Mykonos and Santorini Trip: Itinerary & Guide

I’m not exaggerating after I say this; the Greek Islands are beautiful. Whichever island you go to you shouldn’t be disenchanted however I’ve a tender spot for the Cyclades islands. 

There are literally over 200 islands within the Cyclades however probably the most well-known of all of them are Mykonos and Santorini. And for good purpose! These two islands are each lovely, with some nice seashores, eating places and nightlife.

Santorini is greatest recognized for its postcard-perfect sunsets over the village of Oia, whereas Mykonos is thought for its well-known windmills and seashore golf equipment. Both islands entice quite a lot of consideration from influencers and Instagrammers, making them two of the preferred locations for a summer season trip in Europe. 

On my first Greek islands journey I traveled there I visited Athens, Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Kos by ferry.

I fell in love with the islands a lot that I later returned and spent a summer season season working at a bar in Ios, making a few journeys to Mykonos for a change of surroundings. I’ve fond reminiscences of my time there and I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest these islands to my mates.  

Planning a Mykonos and Santorini journey? This information will cowl get there, what to do, the place to remain and what to eat!

How to journey to Mykonos and Santorini

Direct flight to Mykonos or Santorini

Santorini and Mykonos each have airports, so you’ll be able to truly skip Athens and fly instantly to those islands from numerous cities in Europe. 

Between the months of April and November, a number of airways function continuous flights from London to Santorini (Thira) and London to Mykonos. 

Airlines that fly from London to Santorini: Easyjet, British Airways, Jet2.com, Ryanair and Wizz Air. 

Airlines that fly from London to Mykonos: Easyjet and British Airways. 

How to get from Athens to Mykonos and Santorini

Your different choice is to journey to Athens first after which both take the ferry or fly. If you’ve by no means been to Athens earlier than, you might need to embody the capital in your Greece itinerary. Personally I’m not an enormous fan of Athens however you’ll be able to see the Acropolis and some different very well-known archeological websites. If it’s your first time in Greece then I’d undoubtedly recommend you see Athens no less than as soon as in your lifetime. 

To get from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini you will have two choices; fly or take the ferry. 

Flight – Flying is the quickest choice because it solely takes 45 minutes however then you need to issue within the journey time to Athens International Airport. 

Ferry – Ferries are extra relaxed as a result of you’ll be able to stroll round on board and stretch out however they take longer than flying. 

Ferries to Santorini take round 4 to 10 hours relying on the vessel you’re touring on. Ferries from to Mykonos vary from 2 hours 45 minutes to five hours quarter-hour.

When catching the ferry to both of those islands you’ll depart from Piraeus ferry terminal, which is about 14km south of central Athens. There are a number of totally different ferry corporations to select from and there are normally a number of boat departures per day. Use Ferryhopper.com to look ferry schedules in Greece and ebook tickets.

How to get from Mykonos to Santorini (or Santorini to Mykonos)

Since you’re visiting each islands you’ll must take a ferry between the 2. There are as much as 4 ferry crossings day by day with journey instances taking round 2 hours or extra. Again, you should use Ferryhopper.com to look the most recent timetables.

Visiting Santorini

How to get round Santorini

When you’re within the cities you’ll be able to stroll round on foot however one of the best ways to get round Santorini is by hiring an ATV. It’s probably the most enjoyable approach to see the island with the wind in your hair! You’ll see rental outlets all around the island, together with Fira. If you’re not assured about driving an ATV then you could possibly rent a automobile from the airport or in Fira. Check out Rentalcars.com for rental automobile costs. 

Alternatively, you’ll be able to journey across the island by bus. There are KETL buses from Fira to many alternative locations across the island. You should purchase tickets on the bus and fares vary from about $2-$3. Just keep in mind that the buses can get actually crowded throughout peak months.

