Key Takeaways
- Wandering through the narrow streets of Mykonos Town, admiring the charming white-washed buildings and colorful doors.
- Stroll along the waterfront district of Little Venice, known for its picturesque houses hanging over the sea.
- In the evening, head to the bars and clubs of Mykonos Town or the beach clubs to experience Mykonos' nightlife.
- Explore Mykonos' magnificent beaches like such as Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, or Psarou Beach.
- Take a day trip to the nearby Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important archaeological site.
Vibrant, cosmopolitan, beautiful, traditional, and perfect all-around; Mykonos is the number one Greek destination, and the reason why is clear as crystal.
After months of being locked inside your home, a trip to Mykonos, even if it’s a short one, seems like an oasis. To be fair, Mykonos seems like an oasis no matter when, where, or why you visit it.
However, especially in post-quarantine times, people’s urgency to make the most out of their time is more prominent than ever.
If you are wondering how many days to spend in Mykonos while at the same time worrying about your wallet, then relax because 3 days in Mykonos are more than enough for you to explore and enjoy the Greek island.
To prove myself, here is a 3-day itinerary for Mykonos that will ensure your stay on the island of the Cyclades is short but sweet.
Day 1
Morning: Once you arrive from Athens to Mykonos, on the first day on the island, we’d advise you to take it easy, as trying to fit everything into your schedule while being tired and weary from all the traveling will only dampen your excitement, and you won't be able to enjoy what Mykonos has to offer in its full potential.
For that reason, after arriving, settling in your carefully chosen Mykonos hotel, freshening up, and grabbing a bite from a local bakery the way a local would explore the island comfortably, easily, and -most importantly- with the element of stress completely eliminated, with a Mykonos Highlights Tour.
Get introduced to the most significant spots of the island from the get-go and see for yourself what you like better; you can come back to your favorites and explore them at your leisure during your 3-day stay in Mykonos!
Afternoon: After getting acquainted with the island, it’s time to experience the true beauty of the island: the magnificent beaches of Mykonos that have made themselves known across the world due to their golden, sandy shores and crystal clear waters.
Put on your swimming suit, slather on copious amounts of sunscreen, grab your hat and sunglasses, and set on a swimming adventure that will relax you and give you the tan you’ve been dreaming of all year.
If you're visiting Mykonos with family, don’t be deterred by the strong winds the island is infamous for; there are some beaches where the wind is not that strong, the waters are not too deep, perfect for your little ones! From loud ones with beach bars and bottomless cocktails to quiet and chill ones for you to relax and take in the scenery, Mykonos island definitely has a beach just for you!
Since the vast majority of Mykonos' beaches are organized and surrounded by a number of local cafes and restaurants, after working up an appetite by swimming, stop for a lunch with traditional Greek dishes in one of the charming and welcoming seaside taverns that serve mouth-watering delicacies made by fresh, local produce.
There is nothing better than getting your stomach full of goodies after a long day on the beach! Our team has prepared the definitive Mykonos food guide so you can enjoy the culinary treasures of the island like a local!
Evening: Understandably, by now, you’ll be too tired to continue without getting some rest first. After all, the point of your trip to Mykonos is not to wear you out, but to help you escape everyday life for a few days, and provide you with relaxation and some much-needed rest. With that in mind, take a couple of hours to indulge in an afternoon siesta that will rejuvenate you and prepare you for the fun evening ahead.
If going out and partying isn’t exactly your scene, then here your night will come to an end and you’ll return to your accommodation for a good night’s sleep. If however, you want to get the full Mykonian nightlife experience, the night is just getting started!
After walking the beautiful cobbled streets of Mykonos and enjoying the remarkable Cycladic aesthetic and architecture, dance your troubles away in some of Mykonos’ most well-known bars and clubs that locals brag about and visitors can’t get enough of.
There is a wide variety of nightlife options to choose from, but our personal favorites include the Skandinavian Bar, the at 54 Club & Lounge Mykonos, and the Astra nightclub, among others.
Let your hair down, party until the crack of dawn, and experience the Greek nightlife like a true local; three days in Mykonos are more than enough for you to evolve into a Greek party animal! To make the experience even more genuine, make sure to grab a pastry from a local bakery on your way home for breakfast.
