Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
What to Except when Visiting Mykonos
When I think of visiting Mykonos as a solo female traveler, I think of fun and exciting nightlife, history-rich culture, and the famous whitewashed windmills. It is all that and more. Known as the island of the winds and often referred to as the Utopia of the Cyclades, it is one of the most visited islands in Greece, along with Santorini and Crete.
This Blog is perfect for someone who likes affordable luxury and a mix of both calm relaxing book by the beach kinda days but it is also for someone who might feel the need to turn up after that. It’s called balance and I’m here for it. Visiting Mykonos in four days is the perfect amount of time to do both and makes for a great trip as a solo female traveler.
This particular Greek island has much more than its well-earned reputation of world-class nightlife. When visiting Mykonos, you also have ancient archaeological sites, picture-perfect villages, and beautiful beaches, making it one of the best islands in the Aegean Sea. The ancient treasures of Delos are just a short boat ride away too, while Mykonos Town has a beautiful 15th-century Church, The Church of Panagia Paraportiani that is made up of five interconnected churches.
Of course with the huge nightlife scene and flowing libations, you have to ask if Mykonos is safe for a solo female traveler or any traveler in general. The primary safety concerns on the island are vehicle-related accidents. The majority result from intoxicated and/or inexperienced drivers on scooters and ATVs. As with anywhere, take the usual precautions when traveling and beware of your surroundings, especially as a solo female traveler.
When To Visit
With its St. Tropez and Ibiza vibes, Mykonos is also the most glamorous Greek island and a top summer holiday for just about everyone. The charm comes with a price though, it is also the most expensive Greek Island. However affordable luxury is possible! Planning your visit around the high season will be the best choice if you are a solo traveler on a budget. Typically, the summers are hot and dry, but the winter brings a chill and high winds. The wet season, Oct-April, isn’t so wet as rain is scarce in Mykonos. Mid-October is perfect. The weather is ideal and beach-worthy still.
Transportation
No matter where you decide to stay in Mykonos, consider renting a scooter or ATV to beach hop around the island. They are so much fun when used safely and core memory makers. The local buses are also easy to use too and a cheaper option—just be careful and plan your adventures accordingly to the bus schedules. Believe it or not the local buses are even a great choice when partaking in the nightlife action. There are bus transfers from town to the big nightclubs. Don’t worry; they run late into the night, every half an hour in the high season and are widely known to be a safe choice. This is also the most affordable and reliable way to get back and forth other than taking a taxi. Apps like Uber or Lyft are not available in Mykonos, but there are local ride apps like iMove and DriveMe, that will cost around $35 per ride. Like anywhere, Do not drink and drive!
In addition to local transportation, there are Water Taxis for beach hopping. These repurposed fishing boats run along the south coast, stopping at 7 popular Mykonos beaches. On a water taxi, you can reach Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia faster than on local transportation. The water taxis run during the summer months (from mid-May to September), starting at 10 a.m. and into the early evening. It’s an entertaining way to get around when you’re beach hopping, costing approximately 20€ for an all-day, all-beach pass.
What Area to Stay In
Depending on your budget, I recommend staying near the ferry port where you will most likely be arriving and departing from versus the beachfront properties that will put a dent in your wallet before you even have your toes in the sand. You’ll find excellent hotels throughout all of Mykonos, and everything is walkable or just a quick scooter and bus stop away. However, if beachfront is your vibe while vacationing (or partying at the beach till sunrise), I would book a hotel at Paradise, Ornos, or Platis Gialos Beach.
Mykonos Town Chora
Mykonos Town aka Chora is the perfect location and has more budget-friendly and affordable luxury options than the glitzy beachfront hotspots. It is easily accessible to the ferry port, adorable shops, and delicious restaurants, including “Little Venice.” It is a compact, walkable village and the island’s historic capital.
Little Venice
This popular but small seafront neighborhood also in Chora, is one of the most picturesque places in Mykonos. The cute area has pedestrian-only access, bringing you across traditional white-washed houses with gorgeous bougainvillea. It looks just like you see in pictures. There are also plenty of boutiques, restaurants, and bars that make this a good choice.
Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach & Paraga Beach
The ultimate St. Tropez and Ibiza vibes are only 15 minutes from Mykonos Town. If you want a beach day/party-by-night experience, these world-famous beaches are just the place. You can soak up the sun by day and party into the wee hours of the night.
Ornos
The most family-friendly area and beach with a mix of all the vibes but in a more relaxed way is Ornos. Located 3 km from Mykonos Town are beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing, making this another popular beach and areas to stay. There are plenty of dining options here too, along with markets, and some of the island’s finest hotels.
What to do
Although you could crisscross around the entire island in under 30 minutes by car, it’s easy to fill up 4 days with sightseeing, beach-ing, and enjoying the island’s famous nightlife. As with any Island, the vibe when you’re visiting Mykonos is all about the beach! Beach hopping via water taxis, dancing the night (or day) away, and eating delicious Mediterranean food are all on the itinerary. If you need some time out of the water, check out Delos’s archeological ruins and walk to take an Instagram pic at Kato Mili (windmills of Mykonos), neither of which should be missed. However, there is nothing like an ocean cruise on a fabulous catamaran to give you another perspective on this island. Don’t worry if your traveling solo make the memories and soak up the sun with new friends from around the World.
Delos Island
Boat Ride 20€ round trip –Entrance 12€
Just a quick 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos Town, is Delos. Delos was the most important island in the southern Aegean during ancient times. It is also known as a holy island, being the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Women were also once forbidden from giving birth on Delos Island and instead had to be ferried to Mykonos.
