Today we will be considering how many days in Mykonos is enough, in order to see and experience everything the island has to offer. The island is best known for its nightlife, with partiers traveling from across the world to take advantage of the clubs and bars.
There is no definitive answer as to how many days someone should spend on Mykonos. You can spend a couple of days to a couple of weeks there, depending on how you prefer to spend your vacation time.
At the end of the day, Mykonos is a small island. In fact, it is one of the smallest of the Cyclades, at only ten miles long. If you are planning a proper vacation, there are plenty of beaches, bars, restaurants, and clubs to keep you relaxed and entertained for however long you have to spare.
If sightseeing is your main goal though, you really only need a few days. If you plan ahead well, you can take in all of the historic and cultural heritage of the island in a long weekend. You will even still have time to spend relaxing on the beach or taking in the famous nightlife scene.
A shorter trip is perfect for those traveling around Greece, exploring the breadth of the exotic country. With that in mind, I have planned out a three-day itinerary for you, to help you make the most of your time in Mykonos.
How many days in Mykonos is enough?
It is generally recommended to spend at least 3-5 days in Mykonos to fully experience the island and all it has to offer. However, the exact number of days that are enough for you may depend on your personal preferences and interests.
Some people may want to spend more time exploring the beaches and nightlife, while others may prefer to spend more time visiting cultural sites and landmarks. Ultimately, the amount of time you spend in Mykonos will depend on what you hope to see and do while you are there.
Where are the best places to stay in Mykonos?
Some of the best areas in Mykonos to book your accommodations are Mykonos Town, Paradise Beach, Ornos, Platis Gialos,Agios Stefanos. You can read full detail of the best places in Mykonos at this article: where to stay in Mykonos first time.
Here are some of the best hotels to stay in Mykonos Town:
đ Best Area to stay in Mykonos: | Mykonos Town |
đ Best luxury hotel: | Absolute Mykonos Suites & More |
đ¨ Best mid-range hotel: | Aeolos Resort |
đ° Best budget hotel: | Mykonos View Hotel |
Absolute Mykonos Suites & More, 5-star hotel is easy walking distance from the beach, Mykonos Windmills, and Little Venice. It has an outdoor pool, on-site bar and restaurant.
Aeolos Resort, 4-star hotel located next to the bus stop and within easy reach from the town center.
Mykonos View Hotel, 3-star hotel features a 24-hour lounge bar and a breakfast area with sun beds. Transfer service from the airport and/or the port can be arranged upon request.
Is 2 days enough for Mykonos?
It is possible to see some of the highlights of Mykonos in two days, but it may not be enough time to fully experience the island and all it has to offer. If you plan to relax on the beach and see a few of the popular landmarks, two days may be sufficient.
However, if you want to explore more of the island and participate in a variety of activities, you may want to consider staying for a longer period of time.
Is 3 days in Mykonos enough?
Three days in Mykonos is enough time to explore famous attractions such as Little Venice, Mykonos Town, wonderful nightlife, and beautiful beaches that Mykonos island has to offer!
Is 4 days in Mykonos enough?
Four days might be sufficient if you want to relax and enjoy the beach and the island’s laid-back atmosphere. However, if you want to see and do more, such as visiting multiple beaches, exploring the island, or participating in activities like water sports or hiking, you may want to consider staying longer.
3 days in Myonos Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary: Mykonos Old Town, Little Venice, Matoyianni Street, and Paralia Megali Ammos
Spend your first day in Mykonos settling in and getting a feel for the unique flavor of the island. Most of the sights and activities are focused around the main town of Old Mykonos, also known as Chora. If you are only in Mykonos for a short time, this is where I recommend you stay.
Start your day in Little Venice. Believed by many to be the most romantic neighborhood in all of Mykonos, Little Venice provides an unbeatable first impression of the island and its main town.
The area gains its name from the pretty, Italian-style buildings that stretch right up against the seafront. One of the most iconic views of the neighborhood is of the many tiny balconies peeking out over the water.
