Mykonos Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days on the Greek Island

Mykonos is very beautiful! Located a short distance from other Cyclades islands in Greece, such as Santorini, it’s an easy place to visit in just a few days. Here are some ideas for exploring the Greek island. This Mykonos itinerary takes into account the best spots on the island for first-time visitors. It’s divided into three days with an optimal way to see the main highlights of the island in those three days.

Getting Around Mykonos

You have just a few options when it comes to traveling around Mykonos; public transport, guided tours, car rentals, and taxis. Renting a car offers the most flexibility since you can easily plan your trip. You’ll also find that you won’t need to rent a car every day, depending on your itinerary.

Regarding public transport, you have KTEL buses that serve the most popular destinations. There are also sea buses or water taxis you can use to get around. Many people choose to explore Mykonos through a tour since you’ll always have an expert guide with you. However, there’s also the option to book a taxi, but these are limited. For the more adventurous souls, you can always rent an ATV.

Day 1 in Mykonos

Explore Chora

The town of Mykonos is locally known as Chora and is often where people settle during their travels. It’s a beautiful Cycladic village, home to traditional Greek buildings, local tavernas, and charming churches. To start your Mykonos itinerary, spend some time strolling the town’s narrow streets. This way, you’ll uncover some of Chora’s hidden gems, quirky art galleries, and picturesque chapels.

You can explore Chora on your own or join this fantastic 3-hour walking tour! With your guide, you’ll visit some fantastic destinations including the Castle of Chora, the Matogianni district, and the Folklore Museum. This tour also includes Little Venice, the Panagia Paraportiani church, and some of the other destinations we include on the first day of this itinerary.

Little Venice

Mykonos is no stranger to charming neighborhoods, but Little Venice has to take first place! With old fishermen’s houses, cozy seaside bars, and turquoise waters, the beauty of this area is stunning.

Little Venice is believed to have been built between the 13th and 18th centuries, so it has a rich history. Since the island was under Venetian rule then, it makes sense the area was designed this way. The houses here were originally home to some of the wealthiest individuals on the island, including ship captains and merchants.

Today, however, many of them have been transformed into quirky bars and beautiful hotels like Bluetopia Suites! Being one of the most photographed spots in Europe, this is not a place to miss. Not only is it a great spot to watch the sunset, but it’s the perfect place to relax and have lunch.

Little Venice also offers some trendy boutiques, wonderful art galleries, and authentic Greek churches.

Panagia Paraportiani

Next in this 3-day Mykonos itinerary is the Panagia Paraportiani church. It’s one of the most photographed places on the island and is actually made up of five separate churches. The oldest of the five is Agios Anargyros, which was built during the 14th century, while the others were constructed during the 16th-17th centuries.

At the center of this complex is Agios Efstathios, surrounded by Agios Anargyros, Agia Anastasia, Agios Sozon, and the Virgin Mary’s church. Each one is beautiful and located in a scenic spot, right by the sea.

Since Panagia Paraportiani is a popular site, we recommend arriving relatively early. It can get very crowded during the day, so try to avoid the crowd for the best experience.

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

This iconic museum has existed since 1902 and is one of the must-see places on the island. They offer “full” tickets for €4 and “reduced” tickets for €2, but throughout the year there are also some free admission days. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos was built to preserve historical artifacts dating back to 426-425 BC. These items were excavated from the “purification pit” discovered in 1898. The exhibits inside this museum date from the 25th century BC up to the 1st century. You’ll find funerary statues, ceramics, jewelry, and clay figures among other items! Although it’s relatively small, you’ll want to take your time strolling through this fantastic museum.

Mykonos Windmills

No Mykonos itinerary is complete without a visit to the Chora Windmills. These iconic windmills have become a popular photo spot and it’s easy to see why!

There are 16 windmills in total, and they were once used to grind agricultural crops. Because Mykonos is the “island of winds,” these windmills could harness wind energy and help local farmers. Although no longer functional, many of these windmills have been restored. Bonis Windmill is the most famous as it has been turned into an agricultural museum. One of the best reasons to visit the Mykonos Windmills is simply the view you’ll get from above. For that reason, it’s also a fantastic sunset spot!

