The perfect day trip to Mykonos from Athens

When Athens gives you ancient history, Mykonos adds a splash of island magic and that unmistakable Cycladic charm. Think dazzling whitewashed houses under the sun, windmills standing tall above the sea, endless stretches of golden sand, and and you’re already halfway there.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan the perfect day trip to Mykonos from Athens, including what to see, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time between ferries.

• Getting to Mykonos from Athens by ferry
• A day in Mykonos
  • Set sail for Mykonos
  • Little Venice & Windmills
  • Lunch in town
  • Hit the beach
  • Back to Athens
• Travel tips
• FAQs

Next stop, Mykonos!

Getting to Mykonos from Athens by ferry

You have 2 options for getting to Mykonos from Athens by ferry: the port of Piraeus and the port of Rafina.

• Piraeus - Mykonos: the earliest ferry usually sets sail for the Cyclades at 07:00 and arrives at 09:40, while the last ferry back to Athens departs at 20:45 and arrives at 01:15.
• Rafina - Mykonos: the first ferry of the day normally leaves at 07:20 and reaches Mykonos at 09:40, while the last ferry departs at around 18:30 and arrives at 20:40.

A day in Mykonos

Set sail for Mykonos!

Your adventure begins with an early morning crossing from Athens: the high-speed ferry usually takes about 2.5 hours to reach the port of Mykonos, while the conventional ferries need 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on your port of departure and company. We recommend getting a high-speed ferry to Mykonos, so you can make the most of your day on the island.

As soon as you arrive and get off the ferry, find your bearings and hop in a water taxi, bus, or taxi to Chora, the capital town of Mykonos. The drive should take about 10-15 minutes.

Explore Little Venice and the Windmills

Once you arrive in Mykonos Town, it’s time to dive straight into the island’s postcard-perfect scenery with a stroll though the narrow alleys, with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-covered corners and tiny shops.

Getting lost in Chora is part of the fun, but make your way toward Little Venice, where colorful balconies lean dramatically over the sea and waves crash right beneath the buildings. It’s easily one of the most photogenic corners of the island, with plenty of cosy cafés around to enjoy a coffee and soak in the ambience.

Just a short walk away, you will find the equally iconic Mykonos Windmills, perched on a small hill overlooking the town. These windmills once powered Mykonos’ grain trade, but these days they mainly grind out incredible views.

It doesn’t get more Cycladic than this!

Lunch with a sea view

After wondering around time, it’s likely you may have worked up an appetite, but thankfully, Mykonos takes lunch seriously and will have you spoiled for options. Head back toward the waterfront, where you’ll find plenty of places serving up classic Greek flavors.

If you’re after a laid-back meal, traditional tavernas near Mykonos Old Port are a safe bet and usually a bit more relaxed than the beach clubs. If the weather allows, try to get a table outside, as lunch tastes better with a sea breeze.

Start off with louza (cured pork seasoned with allspice and thyme) and saganaki (grilled cheese), continue with fresh grilled seafood, and don’t forget the essential Greek salad (drizzled with olive oil). Pair it all with a chilled glass of white wine, after all, you’re on Mykonos time now!

Hit the beach, Mykonos style!

No trip to Mykonos is complete without dipping your toes in the Aegean, so after lunch it’s time to hit the beach. Luckily, there are several beautiful beaches just a short ride from town.

Ornos is about 10 minutes away and offers calm waters, sunbeds, and beachfront cafés, while Platis Gialos has plenty of organized facilities and regular buses from Chora. On the southern coast you will find Elia, arguably one of the best beaches on the Greek islands. This stretch of sand is about a 20-minute drive from town.

Spend a couple of hours swimming, relaxing under an umbrella, or enjoying a cold drink at a beach bar. If you’re short on time, renting a sunbed will make things easier (and more comfortable). Just keep an eye on the clock, it’s easy to lose track of time when the water is that blue!

Kick back and enjoy the sunshine at Elia

Back to town and Athens

By late afternoon, it’s time to head back to Mykonos Town for one last wander to pick up souvenirs, browse boutique shops and grab a well-earned gelato. If you are near Little Venice, and the time is right, you can even squeeze in a quick drink to see the sun dip in the Aegean.

As the ferry pulls away from the island and your day trip to Mykonos from Athens comes to an end, you’ll likely be tired, happy and (hopefully) covered in. but you can already start planning about your next Greek island escape!

Travel tips for your day trip to Mykonos from Athens

Here are some useful travel tips to keep in mind when planning your day trip to Mykonos from Athens:

• There are 2 bus stations in Mykonos, one by the old port and the other at Fabrica, in the southern side of town. Buses usually run every hour or so to many popular destinations on the island. There are also taxis throughout the island, however availability may be limited during the high season.
• For greater flexibility and the opportunity to go off the tourist path, you can travel with your car or motorbike, as most ferries to Mykonos from Athens have car decks.
• As you will only be around for the day, pack the essentials: sunscreen, a water bottle, sunglasses, and a hat. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, as the cobble-stone streets in town can be narrow and uneven.
• Book your ferry tickets well in advance, as the more popular crossings with high-speed ferries tend to sell out in the summer. This is especially important if you plan on traveling with a car or motorbike.

FAQS

Which port in Athens should I choose?

Ferries to Mykonos depart from both Port of Piraeus and Port of Rafina. Travel time is generally similar for high-speed and conventional ferries, but there are a few differences to consider.

The port of Piraeus is closer to the center of Athens and is usually the most convenient option if you’re staying in the city. In the high season, there are up to 5 daily ferry crossings to Mykonos from here.
Rafina, on the eastern coast of Attica and closer to Athens International Airport, typically offers more ferry departures in summer, often over 10 per day. Although it’s farther from downtown Athens, it can be a great option if you’re arriving by plane or looking for more sailing choices.

How much do Athens - Mykonos ferry tickets cost?

The price of Athens - Mykonos ferry tickets depends on your port of departure, the type of vessel (high-speed or convention), ferry company and season.

• Piraeus - Mykonos: ticket prices start from about €50 with conventional ferries and around €85 with high-speed ferries.
• Rafina - Mykonos: ferry tickets for the conventional ferries are priced from €38, while high-speed catamaran tickets cost from €50 to €70.

When is the best time to go on a day trip to Mykonos?

With 9 months of sunshine and mild winters, there’s no wrong time to travel to the Greek islands. That said, it can be argued that June is the best month to visit Mykonos. This is a sweet spot just before the summer rush.

During the early summer, prices tend to be lower, the atmosphere is still relaxed, the sea is warm enough for a swim and ferry routes are in full-swing, making it easy to travel by ferry from Athens or do a bit of island hopping in the Cyclades.

Do I need to pre-book my ferry to Mykonos from Athens?

Yes, Mykonos is a very popular destination, especially in the summer and for long weekends. While it might be possible to find ferry tickets at the last minute, availability will usually be limited.

Your best plan of action is to book your Mykonos ferry tickets well in advance, to ensure you travel on preferred date, as well as take advantage of any early bird discounts or special offers.

Enjoy the view in Little Venice before returning to Athens

Book your Mykonos ferry tickets with Ferryhopper

Now that we’ve got a solid plan out of the way for an unforgettable Mykonos day trip, it’s time to sort out the ferry! To make life easier, you can check out the Ferryhopper Map of ferries for all ferry routes to Mykonos and book ferry tickets in just a few clicks!