taytrum travels

Heading to Mykonos for a vacation? Mykonos is a stunning destination for beach lovers and party animals, especially if you don’t mind spending a little extra. While it is known for being a bit expensive, there are budget friendly things to do and good accommodation at reasonable price points.

Staying at a more budget friendly hotel may help stretch out the number of days you can spend on this island, really maxing out relaxation. Whether you’re spending just day or a whole week, packing for the Greek islands can be done with just a carry-on bag. If you prefer a few more outfits, this guide will help you plan too.

This post has got you covered from general information to hotel recommendations and of course advice about what to pack for Mykonos.

Best Time to Go to Mykonos

The best time to go to Mykonos is during shoulder season. The low season in Mykonos typically falls between late October and early April. Prices are also lower, but the weather is cooler and there may be fewer sunny days.

The high season spans from June to early September, with July and August being the peak. If you’re interested in avoiding crowds but still want pleasant weather, May and early October are ideal shoulder season months if you can swing it.

In terms of temperature, Mykonos weather depends on the season. In the winter (December – February), average temperatures range from 50 to 57°F (10 to 14°C).

Come Spring (March – May), average temperatures rise to between 54 to 72°F (12 to 22°C). In the summer (June – August), you can expect temperatures to usually range from 73°F to 86°F (23 to 30°C), with July and August being the hottest months.

In the fall (September – November), average temperatures dip from 64°F to 79°F ( 18 to 26°C). Mykonos weather is fair to excellent pretty much all year, compared to many other places around the world.

Another thing to consider with timing is rain. The highest rainfall is usually in November, December, and January. In the summer Mykonos is usually very dry with little to no rain.

What to Pack for Mykonos

Packing for Mykonos is going to depend on how long you plan to stay.

If you’re popping by as part of day trip, a light day pack is sufficient. You should keep water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other personal items like a camera or phone handy.

If you’re staying for a few days in Mykonos, here’s what I’d pack in a carry-on suitcase/duffle bag. This is what I brought in a carry-on bag during a week-long trip to Athens and Mykonos. I was traveling to a wedding and a conference out of the same carry on so this is really the basics for what you need to enjoy the town, dining, and beaches. The as bare minimum essentials for 3-5 days on the island are:

1. A swimsuit (yes, most important)
2. Sunscreen (yes, just as important and twice the price on the island)
3. Two pairs of shorts
4. One shirt
5. Two tank tops
6. One pair of light weight pants
7. One pair of sneakers/good walking shoes
8. One pair of flip flops/sandals
9. A week’s worth of underwear (whatever that means to you)
10. Four to five pairs of socks

Now here are some commonly forgotten items that will make your travel easier (personal needs will vary):

1. Chapstick
2. Eye drops (soothes travel weary tired eyes)
3. Headphones (remember you need to be able to plug into the in-flight entertainment too)
4. A book
5. A tote bag for beaching and wandering town
6. Pepto-Bismol chews (between boat rides and street food, you never know when your tummy is going to get uneasy)
7. Seasickness prevention patches for the ferry (at your discretion)
8. Hand disinfectant
9. Hair ties and/or hair clip
10. Sunglasses
11. Nail clippers (handy for cutting little things like loose threads or tags when you can’t take scissors through TSA)
12. Chargers for your phone/devices
13. Outlet adapters (the outlets in Greece are type C and F)
14. Voltage converter (many devices today auto-convert, but worth checking)
15. A laundry bag

If you’re wondering what to wear in Mykonos, shorts and a t-shirt or tank top are perfect nearly year round. A dress is good too, but Mykonos is very windy so this may be less comfortable. Mykonos outfits usually revolve around the beach, so I’d dress comfortable and with sun protection in mind.

Mykonos dress code is informal most of the time. There may be some high-end clubs and restaurants that enforce a strict dress code, but I didn’t encounter any. People do usually dress up flassy for the night clubs, but this up to you whether you (1) go to clubs and (2) what you want to wear. I’d treat it like going clubbing like you would anywhere else in the world.

If you plan to go into any of the churches in town, I’d suggest having a shawl or something to cover your shoulders to be respectful.

How many swimsuits should I pack for Mykonos?

You should bring 1-2 swimsuits to Mykonos, I was there for five days and used one swimsuit. It could be washed in the sink and dried quickly in the hot sun on the balcony of the hotel. I was traveling very light for a variety of reasons, but if you have the space in your bag it doesn’t hurt to bring two. It’s not like swimsuits take up much space or add too much weight.

Should I pack my own beach towel for Mykonos?

That depends on where you plan to go. Hotel and beach clubs have towels either included in the hotel rate or a small rental fee for the day. If you plan to go to beaches on your own you’ll need to have something to lay on. You could buy something in Mykonos, or pack a lightweight blanket or towel to do the job.

How to Get to Mykonos

There are two primary methods in getting to Mykonos from Athens: ferry and plane.

Visiting Mykonos by Ferry

Although I don’t know this for certain, I am under the impression that getting to Mykonos by ferry is the more common and conventional method (especially for American travelers who have already flown all the way to Greece from North America). After such a long journey, a boat ride sounds a lot more laid back than going through the airport again. It is definitely easier.

You can take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina ports in Athens, Greece. Ferries take about 2.5 to 5 hours. It depends on the type you book (high-speed or regular). High-speed ferries are faster but more expensive, while regular ferries are cheaper but slower. Ferries can be booked online or at the port.

The higher speed ferries are susceptible to rougher waves as they hit them faster. If you get seasick easily, you might prefer the slower, gentle ferries. That said, the waters are usually not that rough in the Aegean (coming from someone used to riding boats on the Pacific at least).

