Key Takeaways
- It's worth spending time at the offbeat beaches in Mykonos that offer a quieter and more relaxing experience.
- Explore Mykonos Town in the evening, admiring its Cycladic architecture.
- Watch the sunset at the Windmills of Mykonos, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Little Venice.
- End the day by having a drink in one of the bars or cafes in Little Venice.
Is one day in Mykonos enough?
If arrive on the most famous island of the Cyclades without the only purpose of your trip being clubbing and drinking, you have the opportunity to appreciate its magnificent sites the locals are the proudest of, but the visitors tend to neglect.
Here is a comprehensive one-day itinerary in Mykonos that will ensure that you know how to get around Mykonos and get the most out of your time on ‘the island of the winds.'
Your arrival from Athens to Mykonos will be one of the highlights of your Greek trip!
9:00 am - Rise, Shine, And Fill the Tank
If you’re limiting yourselves to just 24 hours of pure joy, an early start is key.
Wake up before the summer heat strikes, and take in your surroundings, peaceful and covered in the early morning mist of even the most popular Greek islands.
Take yourself to breakfast in the most authentic local way possible: visit one of Mykonos’ best bakeries and choose a traditional cheese or spinach pie -’tiropita’ or ‘spanakopita.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can also opt for ‘bougatsa,’ a puff pastry filled with luscious custard.
Gerasimo’s Bakery, Ntavelaki, Perasma, and Gioras Wood Medieval Mykonian Bakery are all equally great options where you can taste original Mykonian baked goods!
Are there a dozen more glamorous coffee shops that offer luscious breakfasts? Yes. However, we highly recommend you try to live your single day in Mykonos as a local would, and that involves having breakfast from a local bakery.
Here is our suggestion for a walking tour when you only have one day at your disposal; explore the best highlights of Mykonos!
The local guide is an expert on the island and knows exactly what to do in Mykonos in just one day!
10.00 am - Appreciate The Island's Culture
Having a delicious breakfast in your belly, head towards the famous Paraportiani Church.
Regardless of whether you’re religious or not, Paraportiani Church is worth visiting as it is a great example of local architecture.
It is, in fact, a cluster of five churches. Four churches form the basis of the building, with the fifth standing as a dome, with the top one being the one that actually carries the name of the whole group.
The church is called Paraportiani because it is close to the small gate of the wall of the medieval castle of the country.
Its architectural uniqueness has made it an important monument, not only for Mykonos but for the whole Aegean. It is, for sure, one of the most photographed sights in Greece.
Of course, if you have enough time to spare after Paraportiani Church, you can also visit Mykonos Folklore Museum nearby.
Housed in a building that used to be the home of a shipowner, the museum has 6 rooms exhibiting a collection of many different historical artifacts, everyday items, Byzantine icons, and vintage furniture.
It also offers a library with old manuscripts, maps, and photographs, a folklore treasure waiting to be discovered!
Admission to the museum is completely free of charge, and it is open from 10:30 am to 2 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Monday through Saturday.
Alternatively, you can visit the small island and archaeological site of Delos, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sacred island of ancient times is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, showcasing Greek mythology, and history.
It is considered the mythical birthplace of the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis
Combine the exploring of the historical site with a swimming session in the clearest waters of the Aegean during a 7-hour Delos and Rhenia island sailing tour!
11.00 am - Just Keep Swimming!
The time you’ve dreamt about for months and months has finally come.
Lather yourself up with tons of sunscreen, grab your hat and your sunnies, and go get that Mykonian beach experience the island is known for worldwide.
The variety of beautiful beaches you’ll come across on Mykonos -although sometimes overwhelming- is a definite plus of the island as there is something to fit everyone’s taste and needs.
Our guide to Mykonos’ beaches will help you decide which beach is the right one for you.
A personal favorite is the beach of Kalo Livadi, the beach that lies between Kalafatis and Elia beach, 10 km away from Mykonos’ town, and 2 km from the scenic village of Ano Mera.
Although still pretty central and definitely popular, it is considerably quieter than the more “out there” coastal destinations such as Psarou Beach, Super Paradise, and Paradise Beach.
The diversity of Kalo Livadi results in the beach being favored not only by the younger crowds but also by those visiting Mykonos with kids since they are safe to play and swim in the shallow yet crystal-clear waters.
Access to Kalo Livadi is easy via the road network. Choose the beach bar on site for a midday snack and absorb as much vitamin D as possible!
1.30 pm - Taste the Local FLavors
If you’ve ever been swimming, you’ll know that there is nothing that whets an appetite more than the sea.
With the salt still clinging to your skin, it’s time to explore Mykonos’ gastronomy and its numerous offerings.
Being a rather bougie island, fine dining is more prominent in Mykonos than in any other Greek island - probably more than in any other place in Greece, to be honest.
Expectedly, apart from exquisite gourmet establishments, there are a number of traditional taverns that offer much more humble -but just as tasty- dishes.
With an impressive variety of traditional products and local, cult-classic recipes to choose from, deciding what to eat in Mykonos is easier said than done.
Our absolute favorite pick, if you feel like splurging, is Koursaros, which is one of the most glamorous and delicious high-end restaurants on the island.
Our favorite place for when you feel like having a bite without claiming bankruptcy is Captain's - Food for Sharing.
It is, in fact, one of the most beloved food stops in the whole of the Cyclades, as it encapsulates the concept of meze-eating in Greece in the most authentic and tasty way possible.
