Itineraries for Your Trip to Mykonos
2 Days in Mykonos for First Timers
The Cyclades’ hot spot of Mykonos is a top-tier day-trip destination for everyone from VIP yachters to ferry-riding island hoppers. This spectacular spot in the Aegean Sea merits an overnight stay. Across my many visits—my great-grandmother emigrated to the US from Mykonos a century ago, so I still have family here—I have come to appreciate longer sojourns to experience the island’s charms on land, plus have time to cruise along the coast and to the neighboring islets.
Follow my tips to take in the island’s most unforgettable sights, postcard-perfect beaches, chic designer and artisan shops, and a buzzy dining scene at a relaxed pace. Read on for a first-timer’s itinerary for two days in Mykonos.
Protect yourself from the island’s summertime temps and sun with sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a scenic cruise around the island.
The whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town are delightfully atmospheric and the ideal starting point for your two days on the island. Set off with a walking tour that visits highlights such as Little Venice, Paragia Paraportiani Church, the Windmills, and the pretty harbor with its bobbing fishing boats. Some tours also include a driving portion to explore the village of Ano Mera and other sights outside the main town.
Mykonos is a beach-lover’s paradise, so kick back in the afternoon to bask and bathe at the island’s top stretches of sandy coastline. From family-friendly spots to party-til-dawn clubs, there are limitless options. Try Agios Ioannis, Kalafatis, Psarou, Kalo Livadi, Ornos, or Paradise—getting between the beaches can be tricky, so opt
Look past the trendy clubs and chic boutiques; you’ll find vestiges of Myknonos history as a fishing, farming, and winemaking island. Tonight, delve into the local cuisine with a culinary adventure such as a hands-on cooking class with an island host or a family-style dining experience highlighting traditional island dishes. Both offer an opportunity to connect with locals through authentic food.
Now that you’ve covered the island by land, it’s time to admire Mykonos by sea. Set sail on a private or small-group boat tour around the island this morning. Most half-day tours include time to swim and snorkel along the way, plus snacks or even a traditional Greek barbecue lunch on board. Choose between a catamaran, sailboat, or motorboat for your cruise.
If your morning boat tour didn’t include stops to visit the island of Delos, set off this afternoon to see this tiny islet known for its ancient ruins. Catch a ferry for the short ride to the legendary birthplace of Apollo, then join a guided tour to understand better and appreciate the ruins. Alternatively, book a full-day boat tour that departs from Mykonos in the morning and includes stops at Delos and Rhenia.
Toast to your final night on Mykonos with an evening wine tasting, either in Mykonos town or at a boutique winery on the island’s hills. Sip a variety of heirloom island wines paired with meze and other small bites as you watch the sun dip beneath the horizon. Many wine tastings outside of town include round-trip transport so you can imbibe worry-free.