Taxis are additionally accessible on the island – that is one of the best ways to get to and from the airport when you’re not hiring a automobile. Some routes, corresponding to from Fira to the ferry port or from Fira to Oia, have fastened charges. At different instances you’ll simply negotiate a value, so be sure to do this earlier than setting off. 

Things to do in Santorini

Sunset in Oia – Oia is that magical postcard-perfect place that you simply’ve seen within the magazines and on Instagram. The sundown right here is gorgeous and it’s effectively well worth the go to to this beautiful little village within the north of the island. That being stated, the crowds are loopy right here at sundown. Don’t anticipate it to be an intimate second with simply you and different folks. Restaurants and cafes are fully filled with vacationers and there’s not a spot that isn’t taken. Yet it’s nonetheless price it; the village is beautiful, with white buildings nestled into the cliff face.

Kamari Beach – Kamari Beach is among the largest seashores in Santorini and is situated about 4 miles southeast of Fira. The seashore is near every part and has a relaxed vibe with loads of seashore eating places to select from. Remember to convey seashore footwear as a result of the black sand can get highly regarded in summer season!

Perissa Black Sand Beach – Perissa lies on the southeast coast of Santorini and it’s the place I normally keep after I go to the island. There are each hostels and accommodations right here in addition to eating places alongside the beachfront. Most cafes and eating places supply lounge chairs free of charge, which is nice as a result of the sand is sort of coarse and will get sizzling. 

Walk round Fira – Fira is Santorini’s capital and could be discovered on the west coast of the island. Here you’ll discover loads of whitewashed villas, blue domed church buildings, outlets, bars and eating places. If you’re in search of nightlife, that is the place you’ll discover it (though it’s much more low key than Ios and Mykonos). Fira is about in a cliff, so that you’ll be capable to seize some fairly epic pictures of the views over the Aegean Sea. 

Santorini Volcano – Many folks ask – is there a volcano in Santorini? Yes there’s, and it’s energetic but it surely lies underwater. Santorini is a volcanic island with black sandy seashores and far of its panorama could be attributed to volcanic eruptions over time. One of them shaped the Santorini Caldera, which is principally a big volcanic crater. A volcano & boat tour will take you to the 2 small islands of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, which lie within the heart of the caldera. 

Visit a vineyard – If you take pleasure in a glass of wine, head to Santo Winery, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in wine tasting and nibbles whereas absorbing the views of the caldera from the out of doors terrace. Assyrtiko is the dominant white grape selection that thrives on Santorini and you may pattern quite a lot of wines which can be produced from this grape. 

Akrotiri Archeological Site –  Another fascinating factor to do in Santorini is to pay a go to to Akrotiri Archeological Site, which was a Bronze Age settlement that ultimately got here to an abrupt finish within the final a part of the seventeenth century B.C, when inhabitants needed to abandon it resulting from extreme earthquakes. 

Where to remain in Santorini 

There are a number of accommodations and guesthouses in Santorini and when you step off the ferry you’ll discover loads of visitor householders crowding the ports and touting their lodging. If you’re reserving your lodging on-line earlier than you go, listed here are some nice lodging choices across the island: 

Hotels in Santorini

George & Joanna Suites – This model new lodge is centrally situated in Fira and boasts fashionable, superbly adorned suites with kitchenettes, king measurement beds, ensuite bathe rooms and balconies. The lodge additionally has an indoor bamboo swing and an outside non-public hydromassage tub.

Ducato Di Oia – If you need to keep in Oia, Ducato Di Oia is a strong alternative, with cave-style suites impressed by the island’s Cycladic structure. This luxurious lodge gives 15 suites and three rooms that includes handpicked Moroccan assertion décor items. Nine of them have non-public heated indoor and out of doors swimming pools, whereas all of them have epic views of the Caldera. 

You and Me Suites – Located in Firostefani just some minutes from Fira, Your and Me Suites blends boho-chic fashion with conventional Cycladic structure. The Premium Suite has an outside heated plunge pool, the Honeymoon Suite has an indoor heated jacuzzi and the Exclusive Suite boasts a heated non-public pool. All suites boast sea views and supply the proper backdrop for creating lovely Instagram pictures.