I took one of the slow ferries (Blue Star is the company) from the Piraeus port early one morning. It’s pretty simple and much less stress than air travel. You can board when you arrive if the boat is already there. Know your boat/terminal in advance as indicated on the ticket so your taxi driver can drop you off a short walk’s distance to the boat. You can check in for your ferry the night before. You’ll get an email reminder.

Another tip about the ferries is that if you book the economy/basic ticket, you pick your seats from the plastic tables and chairs on the sundecks or the limited cushioned seats in the crowded cafe space. There isn’t great signage about this and I was confused on where to sit when I first boarded. I had to ask someone. This applies to Blue Star at least. Big luggage gets stowed down below in the belly of the ferry where the cars ride.

If I booked again, I’d pay a little extra for the comfy, more premium seats in the quieter area inside the boat. Would’ve been a great nap. The sundecks are protected with shade cover and glass, but it is a long time to be sitting in a plastic chair.

Visiting Mykonos by Plane

While the ferry is popular, the fastest option is flying from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Mykonos Airport (JMK). Flights take about 35 to 45 minutes, with multiple daily connections from airlines like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express.

I used the air option on my way out of Mykonos and onward to Istanbul. The airport is recently renovated and somewhat small. During peak season it is quite crowded. I had a bit of a messy experience with delays and gate changes. Most flights connect through Athens.

Things to Do in Mykonos

The top can’t-miss thing to do in Mykonos in my opinion is wander around Chora (the main town). It has narrow, stone streets lined with whitewashed buildings, boutique shops, souvenir stands, and cute little restaurants. You can take a walking tour in Chora, a unique car free area of town to learn more about Mykonos.

A Mykonos, Greece itinerary is incomplete without the windmills. Don’t miss Little Venice either, a lively area for dinner and nightlife. You can also see a great view of the windmills down the alleys of Little Venice.

Head to Kastro’s Restaurant for the best view. You don’t need to eat there, although I hear it’s pretty good. The best view (and that famous Mykonos dinner table with the ocean view that pops up on Instagram all the time) is at Kastro’s. I went there mid-morning and the restaurant was not open yet. There was also no one there crowding the view for the best picture, even during peak season.

Mykonos is famous for its beaches. I worried they might be a bit over-hyped, but no – they exceeded expectations. Popular ones include Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. Here you can find lively beach clubs, while Elia Beach (a nudist beach) and Agios Sostis offer a more laid-back experience with crystal-clear waters.

A little further off the beaten trail, Agia Anna Beach has a good beach club in a nice protected little bay. Kalafati Beach at the end of a dead-end road is also a favorite. This is the area where I spent most of my time.

Another popular thing to do is to take a day trip to the island of Delos. Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Here you can see ancient ruins, temples, and mosaics. I didn’t do this because I was looking for a purely beach vacation where I was not on any itinerary, but in the future I would check this out.

Finally, many people visit Mykonos for its nightlife. Head to Scorpios, Nammos, or Cavo Paradiso for beach clubs that turn into parties in the evenings with loud music and cool DJs.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Luxury: The Wild Hotel by Intyrni

If you are looking for ultimate relaxation and a bit of a wellness retreat, The Wild is your perfect bohemian resort. They have a long infinity pool over the Aegean and their own private cove (pictured at the top as the cover image) for swimming and lounging. The rooms are impeccable with private balconies and some with their own pools. The attention to detail is impressive. From the eucalyptus in the showers to the refreshing welcome drink to the incredible included daily breakfast, this is the best place to really relax and unwind.

I stayed at The Wild in 2024 and it’s worth every penny. I loved this hotel so much!

Mid-Range: Vencia Boutique Hotel

Vencia is a cool, stylish 4-star hotel option with modern amenities. It is located right near Mykonos Town. It has decently sized rooms for the price, a pool with sweeping sea views, and easy access to popular spots while maintaining a tranquil vibe. It has nearly perfect reviews online.

Budget: Matogianni Hotel

This is a cozy, family-run hotel located in the heart of Mykonos Town. It offers clean, comfortable rooms and good access to restaurants and the nightlife without the high price tag (a rare thing to find in Mykonos). Some of the rooms (which are clearly indicated in the booking) are down in a basement, which is how the price is kept low. While that may not sound appealing, if you’re in Mykonos you’ll most likely be out at the beach most of the time anyway, no?

How to Get Around in Mykonos

Mykonos is fairly car dependent unfortunately and roads are narrow. There is however a public bus network.

You can also rent a car on the island, although parking around town will be a pain as there are not many large lots nor good shoulders to pull off on. You might consider renting a moto or even an ATV for getting around, but that doesn’t help much with transporting yourself + family + luggage to and from the airport or port.

I exclusively used taxis to get around in Mykonos. You can use the Uber app however there is a bit of unique arrangement with Uber and taxi services in Mykonos. As of 2024, I had to fill out some brief paperwork every time I got in a cab hailed through the Uber app. The confirm the passenger name on the booking, as well as the identity any additional person. They don’t ask for IDs; just jot down your name.

I also found hailing a cab through the Uber app to not be totally reliable. Drivers sometimes would not be connected even after long waits (15-20 minutes of just searching for a driver). I had to use a formal taxi to take me to the airport at the last minute, arranged through the hotel (more expensive option) because Uber was not working.

Taxis and Ubers are fairly expensive. A 15-20 minute drive was usually about 35-40 euros. Of course, fares fluctuate though with the season and time of day.

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