As soon as Greece opens up to U.S. citizens, I am booking a flight there for an EXTENSIVE research project. I’ll visit every island I can, do thorough hotel reviews, and find the best hidden gems. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. Until then, let’s discuss Mykonos. I took a solo trip there a few years ago and have planned tons of trips for clients, since so I thought I’d do a general travel guide to give you a sense of what to expect. And if you think Mykonos is just for partiers, you will definitely want to read this.

When to go:

The island begins to open up in early May and closes in early October. The big party months are July and August so if you’re there for the beach clubs and nightlife, that’s the opportune time. That’s also peak season for the rest of Greece so it’s the best time to go if you plan on visiting other islands as well (more on that later). Personally, my favorite time to go is in the second half of September when the weather is still perfect, crowds are winding down, and everything is on sale at the boutiques. Just keep in mind that not everything will be open then, including other islands, but sometimes that’s a good thing.

How to Get There:

If traveling from the U.S., the main hub to get to the islands is in Athens. You would fly into the international airport and from there it’s a quick flight (less than an hour) to Mykonos. There are tons of flights between Athens and Mykonos per day and there’s also a ferry option. If you do the ferry, you will definitely want the high speed option. Otherwise, it’s a 5 hour trip and at that point you’re better off flying. Many people spend a day or two in Athens before continuing on. The new Four Seasons Astir Palace is worth the stop alone. Between the private beaches, swimming pools, and spa, it’s the ideal place for jet lag recovery. It’s about 30 minutes from the city so if you just want to go and see the Acropolis and get out, I’d recommend staying at a more centrally located hotel like Grand Hotel Bretagne. Book either hotel through Gusto for VIP perks!

How Long to Stay:

The average length of stay for Americans visiting Greece is about a week. The travel is far enough to justify at least a week, and you wouldn’t want to stay less than that. There are so many places to visit that combining with another country isn’t necessary. If it’s your first time in Greece, I would do 1 night in Athens, 3 nights in Mykonos, and then 3 nights on another island. Between flights and ferries, it’s easy to move around the islands. If you’re not interested in moving around a lot, stay in Mykonos the whole time. It’s unlikely that you will be itching to leave and if you are, it’s easy enough to do a day trip to another island.

Where to Stay:

There are so many hotels in Mykonos from which to choose, but these are the three that my clients have loved and I’m dying to experience for myself:

• Santa Marina is a luxury resort with 101 rooms and has the island’s only private sandy beach. Many hotels occupy the west coast but Santa Marina is in a more secluded area on the south, which gives it an extra glamorous and exclusive vibe. And it’s a Marriott property so the Bonvoy members out there can earn/use points! Keep in mind there are often 4-5 night minimum stays here. But even if you don’t book a room, reserve a table at Buddha Bar for a fun dinner filled with Mediterranean cuisine and a live DJ.

• Building off the success of the legendary Katikes Santorini, Katikies Mykonos was opened in 2018. The property is quintessential Greece; whitewashed walls, perched on a hillside, with expansive sea views. There are 35 suites and each one has a private veranda with either a plunge pool or a jetted tub.

• Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge (not to be confused with Bill & Coo Coast Suites, which is also beautiful but located about a 45 min walk from town) has 32 rooms, all with sea views, and is located just steps away from Mykonos town. This is perfect for those who want the convenience of being able to walk in and out of town and also have restaurant options at the hotel. The property has a gourmet restaurant serving upscale food, a seaside restaurant and bar, and an all-day pool lounge bar overlooking the bay.

*Reminder: As always, hotel bookings through Gusto are free of charge and come with VIP amenities. The amenities vary by hotel but it’s typically complimentary breakfast for 2, a $100 resort credit, priority for a room upgrade, and a welcome amenity. If you book directly with the hotel, you’re paying the same price as you would by booking through me, but without the VIP amenities. That would be silly, you love VIP amenities!

What to Wear:

It’s hot, so wear flowy dresses, rompers, and cute cover ups for the daytime since you will most likely be wearing a bathing suit. For evening, bring a light jacket as it tends to be a bit windy on the water. For men, t-shirts are fine for daytime and a linen shirt to dress up a little for dinner works well. In terms of colors, most people wear white, or beige, and I suggest bringing a few special pieces that are either blue or hot pink for photo ops! Check out my Greece Style Guide for more specific looks!

