5 best day trips from Mykonos

Day trips compared

The day trips

20 km · About 20–35 minutes by ferry

1.Tinos

A quieter neighbouring island known for the pilgrimage Church of Panagia Evangelistria, marble-carving villages such as Pyrgos and over a thousand ornate dovecotes in the countryside.

Getting there

Ferry from Mykonos New Port

Best for

Culture, Quiet stays, Food lovers

40 km · About 35–60 minutes by ferry

2.Syros (Ermoupoli)

Syros's capital Ermoupoli is a grand neoclassical port town with marble mansions, a town hall on Miaouli Square and a miniature opera house, while the hilltop quarter of Ano Syros is a medieval Catholic village.

Getting there

Ferry from Mykonos New Port

Best for

Culture, Couples, Quiet stays

40 km · About 40–75 minutes by ferry

3.Naxos

The largest Cycladic island has the Portara marble gateway by its harbour, a Venetian castle quarter and long sandy beaches south of the town. It is more relaxed and better value than Mykonos.

Getting there

Fast or conventional ferry

Best for

Families, Beach, Food lovers

40 km · About 45–60 minutes by fast ferry

4.Paros

Paros combines the fishing harbour of Naoussa, the whitewashed town of Parikia with its Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, and good beaches, with a gentler pace.

Getting there

Fast ferry to Parikia

Best for

Couples, Beach

150 km · About 2–3 hours by fast ferry

5.Santorini

The volcanic caldera island is reachable by fast ferry for a very long day, though an overnight stay is far better to see Oia's sunset and the cliff-top villages.

Getting there

High-speed ferry

Best for

Couples, First-timers

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Check which terminal your bus uses; timetables are posted at the stops and online.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask