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Looking for what to do in Mykonos in one day? This Mykonos one day itinerary has got you covered for all the best things to do and see on this stunning Greek island, how to make the most of your visit, and where to stay.
Mykonos was the third stop of our Mediterranean Cruise, and definitely one to remember. We explored Mykonos in a day and, by the end of it, were already planning our return to the island of the winds.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while now, you probably know that Greece is one of my favorite European countries. This was my second time in Greece, and after a perfect day in Katakolon, Mykonos did not let us down.
Our cruise arrived pretty early in the morning and left only in the evening, so we had plenty of time to explore the island, and we used it well.
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades islands, in the Aegean Sea. It’s one of the most popular Greek islands, best known for its summer party atmosphere and as a gay-friendly destination.
We visited in late October though, with many establishments already closed for the low season, so we got to see a quieter side of the island, enjoy desert beaches, and relish in all its beauty.
Follow our Mykonos itinerary for an unforgettable time on the island of the winds.
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How to explore Mykonos in a day
To really make the most of your one day in Mykonos, I recommend renting a car and exploring at your own pace. That’s what we did and it was the best way to see the island beyond the main town.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of Mykonos here.
So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Mykonos, Greece, in one day.
What to do in Mykonos: a one day itinerary
#1 Take in the charm of the Chora
We started our day in Mykonos strolling across Mykonos town, or the Chora (the town in Greek) as the locals call it.
We wandered around, slowly taking in all the charm of the narrow cobblestone streets and traditional architecture: small whitewashed houses and churches, with blue wooden doors, windows, and balconies, and ever-present purple bougainvilleas.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of the island, I recommend joining a walking tour of Mykonos town with a local guide.
#2 Go shopping
With an undeniable cosmopolitan flair despite its small size, this picture-perfect town is home to the majority of the 10 thousand inhabitants of the island, as well as to many small businesses catering especially to tourists.
From restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, to upscale boutiques and jewelry stores, Mykonos town is no doubt a shoppers’ paradise.
#3 Enjoy the view from the windmills
Mykonos is called the island of the winds because of the strong northern winds (the meltemia) that blow especially in the summer during the day.
To harness the meltemia, windmills were built all around the island, and especially on a hill overlooking the Chora, in the 16th century.
Today the windmills are Mykonos’ most iconic symbol. Although no longer in use, many were restored to serve as houses.
From Mykonos town, find your way up to the windmills hill and enjoy the superb view over the town and the Aegean Sea.
#4 Explore Mykonos stunning beaches
After exploring the Chora and its surroundings we still had plenty of time on our hands, so we spontaneously decided to rent a car and explore some of Mykonos’ beaches.
This turned out to be the best way to discover Mykonos in one day. If you are visiting in the high season I would recommend booking in advance though.
We opted for a car, but renting a motorcycle is also a great option to get to know the island at your own pace.
Ornos Beach
We set out to explore the beaches on the southern coast of the island, starting in Ornos Beach.
Located only 2,5 kilometers from Mykonos town, this beautiful beach is the closest to the Chora and can get very busy in the summer. Luckily in late October, we had the beach almost only to ourselves.
Located in a gorgeous bay, in front of a small fishermen’s village, with white sand and turquoise waters, Ornos Beach is everything you can imagine when you think about idyllic Greek islands.
We didn’t swim here since it was a little windy, but the views were really something.
Platis Gialos Beach
Our next stop was Platis Gialos Beach. Platis Gialos is a long, nice beach, with many hotels, restaurants, and bars lined in front of the soft white sand. It’s also one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches.
This time I couldn’t resist the pleasant crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is the most famous Mykonos beach. We wanted to see what the hip is all about, so we headed there next.
I must confess I was a bit disappointed though. While this is a nice beach, it’s definitely not the prettiest beach I’ve ever been to.
At this time of the year, all the restaurants and bars around the beach were closed, with the exception of one bar directly on the sand, where we grabbed something to eat, before moving on to our next stop.
To be honest, Paradise Beach is all about the big night parties on the sand during the warmer months, so I may need to give it another chance in the future.
Super Paradise Beach
I found Super Paradise Beach much prettier than its neighbor Paradise Beach. It’s no surprise it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece.
It’s also one of the most famous gay beaches in the country.
Together, Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are known as the best party beaches in Greece.
If you’re planning to visit in the high season, make sure to book a sunbed in advance here.
Generally speaking, beaches on the southern coast of Mykonos are best organized and can get very crowded during peak season, while the beaches on the northern coast of the island are less organized and quieter.
Exploring Mykonos just for one day didn’t allow us to see the northern coast since it was time to get back to the Chora and return our rented car, but we will leave it for our next visit to the island of the winds.
#5 Have a drink (or dinner) in Little Venice
Before sailing off to our next destination, we ended our Mykonos itinerary with one last stroll across the Chora and a drink in Little Venice, one of the most romantic areas of the town.
Dating back to the 18th century, many of the picturesque houses of Little Venice, with their colorful balconies facing the sea, are now restaurants, bars, cafes, and little shops, transforming the area into a tourist hub.
We enjoyed our beer and the stunning view over the Aegean Sea, listening to the meltemia one last time.
Mykonos Little Venice is also the perfect place for a romantic dinner at sunset.
Where to stay in Mykonos
Dorion Hotel
If you have only one day in Mykonos and want to stay close to all the action but still enjoy some peace and quiet, then Dorion Hotel is a great choice.
Located just 200 meters from Ornos beach and 4 km from Mykonos town, this 4-star hotel is beautifully decorated in Cycladic style and features a swimming pool and garden, bar, and a rich breakfast buffet.
All rooms have a balcony offering stunning views over the Aegean Sea.
Click here for more info and booking.
So there you have it – what to do in Mykonos in one day, a one-day itinerary for first-timers to the island of the winds.
Whether you’re visiting Mykonos in a day or staying for a whole week, Mykonos will blow your mind.
From the lovely Chora to stunning beaches, and a scenic landscape, the island of the winds is a tiny bit of paradise you’ll leave wanting to return soon.
More travel tips
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Cheap flights
Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.
Yoga Retreats
Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.
Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
Have you been to Mykonos? What would you add to this list of things to do in Mykonos in one day? Share in the comments section below!
Read more:
- 1 Day in Athens Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Athens in One Day
- How to Spend a Perfect Day in Katakolon, Greece
- My Mediterranean Cruise experience
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Katie Diederichs says
Your photos look so good! I’d love to stare at all the white and blue paint all day. I’m saving this as future reference. I think I’m going to Mykonos this year! Haha. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah says
Summer tourists will envy you for these wonderful pictures of a sleepy Mykonos. It looks so peaceful. And the windmill house is just adorable. Thanks for the inspiration!
Steph & Zach says
Wow. We can not wait to go to Greece. The bright blue water is breathtaking. Loved to see the windmills you captured too! Adding this to our bucket list. Great post!