One, three and five days, hour by hour — built around the heat, the wind and the Delos boat.
Every plan below starts the day early, puts the beach in the afternoon when the south coast is at its best, and ends at sunset in Chora. Delos goes early in the trip so a windy day can push it back. Walking legs are short; anything outside town uses the KTEL bus (about €2) or a water taxi.
Chora's sights, a beach afternoon and sunset. Also works as a cruise stop.
Chora, Delos and two different beaches — the classic first visit.
Adds Ano Mera, the east coast and the wild north, or a day on Tinos.
If the meltemi is blowing on day 5, swap the north for a day on Tinos by fast ferry (about 30 minutes) — or stay on the sheltered south coast at Psarou or Ornos.
Base in Ornos, swap Paradise for Agios Stefanos, add the Maritime Museum and the pelicans, and keep Delos to two hours.
Family guide
Paradise or Super Paradise every afternoon, sleep, then Chora and Cavo Paradiso. Keep Delos for a calm morning.
Nightlife
A villa, a private boat to Delos and Rhenia, long lunches at Psarou and sunsets at the lighthouse.
Luxury
Mykonos is the hub of the central Cyclades, and most visitors on a week or more combine it with one or two neighbours. Ferries leave from the New Port at Tourlos; book the legs in July and August as soon as schedules open.
Put the windiest-exposed crossing first and keep a buffer night before your flight. See islands and ferries and Mykonos vs Santorini.
From November to March most beach clubs, many hotels and the late bars close, and boats to Delos may not run. The island is quiet, cheap and very local — good for walkers and photographers.
July–August by spring; June and September a few weeks ahead.
Onward legs as soon as schedules open, especially weekends.
Famous sunbeds several days ahead in peak season.
Airport and port pick-ups for late or busy arrivals.
For Chora's highlights and one beach, yes: museum and lanes in the morning, windmills and Little Venice by noon, a south-coast beach in the afternoon and sunset back in town. You will not fit Delos as well. For Delos, the beaches and some nightlife, plan three days.
Three days covers Chora, Delos and two beaches at a relaxed pace. Five days adds Ano Mera, the east coast and the north — or a day trip to Tinos — and leaves room if strong wind cancels a boat. Many island-hoppers then continue to Paros, Naxos or Santorini.
Early — ideally on day two. Boats to Delos are cancelled in strong wind, so an early slot leaves room to reschedule. Take the first boat of the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, and check that the site is open on your date.
Give Mykonos three nights and Santorini two or three, linked by a direct high-speed ferry in season (or via Paros or Naxos for an extra stop). Fly into one island and out of the other to avoid backtracking. Book the ferry early in summer and keep a spare night before your flight in case of wind.