Lying between Paros, Naxos, Tinos, and Syros is Mykonos, the Island of the Winds. The island is a land of myth, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Although 1 day in Mykonos does not seem enough, it is sufficient to cover the highlights that the city has to offer.
Our highlights include:-
- Panagia Paraportiani
- Windmills of Mykonos
- Armenistis Lighthouse
And, if you are extending your trip, you can take a day trip to two places which we think are worth the trip.
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Where is Mykonos?
Mykonos is one of the smaller islands within the Cyclades, yet it is recognized as the “Manhattan of the Aegean”. The island is a party island and is Greece’s answer to Spain’s Ibiza.
With hot and dry summers and mild winters and sunshine for 300 days, the best time to travel is during the shoulder seasons from April to early June and from September to October.
Other than visiting historical sites, Mykonos is perfect for beginner divers with plenty of walls, caves, and wrecks to explore. Join a 2-hour Scuba Diving Course For Beginners while enjoying the beauty of Lia Beach.
For the adventurous, opt for a hiking adventure and swim at remote beaches that are far away from the crowds. For the less adventurous, join a cooking class or enjoy a barbeque at a Mykonian Farm.
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How do I get around Mykonos?
There are several ways to get around in Mykonos. These are by:
Bus
Mykonos has a comprehensive bus network thanks to the services of KTEL Mykonos. The bus services cover the major areas of the Old Port, New Port, Ano Mera, and Fabrika with routes to the major tourist beaches on the island such as Paradise and Super Paradise.
Car
The best and most convenient way to see the island on your own and at your own pace is by renting a car. You can check out Rental Cars to pick up your car from anywhere in Mykonos and drop it off anywhere convenient to you.
During the summer months, you would have to deal with peak-season traffic and limited parking locations throughout the island. The roads are also narrow and you can be fined heavily for parking at an unapproved spot.
Walk
The beach walk between Platys Gialos and Paradise Beach is one of the highlights of Mykonos. The other area where beach walks are possible is from Ornos to Super Paradise Beach.
Get yourself a pair of shoes that is comfortable and lightweight so you can walk with confidence. These shoes are made from breathable fabric with an insole that reduces odor.
For your time at the beach, get a sand proof extra large beach blanket that easily removes sand with a shake. The blanket can easily fit 7 persons and yet fits into a small compression sack that you can throw in your backpack.
However, walking in Mykonos is not recommended as there are no proper walking trails and the roads are narrow and busy which makes walking dangerous within the city center.
Boat
Mykonos Sea Transfer has a daily sea taxi service to the major beaches on Mykonos. The sea taxi begins from Ornos and goes to Platys Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.
The Mykonos Sea Bus is the only fast and reliable transportation between the Old Port of Chora to the New Port of Tourlos. It is also cheap and costs €2 ($2.25) per person.
Taxi
There are only about 30 taxis in Mykonos and you can find them behind the Cosmote building at the north entrance of Mykonos Town and next to the southern bus station. In both areas, you can find long queues.
Although Uber is available in Athens, there is no Uber in Mykonos. The alternative ride-sharing applications which you can use are Aegean Taxi and iMove.
Motorbike/Scooter
Motorbikes or scooters are an excellent alternative to driving. Not only can you cover every nook and cranny of Mykonos, but you are also assured that parking would be so much easier.
However, take note that you need to have a valid motorcycle driving license in your home country before you can drive in Mykonos. To book a motorcycle or scooter, Bikes Booking has several options you can use when in Mykonos.
Airport transfer
The easiest way to get from the airport to the city is through an airport transfer. You can pre-book your Mykonos Airport Transfer to get you to your hotel safely.
Is 1 day enough for Mykonos?
Yes, 1 day is enough for Mykonos as the island is fairly small and the main sights are walkable. Join the Mykonos Shore Excursion & Island City Tour that takes you through Little Venice and the Windmills of Mykonos. As this is a self-guided walking tour, it is best to get lightweight and breathable walking shoes with an easy slip-on design.
To capture the beautiful memories of your time at Mykonos, get a digital camera that is both anti-shake and built-in autofocus. The camera is perfect for video blogging and can be used as a webcam for live streaming on Youtube. Throw away any add-on lenses, with this camera, you can shoot stunning images of people, landscapes, and selfies!
Little Venice
We began our 1 day in Mykonos at Little Venice. This charming area neighborhood is between Castro and Scarpa and was once a fishing village. The beautiful houses along the sea once belonged to rich sea merchants and fishermen during the 18th century.
The area became “Little Venice” because of its picturesque setting of wooden doors against whitewashed walls and colorful balconies. Today, the area is brimming with bars, restaurants, art galleries, and exhibitions.
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Our second stop during our 1 day in Mykonos is the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. This church is an easy walk from the Little Venice neighborhood. The church is at the entrance of the Kastro neighborhood.