Athina Luxury Suites – Perched on the cliffs in Fira, Athina Luxury Suites contains a bar/restaurant, spa amenities, infinity heated pool and a pool bar contained in the pool. Suites are minimal but luxurious and each has sweeping views of the caldera, the volcano and sundown.

Hostels

Youth Hostel Anna – When I stayed in Santorini I stayed at Youth Hostel Anna, which is located in Perissa village, by the black sand seashore. I appreciated being only a 4 minute stroll from the seashore and the hostel’s huge terrace is nice for assembly different vacationers.

Bedspot Hostel – A vibrant, fashionable and ethereal boutique hostel in Fira with a rooftop and small yard. Bedspot Hostel has three sorts of rooms – double rooms ensuite , 4-bed female and male dorms with ensuite and eight mattress combined dorms with ensuite.

Where to eat in Santorini

While you’re in Santorini you’ll have loads of alternatives to strive scrumptious Greek meals. These are among the greatest eating places in Santorini:

Aktaion – Aktaion is situated in Firostefani, which means “the village that crowns Fira”, and has been serving meals to locals and vacationers since 1922 . Dishes are made with contemporary elements discovered on the island and embody fava, korkosela, Santorinian salad with codfish, Santorini tomato balls and moussaka.

Selene – This Greek superb eating restaurant is led by Michelin star-rated chef Ettore Botrini and is housed in an outdated Catholic monastery in Fira. The menu gives a recent spin on conventional Greek recipes and is impressed by the culinary heritage of Santorini.

Katsaboo Restaurant – Restaurant serving Santorini delicacies with a contemporary twist subsequent to the elegant pool of the San Marino Suites lodge. Most of the elements and greens present in Katsaboo’s dishes are sourced from the household’s Katsipis household orchard

Alisachni Art & Wine Gallery – A multi-use area combining an artwork gallery and restaurant, Alisachni Restaurant offers a novel eating expertise in Megalachori. The restaurant has a cave-like inside with whitewashed partitions and an outside patio the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in Greek delicacies and superb wines.

Lefkes – Situated within the village of Foinikia in Oia, Lefkes is housed inside a subterranean cellar (Kanave) that was carved by a neighborhood craftsman in 1848. For the menu the chef has given a contemporary tackle Greek delicacies, that includes dishes corresponding to Feta Cigars, Moussaka Croquettes and Lamb in Tagine with Naxos graviera cheese.

Pitogyros – If you’re in search of the most effective souvlaki and gyros in Oia, look no additional than Pitogyros. Meat eaters have the choice of quite a lot of meat gyros together with hen and pork, whereas vegetarians can select between salad or halloumi gyros. Dine in on their out of doors terrace or take one to go and eat it’ll having fun with the sundown.

Visiting Mykonos

Mykonos is legendary for its windmills, sandy seashores, seashore events, whitewashed buildings and blue doorways. It’s my favourite out of the 2 islands, primarily as a result of I like techno music and there’s loads of that on the island. Plus it’s lovely!  

Mykonos has buses that join most of the cities and seashores so you’ll be able to simply get round by public transportation. Tickets could be bought at stands within the streets in addition to vacationer outlets and can normally price a few euros. In the summer season months the buses run later so you’ll be able to nonetheless catch a bus after an evening out. 

If you’re touring to the seashores then the opposite choice is taking the Mykonos Water Taxi. The taxi stops at a number of seashores alongside the south coast, together with Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. Fares price 10€ for a one-beach move or 20€ for an all-day, all-beach move.

Alternatively you will get round by taxi. Taxis are particularly helpful when you’re touring to and from the airport or if you must get someplace rapidly. Cars aren’t allowed in Chora so that you’ll discover them on the sting of city in Manto Mavrogenous Square.  

