Mykonos Travelers Recommend

Three days on Mykonos means you’ll have enough time to explore the windy streets of the capital city and surrounding countryside, visit the ruins of Delos, sample some local cuisine, and even explore another Greek island. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Around Mykonos

Start your morning with a walking tour of Mykonos Town (Chora), the island’s capital city and alluring port town. The community is best-known for its thatched windmills and whitewashed architecture, but you won’t want to miss a stroll through Little Venice or a chance to visit the archaeological and folklore museums. After lunch, hop in a Jeep for an island safari to some of the lesser-visited areas of Mykonos, including quiet villages, golden beaches, and ancient ruins. In the evening, grab an outdoor table at a local restaurant for an alfresco dinner of Greek seafood with views over the harbor.

Day 2: Legends and Local Food

This morning, get an early start for the quick ferry ride to the neighboring island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit with a historian to learn more about the intersection of history and legend while you visit important archaeological sites such as the Temple of Apollo, Sanctuary of Artemis, Sacred Way, and the famous Terrace of the Lions, dating back to 600 BC. Upon return to Mykonos in the afternoon, take some time to explore the island’s culinary landscape. Learn to prepare traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class at a local farm, or head to an island winery for a guided tasting of local varietals, followed by a traditional Hellenic barbecue at Mykonos Spiti, a local home turned restaurant.

Day 3: Fun in the Aegean Sea

Mykonos makes an excellent base for beach hopping through the Aegean Sea. Board a catamaran this morning for a day of sailing to secret coves and pristine beaches far from the crowds. Charter your own boat for the entire day, or opt for the value of a small-group cruise in the morning, leaving your afternoon free for snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving in the blue waters just off the coast. End your magical Mykonos excursion with an equally magical sunset cruise.

With picturesque villages, ancient ruins, and stunning natural surroundings, there’s a lot to do on Mykonos. Two days gives you ample time to experience the island by land and by sea, as well as explore the archaeological site on neighboring Delos. Here are some tips for how to spend 48 hours on Mykonos.

Day 1: History and Heritage

**Morning:**Get oriented this morning with a walking tour of Mykonos Town, home to whitewashed churches, thatched windmills, and narrow streets right off a postcard. Most tours include a stroll through Little Venice and flower-draped Matogianni, as well as stops at the Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, board a ferry for a short sail to the island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straight out of Greek history and mythology. Tour the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis—one of the country’s most important archaeological sites—with a guide who can interpret what you’re seeing.

**Night:**Now that you’ve toured up an appetite, settle in for a traditional Mykonian meal in a local home turned restaurant. Learn about the island’s unique culinary customs and cooking techniques while you sip Cretan brandy (called raki) and typical dishes, such as stuffed tomatoes and peppers, tzatziki, beef with orzo, and fresh spinach pie.

Day 2: Island Adventure

**Morning:**Today’s all about adventure, starting out on land. Get off the beaten tourist track with a morning Jeep safari around the island, or head out on foot on a hiking tour through the island’s rural interior. 

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, cool off with some time in the water. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing on a local beach—Paradise, Ornos, or Kalafatis—or, for something a little more active, go snorkeling or scuba diving in the blue Aegean waters in search of seahorses, parrotfish, barracuda, and other marine life. 

**Night:**After a day of activity, unwind this evening during a relaxing sunset cruise along the coast of Mykonos. Enjoy views of Little Venice and the ruins of Delos Island in the light of the setting sun as you sip cocktails and munch on light bites from the deck—a fitting end to the ultimate 2-day trip.

With its sandy beaches, thatched windmills, beach bars, and Cycladic architecture, Mykonos ranks as one of the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. While you could easily spend days or weeks on this little slice of Greek paradise, here are some tips for how to make the most of just 24 hours on the island.

Morning: Island Tour

Start your morning off with a guided sightseeing tour of the island. In as little as half a day, you’ll have plenty of time to catch the highlights—villages, beaches, fishing ports, and windmills. Opt for a private tour to customize your own itinerary, or join a local for an off-the-beaten-path tour to sites rarely visited by tourists. Those who’d prefer to stay in Mykonos Town (Chora) can take a walking tour of its whitewashed buildings and narrow winding streets while learning more about the town’s history and cultural heritage. 

Afternoon: Greek Flavors

Greeks love to eat, and Mykonos is no exception. Treat your tastebuds to some local flavor this afternoon during a walking tour of Chora Mykonos, visiting everything from a 17th-century underground bakery to a historic Greek taverna. Wine lovers might want to spend the afternoon enjoying a guided tasting of local varietals at a local Mykonian farm, while cooking enthusiasts can partake in an olive oil tasting workshop to learn how to pair oils with specific foods. For an introduction to Greek cuisine, head to a local farm for a traditional Hellenic barbecue.

Night: Sunset Cruise

There’s nothing quite like sunset in the Greek islands, and the best place to watch is from the deck of a boat. This evening, wrap up your ultimate day in Mykonos with a sunset cruise on the Aegean Sea. Choose between a family-friendly or adults-only option, and sit back and enjoy ocean breezes, spectacular views, and wine or cocktails on deck. If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, book a table at one of the many seaside restaurants in Mykonos Town.