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

Mykonos is very beautiful! A short distance from other Cyclades 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 consideration the best places on the island for those visiting for the first time. 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 transport, 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 tavernas, and charming churches. To start your itinerary in Mykonos, spend some time strolling through the town’s narrow streets. This way, you can explore some of Chora’s hidden gems, quirky art galleries, and picturesque chapels.

You can explore Chora independently 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 include 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 believed to have been built between the 13th and 18th centuries, so it has a rich history. Since the island was under Venetian rule at the time, it makes sense that 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 turned into quirky bars and beautiful hotels like Bluetopia Suites! Being one of the most photographed spots in Europe, this is a must-visit place. 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

Continuing 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 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 church of the Virgin Mary. Each one is beautiful and they are also situated in a scenic location, right next to 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.

Mykonos Archaeological Museum

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 Mykonos Archaeological Museum was built to preserve historical artifacts dating back to 426-425 BC. These artifacts were excavated from the “purification pit” discovered in 1898. The finds inside this museum date from the 25th century BC up to the 1st century. You will find funerary statues, ceramics, jewelry, and clay figures among other objects! Although it is only relatively small, you will want to take your time to walk 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 not hard to see why!

There are 16 windmills in total, and they were once used to crush agricultural crops. Due to Mykonos being the “island of the winds,” these windmills were able to harness wind energy and help local farmers. Although no longer operational, 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 get from above. For this reason, it’s 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 just relax. Now you will only have a difficult choice, so take your time deciding. Some restaurants offer fantastic sea views, while others are located along the charming narrow alleys of Chora.

Here are some great restaurants in the town of Mykonos:

• Local Mykonos: known for its Souvlaki, grilled dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine
• Captain’s – Food for Sharing: Offers outdoor meals with sea views
• To Maereio: Authentic Greek restaurant serving traditional cuisine
• Kadena: Beautiful sea views, fresh fish, and delicious pasta dishes

Be mindful of the most famous restaurants as they fill up quickly. Some require a long wait, while others need reservations.

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 history of the island 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 admission ticket! Since you will always have a guide with you, you will 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 hosting historical artifacts. Some of these artifacts date back to the 1st century BC, including mosaics, jewelry, ceramics, and headdresses. However, it is the statues here that steal the spotlight.

Inside this museum you will find six rare statues that were uncovered right on the island. Depicting Apollo, Dioscurides, 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 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, it’s no surprise 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 crowds. However, it all depends on the time you return from the island of Delos.

Get a drink at 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 best dishes on the island 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 a wide wine list including some funky cocktails, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

During high season, reservations are usually required and there is a minimum spend that varies depending on when you go. However, you can simply try to visit and get there 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 located 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 seem quite crowded. With ample 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-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 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 fish dishes and scenic location
• Kostantis Restaurant: excellent service, great 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 beach 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 can’t enter, this spot 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 your camera! Compared to other spots 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 are riding an ATV up here. At the top, you will find a large parking area and then you can spend some time exploring the area.

Take a Sunset Cruise

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

With Mykonos Kaiki Cruises, you can set off on a 2.5-hour sunset cruise including drinks and snacks. The cruise takes you past the charming Little Venice district and you can admire the town from a unique perspective.

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

These cruises run from April 16 to October 15, so they are 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 check out this fantastic winery tour? It lasts 2 hours and during this time you will visit a local winery.

After wandering through the olive grove and vineyards, you will see how the local wine is produced. Of course, then you can do a wine tasting and appreciate the different flavors. Not only that, but this winery tour allows you to enjoy some delicious Mykonos snacks and listen to traditional music, so you’ll have the full Greek island experience.

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

Visit some of the other beaches in Mykonos

Mykonos has no shortage of beaches and even though 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 in Mykonos. Both can get quite crowded during the summer months, but they 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 make sure to do your research in advance 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 some 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 amazing experience. This 6-hour program will guide you through everything you need to know when it comes to authentic Greek cuisine. This includes the culture, traditional lifestyle, and some other tips.

You will be able to 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 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 some of the best things to include in a Mykonos itinerary? Let us know your favorite things to do with just 3 days in Mykonos in the comments! Thanks!