Things to do in Mykonos

Visit the windmills – The iconic Mykonos windmills are situated on the sting of Mykonos Town (Chora) on prime of a hill. There are literally 16 windmills in Mykonos and several other of them are lined up on this one hill, making for an ideal photograph alternative. Built by the Venetians within the sixteenth century, the windmills have been used to mill wheat till the twentieth century.

Watch sundown in Little Venice – Little Venice is part of Mykonos Town that sits proper on the water. Waves usually crash up alongside the wall, sending water spraying up into the air. It’s an exquisite space with a number of bars and eating places which have terraces the place you will get entrance row seats to observe the dramatic sundown. It’s one of the vital lovely sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life and makes you are feeling so alive.  

Wander Mykonos Town – Mykonos Town is an exquisite city with a labyrinth of slim streets and whitewashed buildings lined with bougainvillea. Hunt for fairly blue doorways, store for souvenirs and dine at one of many many eating places on the town. 

Boat journey to Delos – If you will have just a few days in Mykonos, take a ship journey over to Delos island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo and at one level folks have been forbidden to die or give delivery there; as a substitute they needed to take a ship over to Mykonos. Delos was first settled round 3000 BC, turned a shrine to Apollo round 800 BC, and in subsequent centuries turned a thriving industrial port. The island flourished for 700 years earlier than ultimately falling into decline, and was deserted across the eighth century AD. Tours normally depart from the port in Mykonos Town and can take you to go to highlights such because the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Terrace of Lions. 

Party at a seashore membership – Two of the most effective recognized seashore golf equipment in Mykonos are Paradise Beach Club and Super Paradise Beach Club. Super Paradise is well-liked within the daytime with DJs and plenty of folks dancing and consuming by the seashore. Paradise Beach Club has a celebration vibe within the daytime but it surely will get even wilder after darkish and infrequently hosts well-known DJs from all around the world. 

Explore the island’s seashores – Mykonos has a number of golden sandy seashores to find. The hottest seashores for partying are Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, which each have seashore golf equipment. If you’d favor to go to a extra stress-free seashore, strive: 

• Platis Gialos
• Psarrou Beach
• Paraga Beach
• Lia Beach
• Elia Beach
• Ornos Beach
• Fokos Beach

Paraportiani Orthodox Church – There are tons of of church buildings on the island of Mykonos however probably the most iconic of all of them is Paraportiani Orthodox church, which is situated within the Kastro neighborhood within the city of Chora. Dating again to the 1400s, this church has a snow white exterior and is a wonderful instance of Cylcadic structure. It sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and its identify means “Our Lady of the Side Gate”. 

Where to remain in Mykonos

Hotels in Mykonos

Myconian Villa Collection – Part of the Myconian Collection of resorts and accommodations, the Myconian Villa Collection is located in Elia Beach and is among the most glamorous resorts on the island. Nestled in a hillside, this 5-star lodge options terraced villas, saltwater swimming pool, epicurean restaurant and Thalasso spa.

Hotel Tagoo – Family run lodge on a hillside location close to Mykonos Town with an outside pool, sea-view terrace and poolside snack bar. Rooms fluctuate from ultra-modern and minimalist to conventional.

Paola’s Town Hotel – Relaxing boutique lodge only a two minute drive from Mykonos Town. The minimalist rooms have terraces with backyard views or pool views and a few have their very own indoor sizzling tubs.

Soho Roc House – Part of personal member’s membership Soho House, Soho Roc House is situated only a 3-minute stroll from Paraga Beach and overlooks the ocean. The lodge options 44 visitor rooms, a poolside veranda, an outside health club and a restaurant/seashore membership referred to as Scorpios.

Nissaki Boutique Hotel – Situated simply steps away from Platis Gialos Beach, Nissaki Boutique Hotel has a wide selection of amenities together with an outside swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, magnificence salon, spa heart, health heart and hammam. Rooms are up to date with beautiful views of the ocean and vary in measurement from double rooms to 3 bed room suites.

