The Best Things to do in Mykonos | A Three-Day Itinerary

Mykonos is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, and has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the Greek Islands. I had a wonderful time on my visit to Mykonos, and would like to share some of my experiences with you.

In this post, I’ll talk through the best things to do in Mykonos and provide this information in a three-day itinerary.

History of Mykonos

Mykonos was first inhabited by the Carian Greek tribe, followed by the Ionians in the 11th century BC. Due to the high population and great prosperity of the neighboring island of Delos, Mykonos grew in importance as well. Following the ruin of Delos, Mykonos experience a period of decline until it came under the rule of the Venetians.

Mykonos played a significant role in the region as a trading post over the years, and experienced waves of prosperity and decline while being ruled by the various superpowers of the region. Since the late 1800’s tourism has been a major part of the local economy of the island, and grew following the rediscovery of the Island of Delos.

Today Mykonos is a very popular tourist destination, best known for it’s beautiful white-washed walls, colorful doorways, beaches, and nightlife. It’s a must see destination if you are visiting the Greek islands for the first time.

Know Before You Go | Mykonos

Lodging + Logistics

Getting There: This island of Mykonos is situated about 93 miles east of Athens. It is easily accessible from Athens via plane or ferry. You can also ferry to many of the nearby islands to Mykonos as well. Check out the website Let’s Ferry to book ferries from a variety of companies.

Where to Stay: You really have two main options when selecting a place to stay in Mykonos: 1) Mykonos Town (where nearly the entire population lives) or 2) the beach. On our stay we opted to stay in Mykonos Town to be close to all of the shops and restaurants. The town is also incredibly cute!

We stayed at this Airbnb right in the heart of town – I highly recommend it! Doris, the host, was awesome. She even took us to and from the port to our ferry free of charge! If you decide to stay near a beach, check out “day 2” below for more information on the island’s beaches.

*If you are a first time Airbnb user, use my link to get $40 off your first stay!*

If Airbnb is not your thing, there are plenty of great hotel options on the island as well. Here are a few options:

The Myconian Inn is situated right in the heart of Mykonos Town, and blends right in with the beautiful decor of the town. It comes highly rated, with an average score of 9.2/10.

Click here to book your stay at the Myconian Inn!

Another option is Poseidon Hotel Suites, which is a great option for those looking for a more resort-type feel. This hotel features all the amenities, including restaurants and a pool.

Click here to book the Poseidon Hotel Suites now!

See below for additional hotel options!

Booking.com

Getting Around: The cheapest way to get around the island is by local bus. This bus has a stop within Mykonos Town and will take you to all major points around the island. For more details on the local bus and the schedule click here. Other options include taxi as well as car or motorbike rentals.

RELATED: The Best Things to Do in Athens

Daily Considerations

Currency Situation: The currency used in Mykonos is the Euro. See my post on Santorini for additional information on currency.

Language: Greek is the official language of Mykonos, but you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding locals who speak English. I still suggest that you learn at least a few greetings in Greek, though. Head over to my post on Greek travel phrases.

When to Go: It’s best to visit Mykonos from the late Spring to early Fall time frame. See my post on Santorini for additional information on when to travel the Greek Isles!

The Itinerary | The Best Things to Do in Mykonos

Day 1 | Exploring Mykonos Town

For your first day in Mykonos, I recommend starting out your day with shopping! There are many souvenirs and boutique shops located throughout the city. You can find anything from your standard souvenir items to high-end quality leather or jewelry shops. It is definitely worth the look if you want to find a unique item to take home with you! Don’t forget to stop to take a few pictures as you make your way through the town. The white-washed walls and colorful doors and windows are definitely photo-worthy.

After a bit of shopping, you should head over to the Old Port to grab a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants lining the port. I recommend eating outside so that you can enjoy views of the water and the hills that sit behind the port.

Close out your first day by catching the sunset in the “Little Venice” area. You should aim to grab something to eat or drink in one of the restaurants lining the bay. Get a reservation in advance to make sure your viewing spot is confirmed! This will help you avoid fighting the crowds or needing to find a seat far in advance. If it interests you, there are many options for nightlife around Little Venice and throughout Mykonos Town as well.

Day 2 | Beach Day!

There are several beaches around the island, and something for everyone! Here are a few options:

• Platos Gialos Beach: A hotel with beach activities, hotels, and tavernas – A great option for families!
• Paradise Beach: One of the more lively beaches that gets particularly lively at night. This is a great option for younger or single travelers.
• Super Paradise Beach: This is a very popular beach known for having great sand and beautiful waters. Head over to this beach early if you want to secure your spot before the crowds arrive!
• Ornos Beach: This is a quieter beach that is also family friendly. It’s located in a bay with great views and many beach activities. A nice alternative to the more lively beach options above.

Note, there are more beaches on the island, and you can find a full listing here!

RELATED: Santorini Travel Guide

Day 3 | Excursion to Delos

Spend your third day in Mykonos taking an excursion from the island to Delos! If you’ve never heard of Delos, let me give you a quick history on this island. Delos island served as a religious center for religions throughout the neighboring regions from the 8th through the 1st century B.C.

The island was densely populated, with a population of 80,000 citizens and servants at its highest point. It is also the location of the world’s first currency exchange, as people from many different cultures lived there. It was burned down by Roman enemies in 88 B.C. and again by pirates in 69 B.C., and was left uninhabited for 2000 years.

Despite the fires that destroyed the island’s homes, the remains you find there are quite remarkable. I recommend going with a guided tour so that you can best understand what life was like on the island in ancient times. We took the Ancient Delos Tour. This tour featured a wonderful guide who walked us through the ruins and really brought them to life. The tour also included passage by boat from Mykonos to Delos – a short 45 minute ride away.

Close out your last day in Mykonos by grabbing a final bite to eat in Little Venice. You’ll be able to catch the sun set over the Aegean Sea once more before you leave :).

The Best Things to do in Mykonos | Final Thoughts

That concludes my recommendations for the best things to do in Mykonos. I hope that this post provides enough information for you to get a taste of what it is like to vacation on this lovely island. Let me known if you have any questions! And if you've visited this island before, be sure to add your comments below!

Related Posts:

• The Best International Travel Guides
• Athens Travel Guide
• What to See and Do in Santorini
• Greek for Travel

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