Mykonos glitters in the Aegean like a pearl cut by the wind. Whitewashed alleys hide blue-domed chapels, fishermen’s boats nudge the quay, and a crescent of windmills watches over Little Venice. While the island earned fame for its nightlife, it’s also a springboard to antiquity—Delos—where the stones still whisper of Apollo and Artemis.

Expect a mix of soft-sand beaches, chic beach clubs, and traditional tavernas where recipes taste like a grandmother’s Sunday table. Highlights include the picture-perfect lanes of Chora (Mykonos Town), the lighthouse at Armenistis, and coves ranging from lively to wild. Add a catamaran cruise and a cooking class, and you’ll experience the island beyond the postcard.

Practical notes: summer brings the meltemi winds—refreshing, but plan boats accordingly. Taxis are limited; buses and water-taxis work well, and reservations are wise for beach clubs and peak-season dinners. Cards are widely accepted, tipping 5–10% is appreciated, and tap water isn’t usually drunk—pick up bottled at the mini-market.

Mykonos (Chora)

Mykonos Town is a labyrinth built to confuse pirates—and delight modern wanderers. Duck through flower-framed lanes to find the Paraportiani church, tiny museums, and balconies cantilevered over the sea at Little Venice. Sunsets here are theater, with a chorus of clinking glasses.

• Top sights: The Windmills of Kato Mili, Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Little Venice, Armenistis Lighthouse, Ano Mera village and the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery.
• Best beaches: Ornos and Platis Gialos (easy access), Psarou (glam), Paraga and Paradise (lively), Super Paradise (iconic party), Elia (long and relaxed), Agios Sostis and Fokos (untamed, no services).
• Local flavor: Sample louza (cured pork), kopanisti (peppery local cheese), and sun-dried octopus; pair with ouzo or a chilled Assyrtiko.
• Nightlife: From cliffside mega-clubs to snug cocktail dens: Cavo Paradiso, Jackie O’ (Town and Beach), Skandinavian Bar, 180° Sunset Bar, Scarpa, and Galleraki.

Where to stay (book with our partner links):

• Search Mykonos stays on VRBO: VRBO Mykonos — villas near Psarou, Ornos family homes, and quiet hilltop escapes.
• Search hotels on Hotels.com: Hotels.com Mykonos — easy filters for beach access and pools.
• Statement luxury: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos — cave pools and Aegean views minutes from town.
• Boutique by a calm beach: Mykonos Princess Hotel (Agios Stefanos) — serene, stylish, with a sunset-facing pool.
• Design on a budget: MyCocoon Hostel — clever pods, social vibe, and walking distance to the Old Port.

How to get to Mykonos (JMK):

• Flights (within Europe): 40–60 minutes from Athens, 2–3.5 hours from hubs like Rome, Paris, or London. Search and compare on Omio Flights. Expect ~$60–$250 one-way depending on season.
• Flights (from outside Europe): Connect via Athens or a European hub. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Ferries from Athens: 2–2.5 hours (high-speed) or ~4–5 hours (conventional) from Piraeus or Rafina; ~$50–$90 one-way. Check timetables on Omio Ferries.

Getting around: Buses run from Fabrika and Old Port stations to major beaches; tickets ~€2–€3. Water-taxis link southern beaches. Taxis are scarce; pre-book or consider a car/ATV—drive defensively on narrow roads.

Day 1: Arrival, First Wander, Little Venice Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the travel with a gentle loop: Old Port promenade to the Windmills of Kato Mili. Pop into Gioras “The Old Bakery” for a sesame koulouri and spanakopita fresh from a wood-fired oven.

Evening: Claim a sunset perch in Little Venice—try Scarpa for creative cocktails. Dinner options: To Maereio (tiny, beloved; order the slow-cooked beef stifado and zucchini fritters) or Bakalo (revived Mykonian recipes in a courtyard; try the lobster orzo when in season). Nightcap at Galleraki—ask for the “Katerinaki,” a house classic.

Day 2: Icons of Mykonos + Beach Time

Morning: Start with a guided overview so you don’t miss the island’s texture.

Half-Day Highlights of Mykonos Tour: a local-led mix of island viewpoints, Ano Mera village, and a walking introduction to Chora. Ideal on Day 2 to get your bearings.

Afternoon: Beach-hop the south coast. From Platis Gialos you can walk or water-taxi to Paraga (laid-back yet lively) and Paradise (party pulse). For lunch on the sand: Nikolas Taverna at Agia Anna–Paraga for grilled calamari and tomato salad, or Paraga’s seaside spots for fresh fish of the day.

Night: Dinner under vines at Avra (reserve ahead; prawn saganaki, lamb with thyme). Later, stroll backstreets for gelato at I Scream, then see why Skandinavian Bar still packs a courtyard after midnight.

