3 Days in Mykonos: The Ultimate Island Guide

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

If you are looking for how to spend 3 days in Mykonos, Greece, then keep reading! 

From beautiful beaches, lively beach clubs, quaint cobblestone streets, and delicious seafood, Mykonos has it all. After traveling to Athens and Santorini, Mykonos just might be my favorite place I’ve visited in Greece and it might be yours too after reading this guide about all of the best things to do in Mykonos.

Whether you are spending 2 days in Mykonos or a week in Mykonos, this guide covers all of the best things to do on the island, where to stay in Mykonos, how to get around Mykonos, and more.

I spent 3 days in Mykonos during my European backpacking trip and it was nothing but incredible. Everything about this island is perfect. If you’re planning a trip, this article is for you. Let’s dive into the Mykonos itinerary.

Looking for more Greece guides? 

• Santorini Travel Guide 
• 3 Days in Athens Itinerary 
• 15 Foods to Try in Greece
• The Top 10 Best Santorini Instagram Spots
• The Ultimate 7 Day Greece Itinerary

This post is all about how to spend 3 days in Mykonos.

3 Days in Mykonos – THE BASICS

CURRENCY = EURO

The currency in Mykonos is the Euro (EUR)
1 USD = .90 Euro

Many places in Mykonos will accept card payments but I find it helpful to keep some cash for small purchases. Cash on hand helps if you are out to dinner and plan to split the bill with others. In most European cities they will not split the bill with card payments.

Having small bills is also helpful if you are negotiating at local markets. There are also plenty of ATMs around the island.

LANGUAGE = GREEK

Although Greek is the official language, you will find that many people speak English here. It is helpful to have the Google Translate app downloaded on your phone. And if you don’t speak the language I would prepare a few basic phrases and sentences just to be polite.

PHONE & INTERNET

The wifi was great at my hotel. I think this is the case for many hotels. Yet, At times around the island, the service and wifi would be spotty. However, you will be able to find cafes that have pretty good wifi.

DAILY BUDGET

I found Mykonos to be a bit expensive, I would say a good budget is $100 per day for a low to mid-range budget. However, if you are on a backpacker’s budget it is possible to travel Mykonos with a lower budget. I would say $60 – $80 is doable if you are eating off the beaten path at smaller cafes and doing fewer activities.

TIPPING IN MYKONOS

Tipping in Mykonos, similar to the rest of Greece, is optional. Yet, if you have nice service it’s not uncommon to leave a gratuity between 5% and 10%. When on excursions, like sailing and catamaran cruises, it’s always typical to tip your crew.

IS THE TAP WATER DRINKABLE?

No, don’t drink the tap water on the island. However, it is okay to brush your teeth with tap water.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MYKONOS

Shoulder season is the best time to visit Mykonos, there are fewer crowds and the weather should be nice. This is between the months of September to October and April to May.

I did visit in June of 2021 but it was right around the time when Greece had re-opened for tourism. I think I got really lucky at this time because the weather was great, there were minimal crowds, and everything was open!

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HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN MYKONOS? 

So, how many days do you need in Mykonos? I suggest at least 3 days, and I don’t think you need more than 5 because there are so many other beautiful islands to visit nearby.

In Mykonos, it’s nice having enough time to relax at the beaches, spend time sightseeing & shopping, and of course party ~ if you’re into that ~. 3 days in Mykonos will give you enough time to do it all.

WHY YOU SHOULD INCLUDE MYKONOS IN YOUR ITINERARY

Yes, Mykonos is one of the top party islands in the world, but don’t let this turn you away from this beautiful island if the party life isn’t for you. Mykonos is so much more than its beach clubs. It has some of the most beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, the cutest old town, incredible dining, and amazing shopping. I promise it’s worth a spot on your Greece itinerary.

HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN MYKONOS, GREECE

OVERVIEW OF YOUR 3 DAYS IN MYKONOS

• Day 1: Explore the Old Town of Mykonos, Mykonos windmills, Little Venice, and Panagia Paraportiani Church
• Day 2: Beach day, Armenistis Lighthouse, and nightlife 
• Day 3: Tour Delos Island, sunset at Scorpios 

I’ve listed out the highlights day by day in this itinerary but make sure to personalize your trip by adding your favorite restaurants and cafes into your itinerary. At the end of this guide, I’ve listed out the best restaurants and cafes in Mykonos for you to choose where to visit. 

