Two days on Mykonos gives you enough time to see the town properly, spend a day at the beach, and -- if you're strategic -- squeeze in a half-day trip to Delos or a sunset you'll remember. Here's an itinerary that covers the essentials without running yourself into the ground.
In this guide
Two days is the minimum for Mykonos to feel like more than a flyby. You get a morning to explore the town, an afternoon on the beach, and -- crucially -- an evening to experience the sunset, the nightlife, or both. A third day would let you add Delos or the north coast, but two days hits the highlights.
Day 1: Mykonos Town and Sunset
Morning (08:00-12:00)
08:00 -- Breakfast in Chora
Start with a tyropita (cheese pie) and coffee from one of the bakeries in Mykonos Town. The town is quiet at this hour -- the cruise ships haven't docked and the lanes are nearly empty.
08:30 -- Walking Tour of Chora
Follow this route (2-3 hours at a relaxed pace):
- Old Port / Harbour -- Watch the fishing boats, look for the pelicans
- Paraportiani Church -- The cluster of five merged churches. Best photos in morning light.
- Little Venice -- The waterfront houses over the sea. Morning is quiet here -- save the sunset visit for later.
- The Windmills (Kato Mili) -- Walk up the hill for panoramic views.
- Kastro neighbourhood -- The oldest part of town. Narrow, quiet lanes with whitewashed walls and blue doors.
- Matogianni area -- The main shopping street. Boutiques, galleries, and cafes.
11:00 -- Coffee with a view
Settle into a harbour-side cafe. People-watch. The town is waking up around you.
Afternoon (12:00-17:00)
12:00 -- Bus to Platis Gialos or Ornos
From Fabrika station, catch the bus to your chosen beach (1.80 EUR, 10-15 minutes).
- Platis Gialos -- Best all-rounder. Water taxi connections, multiple restaurants, calm water.
- Ornos -- Closest to town, family-friendly, sheltered bay.
12:30-16:00 -- Beach time
Swim, sunbathe, have lunch at a beachfront taverna. If you're at Platis Gialos, the water taxi (20 EUR day pass) lets you hop east to Paraga or Paradise for a look.
16:30 -- Bus back to town
Evening (17:00-late)
17:30 -- Sunset at Little Venice
Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset to claim a seat at a waterfront bar. A cocktail costs 12-18 EUR, but the sunset over the Aegean with the windmills silhouetted is worth it.
19:30 -- Dinner
- Budget: Souvlaki shop in the backstreets (4-7 EUR)
- Mid-range: Niko's Taverna (traditional Greek, established 1976)
- Splurge: M-Eating (contemporary Greek, reservation recommended)
21:00+ -- Evening walk or nightlife
Mykonos Town after dark is atmospheric. The lanes are lit, the bars are open, and the energy is completely different from daytime. If nightlife is your thing, the scene starts late (23:00+) and runs until dawn.
Day 2: Delos or Beach Day
You have two options for Day 2. Choose based on your interests.
Option A: Delos Day Trip (History Focus)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Boat from Old Port | Departures from 09:00 |
| Journey time | 30 minutes each way |
| Time on Delos | 3-4 hours |
| Entry fee | 20 EUR |
| Return | Last boat up to 17:00-19:30 in summer (check schedule) |
09:00 -- Boat to Delos
Take the morning boat from the Old Port. Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- the birthplace of Apollo in Greek mythology and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
09:30-13:00 -- Explore Delos
The Terrace of the Lions, the House of Dionysus, the Sacred Lake, the ancient theatre. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen -- there's no shade.
13:00 -- Return to Mykonos
The afternoon is free. Options: - Beach at Ornos (quick bus, 30 minutes' relaxation before the evening) - Archaeological Museum in Mykonos Town (1 EUR, houses finds from Delos) - Browse the shops and have a slow lunch
Evening: Repeat the sunset routine, or try a different restaurant.
Option B: South Coast Beach Hopping
09:00 -- Bus to Platis Gialos
Buy a water taxi day pass (20 EUR) and spend the day hopping between beaches:
- 10:00 -- Platis Gialos -- Morning swim in calm water
- 11:30 -- Water taxi to Paradise -- See the famous party beach (morning is calm, party starts later)
- 12:30 -- Water taxi to Super Paradise -- Lunch at a beach bar
- 14:30 -- Water taxi to Elia -- The longest beach, relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon swim.
- 16:30 -- Water taxi back to Platis Gialos, bus to town
Evening: Sunset and dinner as per Day 1.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Approximate)
| Item | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 4-6 EUR | 4-6 EUR |
| Bus fares | 4 EUR | 4 EUR |
| Beach (free section) | 0 EUR | 0 EUR / water taxi 20 EUR |
| Lunch | 12-20 EUR | 12-20 EUR |
| Sunset cocktail | 12-18 EUR | 12-18 EUR |
| Dinner | 10-30 EUR | 10-30 EUR |
| Delos (if chosen) | -- | ~45 EUR (boat + entry) |
| Daily total | 42-78 EUR | 42-120 EUR |
What Should You Know?
- Day 1 morning is for town, Day 1 afternoon for beach. The reverse order means you miss the best photography light and arrive at the beach when it's already crowded.
- The Delos vs beach decision depends on your interests. History lovers will remember Delos for years. Beach lovers will prefer the south coast. Both are excellent uses of a day.
- Two evenings means two sunsets. Watch one from Little Venice (buy a drink) and one from the windmills (free).
- Book the Delos boat in advance if visiting in July-August. It fills up.
- Wear comfortable shoes for Day 1. The cobblestones are uneven and you'll be walking for hours.
Two days in Mykonos: Day 1 is Chora walking tour + south coast beach + Little Venice sunset. Day 2 is Delos day trip or beach hopping by water taxi. Budget 42-120 EUR per day depending on choices. Bus from Fabrika (1.80 EUR).
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
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