The church is also known as the Lady of the Side Gate and was constructed in the 14th century. However, the church was only completed in the 17th century. The unique feature of this church is that it is a combination of five churches built on top of one another over several centuries.
Windmills of Mykonos
Our third stop during our 1 day in Mykonos is the Windmills of Mykonos. These windmills are about 350 meters or an easy 5-minute walk from the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. These iconic windmills can be seen from anywhere in Mykonos.
These iconic structures were built to take advantage of the northern winds and were used to grind barley, wheat, and any other agricultural produce. The windmills on the hills are known as Pano Mili while those on the lower hills were known as Kato Mili.
Can you walk to the windmills on Mykonos?
Yes, you can walk to the windmills on Mykonos. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the Kato Mili windmills from the port. Join the Highlights of Mykonos Walking Tour which takes you to the scenic village of Ano Mera, the windmills, and Little Venice.
Who built the Mykonos windmills?
The windmills were built by the Venetians during the 16th century and were used to grind wheat and barley which were then sold to local bakeries or transported to other areas around Mykonos.
Armenistis Lighthouse
Our fourth and last stop during our 1 day in Mykonos is the Armenistis Lighthouse. This iconic lighthouse was built in 1891 and is a testimony to Mykonos’ rich maritime past. The lighthouse was built after the sinking of a British steamship that killed 11 people.
Armenistis Lighthouse is fully functional with its lighting mechanism updated to be on par with current technology. Its original lighting is in the courtyard of the Aegean Maritime Museum.
Join the Armenistis Lighthouse Guided Tour and learn about the island’s maritime history while enjoying the stunning views. Complete your trip with a picture of the beautiful sunset.
Day Trip: Tinos
Our first choice for a day trip, if you have 1 day in Mykonos, is the beautiful island of Tinos. If you want to avoid the crowds at Delos, Tinos is the best place to be. Although it is a popular island for religious purposes, the island is becoming an upcoming star.
From hiking to surfing, you can take a winery tour paired with snacks or explore the villages of Kardiani, Pyrgos, and Falatados. These villages dot the slopes of the island.
After exploring the villages, head to the Museum of Marble Crafts and learn about the marble traditions of the island. Legend has it that the ancient Greek sculptor Phidias taught his craft on this island.
The island is also famous for its iconic church, the Panagia Evangelistria which holds the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary. On August 15 every year, pilgrims go on their hands and knees from the port and make their way to the church.
Day Trip: Syros
Our second choice for a day trip, if you have 1 day in Mykonos, is Syros. The island is considered off the beaten path. Hence, it is less busy and crowded when compared to Mykonos, Santorini, Delos, and Tinos.
Head to Ano Syros, the medieval town on the hill. Walk the narrow marble steps as you make your way to St George Cathedral which gives you a panoramic view of the neighboring islands of Tinos, Naxos, Delos, Andros, Paros, and Mykonos.
After that, return to the port town of Ermoupoli with the City Hall at its center. For shopping, head to Chiou Street and try the handmade pasta flavored with saffron from Prekas Grocery Store.
Which is the best part of Mykonos to stay in?
Whether you are a first-timer or a frequent visitor to Mykonos, the best place to stay in Mykonos is in Mykonos Town or Chora. With pedestrian-friendly streets and whitewashed walls, this is a beautiful place to get lost in.
Head to Matoyianni Street for endless shopping. Spend your day walking the narrow pebbled streets, admiring the wooden doors, and the balconies. The homes here are a traditional Cycladic village that was built by the bay by the fishermen who once lived here.
Some attractions to look out for are the Aegean Maritime Museum, walking along the Old Port, or visiting the Three Wells which once supplied water to the entire island of Mykonos.
Mykonos Town (Chora)
Lefteris
Our first choice for 1 day in Mykonos is Lefteris. This 12-room hotel exudes the traditional Cycladic vibe with its whitewashed walls and panoramic sunny veranda. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities and can easily accommodate 2-4 people.
The hotel is within walking distance of the Aegean Sea, Matoyianni Street, Panagia Paraportiani, and the Windmills of Mykonos. Some positive reviews mention the excellent location and nice, clean rooms. Guests also loved the friendly and helpful staff and the beautiful rooftop terrace where you can view the stunning Mykonos sunset. The easy check-in and check-out process was a bonus.
Pnoe
Our second choice for 1 day in Mykonos is Pnoe. Pnoe is a 3-bedroom villa with ensuite bathrooms. The villa is about 100 meters from Agia Anna Beach. The residence comes with a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, a wet bar, and a dining area.