Tickets can be purchased from the kiosk at the southern end of the Mykonos Town harbor. You can alternatively take a guided tour, which includes a round-trip ticket and entrance fee, along with a guide that has great insight and knowledge about the ruins. Take this adventure to the next level and book a cruise to Delos & Rhenia with drinks and food included.
Kato Mili aka Mykonos Windmills
Synonymous with Mykonos and visible from anywhere in Mykonos Town are the 16 famous windmills from the 15th and 16th centuries. The windmills are perched on a hill overlooking Little Venice and situated between the neighborhoods of Alefkandra and Neochori. They were initially used to mill wheat by wealthy families; however, most of them belonged to the nearby monasteries. You can’t miss Gioras Bakery nearby either. It is a Medieval Mykonian Bakery with an original wood oven in use from the 18th century. This family-owned bakery, passed through generations, offers a glimpse into the bakeries of the past.
Nightlife
Alright, here we go! World Class NightLife. The Ibiza of the Med. The Hearbeat of Greece. Forget about your phone charger, your boss, or even your ex with a night out at one, two, or a few of the most iconic bars and clubs for a true Mykonos experience. Boasting over 80 clubs and bars that cater to literally everyone with the most insane backdrop of breathtaking scenery, you are guaranteed a good time, might I even say grand time.
At nightclubs, you can expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €50 at the door, and drinks cost upwards of €15. Keep in mind, tan lines fade, but memories last forever, so don’t be put off spending a little extra money on a night out. With the stunning beaches, immaculate scenery, and world-renowned party scene, it’s well worth it for an unforgettable vacation. One of the best tips I got was from a local who told me “you can save money by drinking at the fun bars before hitting the clubs.” Noted.
Tropicana Bar in Paradise Beach
Dubbed the 2nd most popular bar in the World by The Travel Channel, there is no shortage of vibes at the Tropicana. Located on one of the best beaches, you can lay out and enjoy a sunbed before the DJ gets there and the place starts jumping. Around 4:30 pm is when the party starts and goes however long you can last or until the sun comes up, whichever comes first. The restaurant at the Tropicana is also rated #1 on the beach and is known for its delicious food and late-night snacks!
Scarpa Bar in Little Venice
This iconic spot in Little Venice has been serving drinks, vibes, and unforgettable nights for over 40 years. A delicious coffee shop by day turns up once the sun sets. The after-dark house music starts and doesnt stop in until the sun comes up!
Literally, the party doesn’t stop until 5 in the morning. Dance under the moonlight on the waterfront terrace at Scarpa. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset at the outdoor coffee bar and ease into the night should you dare. We are in Mykonos, after all. It really should be called Myko-yes! Thank goodness most everything is walkable.
Skandinavian Bar Chora
A great place known for the pregame crowd is the Scandinavian Bar, which has been open since 1978. It is conveniently located in Chora and is known for having lower prices. It is the perfect place to partake in delicious cocktails and music before heading to a bigger nightlife scene.
Super Paradise Beach Club
This famous beach club has a sea of fuchsia umbrellas and sunbeds. You can show up in the morning for mimosas and iced coffees in hand, but by 4 p.m., the music is blaring, and taking shots start happening.
When the sun goes down, it turns into a mass of ravers with neon lights dancing to EDM and mainstream remixes. If turning up this far up isn’t your vibe, it is totally worth checking out this beach before the party gets started.
Cavo Paradiso
Cavo is quintessentially legendary Myko-yes nightlife among the Paradise Beach family. It boasts a cosmopolitan and fun vibe where delicious drinks and endless hits are played! Also known as the Temple of Fun, Cavo has gained worldwide recognition for nearly 30 years, with the most famous and sought-after DJs entertaining the masses all night.
If none of these fit your fancy, there are so many more places to try.
4 Day Itinerary Inspiration
Day 1. Arrival Day
After checking in to your hotel and settling (usually mid-day/early evening), get out there and start exploring, getting the lay of the land. I’m usually always hungry at this point, so a nice meal and some light exploration sounds great. This might be a good time to check out the windmills and stop at a few places along the way for a drink and dessert. Who knows, anything goes on night 1.
Day 2. Beach Hopping & Day Party
Ease into it, Mykonos is a lot. Start the day beach hopping and end up at Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach & Paraga Beach for an early turn-up. Or take a water taxi to as many beaches as possible, ending up on the Paradise strand to turn up for the rest of the night. Today is the perfect day to party! There may need to be a nap and refresh before rallying. Being in the sun all day can wipe you out!
Day 3. Catamaran Cruise & Night Out
Perhaps you had a late night. The best way to enjoy the next day is by doing nothing. Well, practically nothing. Laying out on a boat sounds excellent. I highly recommend Delos and Rhenia Full-Day Sailing Cruise with lunch included. You can explore from a different perspective on the sea, chill on the boat, and jump in for a dip when you need to cool off. The only thing you are working on is your tan. It is the ultimate relaxation. Many cruises stop in Delos and allow you to check out the ruins; however, it is optional whether you want to peel yourself off the boat to partake.
After the cruise taking a refreshing nap will be clutch so you can make your way out on the town in true European fashion around 10 or 11 p.m for more Myko-yes action.
Day 4. Final Day to Explore
If you still need to check things off your list or visit Delos, the fourth and final day is your chance. The tour of Delos is 4 hours long and starts in the morning, giving you enough time to make the evening Ferry to Paros or other nearby islands you may be visiting. If not, go with the flow and get ready for a new day and new adventure tomorrow.
Related Articles:
- How to Spend 3 Days in Paros
- Visiting Crete
- Top 10 things to pack when Traveling
- The Best Santorini & Crete Guide
My friends at Travelbuddieslifestyle . com have a great article on visiting Milos if you’re thinking of adding additional Greek Islands to your itinerary.