Dinner in Chora

After a full day exploring Mykonos’ main town, it’s time to grab a bite and simply relax. Now you’ll be spoilt for choice, so take your time deciding. Some restaurants offer fantastic sea views, while others are tucked away along Chora’s charming narrow alleys.

Here are some great restaurants in Mykonos town:

• Mykonos Locale: known for its Souvlaki, grilled dishes, and Mediterranean plates
• Captain’s – Food for Sharing: offers outdoor dining with sea views
• To Maereio: authentic Greek restaurant serving traditional cuisine
• Kadena: stunning sea views, fresh fish, and delicious pasta dishes

Be mindful that the more famous restaurants will fill up fast. Some require a long wait, while others need reservations.

Day 2 in Mykonos

Join a Guided Tour of Delos

Even if you have only 3 days in Mykonos, it would be a crime not to visit the nearby island of Delos. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

The island’s history dates back to the 3rd century BC and is believed to be the birthplace of both the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis.

This fantastic guided tour includes hotel pickup in Mykonos, round-trip boat tickets, and a skip-the-line entrance ticket! Since you’ll always have a guide with you, you’ll learn so much about the island.

During the tour, you can choose to hike to the Temple of Isis or visit the Archaeological Museum. Unfortunately, you won’t have time to do both, so we recommend the latter.

The Archaeological Museum of Delos

While on the island, you can’t miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Delos. It dates back to 1904 and has nine rooms to explore, all housing historical artifacts. Some of these items date back to the 1st century BC, including mosaics, jewelry, ceramics, and headdresses. However, it’s the statues here that steal the spotlight.

Inside this museum you’ll find six rare statues unearthed right on the island. Depicting Apollo, Dioscorides, Cleopatra (the last two residents of Delos), and others, they are a sight to behold.

For those who prefer extra time (which you won’t have on a tour), you can simply buy your round-trip boat transfers. This way you can also hike to the Temple of Isis!

Psarou Beach

After returning from Delos island, we recommend spending some time at Psarou Beach. It’s only 10-15 minutes by car from the port of Deliana, where you will arrive, and you can get there by local bus. Psarou is one of the most famous beaches in Mykonos thanks to its turquoise waters, white sand, and wild parties. You can also book sunbeds here, but these can be expensive! Offering water sports activities, the chance to relax and swim, no wonder this beach is so popular. In fact, it gets incredibly crowded during the summer months. Since you’ll be visiting mid to late afternoon, you might be able to avoid the crowds. However, it all depends on what time you return from Delos island.

Grab a Drink at 180º Sunset Bar (and Dinner!)

To cap off the second day of this Mykonos itinerary, you should head to the 180º Sunset Bar. As the name suggests, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the town, island, and sea.

This bar serves some of the island’s best dishes and you’ll have a variety of plates to choose from. Some fan favorites include French oysters with truffle caviar, tuna tartare with steamed sushi rice, and chocolate cremeux with salted caramel sauce.

You’ll also have an extensive wine list including some funky cocktails, so it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

During the high season, reservations are usually required and there’s a minimum spend that varies depending on when you go. However, you can simply try a visit and arrive before it opens to see if there are tables available.

Day 3 in Mykonos 

Ornos Beach

To start your last day, head to Ornos Beach and spend some time relaxing here. It’s about 3.5 km from the main town of Chora and you can take the public bus or a taxi.

Ornos is one of the busiest beaches on the island, but if you go in the morning, you should easily find a spot. Otherwise, it can look quite crowded. With plenty of sunbeds you can rent, a diving school, sea skiing opportunities, and seafront restaurants, this beach really has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax or try some water sports, there’s something for everyone.

Besides the beach itself, the surrounding area is extremely scenic. This makes it a must-visit stop for any Mykonos itinerary!

Lunch in Ornos

After spending some time in the sun, it’s time to grab a bite in Ornos Town. Whether you’re looking for a seaside location or a quiet restaurant away from the bustle, this town has something for everyone.