The home has central air conditioning, free WiFi, a washer-dryer, a safety deposit box, and an alarm system. Complimentary toiletries are also provided in all 3 bathrooms. Guests loved the first-class hospitality of the fun and helpful host, Katerina. Guests also loved the beautifully styled rooms, the comfortable beds, and the views from the balcony that overlooked the old harbor.
Hidden Heaven
Our third choice for 1 day in Mykonos is Hidden Heaven. This hotel is on the outskirts of Mykonos. The property has several room types which include a studio apartment, a 3-bedroom house, a 2-bedroom house, and a 1-bedroom house. The 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom houses come with an outdoor spa bath and are on the ground floor while the other units are on the upper floors.
Guests loved that this property had a “home away from home” vibe to it. Guests also loved the comfortable beds, the friendly staff, the well-equipped kitchen, and the amazing, kind, and helpful owners. Other reviews mention the excellent location that is within walking distance of supermarkets and restaurants.
Little Venice Suites
Our fourth choice for 1 day in Mykonos is Little Venice Suites. This 5-room apartment is at the center of Little Venice. The suites are well-appointed in shades of white and blue with a sense of space. All room comes with a sea view, a Nespresso machine, a safety deposit box, free WiFi, and an iPod dock.
Guests loved that the location was excellent and the host and staff were friendly and welcoming. Other reviews mention the wonderful views and clean rooms. As the hotel is above restaurants and bars, it’s best to bring some earplugs with you to get a good night’s sleep.
Sunset Windmill Suites
Our fifth choice for 1 day in Mykonos is Sunset Windmill Suites. This 3-bedroom apartment hotel is located in the heart of Mykonos city center and is within walking distance of the windmills, Fabrica Square, Little Venice, and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
Guests loved the friendly and helpful hosts, the comfortable beds, the excellent location, and the clean rooms. Guests also loved the beautiful views of the sea and the windmills.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mykonos
The best month to go to Mykonos is during the summer months of June to August and the autumn months of September to October. Summer is the best time for partying on the island and you can expect crowded planes and ferries.
If you want peace, the winter months of November to April are the best time to visit as the weather cools. You can get discounted rates for accommodation. However, the ferries and tourist sites operate on limited hours during these months.
Yes, you can walk around Mykonos. Mykonos Town is small and you can use our self-guided walking tour to take you to the major tourist sites. Walking around the town gives you a glimpse of local life as they unfold. And, you can slow down whenever you want.
Mykonos is one of the most expensive islands in Greece. The average cost for a couple for a week is €1,665 ($1,600) and €832 ($808) for a solo traveler. A 3-course meal for 2 can set you back by €100 ($98).
Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife, LBGT-friendly community, and beautiful beaches. The island is also a jet-setter stopover that the rich and famous visitors every summer. The island is also close to Athens, just 2 hours away.
Yes, Mykonians can speak English in Mykonos although the official language is Greek. You would have no problem communicating in English throughout the island. If you are visiting lesser-known tourist sites, a Greek phrasebook is useful.
You should do Mykonos first as Mykonos is only a 2-hour ferry ride from Athens whilst Santorini is an 8-hour journey from Athens. The ferry ride between Mykonos and Santorini is seasonal and operates during the summer months.
Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Mykonos from Athens or take a 2-day independent trip to Mykonos from Athens. This non-escorted trip means that you are free to explore the island on your own without having to worry about transfers and accommodation.
No, there is no McDonalds’s in Mykonos. You won’t find Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) there. If you are craving a burger, head to Goody’s Burger House for Greece’s version of McDonald’s.
No, Uber does not operate in Mykonos as the island is too small. Aegean Taxi and iMove are two taxi providers where you can pre-book your taxi. It is best to pre-book your taxi as Mykonos city center can become extremely quiet as the party crowd thins down.
Yes, Mykonos is worth visiting. Here’s why:
1) Beaches. The best beaches on the island are on the south coast of the island. While Paradise Beach is popular with the younger crowd, Paraga Beach is where you go for a lazy afternoon. Off-the-beaten beaches include Agios Sostis and Fokos Beach.
2) Beautiful scenery. With a varied landscape, there are photo opportunities at every corner. From the windmills to the Aegean Sea to Little Venice, be mesmerized and take a shot everywhere you go.
3) Traditional Greek Food. This is the place to be for authentic Greek cuisine. From moussaka, and kofta to gyros, step into taverns for legendary service and authentic food.
4) Walkable. Mykonos city center is easy and walkable which means you save on renting a car and the headache of finding a parking spot. The island is so small that you can walk from one beach to another or from one tourist site to another.
5) Vibrant nightlife. Mykonos is known for its nightlife. From exclusive beach clubs to quaint taverns, this party island has it all.
This picture-perfect paradise is exclusive, yet is one of the most popular islands within the Cyclades. The nightlife here is on par with Ibiza while the beaches are perfect for evening strolls or just watching the sunset.