Boheme Mykonos – Built in a conventional Cycladic fashion, Boheme Mykonos is a trendy boutique lodge in a handy location only a stone’s throw from The Windmills and Little Venice. Facilities embody an outside swimming pool, health club, boutique and an a Mediterranean restaurant referred to as Bilo.

Hostels in Mykonos

Paraga Beach Hostel – Located on Paraga Beach, this hostel is only a 10-minute stroll from Paradise Beach and a 15-minute stroll from Cavo Paradiso membership. Accommodation choices embody dorm rooms, 3-person non-public rooms, tent rental beds and bungalows with shared bogs. On-site you’ll additionally discover a pool, two pool bars, an a la carte restaurant and a mini market. 

Mycocoon Hostel Mykonos – This design hostel is situated within the space of Kaminaki which is correct reverse the doorway to Mykonos Town. So if you wish to keep close to city, that is the choice for you. The cave-like rooms appear like one thing out of Tatooine in Star Wars and the infinity pool offers lovely views over Mykonos Town.

Paradise Beach Camping – When I stayed in Mykonos I stayed at Paradise Beach Camping, which is the place the get together’s at. This hostel is situated proper on the seashore and contains a membership that’s open from April to October. There are day by day events at Paradise Beach Club and the membership attracts well-known DJs from all around the world. Guests can ebook cabins with entry to a shared toilet or bungalows with non-public bogs that match 2 or 3 folks. 

Where to eat in Mykonos

Funky Kitchen – My favourite place to eat  in Mykonos, Funky Kitchen is a small eatery in Mykonos Town that serves scrumptious meals made with wholesome elements. Plates are rather well introduced and the menu options dishes corresponding to feta summer season rolls, tuna tataki, octopus carpaccio, and rack of lamb. 

Niko’s Taverna – Niko’s is among the oldest eating places in Mykonos and is situated in a sq. close to the waterfront. On the menu you’ll discover conventional Greek dishes and seafood, together with Tzatziki, Moussaka, Greek salad and grilled fish.

FAQs about Mykonos and Santorini

Santorini vs Mykonos: which is healthier?

Santorini has a totally totally different vibe to Mykonos. While each islands have white buildings with blue doorways, the general really feel on every is totally totally different. 

Santorini is a laid-back, romantic island with a volcanic panorama and dramatic surroundings. Some of the seashores have black sand. Mykonos, in the meantime, is extra of a celebration island with golden sandy seashores and seashore golf equipment. It’s troublesome to say which one you’ll favor as a result of it relies on preferences.

How many days in Mykonos and Santorini?

I’d recommend round 3 days on every island, so 6 days exploring each islands. Of course, you could possibly spend loads longer on each islands simply absorbing the solar, stress-free and having fun with the seashores. It actually relies upon how a lot time you will have.

Mykonos or Santorini for partying?

Mykonos is healthier for partying. The island attracts world famend DJs so when you like techno music, you’ll love Mykonos. Most of the great events happen within the seashore areas, notably Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. I additionally love Scandinavian Bar in Mykonos Town.

How lengthy is the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini?

The journey from Mykonos to Santorini takes round 2 hours.

Which is dearer, Santorini or Mykonos?

You’ll discover that each islands are dearer than the opposite Cyclades islands. Out of the 2, Mykonos is dearer. Lots of celebrities go to Mykonos for the seashore golf equipment, events and luxurious resorts. It’s due to this fact one of many priciest Greek islands to go to.

A ultimate phrase…

If you solely have per week in Greece I’d recommend doing Athens, Mykonos and Santorini as your first journey. If you will have longer then undoubtedly discover extra of the islands and maybe incorporate Ios, Naxos and Milos into your Greek islands itinerary too! 

I hope this information helped you along with your Mykonos and Santorini journey planning! If you will have any solutions for this text, depart a remark under!