MYKONOS, GREECE: TRAVEL GUIDE TO 3 DAYS ON THE ISLAND

If you’re looking to spend a few days on a quintessential Greek island, Mykonos is the one. Situated in the Cyclades, the tiny island is completely iconic, packing in Instagram photo opps around every corner. Mykonos Town is particularly lovely with its white-washed stone alleys, charming blue shutters, scenic windmills, picturesque churches and scores of outdoor dining options. Whether you’re there to party or to relax, you’ll leave Mykonos wishing you had more time. Some visitors stay just a couple of nights, but I recommend four nights / three days to see the town, the beaches, the sights and enjoy some R&R. The travel guide below includes my favorite things to do, itinerary ideas, hotel recommendations, restaurants, sunset bars, beaches, photo locations and more. This post contains affiliate links.

An iconic fixture of Mykonos, the Kato Mili Windmills sit at the edge of town overlooking the water. Outfit details: Lulu’s skirt linked here.

HOW MANY DAYS ON MYKONOS?

THREE DAYS. This really depends on how much leisure time you’re looking to have on the island. With three full days, you can explore the main town, sightsee in Little Venice, eat at the best restaurants, shop the boutiques and even enjoy a beach club or two at a relaxed pace.

Mykonos Town is home to some of the most charming little churches. Outfit details: Lulu’s dress linked here, bag linked here.

Caprice is one of the cutest waterfront bars in Little Venice.

My favorite corner in town. Outfit details: Free People dress linked here, bag linked here.

EXPLORE MYKONOS

AGIAS PARASKEVIS STREET

This Insta-famous alleyway is hard to recognize during the day when the shops are open with tourists roaming about. Visit early in the morning when everything is closed to see the iconic street and snap a photo.

BONI’S WINDMILL

If you’re in search of a topside view of Mykonos Town, make the short hike up to Boni’s Windmill. The lone windmill is lovely, but it’s the sweeping views over the little town that make this one of the best viewpoints on the island.

ELIA BEACH

There are loads of beach club options on the island, but Elia Beach is probably the most beautiful. Located in southern Mykonos, the calm stretch of turquoise coast is lined with dozens of perfectly placed thatched umbrellas and sun beds. When you park your car, instead of heading straight to the beautiful beach located in front of the parking lot, walk to your right along an open dirt path. It leads to separate section of umbrellas and beach that is even more stunning, and most people miss because they head to the first beach they see.

HAPPINESS BOUTIQUE

This charming boutique sits at the conversion of two alleyways, surrounded by white-washed buildings, blue shutters and red detailing. It’s a great spot for photos, but the street is heavily trafficked, as it’s one of the main streets in town. Best to visit early in the morning.

KATO MILI WINDMILLS

The island’s iconic windmills are a short walk from the Little Venice waterfront. It’s another popular tourist spot, especially if a cruise ship is in port, so I recommend making this the first stop on the day.

LITTLE VENICE WATERFRONT

Vibrant setting where town meets the sea. A great place to visit during the day, as well as at sunset with a glass of wine.

MYKONOS VIEWPOINT

The best viewpoint of Mykonos Town can be accessed via a short hike from the waterfront. Unfortunately, there isn’t an address or landmark, so directions are a bit tricky. Make your way to the ELTA Post Office, and look for a nearby staircase that leads up to the GPS Coordinates 37°27’00.8″N 25°19’51.0″E.

PANACHRA CHURCH

Gorgeous white church that sits in a tiny cobbled square surrounded by colorful flags and blooming flowers.

PARADISE BEACH

Paradise Beach is a spot more popular with partygoers. It’s located in South Mykonos, and the pretty turquoise waters attract lots of tourists during high season.

PARAPORTIANI CHURCH

This is the most photographed church on the island, so arrive early to experience the charm of Paraportiani without crowds of tourists. The white rocky church looks like something out of the Flintstone’s, and it’s actually several churches combined to look like one single rocky structure.

Little Venice.

SUNSET BARS ON MYKONOS

180 SUNSET BAR

The outdoor bar is perched on the highest peak in Mykonos Town overlooking the port, Little Venice, the windmills below and the white washed town below. Grab an oversized pillow, order a drink and watch the sun go down.

CAPRICE MYKONOS FOR SUNSET

Beautiful seafront bar that occupies a prime location in Little Venice where tiny white tables are surrounded by dozens of pastel blue wooden chairs. The scene is absolutely charming, and it’s a great spot to have a drink and watch the sunset. Reservations recommended.

NEGRITA BAR

A popping bar in Little Venice with a charming outdoor seating scene complete with little white tables, bougainvilleas and sea views.

NICE N EASY

Popular bar and restaurant on the Little Venice waterfront that is perfect for dinner and drinks at sunset.

SCOPRIO’S BEACH CLUB

This place is totally a scene, and very expensive. But a visit to Scorpio’s has become synonymous to Mykonos for visitors seeking out the party scene.

Little shops line the pedestrian streets in town.

Chillin’ at Kastro’s, possibly the most iconic alleyway on the island.

The charm of Mykonos. Outfit details: Lulu’s dress linked here.

