Mykonos and Santorini Journey: Itinerary & Information

I’m not exaggerating once I say this; the Greek Islands are gorgeous. Whichever island you go to you shouldn’t be upset however I’ve a delicate 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 cause! These two islands are each lovely, with some nice seashores, eating places and nightlife.

Santorini is greatest identified for its postcard-perfect sunsets over the village of Oia, whereas Mykonos is understood for its well-known windmills and seashore golf equipment. Each islands appeal to loads of consideration from influencers and Instagrammers, making them two of the most well-liked locations for a summer time 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 time season working at a bar in Ios, making a few journeys to Mykonos for a change of surroundings. I’ve fond recollections of my time there and I wouldn’t hesitate to advocate these islands to my buddies.  

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

The best way to journey to Mykonos and Santorini

Direct flight to Mykonos or Santorini

Santorini and Mykonos each have airports, so you’ll be able to really skip Athens and fly immediately to those islands from varied 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. 

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

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

The best way to get from Athens to Mykonos and Santorini

Your different possibility is to journey to Athens first after which both take the ferry or fly. Should you’ve by no means been to Athens earlier than, you could wish 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 positively recommend you see Athens at the very least as soon as in your lifetime. 

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

Flight – Flying is the quickest possibility because it solely takes 45 minutes however then you need to issue within the journey time to Athens Worldwide 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 often a number of boat departures per day. Use Ferryhopper.com to go looking ferry schedules in Greece and e book tickets.

The best way to get from Mykonos to Santorini (or Santorini to Mykonos)

Because 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. Once more, you need to use Ferryhopper.com to go looking the most recent timetables.

Visiting Santorini

The best way to get round Santorini

Whenever you’re within the cities you’ll be able to stroll round on foot however one of the simplest ways to get round Santorini is by hiring an ATV. It’s probably the most enjoyable option to see the island with the wind in your hair! You’ll see rental retailers everywhere in the island, together with Fira. Should you’re not assured about driving an ATV then you may rent a automobile from the airport or in Fira. Try 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 buy tickets on the bus and fares vary from about $2-$3. Simply do not forget that the buses can get actually crowded throughout peak months.

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

Issues to do in Santorini

Sundown in Oia – Oia is that magical postcard-perfect place that you just’ve seen within the magazines and on Instagram. The sundown right here is gorgeous and it’s properly 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 count on it to be an intimate second with simply you and different individuals. Eating places and cafes are fully filled with vacationers and there’s not a spot that isn’t taken. But it’s nonetheless value it; the village is gorgeous, with white buildings nestled into the cliff face.

Kamari Seashore – Kamari Seashore is likely one of the largest seashores in Santorini and is situated about 4 miles southeast of Fira. The seashore is near all the things and has a relaxed vibe with loads of seashore eating places to select from. Keep in mind to deliver seashore footwear as a result of the black sand can get highly regarded in summer time!

Perissa Black Sand Seashore – Perissa lies on the southeast coast of Santorini and it’s the place I often keep once I go to the island. There are each hostels and motels right here in addition to eating places alongside the beachfront. Most cafes and eating places provide lounge chairs totally free, which is nice as a result of the sand is kind of coarse and will get sizzling. 

Stroll round Fira – Fira is Santorini’s capital and could be discovered on the west coast of the island. Right here you’ll discover loads of whitewashed villas, blue domed church buildings, retailers, bars and eating places. Should 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 ready in a cliff, so that you’ll be capable of seize some fairly epic images of the views over the Aegean Sea. 

Santorini Volcano – Many individuals ask – is there a volcano in Santorini? Sure there’s, and it’s lively nevertheless it 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 in every 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 middle of the caldera. 

Go to a vineyard – Should you take pleasure in a glass of wine, head to Santo Vineyard, 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 a wide range of wines which can be produced from this grape. 

Akrotiri Archeological Web site –  One other attention-grabbing factor to do in Santorini is to pay a go to to Akrotiri Archeological Web site, which was a Bronze Age settlement that finally got here to an abrupt finish within the final a part of the seventeenth century B.C, when inhabitants needed to abandon it as a consequence of extreme earthquakes. 

The place to remain in Santorini 

There are many motels and guesthouses in Santorini and for those who step off the ferry you’ll discover loads of visitor householders crowding the ports and touting their lodging. Should you’re reserving your lodging on-line earlier than you go, listed here are some nice lodging choices across the island: 

Accommodations in Santorini

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

Ducato Di Oia – If you wish 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. 9 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 – Positioned in Firostefani only a few minutes from Fira, Your and Me Suites blends boho-chic model with conventional Cycladic structure. The Premium Suite has an out of doors heated plunge pool, the Honeymoon Suite has an indoor heated jacuzzi and the Unique Suite boasts a heated non-public pool. All suites boast sea views and supply the right backdrop for creating lovely Instagram images.

Athina Luxurious Suites – Perched on the cliffs in Fira, Athina Luxurious Suites incorporates a bar/restaurant, spa services, 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 – Once I stayed in Santorini I stayed at Youth Hostel Anna, which is located in Perissa village, by the black sand seashore. I favored being only a 4 minute stroll from the seashore and the hostel’s massive terrace is nice for assembly different vacationers.

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

The place to eat in Santorini

When 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, that means “the village that crowns Fira”, and has been serving meals to locals and vacationers since 1922 . Dishes are made with recent components discovered on the island and embody fava, korkosela, Santorinian salad with codfish, Santorini tomato balls and moussaka.

Selene – This Greek high quality 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. A lot of the components and greens present in Katsaboo’s dishes are sourced from the household’s Katsipis household orchard

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

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

Pitogyros – Should you’re in search of the very best souvlaki and gyros in Oia, look no additional than Pitogyros. Meat eaters have the choice of a wide range 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 can having fun with the sundown.