MAP OF YOUR 3 DAYS IN MYKONOS ITINERARY

Below you’ll find a custom Mykonos map of all the spots listed in this article.

DAY 1 MYKONOS ITINERARY 

Search for all of the best tours and activities here on GetYourGuide

GET LOST IN MYKONOS TOWN, CHORA

To get a sense of the island, spend your first morning during your 3 days in Mykonos exploring Chora, the old town of Mykonos. 

Wandering around Mykonos town is like walking through a fairy tale. The white houses, hundreds of cobblestone street alleys, boutiques, and cute cafes make it the perfect place to get lost. Mykonos is certainly one of the most photogenic islands so make sure to explore the old town.  

Mykonos Town itself is all walkable. Also, the famous windmills and Little Venice are located here. It does get very crowded, so if you want some time to yourself in Mykonos town I would wander around before the island wakes up. This is also a perfect time for photos. Getting lost in Mykonos town might just be the best thing to do on the island.

MYKONOS WINDMILLS

I’m sure you’ve seen these famous windmills all over social media. They are located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean right next to Little Venice. 

This makes the Mykonos windmills very convenient to visit if you are already exploring Mykonos town. The Mykonos windmills are also a great photography spot in Mykonos, as the windmills have become a must-visit spot when in Mykonos. 

You might run into Petros the Pelican — the official mascot of Mykonos, Greece. Well, maybe not the original Petros, but another great white pelican in Mykonos town. In 1958 a wounded pelican was found off the coast of the island and then nursed back to health. The pelican remained on the island, and essentially became the mascot of Mykonos! 

CHURCH OF PANAGIA PARAPORTIANI

Located in the neighborhood of Kastro, in Mykonos town, Paraportiani Church is one of the most photographed churches in Greece and well worth a spot on your Mykonos itinerary.  

You’ll see that the architecture of the church is quite unique. And the view of the ocean from here is incredible! It’s also a great photography spot on the island.

DINE ON THE WATER IN LITTLE VENICE

One of the best things to do in Mykonos is to watch a sunset in Little Venice. It’s such a picture-perfect area located right in Mykonos town. 

There are plenty of restaurants along the water (and yes, they are a bit more expensive) but I promise it’s well worth the experience to dine here for dinner at least once during your 3 days in Mykonos.

DAY 2 MYKONOS ITINERARY 

SPEND TIME ON THE WATER 

Your Mykonos itinerary isn’t complete without spending some time on the beach. Mykonos has world-class beaches all along the southern coast. 

Here are some of the best beaches in Mykonos:

• Paraga Beach: For party lovers. 
• Platis Gialos Beach: This is where our hotel was located and this beach was nothing but perfect. Platis Gialos has it all – shopping, mini markets, restaurants, sunbeds, and watersports. 
• Ornos Beach: One of the more relaxed beaches in Mykonos. 
• Paradise Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Mykonos and there is always a party. 
• Lia Beach: Sunbeds, umbrellas, and not as crowded. 
• Psarou Beach: One of the most scenic beaches in Mykonos.

The water is incredible on this island, we spent every day at some point enjoying the beach. Mykonos is also a great place to take a sunset cruise or a catamaran trip!

ARMENISTIS LIGHTHOUSE

If you are looking for amazing views of the sea, head to Armenistis Lighthouse. Go during sunset for even better views. The lighthouse is located in the northeast part of the island and is about 7 kilometers from Mykonos town.

This 19-meter-tall lighthouse was built in 1891 and is certainly an iconic spot to visit in Mykonos. 

NIGHTLIFE IN MYKONOS

Okay, if you aren’t into the club scene skip over this one. However, Mykonos is one of the top party islands in the world and the beach club scene is insane. The best beaches to party at are Paradise Beach, Paraga Beach, and Super Paradise Beach. 

As for clubs and beach clubs, Tropicana, Cavo Paradiso, and Scorpios are all great places to party. I spent my nights out at Tropicana and it was certainly a party spot. 

Tropicana is one of the best beach clubs in Mykonos. Like I mentioned earlier in the article I visited right as Greece was reopening due to the pandemic. During this time Greece had made music illegal to play at bars, clubs, etc… (crazy right?!). 

Well, the day I arrived in Mykonos was the day music had become legal again…so the beach clubs… were insane. But in the best way possible! Everyone was so happy to dance and enjoy music again. 