Here are some great restaurants in Ornos:

• Alesta Restaurant Mykonos: beautiful restaurant known for its fantastic service
• Aperanto Galazio Cuisine bar: beach bar serving delicious Mediterranean dishes
• Apaggio Restaurant: famous for its local seafood dishes and scenic location
• Kostantis Restaurant: great service, fantastic atmosphere, and delicious food

Restaurants here don’t tend to be as crowded as in the main town of Chora, but that can depend on when you visit. Of course, beachside options are more popular but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to eat.

Armenistis Lighthouse

Mykonos as a whole is undeniably beautiful, but there are some special gems not to miss. Armenistis Lighthouse is one of them, and even though you can’t enter, this spot has a lot to offer.

Perched on the island’s edge, this old lighthouse stands 19 meters tall and is still in use today. From here, you’ll also enjoy breathtaking sea views, so don’t forget your camera! Compared to other points on the island, Armenistis Lighthouse is extremely peaceful. This makes it the perfect place to escape the crowds.

The road to the lighthouse is quite steep, so be careful if you’re riding up here on an ATV. At the top you’ll find ample parking and then you can spend some time exploring the area.

Take a Sunset Cruise

There’s no better way to appreciate the island’s fiery sunsets than by going on a cruise. You’ll also be able to cherish your trip while sailing along the Aegean Sea.

With Mykonos Kaiki Cruises, you can embark on a 2.5-hour sunset cruise including drinks and snacks. The cruise will take you past the charming Little Venice district, and you’ll see the town from a unique perspective.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or in a group, this is the perfect way to end your Mykonos trip. You’ll make fantastic memories and have many photo opportunities, making it the perfect activity!

These cruises run from April 16 to October 15, so they’re a great option even if you plan to visit off-season.

Bonus: More than 3 Days in Mykonos?

Here are some other popular activities you might consider if you have more than 3 days in Mykonos!

Go on a Winery Tour

For those with a bit more time on the island, why not check out this fantastic winery tour? It lasts 2 hours and during this time you’ll visit a local winery.

After wandering through the olive grove and vineyards, you’ll see how local wine is made. Of course, you’ll then get to taste wines and appreciate the different flavors. Not only that, but this winery tour lets you enjoy some delicious Mykonos snacks and listen to traditional music, so you get the full Greek island experience.

Tours like this you might want to book in advance as they can be quite popular! Besides the beach itself, the surrounding area is extremely scenic. This makes it a must-visit stop for any Mykonos itinerary!

Visit Some Other Mykonos Beaches

Mykonos has no shortage of beaches and although we’ve already seen two in this itinerary, there are many more to choose from.

Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are next to each other and are two of the most popular spots on Mykonos. Both can get quite crowded during summer months but are undeniably beautiful.

Some quieter options in Mykonos include Agios Stefanos beach, Agios Ioannis beach, and Panormos beach (the latter is a good option for nudists).

Just make sure to do your research beforehand as some have amenities while others offer a more “natural” experience without bars, restaurants, facilities, etc.

Take a Cooking Class at Mykonian Spiti

If you have extra time on your Mykonos itinerary, we highly recommend checking out this cooking class. Run by Mykonian Spiti, this lesson takes place in a traditional house, so it’s an incredible experience. This 6-hour program will guide you through everything you need to know regarding authentic Greek cuisine. This includes culture, traditional lifestyle, and some other tips.

You’ll prepare some local specialties including tzatziki and spinach and beef pie with barley, among many others. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy some homemade local snacks. Tasting is obviously the best part and local wine is included!

Where to Stay in Mykonos

You’ll find many fantastic places to stay in Mykonos – here are some of the best (including where I stayed during my trip there)!

• Mykonos Riviera (Aram stayed here – it was super luxurious!)
• Alissachni Mykonos (has private pools!)
• Palladium Hotel (great location)
• Argo Hotel (has a huge pool!)

Did we miss any of the best things to put in a Mykonos itinerary? Let us know your favorite things to do with just 3 days in Mykonos in the comments! Thanks!