Mykonos, the stunning Greek Island that is one of the most charming and magical places on the planet; with its white buildings, deep blue rooftops, winding, cobbled alleyways, and astonishing coastal views, has grown to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
Though it is recommended to stay at least one night in Mykonos when visiting, simply to soak up its beauty, it is possible to visit the island as a day trip from Athens if you have limited time. Here is how you can experience Mykonos as a day trip from Athens:
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How to get from Athens to Mykonos on a day trip:
There are three ways in which you can travel to Mykonos from Athens, and which one you select largely depends on your budget and time frame. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know for each:
Plane: One way in which you can travel from Athens to Mykonos for the day is by plane; each and every day, flights depart Athens Airport to Mykonos multiple times throughout the day, and there are a variety of different flight times.
However, if you wish to make the most out of your day trip, the earliest flight which you can take departs Athens at 5:10 am, and the last flight you can catch to return to Athens from Mykonos is at 11:59 pm.
Flights run regularly throughout the day, so you have a lot of flexibility; they can also take anywhere between 35 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on the weather conditions, etc of the day.
Ferry – Another option for traveling from Athens to Mykonos on a day trip, is by ferry. This service runs from April to October, which is the main tourist period, and takes approximately 2.5 hours each way; this does take longer than flying, but it is a very scenic and enjoyable mode of transport. The first fast ferry departs from Piraeus Port daily at 7 am and is operated by Seajets.
Tip: If you are prone to seasickness I suggest that you take the plane.
Tour – another option is a guided Tour; this one-day cruise begins in Athens and transports you to the beautiful island of Mykonos. After the short cruise that travels along the scenic Aegean Sea, you will arrive on the island, where you can explore for 7 hours.
You will experience all of the top sites, such as the famous alleyways of Matogiannia, Super Paradise Beach, and Chora Village, before being transferred back to Rafina port. This is an amazing way to experience Mykonos; you will have your very own tour guide, and learn about all the history and culture that this incredible island has to offer.
For more information or to book this tour click here.
How to get from Mykonos Airport to Mykonos Town
Mykonos is a very small island, so there are limited ways in which you can travel to the center of the town from the airport; there are just two transportation options to choose from. The most popular and common mode of transport is the Mykonos Airport Taxis, which are hassle-free, convenient, and widely available; the price of the taxi costs generally around 29 Euro, and the journey time is around 10 minutes from the airport to the center of Mykonos Town.
Alternatively, you can take the bus, which is a lot cheaper, costing just 1.60 Euro, and takes around 15 minutes to get to the Fabrica Station, which is in the heart of Mykonos Town; however, these buses are not frequently available and only operate during the peak tourist season. Here is a breakdown of each transport option:
Welcome Pickups – The easiest way to travel between the airport and the city center is by Welcome Pickups. If you prefer a more comfortable and personable experience, book a Welcome Pickups transfer, where you will be met at the port of Mykonos by a friendly, professional, and English-speaking driver, who will take your luggage and guide you to the vehicle in which you have selected; the pros of this option are that it costs the same as a regular taxi, but is far more personalized, and drivers are monitoring your flight to make sure they are always on time.
Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.
Traveling by Taxi – There is a total of just 34 official taxi vehicles in the whole of Mykonos; these licensed taxis are silver in color, and must have the yellow and black taxi rooftop sign; if a taxi does not have these features, it is unlikely to be official.
The majority of taxi drivers in Mykonos will charge passengers by the distance traveled and the time, whilst pre-booked taxi services will likely charge a fixed price to a particular destination or hotel.
Generally, prices should remain at the 29 Euro fare, but they can fluctuate due to certain factors, such as the number of passengers, the time of the day, and the vehicle type; it is worth noting that after midnight until 5:00 am, the fare for the taxi will jump up to around 35 Euro.
Traveling by Bus – The bus station is situated right outside the main terminal building of Mykonos Airport; to arrive at the terminal, you must follow the designated signs, or ask a member of staff if you get lost.
To purchase the tickets for the bus, you will need to buy them directly from the bus driver once you have boarded the bus; you can only pay for this fare in cash, and it is best if you have the exact change.