Last but not least, when your sweet tooth gets hold of you, head to the most offbeat sweetshop of Mykonos, Kyklamino, which is reserved exclusively for its locals -until now- to curb your craving.
Kyklamino is a family-run shop that has been involved in the production and sale of desserts since 1980.
Since its establishment, it has been a tasteful reference point for everyone who tries its creations, as it uses the highest quality raw materials to produce incredible results.
If you’re down for a more hands-on experience with Greek, and especially Mykonian, gastronomy, join our Mykonos traditional cooking class, get a hold of age-old local recipes, and gain the skills to recreate the delicious delicacies from the comfort of your home!
3.00 pm - Go Shopping The Local Way!
After a hearty meal, spend the rest of your one day in Mykonos by strolling the most commercial street of the island, the popular and world-renowned Matogianni Street.
Famous for its adorable collection of small shops that offer from high-end brand-name clothing to its art galleries, and the most original Greek souvenirs you can think of, Matogianni Street is the perfect place to spend an hour -or two- discovering retail treasures for you and your loved ones.
Take it from a fellow shopaholic; Matogianni Street is what a big spender’s dreams are made of!
It is one of Mykonos’ trademarks, and as soon as you step foot in it, you’ll realize why; apart from the goods the boutique and souvenir shops offer, the flawless aesthetic of the street cannot but appeal to anyone who has eyes.
With colorful doorways and whitewashed houses that follow the Cycladic style, the image of the artisanal shops and expensive boutiques is a fascinating contrast.
4.00 pm - Time for a Midday Siesta!
We know that one day in Mykonos is such a limited time, you don’t want to waste a second on the island.
Nevertheless, you must under no circumstances underestimate the value of a good midday sleep that will let you explore the Mykonos' popular nightlife with confidence and lots of energy!
Therefore, after your stroll across Matogianni Street, we highly suggest you head to your accommodation and rest for as long as you want -you’re on vacation, after all!
After a good nap, you’ll have your recharged, and you’ll be ready to experience Mykonos' nightlife like a pro!
If you need advice on where to stay in Mykonos check out our guide!
But be warned: these resorts, beach hotels, and romantic hotels in Mykonos are so enchanting that you will struggle to leave after just one day on Mykonos island.
6.00 pm - Explore Mykonos Town
Refreshed and ready to take over the nighttime scene of Mykonos, right before sunset is the perfect time to explore Mykonos Town and its picturesque cobbled alleys full of history and life!
Mykonos Old Town -or Mykonos ‘Chora’ as most locals call it- is the charming capital of the cosmopolitan island, dearly beloved by every visitor.
It doesn’t take more than a relaxed walk through its narrow streets to see its extraordinary beauty.
The traditional Cycladic architecture is nothing but impressive. At the same time, scattered around its limits, one can find countless stylish cafés and restaurants and a bunch of small churches.
The characteristic of the buildings of Mykonos’ Town, apart from their Aegean nobility, is that their construction follows a straight, rather minimalist, line.
The coastal road with fishing boats retains an irresistible old-time charm, and its famous Windmills, the true trademark of the Mykonos serve as the background for most pictures and postcards on the island.
It is the perfect spot to catch the sunset and watch the sun’s warm colors melt into the endless blue of the Aegean Sea.
7.00 pm - Have a Drink in Little Venice
It would be nothing short of a crime not to visit the most emblematic neighborhood of Chora during your one day in Mykonos, known for its good looks and trendy cocktail bars.
Yes, you guessed it, I’m talking about Little Venice.
Perhaps the most photographed and charming area of Mykonos, Little Venice or ‘Alefkandra,’ its original name, is a picturesque Myconian neighborhood built on the sea that strongly resembles Venice in Italy, which is why it earned the nickname it maintains today.
It is a district built in the mid-18th century that used to house wealthy merchants and captains.
Elegant and gorgeous houses with colorful windows, stairs, and wooden balconies, built on the sea bank, give the visitor the feeling of being in the famous Italian city -only better.
In the afternoons, hundreds of visitors flock to the legendary hotspot to admire the fascinating spectacle of the waves of the wild sea crashing on the rocks on the coast.
Stop at this mesmerizing neighborhood for a cold drink at one of the many bars found there and combine striking views with delicious cocktails and a friendly atmosphere; the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals!
Kastro Bar, Semeli, and Scarpa are among my top choices when it comes to a relaxed night full of yummy cocktails and chit-chat.
Now from here on, it is totally up to you.
You may as well call it a day and decide to cuddle up in your hotel, so you can sleep in a decent hour and wake up fresh as a daisy, or you can choose to party like it's 1999!
There is no question that if you go with option number two, the club scene of Mykonos will reward you greatly.
People who claim that New York is the city that never sleeps have obviously never been to Mykonos!
If you want to make your wild partying dreams come true, choose between Cavo Paradiso, Astra, and Void, to name a few, and you’ll never look back!
Final Thoughts
There are countless things to do in Mykonos to be certain that you’ve explored it thoroughly, earning life experiences that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Whether you spend 1 or 3 days in Mykonos, or a week, if you think your wallet can take it, you will never get bored!
We hope you enjoyed our one-day Mykonos itinerary, which is suitable for cruise passengers too.
Add Mykonos to your Greek island hopping destinations and be one of the many that nurture a deep love affair with it, and make your summers worth waiting for!
Don’t forget to check out our tours in Mykonos, so you can explore the island like a local.