STAY ON MYKONOS

CAVO TAGOO MYKONOS

Cavo Tagoo is home to 83 upscale units, a mix of rooms, suites and villas that have been beautifully designed for the luxury traveler. The property frequently houses celebrities and social influencers, as it’s now a bucket list experience when traveling to Mykonos. The resort pools have become a destination, but it should be noted that the Instafamous cave pools, heart-shaped pool and saltwater infinity pool are all located inside private suites and villas (only those guests have access to them). Cavo Tagoo is located just outside of Mykonos Town, and the property provides free shuttle service for guests.

KIVOTOS MYKONOS

This boutique luxury hotel is located across the island from Mykonos Town. Kivotos Mykonos is built up a small slope from its private beach with a truly spectacular infinity pool. Rooms and suites are minimalist, but luxurious, a concept embraced by most luxury hotels in the Greek islands.

MYCONIAN VILLA COLLECTION

Absolutely beautiful hotel that overlooks Elia Beach on the island’s southern coast. Similar to most hotels on the island, several of the Myconian Villa Collection suites and villas open up to plunge pools that overlook spectacular views of the sea. Guests pay top dollar during high season for this solid luxury option.

ROCABELLA MYKONOS

Located north of the port, it’s a 15-minute drive from Rocabella to reach Mykonos Town. This Bohemian retreat is filled with luxury cabanas, infinity pools and plunge pools that overlook the sea.

SANTA MARINA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT

Santa Marina is ideal for travelers looking for high-end luxury on Mykonos. A Luxury Collection property, the resort sits on a private beach filled with picture-perfect sunbeds, and a room selection that ranges from classic suites to five bedroom villas. Rooms are bright, airy and spacious adorned in white and neutral tones.

VILLA THELGO MYKONOS

Villa Thelgo is home to four split level villas, ranging from two to three bedrooms (perfect for group stays). Location is just a couple miles from Mykonos Town, but the peaceful setting feels a world away. Rooms are bright with iconic Greek decor details like stone tubs, rock walls, blue shutters, etc.

Gelato always tastes better when traveling, especially in Greece.

Greek salad at Caesar’s.

Dinner at D’Angelo Mykonos.

EAT ON MYKONOS

CAESAR’S

Longtime favorite located in Goumenio Square – great atmosphere for dinner in the evenings. Menu includes traditional Greek dishes and fresh seafood.

D’ANGELO MYKONOS

Solid Italian restaurant with a variety of menu options including fresh pasta, pizzas, seafood, salads and risotto. D’Angelo was so tasty, I ate here twice (the fresh fish, garlic bread and bruschetta were delicious). Restaurant is located behind the Kato Mili Windmills on the way to Fabrica Square.

KASTRO’S RESTAURANT

Most people find their way to Kastro’s because they’ve seen photos of the restaurant’s iconic white-washed alleyway that leads to the sea. After snapping a few selfies, stick around to eat! The Kastro’s menu is filled with loads of fresh seafood options including sea bream, sea bass, salmon, mussels, lobster and more.

KIKI’S TAVERN

Famous restaurant with no power located on the island’s south coast. All cooking is done on a tiny grill – grilled feta cheese, grilled eggplant, grilled mushrooms, sea bass, chicken and pork. There are only a dozen or so tables at the restaurant, so expect a long wait time.

NAUTILUS

Nautilus’ menu offerings include a variety of pastas and fresh seafood. Lovely spot for outdoor dining on a warm summer evening – great ambiance.

PEPPER MYKONOS

A quick, affordable lunch option in Little Venice. Pepper Mykonos serves up authentic Greek cuisine on little tables that line a tiny alley.

ROCA COOKERY

Delicious selection of fresh seafood with outdoor seating that overlooks sweeping views of Mykonos Town across the tiny bar.

SALE & PEPE

The Sale & Pepe menu is filled with handmade Italian pastas, fresh seafood and wood fired pizza. One of my favorite restaurants on Mykonos.

THE TASTE DIARIES

Breakfast option that serves up a variety of crepes, located on the harbor.

Paraportiani Church reminds me of The Flintstone’s. Outfit details: Lulu’s dress linked here.

Cats are everywhere in the Greek islands.

GET TO MYKONOS

Mykonos is a highly accessible island with an international airport that services dozens of cities throughout Europe and the Middle East, as well as a few domestic routes. For travelers that are island hopping, there are several ferry options connecting Mykonos to the surrounding islands including Paros, Santorini and Milos . I used Ferry Hopper to book tickets in advance – it pulls the schedules from several of the ferry lines.

Gyros at Pepper.

GET AROUND MYKONOS

If you don’t plan venture beyond Mykonos Town, it’s easy enough to explore on foot. Everything is walkable from the Old Port to the Kato Milli Windmills. For visitors with more time on Mykonos that want to explore the island, scooters, ATVs and even cars are available to rent in town. Most rental companies are located in Fabrica Square on the edge of town. Also, if you plan to rent a car or scooter, most places require an international drivers license. Americans can get this from an AAA office for $20 by filling out an application.

Endless epic viewpoints on the island.

QUICK TIPS

Mykonos has become a tourist hot spot in recent years, especially if there are cruise ships in port. The best time to sightsee is early in the morning, especially if photos at iconic locations are part of the plan. And leave the afternoon for eating, shopping and beach time.

Sunset in Little Venice.