One of the main tourist destinations in Greece, Mykonos attracts cruises, families, and honeymooning couples. It is the most expensive island in the Cyclades, but it’s tough to resist with its quiet winding streets, small alleys lined with whitewashed houses overlooking a beautiful harbor, beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and out of control nightlife. Mykonos is one of the most popular islands in Greece for a reason. I love the island, but, while this travel guide can help lower your costs, prices are so high during the peak season that I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here if you want to stick to a budget.
Mykonos
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Mykonos
1. Beach hop
2. Relax in Little Venice
3. Chora Village
4. Visit Delos
5. Panagia Paraportiani
Other Things to See and Do
(Click the title to expand the text)
1. Hang out at Elia Beach
The longest stretch of white sands in Mykonos, this beach also has transparent waters and plenty of tavernas and bars from which to choose.
2. Go scuba diving
There’s great scuba diving around Mykonos. If you are a diver, consider taking a few dives while you are here. You won’t find a lot of coral but you’ll find lots of fish and even a few wrecks. An outing starts at 70 EUR.
3. Tour the museums
There are a number of different museums here, but most of them are only open from April to October. In Mykonos Town alone, there are five – The Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum, Lena’s House Museum, Agricultural Museum & Boni Mill, and Aegean Maritime Museum. Admission typically runs from 3-7 EUR.
4. Find Petros the Pelican
Interestingly enough, the island of Mykonos has a beloved mascot—a real life Pelican. The original died in the late 80s, however, there are now 3 that inhabit the island. It’s fun to try to spot them and capture them in a photo.
5. Watch the sunset at the windmills
The windmills around Mykonos town are symbolic of the island, and also happen to be the most popular place to catch the sunset. Prepare for crowds if you plan to go; head over there early to get a good spot.
6. Go snorkeling
Even if you’re not a diver, you can still check out some of the underwater activity by renting some snorkeling equipment. Paranga Beach has the island’s best snorkeling conditions. An outing costs about 25 EUR.
7. Take a boat tour
Although this may not be a budget-friendly option, it’s a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can consider a variety of prices and options. You may want to arrange a private sailing trip or a tour on one of the island’s glass-bottomed boats. A tour on a glass-bottom boat is about 45 EUR with lunch included.
Typical Costs
Budget hotel prices – You can find a room at a 2-star hotel for 50 EUR per night. Hotels at this price point include private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. On Airbnb, shared rooms start at 15 EUR and entire homes (including studio apartments) can be rented for 50 EUR per night. Keep in mind prices shoot up in the summer!
Average cost of food – While you can find cheap gyros (meat, cheese, sauce, onions, and tomatoes served on pita bread) and pizza, for the most part, eating out on this island is expensive. The night I went for seafood the going rate was 90 EUR per kilo for fish! Even a light dinner of pasta and wine cost me over 24 EUR! If you want to save money, avoid eating in the main town. Stick to cheap sandwiches, pizza, or gyros. If you cook your meals, expect to pay 50-55 EUR per week for groceries that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foods.
Transportation costs – The quickest way to get around is to rent a moped or scooter, which are cheap but they require a license. You can rent a moped for one day for 22 EUR (but as low as 10 EUR per day in the low season). Bus tickets cost about 1.60 EUR (night buses cost 2 EUR). Buses leave every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency depends on the season. A taxi around the island will cost between 9-18 EUR per person, but there are a limited amount and, depending on if it’s busy, you could be waiting hours.
Suggested daily budget
50-60 EUR / $52-62 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodations or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
- Travel during the off-season – If you can, come here before June before the beaches get overcrowded and prices double.
- Don’t stay in the main town – Accommodation prices in the town are on the high end and the further you go from the town, the cheaper it is. There is a good bus system to get you to and from town.
- Eat super cheap – Gyros and other street snacks only cost a few Euros and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day.
- Book overnight ferries – Greece’s inter-island ferries can get quite expensive if you are visiting a lot of them. Taking the overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price plus save you a night of accommodation.
- Book ferries early – If you book the ferries around two months in advance, you can save up to 25% off the cost of your ticket.
My Must Have Guides For Traveling to Mykonos
How to Get Free Flights
This book shows you how to take money out of the travel equation and and master the points and miles game. It will show you how to easily collect and redeem travel points for free airfare and accommodation so you can get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
Kristin Addis writes the solo female travel column for this website and her detailed guide addresses all the concerns women have about traveling and gives the specific advice and tips you need to conquer the world and stay safe.
How to Teach English Overseas
This book will teach you everything you need to know about landing your dream job and features interviews with dozens of teachers, recruiters, detailed information on the top teaching destinations, sample resumes, advice on nailing your interview, and much more.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach how to master the art of travel so that, no matter how long you want to travel for, you’ll save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experience.
Articles About Mykonos
Booking Resources