It is also worth knowing that the airport bus is only available from 10 am to 17:00 pm, so if you do opt for the first flight out of Athens, you will probably have to get a taxi to the center.
How to get from Mykonos Port to Mykonos Town
There are three ways to get from Mykonos Port to Mykonos Town, and each one has different pros and cons, depending on your budget, the number of travelers, your time frame, and what you want out of your trip; here is a breakdown of each mode of transport:
Sea Bus – after you disembark the boat at the Mykonos Port terminal, you will walk an extra minute, before coming across the Sea Bus; this mode of transport costs just 2 Euro per person, and takes you to the heart of Mykonos Old Town.
This service runs every 15 minutes, the tickets are easy to purchase, and it offers breathtaking views along the way. The journey time for this Sea Bus is around 20 minutes.
Bus – another way in which you can get from Mykonos Port to Mykonos Town is by Mykonos KTEL buses; which are a great option for getting around the island, for tourists and locals alike. From Mykonos Port, you can get to a variety of destinations by bus. For more information on bus timetables etc, visit the Mykonos Bus website.
Welcome Pickup to the Town – if you do not want to take the Sea Bus and prefer traveling by land, another option for you to get from the Port to the center of Mykonos, is to book a Welcome Pickup in advance; this wonderful service provides a friendly, professional, English speaking driver, who will meet you off the boat, and take you to the center of the town.
This is not the cheapest option, costing 29 Euro during the day, and 35 Euro after midnight, but it is the most comfortable and efficient, taking just 10 minutes to the heart of Mykonos.
Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.
Taxi – The final option is to get a taxi. Usually, some taxis will be waiting at the port by it is advisable to book one in advance. A journey to the city center costs 29 Euros during the day and 35 Euros at night.
Private tour of the island – Alternatively, if you wish to be guided around the island, and be driven to each of the top tourist spots, you can book a Welcome Pickup Tour of Mykonos Island; your tour will begin with a personal pick-up from the airport or the port, where you will be met by a friendly and English speaking driver, who will transfer you to the stops that you have selected, such as the windmills, Little Venice, and Agios Ioannis Beach.
You can spend as long as you like at each stop, whilst the driver waits for you. Though this is an expensive option, costing around 220 Euro for the day for up to 4 people, it is a great way to experience the beauty of the island in a hassle-free and comfortable way.
Click here for more information and to book your private tour of the island.
Things to do in Mykonos in a day
Mykonos is a charming island that has an abundance of historic and cultural sites to discover; here are a few of the highlights that the magical island has to offer:
Visit Delos – this minuscule, uninhabited island of Delos is one of the most important sites in the whole of Greece, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Delos is just a short ferry journey away from the town of Mykonos, and is a famous site for Greek mythology, as it is said to be the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.- click here to book a guided tour to Delos island.
Wind Mills in Chora – one of the most iconic highlights of Mykonos are the windmills in Chora; these stunning 16 windmills are gorgeous historic thatched structures, that offer beautiful views of the surrounding scenery and are absolutely fascinating to explore.
Little Venice – situated below the windmills of Chora lies the picturesque Little Venice; resembling the famous Italian city of Venice, this Greek version is absolutely gorgeous. With its houses and buildings lined on the water, its string of bars, cafes, and stunning glistening waters, which are particularly beautiful during sunset.
Walk the Alleyways – Mykonos consists of a string of winding, cobbled alleyways, sheltered by bright white-washed buildings, colorful doors, stunning archways, and hints of sea peaking through the gaps. One of the best things to do in Mykonos is to simply wander these alleyways and allow yourself to get a little lost.
Head to the Beach – Mykonos has some of the most beautiful beaches, and one of the best ways to properly experience this stunning island, is to head to the beach; whether you are swimming, taking a walk, or simply sunbathing and getting stuck into a good book, the beach is the perfect place to go.
Mykonos is a fantastic island, and although it is not recommended to see it in just one day, it is entirely possible to travel there and back from Athens on the same day; it is truly one of the most magical, and unforgettable places you will ever visit.