours)
Tiny cove near Vathi (Elia area), accessible by a short scramble. Rocky but crystal-clear, rarely anyone there. Bring everything you need
Ftelia Beach and watersports(2.5 hours)
North coast beach popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. Equipment rental from 50 EUR/hour. Or just swim — the sandy bottom extends far out. Alemagou beach bar (cocktails 12-15 EUR) is stylish without being pretentious
Lunch at Alemagou(1.5 hours)
Beach bar restaurant with Mediterranean-Japanese fusion. Poke bowls (16 EUR), sushi rolls (14-18 EUR). Unexpected but excellent
Sunset walk to Armenistis Lighthouse(1.5 hours)
Drive to the northwest tip. The lighthouse (exterior only) has views to Tinos and unobstructed sunset over the open Aegean. Bring a jacket — it's windy
Rest Day — Complete Freedom
Your last full rest day. Do whatever calls to you.
Free day(6 hours)
Last chance for favorites: Kiki's, Agios Sostis, Delos revisit, shopping on Matoyianni, or spa day at a luxury hotel (day passes from 50 EUR at some properties)
Farewell dinner(2 hours)
Splurge at Interni (designer courtyard, tasting menu ~90 EUR) or return to a favorite taverna
Last Beach Day & Final Night
Soak up the last of the Cycladic sun and enjoy one final Mykonos night.
Morning at Agios Ioannis Beach(2 hours)
Southwest coast, views of Delos. The 'Shirley Valentine' beach (named after the movie filmed here). Small, pretty, family-friendly
Lunch in Chora(1.5 hours)
Return to your favorite spot. Or try Kounelas fish taverna in the old port — grilled fish per kilo, no-frills
Windmills farewell photos(30 minutes)
Golden hour at the windmills. Last photos of the iconic Mykonos view
Final Little Venice sunset and dinner(3 hours)
One last sunset from Caprice. Dinner wherever your heart leads
Departure
Final morning on Mykonos.
Morning espresso by the port(45 minutes)
Greek coffee (3 EUR) at a harbor cafe. Watch the fishing boats
Last gyros at Jimmy's(20 minutes)
One final 5-6 EUR farewell
Airport/port transfer(30 minutes)
Taxi ~10 EUR. Allow 1.5 hours before flights
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Schengen Zone Entry (Greece)
US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa via VFS Global (~80 EUR, 2-4 weeks). ETIAS pre-authorization may be required for non-EU citizens starting 2025 (7 EUR, valid 3 years).
Budget
Mykonos Is Greece's Most Expensive Island
Expect to pay 2-3x Athens prices for everything. A basic dinner for two: 60-100 EUR. Cocktails: 15-22 EUR. Beach sunbeds: 30-80 EUR/day. Budget alternative: eat at bakeries (tyropita for ~3 EUR), buy supermarket supplies, and use free sections of beaches. Shoulder season (May, late September) cuts hotel prices by 40-50%.
Avoid Waterfront Restaurant Traps
Restaurants on the old port waterfront in Chora charge premium prices for mediocre food. Walk 2-3 streets inland to find authentic tavernas where locals eat — try Joanna's Niko's Place or M-eating for fair prices. Always check the menu for prices before sitting down. Fish is typically priced per kilogram (50-80 EUR/kg) — ask what a portion costs.
transport
ATV or Bus — Skip the Rental Car
Mykonos is small but parking in Chora is impossible. ATV/quad rental (30-50 EUR/day) is the most popular option — but be warned, accidents are common and insurance often doesn't cover ATVs. The KTEL bus system connects Chora to all major beaches (~2 EUR per ride) and runs frequently in summer. Taxis are scarce — pre-book via the Mykonos taxi app.
Local Customs
Book Delos Early — Boats Fill Up
The biggest mistake tourists make: showing up at the port hoping to catch a Delos boat. Morning boats (especially 9AM and 10AM) sell out days ahead in peak season. Book at delostoursgreece.com or at the ticket kiosk the day before. The island has zero shade — bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. No food vendors on Delos.
Safety
Watch the Meltemi Wind
The meltemi wind blows strongly from the north July-August, sometimes reaching gale force. North-facing beaches (Panormos, Agios Sostis) get choppy waves; south-facing beaches (Psarou, Platis Gialos) stay calmer. Ferry cancellations happen — always have a buffer day before your flight home. The wind keeps temperatures bearable but causes unexpected chills after sunset.
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