Things to Do:

• Visit a family-owned farm or vineyard and do an olive oil and/or wine tasting. This is an authentic opportunity to meet some locals and learn about Greek culture.

• Charter a boat for a day sail. The boat can bring you to the beaches of the more remote parts of the island for a change of scenery.

• Get lost in town. The town of Mykonos is a labyrinth of cobble stone streets lined with white washed buildings. I remember thinking that some places look better in pictures than in real life and this is NOT one of those places. The streets really come alive at night so ditch your map and spend a night strolling in and out of shops before and after dinner.

• Visit the windmills at sunset. They’re located right on the edge of town, in an area called Little Venice. You can do a quick stop on your way to dinner, or make a reservation at one of the restaurants nearby for a view of the sun setting over the windmills with the sea as a backdrop.

• Go to the beach! After all, you ARE on an island in the Mediterranean. There’s a beach for everyone, ranging from quiet and secluded to an all out raging party, and everything in between. Spend time relaxing at the hotel pool but exploring the beaches is really what Mykonos is all about.

• Hop on a ferry and take a half day trip to the ancient island of Delos. It’s about an hour and 15 min ride each way. There are no accommodations on the island so just go for a few hours and do a walking archeological tour of this uninhabited island.

Where to Eat and Drink:

Unsurprisingly, seafood is big in Mykonos. Many menus are filled with fish and meat and and plenty of vegetarian options that usually involve delicious cheese. A word to the wise: If you order a Greek Salad and aren’t big on sardines you should specify that to the waiter. Sardines are everywhere in Greece. Or are they anchovies? Unclear, but you get the point. There are hole in the wall tavernas, fine dining options, sushi bars at beach clubs, and gyro stands in the streets. For a list of some of my favorite spots, read my Top Picks For Where to Eat in Mykonos.

What to Bring Home:

• Wooden bowls made from old olive trees. Yes, you can buy these at Williams and Sonoma, but how cool is it to have one made in Greece that you bought while you were Greece?

• Worry beads. In ancient Greece, these were used for prayer, contemplation and just generally passing the time. Today they have no religious significance and I find playing with them to be a stress reliever. I have beads that my great-grandmother bought in Greece as a child so I love the history of it.

• Chanel bag. Yup, Mykonos has a Chanel store!

• Leather sandals. They are everywhere. And I love gladiator type sandals so they were a great, inexpensive purchase that I wore around Europe for the rest of the summer.

• Be careful of the women selling things at the beach. The clothing looks adorable and once you’re home in front of a mirror, not so much.

Who to Bring:

Anyone. Mykonos has a reputation for being just one big party and while it definitely is the liveliest of all the Greek Islands, there’s so much more to it than that. Go with your friends and get wild, go with your significant other for a relaxing trip, go with children for a family vacation, or go solo! I’ve actually only been to Mykonos by myself. I felt very safe and the days usually consisted of finding a beach with cocktail service, a late afternoon nap, and exploring the town in the evening (LATE in the evening, no one eats dinner before 10pm). Don’t let the party reputation deter you if that’s not what you’re into. It’s not Vegas.

Places to Pair with Mykonos:

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I recommend doing a night or two in Athens since you’re probably flying in and out of that city. I didn’t stay because Mykonos was a quick stop among several places in Europe but I regret it and will definitely make it a priority next time I visit Greece. Doesn’t have to be for more than a day but you’re already there, just go.

Most people pair Mykonos with at least one other Greek Island since they’re just a quick flight away. Some islands, such as Santorini, Naxos and and Paros, are less than two hours away by boat. Choosing which island to pair with Mykonos depends on what level of action and activity you are looking for. When I am able to do my extensive island hopping research project, I’ll write a blog post comparing all of the islands. Until then, let’s talk through what you are looking for and we can plan the perfect trip to Greece!

How to Book a Trip To Mykonos:

Looking to visit Mykonos? Let’s chat! It’s super simple to work with me and you can click here to find out more about how booking a trip with me works!