Day 2
Morning: The second day of your trip to Mykonos will be a cultured and luxurious one. We know that it is tempting to focus on Mykonos’ incredible beaches and leave out anything else. However, it would be nothing short of a shame to come all the way to Mykonos and not get an insight into its culture; we’re not about superficial tourism -even in Mykonos- and neither should you be!
As with most places in Greece, Mykonos has excellent museums that are waiting to captivate you and teach you about the past and present of the island. Our top picks include the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, which will educate you on the rich heritage of the island, the Aegean Maritime Museum, Lena's House Folk Museum, and the Agricultural Museum, housed in one of the trademark windmills of Mykonos Town.
Fascinating and insightful, these museums are some of the top things to do in Mykonos, whether you choose to visit one or all of them.
Noon: There is no way to let a day in Mykonos go by without taking full advantage of its magical beaches, that’s why it’s once again time to hit the road heading to the beach. Our personal favorite is the beach of Elias, but depending on where you stay or what you’re after, there is something to please even the most demanding of visitors.
Elias Beach is one of the quietest beaches of Mykonos, a feat in itself. Elias’ peaceful setting, calm sea, and relaxing vibe is the perfect escape from reality, while its one and only tavern offers excellent seafood dishes you can try if you feel like it.
Afternoon: The rest of the afternoon should be free for you to enjoy in whatever way you want. Walk the narrow alleys and admire the whitewashed houses sporting blue doors and windows.
Try local desserts in the traditional sweet shops, and cafes found all around downtown and indulge in retail therapy in Matoyianni street, known worldwide for the excellent boutique shops it hosts, as well as its souvenir shops for you to buy unique souvenirs from your trip to Greece.
While wandering around Mykonos, you’ll soon realize that there is no possibility of ever getting bored!
Evening: Take the second day of your trip to a whole other level by joining a Mykonos cooking class! The absolutely perfect activity for a couple visiting Mykonos to celebrate their love while tasting delicious creations and getting insight into the culinary culture of the island.
At this point, you’re more than welcome to head home to rest and recuperate for the next day of your 3-day stay in Mykonos. If, however, the party animal in you has woken up; then we’d highly suggest that you explore another side of Mykonos’ nightlife: its world-famous beach parties!
Head to Super Paradise Beach, the number one gay-friendly Greek destination, and enjoy a wild night of dancing. Wear your most comfortable shoes and light clothing, and let the beat of the music clear your mind; if having fun is not on your Mykonos itinerary, you might want to look into reconsidering your priorities.
Day 3
Unfortunately, the last day of your trip to Mykonos has come, and you must make sure to leave the cosmopolitan island on a high note!
That’s why, before packing your bags and heading to the port or the airport for your return, we advise you to spend your last 6 hours on Mykonos on a Mykonos Sailing Trip that will take you around the most stunning landscapes of Mykonos and will allow you to dive in deep blue waters you’d never encounter otherwise.
Swim near the island of Rhenia, sunbathe on the deck, and discover the fascinating history of the islet of Delos from afar; the mouthwatering meal on board is only the cherry on top!
Final Thoughts
The thing with Mykonos is that the possibilities are endless! Above is just an example of how to spend 3 days in Mykonos that will allow you to get to know the island, experience its highlights, and leave its premises feeling fulfilled by your holidays.
However, there are so many other ways to spend your time in Mykonos in 3 days that regardless of your age, status, interests, and budget, you are bound to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Of course, if you are visiting the island only for a day, we've got you covered as we have prepared the ultimate Mykonos one-day itinerary.
Don’t be discouraged by the news that shows Mykonos only as a place of wild and extreme partying that knows no boundaries. Mykonos can be a serene place of recollection and self-discovery. It can be the most fun family destination, the most romantic Greek honeymoon destination for a couple, and whatever in the world you want it to be.
What are you waiting for, then? Make your life that much more beautiful and visit the destination people from all over the world fantasize about. The best beach hotels in Mykono, the hotels in Mykonos with private pools, and the romantic hotels in Mykonos await you! And if your short stay in Mykonos managed to inspire you to explore more destinations, check out our Greek island hopping guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore Mykonos in 3 days?
Is it necessary to rent a car for a 3-day stay in Mykonos?
Should I include a visit to Delos Island in my 3-day itinerary?
Can I enjoy the beaches and nightlife in Mykonos for 3 days?
What should I prioritize if I have limited time in Mykonos?
