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

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

How to get around Mykonos

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

As for public transportation, you have the KTEL buses that serve the most popular destinations. There are also sea buses or water taxis that you can use to get around. Many people choose to explore Mykonos through a tour since you will always have an expert guide with you. However, there is 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 city of Mykonos is locally known as Chora and is often the place where people settle during their travels. It is a beautiful Cycladic village, home to traditional Greek buildings, local taverns, and charming churches. To start your itinerary in Mykonos, spend some time wandering through the town’s alleys. This way, you can explore 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 will visit some fantastic destinations including the Castle of Chora, the Matogianni district, and the Folklore Museum. This tour also includes Little Venice, the church of Panagia Paraportiani, and some of the other destinations we will cover on the first day of this itinerary.

Little Venice

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

Little Venice is thought to have been built between the 13th and 18th centuries, so it has a rich history. Since the island was under Venetian rule at that time, it makes sense the area was designed this way. The houses here were originally the homes of some of the island’s wealthiest individuals, 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 place to watch the sunset, but it’s the perfect spot to relax and have lunch.

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

Panagia Paraportiani

Moving forward in this 3-day itinerary in Mykonos, we have the church of Panagia Paraportiani. It is 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 in 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 church. Each one is beautiful and they are also situated in a scenic location right by the sea.

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

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

This iconic museum has existed since 1902 and is one of the island’s must-see places. They offer “full” tickets at €4 and “reduced” tickets at €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 artifacts were excavated from the “purification pit” discovered in 1898. The relics inside this museum date from the 25th century BC up to the 1st century. Here you will find funerary statues, ceramics, jewelry, and clay figures among other items! Although it is 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. Thanks to Mykonos being the “island of winds,” these windmills were able to harness wind energy and assist local farmers. Though no longer operational, many of these windmills have been restored. Bonis Windmill is the most famous as it has been converted into an agricultural museum. One of the best reasons to visit the Mykonos Windmills is simply the view you’ll get from the top. For this reason, it is also a fantastic spot at sunset!

Dinner in Chora

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

Here are some great restaurants in the city of Mykonos:

• Local Mykonos: 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 aware that the most popular restaurants will fill up quickly. Some require a long wait, while others need a reservation.

Day 2 in Mykonos

Join a guided tour of Delos

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

The island’s history dates back to the 3rd century BC and it is believed that both the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis were born here.

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 you are on the island, you cannot 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 artifacts date back to the 1st century BC, including mosaics, jewelry, pottery, and headdresses. However, it is the statues here that steal the show.

Inside this museum, you will find six rare statues that were unearthed right on the island. Depicting Apollo, Dioscorides and Cleopatra (the latter 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 purchase your round-trip boat transfers. This way you can also do the hike to the Temple of Isis!

Psarou Beach

After returning from the island of Delos, we recommend spending some time at Psarou Beach. It is only a 10-15 minute drive 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 due to its turquoise waters, white sand, and wild parties. You can also book sunbeds here, but these can be expensive! Offering watersports activities, the chance to relax and swim, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular. In fact, it gets incredibly crowded during the summer months. Since you will visit in the mid to late afternoon, you might manage to avoid the hordes. However, it all depends on the time you return from the island of Delos.

Have a drink at the 180º Sunset Bar (and dinner!)

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

This bar hosts some of the island’s best dishes and you will have a variety of dishes 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 will also have an extensive wine list including some funky cocktails, so it’s the perfect place to have a drink and watch the sunset.

During high season, a reservation is usually required and there is 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 the Ornos beach and spend some time here relaxing. It is 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 be able to easily find a spot. Otherwise, it can seem quite crowded. With wide sunbeds you can rent, a diving school, opportunities for water skiing, and waterfront restaurants, this beach really has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax or try some water sports, there’s something for everyone.

Apart from the beach itself, the surrounding area is extremely scenic. This makes it a must-see stop on 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 are looking for a seaside spot or a quiet restaurant away from the hustle and 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 tasty Mediterranean dishes
• Apaggio Restaurant: famous for its local seafood dishes and scenic location
• Kostantis Restaurant: great service, fantastic atmosphere, and delicious food

The restaurants here tend not to be as crowded as in the main town of Chora, but this can depend on when you visit. Naturally, the beachfront options are more popular but you shouldn’t have trouble finding a place to eat.

Armenistis Lighthouse

Mykonos as a whole is undeniably beautiful, but there are some special gems not to be missed. Armenistis Lighthouse is one of these, and even though you cannot enter, this place has a lot to offer.

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

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

Take a Sunset Cruise

There’s no better way to appreciate the island’s fiery sunsets than by taking a cruise. You can also reminisce about your trip as you sail along the Aegean Sea.

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

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group, this is the perfect way to end your trip to Mykonos. You’ll create fantastic memories and have plenty of 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!

Take a winery tour

For those who have a bit more time on the island, why not take a look at this fantastic winery tour? It lasts 2 hours and during this time you will visit a local winery.

After wandering through the olive groves and vineyards, you will see how the local wine is made. Of course, then you can do a wine tasting and enjoy the different flavors. Not only that, but this winery tour allows you to taste 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! Aside from the beach itself, the surrounding area is extremely scenic. This makes it a must-visit stop for any Mykonos itinerary!

Visit some of the other beaches of Mykonos

Mykonos has no shortage of beaches and even though we have already seen two in this itinerary, there are many more to choose from.

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

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

Just be sure to do your research ahead as some come with amenities, while others offer a more “natural” experience without bars, restaurants, facilities, etc.

Take a cooking class at Mykonian Spiti

If you have some extra time in your Mykonos itinerary, we strongly recommend taking a look at 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 when it comes to authentic Greek cuisine. This includes culture, traditional lifestyle, and some other tips.

You will prepare some local specialties including tzatziki and spinach and beef pie with barley, along with many others. Along the way, you can also enjoy some homemade local snacks. The tasting is obviously the best part and local wine is included!

Where to Stay in Mykonos

You will find many fantastic places to stay in Mykonos – here are some of the best (including the place 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 include in a Mykonos itinerary? Let us know your favorite things to do with only 3 days in Mykonos in the comments! Thanks!