Whether you’re visiting Mykonos for the summer party scene, or for the perfect relaxing getaway, you probably want to make the most of your trip to this Cycladic island. However, why visit only one island when you can visit two or three? Mykonos’s location makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Aegean.
Its proximity to other picturesque islands like Paros, Naxos, and Tinos Island makes for a fun-filled holiday. Some of these islands are only 30-40 minutes away from Mykonos by boat, which are easy day trips that you and your friends, significant other, or your family will certainly enjoy.
There are so many historical sights, adorable villages, and serene beaches to fuel your wanderlust.
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5 Great day trip ideas from Mykonos
1. A day trip to Tinos island
If you’re looking to explore the lovely Tinos Island, a number of guided tours can help you explore this relatively unknown paradise. During the tour, you will visit the most important church in Greece, see views of fantastic rock landscapes, and see the amazing valley of pigeon houses.
Tinos Island is only 40 minutes away from Mykonos by boat. Yes, just 40 minutes—and you can do the most incredible activities. You’ll visit places like the women’s monastery, Kechrovouni—a sacred site high up in the mountains, inhabited today by 20 nuns.
You’ll also check out the charming town of Pyrgos, where you’ll discover a myriad of marble masterpieces while exploring its sights. Even the most well-traveled will be impressed.
There is also the choice to visit on your own. You can take the ferry from the new port of Mykonos and once you arrive in Tinos you can rent a car and explore.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to Tinos island from Mykonos that includes return ferry tickets and a full-day guided coach tour.
2. A day trip to the islands of Rhenia and Delos
Did someone say yacht cruise? A lot of companies offer a full-day yacht cruise from Mykonos to the uninhabited island of Rhenia and the ancient ruins of Delos.
There’s even complimentary food and drinks on board. Besides eating and drinking, you’ll do amazing activities like visiting the archaeological site of Delos, a UNESCO world heritage site and swimming in a secluded, off-the-beaten-path cove in Rhenia.
With your guide, discover Rhenia’s ancient history and relax with private beach time, lunch, and drinks. Plus, you’ll see the stunning views of Mount Kynthos, where you can see the formations of the surrounding Cycladic islands—a view that you won’t want to forget.
Find here more information and book a day trip to the islands of Rhenia and Delos.
3. A day trip to the South Coast of Mykonos
See the true beauty of Mykonos on a full-day cruise of the island’s south coast. This cruise includes an onboard buffet of Greek cuisine and drinks. You’ll see some lovely beaches of Mykonos right from the sea. So, partygoers and windsurfers, make sure you pay attention if you want to find the best ones!
To visit the clearest waters, swim, snorkel, and take loads of Instagram-able pictures. Then, sail on to one of Mykonos’s most famous beaches Ornos Beach, Psarou Beach, Super Paradise, Platys Gialos, and Elia.
Find here more information and book a day cruise to the South Coast of Mykonos.
4. A day trip to Paros island
A trip to Paros is one of the easiest that you can take from Mykonos. Just hop on a ferry boat for 30-60 minutes, depending on the vessel, and then you’re there! You’ll bask away in the sun, stumble upon magical cobblestone alleyways, and swim at crystalline beaches.
Visit places like Parikía, the beautiful Cycladic capital of Paros decorated with whitewashed cubic houses, impressive neoclassical mansions, and an enchanting town center. Here, you can get an amazing view of the town at a well-preserved 13th-century Venetian castle on the top of a hill.
Nevertheless, the main stop on your itinerary should be Naoussa. In this cute, enchanting Paros village, ruins of a Venetian fortress stand at the entrance to a small harbor, welcoming you into this fairytale town. Your visit will feel magical as you walk through windy cobblestoned streets and watch triumphant waves crash onto the beaches.
Can’t get enough of the beach? Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, and Poúnda are perfect places to enjoy the turquoise blue water and your favorite watersports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. To get around Paros, simply take a bus from Parikia to go to the most popular spots around the island.
It’s so easy to travel around Paros because of how small it is. No matter how short of a trip, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground on the island in 3-4 hours. So, take the bus, rent a car, or a bike to begin exploring it all!
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.
5. A day trip to Naxos island
This lovely island is filled with long sandy beaches and interesting historical sights. Located in the center of the Cyclades, Naxos is a tourist hub in the Aegean. Its beaches are lined with seaside hotels, restaurants, and water sports centers—windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular here, of course so don’t hesitate to bring your gear on your trip.
If you prefer something off the beaten path, Naxos’s eastern side may interest you. It’s more secluded and practically untouched by tourists. Drive around the center of the island, and you’ll encounter a dozen charming traditional villages rich with history.
If you’re the adventurous type, the perfect way to see some of these sights is to go on a hiking trail. Many lead to some of the most beautiful and secluded spots of the island, like the peak of Mount Zas, the tallest mountain in the Cyclades. Naxos is a great island for adventurous tourism. Naxos is only 45 minutes away from Mykonos by ferry.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.
Check out my post: Things to do in Naxos for more inspiration.
Do you have any more day trip ideas to add to the list?
You might want to check out my posts:
Best things to do in Mykonos
Where to stay in Mykonos
The best Mykonos Beaches