In the morning, whilst the crowds of party-animals are still sleeping off the night before, the area has an even more ethereal charm. Take a wander through the quaint streets and stop for breakfast at one of the oceanside cafes.
Whilst you are exploring Little Venice, you should come across the 17th-century Paraportiani Orthodox Church.
It took almost two centuries to complete the complex of five conjoined churches, but the result was certainly worth the effort. The pristine, whitewashed churches stand out in stark contrast against the sapphire blue sea.
Once you are done with the church, head next door to Mykonos Folklore Museum. The little museum is packed with traditional furnishings and historical artifacts that speak to the heritage of the island. Itâs the perfect place to learn about the culture and history of Mykonos.
Next, take a pleasant stroll east along the little harbor, towards Matoyianni Street. Matoyianni Street is the prettiest shopping street in Mykonos. The narrow pedestrian lane is lined by a mixture of chic boutiques and souvenir stores interspersed with airy bars and cafes.
The brilliant white walls provide the perfect contrast to the colorful flowers that burst from every spare space. It is a stunning place to stop for lunch. Take your pick of the many cafes along the alley and sit for a while to soak up the atmosphere.
Right at the other end of Matoyianni Street are the Aegean Maritime Museum and Lena’s House Folk Museum. Both museums are excellent for appreciating the islandâs development over the years, so definitely stop in if you have some spare time.
With the morning dedicated to sightseeing in Old Mykonos, spend your afternoon relaxing.
Head south to Paralia Megali Ammos, a quiet beach just outside of the main town. If you didnât stop for lunch in town, this is a good chance. There are several beach bars and tavernas lining the seafront along here.
The long beach has plenty of space to spread out. Being outside of the main town, itâs generally less crowded too. It is ideal for kicking back on the sand for a few hours before you start thinking about your evening plans.
Speaking of evening plans, once you have cleaned up and changed into your eveningwear, head down to watch the sunset over the Flour Mills of Mykonos. Being on the western side of Mykonos, if you head here just before sundown, you will be treated to a spectacular view.
The row of five windmills, right by the seafront in Mykonos Town, is one of the most iconic sights on the island. Several more, identical windmills are dotted around the town. You can spot some of them up in the hills.
Once you have got a close-up view of the windmills, it is time to head to dinner.
I recommend Mykonos by Gryparis, largely for the stunning views. Located right on the seafront, with a dining terrace on the rocks, this is one of the most stunning locations to enjoy a meal. Not only will you be treated to exceptional sea views, but you will be right underneath the windmills too.
The restaurant is open late, so you can stay by the water, dining, and drinking into the early hours of the morning. Alternatively, if you would prefer to move on to somewhere livelier after dinner, you have your pick of seafront bars to choose from nearby.
Day 2 Itinerary: Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Delos Island, Agios Stefanos Beach
On day two, you will start off by taking a trip around the bay, to the neighboring port town of Tourlos. Itâs only about a kilometer away, so, whilst you could take the bus, it makes a lovely morning walk along the seafront.
If you do choose to walk, you can stop in at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos on the way. The museum houses artifacts from throughout Mykonosâ history, all the way back to the ancient Greeks, so it really sets the tone for the morningâs excursions.
Once in Tourlos, stop for breakfast at one of the cafes overlooking the port. I recommend Mathios Tavern for the excellent views and rustic atmosphere.
The port of Tourlos will act as your gateway to the nearby island of Delos, where you will be spending the rest of your morning. Delos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece.
Delos is absolutely covered in ancient structures and ruins. From temples dedicated to various gods to amphitheaters and the remains of ancient dwellings, if you have even a passing interest in history you will find Delos fascinating.
There are various tour companies that will guide you around the numerous excavated locations.
The Archaeological Museum of Delos ties it all together, displaying artifacts from various sites across the island. You could easily spend all day exploring all there is to discover on Delos, but if you are efficient, a morning should suffice.