RELATED POST: GREECE LOOKBOOK – WHAT TO WEAR IN GREECE

DAY 3 MYKONOS ITINERARY 

VISIT DELOS ISLAND

Delos Island is an archaeological site in the Aegean Sea’s Cyclades archipelago. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site about a 30 to 45-minute boat ride from the island of Mykonos. 

This island was home to the Greek God, Apollo and was known for trading and religious worship. Delos Island is one of the most popular day trips from Mykonos. In the summer, tours run in the mornings and the evenings. 

You can book a guided tour here. This is a great half-day trip to include during your 3 days in Mykonos. 

WATCH THE SUNSET AT SCORPIOS

Okay, if anything you HAVE to visit Scorpios. I have never been anywhere like Scorpios, this place has a total vibe, to say the least. It’s a beach club in Mykonos, and although they do have some crazy nightlife I recommend going for dinner or a sunset cocktail and apps.

This was the most zen experience of my life. We sat on cushions right next to the ocean on the sand. The decor is Moroccan-inspired, the music is so good, the drinks were fantastic, and we even got a couple of snacks that were delicious! Visiting Scorpios is 100% one of the best things to do in Mykonos. You can’t miss it.

Planning to spend a week in Greece? Check out my 7 day Greece itinerary here!

TRANSPORTATION IN MYKONOS

HOW TO GET TO MYKONOS

You will likely arrive in Mykonos via ferry. There are two ports in Mykonos, called Chora and Tourlos. To get from the port to your accommodation I would check to see if your hotel arranges transfers. This is the best option! If not, there are plenty of taxis and buses hanging around by the ports.

On the other hand, you might arrive via plane. If so, the airport in Mykonos Greece is Mikonos Airport (JMK). If you are visiting Athens and Santorini as well, check out The Abroad Blog’s guide to visiting Santorini from Athens! 

HOW TO GET AROUND MYKONOS

The best way to get around the island is either by bus or taxi. The bus system is very efficient and connects many towns and popular areas. It’s also affordable. Taxis on the other hand can be a bit more pricy but an efficient way to get around.

For instance, we would take a taxi to and from our hotel (Hotel Acrogiali) to Tropicana Beach Club when we went out for the night and it cost us about 25 euros each way.

WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS

I stayed at Acrogiali Beach Hotel and it was incredible. It’s right on the beach of Platis Gialos and there are so many great restaurants around the area. It’s also a short walk from Scorpios and many other hot spots on the island.

Paraga Beach Hostel is a great budget accommodation to stay at. I know someone who stayed here and they enjoyed it! To find hostels, I recommend Hostel World.

FIND A PLACE TO STAY IN MYKONOS

Booking.com

EAT + DRINK IN MYKONOS

There is no shortage of amazing food to eat on this island! Check out my guide on the best foods to try in Greece here.

• Scorpios: amazing drinks and food. A must during your weekend in Mykonos.
• Taverna Sunset: This was right in Little Venice, the view was the BEST dinner view I have ever experienced. The food was delicious too, we had Greek wine and I got the grilled shrimp.
• Yialo Yialo: This restaurant is just steps away from our hotel. It was incredible. We tried the Greek salad, salmon pasta, and fried calamari. Oh, and a lot of wine. Yialo Yialo also has great cocktails, get the espresso martini!
• Nikolas Taverna: Another great dinner spot! You have to try the fried feta (feta me meli) I ordered the mushroom and prosciutto pasta and it was incredible.
• 180 Mykonos: this is an amazing sunset spot and cocktail bar.
• Interini: I’ve heard amazing things about this restaurant. Definitely worth adding to the list.
• Lalala Mykonos: For breakfast
• Cosmo Cafe: For breakfast 

SAFETY IN MYKONOS

Mykonos is a safe place but be careful when out late at the clubs. Just don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. Watch your belongings, and your drink, and don’t get too drunk. Wear a belt bag or a small purse that stays close to you when you’re out at night.

MYKONOS PACKING ESSENTIALS

• Sunscreen
• Waterbottle
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable sandals
• Lightweight dresses
• Travel adapter
• Disposable camera
• Tote bag
• CaliCase
• Belt bag

The island of Mykonos is well worth a visit whether you like to party or not! It’s seriously one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to with so many great things to do and see. I hope this 3 days in Mykonos itinerary was helpful. As always, if you have any questions about Mykonos or Greece in general please reach out! Feel free to DM me on Instagram, comment below, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com.

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