Day 3: Delos—Myth, Ruins, and Sea

Morning–Afternoon: Sail to antiquity. Delos is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, a sacred isle since the Archaic era. Wear sun protection and bring water—there’s little shade.

Half-Day Delos Tour from Mykonos: cross by boat, then tour the Terrace of the Lions, House of Dionysus mosaics, and the Sanctuary of Apollo. History comes alive with a licensed guide.

Evening: Back on Mykonos, head inland to Ano Mera for a quieter dinner on the square near Panagia Tourliani. Try grilled octopus and fava at a classic taverna, then pastry from a local zacharoplasteio before returning to town.

Day 4: South Coast Sands + Catamaran Sunset

Morning: Coffee at BluBlu Mykonos above the Old Port—order a freddo cappuccino with a harbor view. Move to Psarou Beach for powder-soft sand and glassy water; it’s a scene, but the swim is superb.

Afternoon–Evening: Trade shore for sea on a catamaran—swims, snorkel coves, and golden-hour Aegean light.

Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruise: 5 hours with swimming stops near Rhenia/Delos, snorkel gear, and a fresh onboard meal. Transfers included simplify logistics.

Night: Post-cruise dinner near Little Venice at Kastro’s—try the sea bass in lemon-butter and sit near the famous sea-door for the wave-splash ambiance.

Day 5: Wild North—Agios Sostis, Kiki’s, and Fokos

Morning: Head north to Agios Sostis for a calm, undeveloped beach. Pack water; there are no services, just blue-upon-blue tranquility and the small white church overseeing the bay.

Afternoon: Lunch at Kiki’s Tavern, a Mykonian rite of passage above Agios Sostis. No electricity, no reservations—arrive early, put your name down, and savor grilled pork chop, octopus, and vibrant salads. After, continue to Fokos Beach, a rugged cove with beautiful swimming.

Night: Back in town, graze mezze at Kalita or sip an aperitif at 180° Sunset Bar—arrive early or reserve; views sweep from the windmills to the horizon. If you’re up for more, Jackie O’ Town brings DJs and a friendly, inclusive crowd.

Day 6: Taste Mykonos—Cooking Class, Then Beach Club Beats

Morning: Leisurely start with breakfast pies from Il Forno di Gerasimo. Explore boutiques along Matogianni Street—look for handcrafted sandals, Cycladic ceramics, and linen wear.

Cooking Classes in Mykonos: hands-on Greek recipes—stuffed tomatoes, tzatziki, savory pies—then a long, convivial meal with local wine. You’ll bring flavors home with you.

Evening: For a buzzy beach club night, choose one: Scorpios (Paraga) for sunset rituals and mezze; Jackie O’ Beach Club (Super Paradise) for shows and dancing; or Cavo Paradiso (late) for cliff-edge sets till dawn. Book tables in peak months.

Day 7: Last Swim, Last Stroll

Morning: Final dip at Ornos or Elia—gentle entry and clear water make for an easy goodbye swim. Grab a light brunch at a beachfront café—eggs, Greek yogurt with thyme honey, and watermelon.

Afternoon: Souvenir sweep through Chora for olive wood utensils, sea salt, and local honey. Enjoy a last espresso freddo on the Old Port quay before your transfer to the airport or ferry. Kaló taxídi—safe travels.

Optional/Alternate Tours if you want more guided time:

Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport — similar flow with a chic yacht feel.

Eating & Drinking Shortlist for easy reference:

• Breakfast/Coffee: Gioras Wood Bakery (traditional pies), BluBlu (views), Il Forno di Gerasimo (sweet and savory bakes).
• Casual Lunch: Pepper Souvlaki & More (excellent pita wraps), Sakis Grill House (late-night gyros), Nikolas Taverna (feet-in-sand classics).
• Dinner: To Maereio (tiny, homey), Bakalo (updated tradition), Avra (garden romance), Kastro’s (seaside). In Ano Mera, seek simple grills on the square.
• Drinks/Sunset: 180° Sunset Bar, Scarpa, Galleraki; for dancing: Jackie O’ Town/Beach, Cavo Paradiso, Skandinavian Bar.

Practical Tips:

• Seasonality: May–October is beach season; July–August is the busiest. Shoulder months are calmer and often better value.
• Beach chairs: Expect €30–€120+ per set depending on venue and front-row demand; wild beaches are free—bring a towel and shade.
• Transport: Prebook airport/port transfers via your hotel, or use the bus. If renting scooters/ATVs, wear helmets and avoid night driving on unlit roads.

Seven days in Mykonos lets you savor both sides: the postcard of white lanes and sunsets, and the quiet chapels and coves where time moves differently. With ancient Delos, a catamaran’s wake, and dinners under vines, you’ll carry a bit of the Aegean home.