Catch the ferry back to Mykonos and make your way north to Agios Stefanos Beach. With all the walking around Delos, you will have earnt a few hours relaxing on the beach. With several snack bars and tavernas along the beach, this is the perfect time to grab some lunch.
Located well away from the main town, Agios Stefanos Beach is laid back and pleasantly uncrowded. Tucked into a small bay, the beach is sheltered enough to make it perfect for swimming and casual water sports.
When the evening starts drawing in, head further north to Armenistis Lighthouse. Perched high up on a hill overlooking the west coast of Mykonos, you will be treated to an especially exquisite sunset view.
Now that you have had time to settle into the island, it is time to take advantage of one of Mykonosâ most infamous offerings, its thriving nightlife scene.
Head back to Mykonos Town to find the best selection of bars and clubs on the island. No matter how lively you like your nights out to get, Mykonos is certain to deliver.
Day 3 Itinerary: Ano Mera, Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani, Gyzi Castle
For your third day on Mykonos, take the opportunity to get out and explore more of the island. If you have the budget and the inclination, hiring a car for the day will make getting around the island especially convenient and comfortable.
If you donât want to hire a car, that is no problem. Remember, Mykonos is super small, so getting around is a breeze. It is made even easier by the comprehensive bus network that links all the villages of the island.
Our first stop is the little village of Ano Mera.
Right in the center of the island, away from the beaches, Ano Mera is often overlooked by tourists, and so retains its authentic, local atmosphere. There are tons of little bakeries and cafes around the town, so I suggest holding off on breakfast until you get here.
The main attraction of Ano Mera is the Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani.
The beautiful church dates back to the 16th century and is packed full of intricate carvings and elaborate frescoes. If you are traveling by bus, then you shouldnât have any trouble finding the church, since its soaring bell tower should be visible from the bus stop.
Whilst you are in Ano Mera, you should also pay a visit to Gyzi Castle. The ruins of the old castle are located upon a hilltop overlooking the town. The view you get from up here is almost as worth the climb as the chance to explore the ruins.
Next, head out into the eastern countryside to the Abandoned Barite Mines. Not close to any towns, you will either need to drive (or take a taxi) or wear some comfortable walking shoes to get here. Itâs worth the hassle to explore the eerie remains of the old mines.
The Barite Mines were abandoned in the â80s and have been left to the elements ever since. Buildings, equipment, and machinery lay largely undisturbed from how they have left decades ago.
Of course, graffiti and random junk left by other explorers have piled up over the years, only adding to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Having explored two contrasting sides of Mykonosâ history, itâs time to head back west and enjoy one last afternoon of relaxing in the Cycladic sun. Orlos Beach was voted one of the top beaches on the whole island, so that is where I suggest spending your final, precious day.
Being so well rated, Orlos Beach does get quite crowded at times. However, it makes up for it with its delightfully plush sun loungers and plentiful beach bars.
So, there is my suggestion for how to spend three days in Mykonos. You can, of course, choose whether to stick to the schedule I have suggested or merely use it as a guide to pick which of the best attractions in Mykonos to visit and which to skip.
It is a pretty packed schedule, so if you have more time to spend on the island you can spread things out a bit more, for a more relaxed vacation. There are so many beaches around the coastline of Mykonos that you can fill days just by visiting the various stretches of sand.
There are the beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Psarou for partying. Check out Ftelia, Korfos, Kalafatis beaches for water sports.
Meanwhile, Panormos, Agios Stefanos, and Lia are family-friendly beaches. For those looking for quiet beaches, head to Kapari, Fokos, Mersini, Merchias, Tigani, and Loulos.
However long you plan to be staying on Mykonos, I hope this itinerary will help you get the most out of your time there. For all its popularity, the true beauty of Mykonos is often overlooked. Make sure you take the time to really appreciate the Mykonos that lies outside of the parties and beaches.