Visiting Mykonos

Mykonos is known 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 really 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 retailers and can often value a few euros. In the summertime months the buses run later so you’ll be able to nonetheless catch a bus after an evening out. 

Should you’re touring to the seashores then the opposite possibility 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, Tremendous Paradise, Agrari and Elia. Fares value 10€ for a one-beach move or 20€ for an all-day, all-beach move.

Alternatively you may get round by taxi. Taxis are particularly helpful for those who’re touring to and from the airport or if you might want to get someplace rapidly. Vehicles aren’t allowed in Chora so that you’ll discover them on the sting of city in Manto Mavrogenous Sq..  

Issues to do in Mykonos

Go to the windmills – The enduring Mykonos windmills are situated on the sting of Mykonos City (Chora) on high 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. Constructed 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 City that sits proper on the water. Waves typically crash up alongside the wall, sending water spraying up into the air. It’s a lovely space with plenty of bars and eating places which have terraces the place you may 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 City – Mykonos City is a lovely city with a labyrinth of slender 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 – In case you have just a few days in Mykonos, take a ship journey over to Delos island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The island is the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo and at one level individuals have been forbidden to die or give beginning 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 finally falling into decline, and was deserted across the eighth century AD. Excursions often depart from the port in Mykonos City and can take you to go to highlights such because the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Terrace of Lions. 

Get together at a seashore membership – Two of the very best identified seashore golf equipment in Mykonos are Paradise Seashore Membership and Tremendous Paradise Seashore Membership. Tremendous Paradise is well-liked within the daytime with DJs and plenty of individuals dancing and consuming by the seashore. Paradise Seashore Membership has a celebration vibe within the daytime nevertheless it will get even wilder after darkish and sometimes hosts well-known DJs from everywhere in the world. 

Discover the island’s seashores – Mykonos has plenty of golden sandy seashores to find. The preferred seashores for partying are Paradise Seashore and Tremendous Paradise Seashore, which each have seashore golf equipment. Should you’d want to go to a extra enjoyable seashore, strive: 

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

Paraportiani Orthodox Church – There are lots 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. Relationship again to the 1400s, this church has a snow white exterior and is a superb instance of Cylcadic structure. It sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and its identify means “Our Girl of the Facet Gate”. 

The place to remain in Mykonos

Accommodations in Mykonos

Myconian Villa Assortment – A part of the Myconian Assortment of resorts and motels, the Myconian Villa Assortment is located in Elia Seashore and is likely one of 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.

Lodge Tagoo – Household run lodge on a hillside location close to Mykonos City with an out of doors pool, sea-view terrace and poolside snack bar. Rooms fluctuate from ultra-modern and minimalist to conventional.

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

Soho Roc Home – A part of non-public member’s membership Soho Home, Soho Roc Home is situated only a 3-minute stroll from Paraga Seashore and overlooks the ocean. The lodge options 44 visitor rooms, a poolside veranda, an out of doors health club and a restaurant/seashore membership known as Scorpios.

Nissaki Boutique Lodge – Located simply steps away from Platis Gialos Seashore, Nissaki Boutique Lodge has a big selection of services together with an out of doors swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, magnificence salon, spa middle, health middle and hammam. Rooms are modern with gorgeous views of the ocean and vary in dimension from double rooms to a few bed room suites.

Boheme Mykonos – Inbuilt a standard Cycladic model, Boheme Mykonos is a classy boutique lodge in a handy location only a stone’s throw from The Windmills and Little Venice. Services embody an out of doors swimming pool, health club, boutique and an a Mediterranean restaurant known as Bilo.

Hostels in Mykonos

Paraga Seashore Hostel – Positioned on Paraga Seashore, this hostel is only a 10-minute stroll from Paradise Seashore and a 15-minute stroll from Cavo Paradiso membership. Lodging choices embody dorm rooms, 3-person non-public rooms, tent rental beds and bungalows with shared loos. 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 true reverse the doorway to Mykonos City. So if you wish to keep close to city, that is the choice for you. The cave-like rooms appear to be one thing out of Tatooine in Star Wars and the infinity pool offers lovely views over Mykonos City.

Paradise Seashore Tenting – Once I stayed in Mykonos I stayed at Paradise Seashore Tenting, which is the place the social gathering’s at. This hostel is situated proper on the seashore and incorporates a membership that’s open from April to October. There are day by day events at Paradise Seashore Membership and the membership attracts well-known DJs from everywhere in the world. Friends can e book cabins with entry to a shared rest room or bungalows with non-public loos that match 2 or 3 individuals. 

The place to eat in Mykonos

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

Niko’s Taverna – Niko’s is likely one of 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 best?

Santorini has a totally totally different vibe to Mykonos. Whereas 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. Among 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 tough to say which one you’ll want as a result of it depends upon preferences.

What number of days in Mykonos and Santorini?

I’d recommend round 3 days on every island, so 6 days exploring each islands. In fact, you may spend so much longer on each islands simply absorbing the solar, enjoyable and having fun with the seashores. It actually relies upon how a lot time you may have.

Mykonos or Santorini for partying?

Mykonos is best for partying. The island attracts world famend DJs so for those who like techno music, you’ll love Mykonos. A lot of the good events happen within the seashore areas, significantly Paradise Seashore and Tremendous Paradise Seashore. I additionally love Scandinavian Bar in Mykonos City.

How lengthy is the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini?

The journey from Mykonos to Santorini takes round 2 hours.

Which is costlier, Santorini or Mykonos?

You’ll discover that each islands are costlier than the opposite Cyclades islands. Out of the 2, Mykonos is costlier. Numerous 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 last phrase…

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

I hope this information helped you together with your Mykonos and Santorini journey planning! In case you have any ideas for this text, depart a remark beneath!