2 Days in Mykonos: Exploring the Party Island Solo

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. For every purchase made through one of these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly how I feel about Mykonos. Beautiful but busy, elegant but expensive, the popular Cylcade island left me conflicted. Here’s what you need to know about spending 2 days in Mykonos and my thoughts on travelling the party island solo.

Mykonos town is beautiful, the harbour, the windmills, the narrow whitewashed streets. But some of the charm is eroded by the number of tourists accumulated there. When I was researching Mykonos, I didn’t find many other places to visit of note on the island, there were no hikes, no glorious mountain villages of great beauty. Only beaches studded with grand resorts. So there really isn’t anywhere to escape from the magnetic pull of Mykonos town and it’s well-photographed streets.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy Mykonos, in fact some of my most treasured moments of my journey took place there. When I returned to catch my flight home I thought – oh yes it is beautiful! I could hardly bear to leave the sunset behind! No wonder this island left me feeling perplexed.

How to Spend Two Days in Mykonos

Explore Mykonos Town

My first view of the white cubes of Mykonos enchanted me (although it was dark and I couldn’t see anything). As it was my first taste of the Cyclades I spent a lot of time on my first morning in Mykonos admiring the hotchpotch narrow streets, the blue shutters against the white walls and the stray cats that pop up on every corner.

It’s easy to get lost wandering the maze of streets, and you can while away a morning taking photos and exploring. Wander along the harbour and admire the pretty fishing boats. Wind your way along Little Venice towards the Kato Mili windmills. If you can get to these early do – they are a major hub for crowds. Because my hotel was near Boni’s windmill at the top of the town I never bothered, preferring to get early pics there instead. Lazy traveller award!

Make sure to walk around the old port for views back across the curve of the town.

Beach Hop

Agios Ioannes

Agios Ioannes is a lovely quiet stretch of golden sand where you can escape (most) of the crowds. Much of it is flanked by resorts with plush sunbeds (wow did they look comfy!) but there’s also a small section where you can lay out a towel.

If you walk all the way along the beach you can also climb across the rocks to an even quieter cove.

To get there take the bus from Fabrica square in Mykonos town. Buses are 1,80 euros one way and there’s a small ticket kiosk at the station to get your ticket. I would suggest always buying a return because there likely won’t be a ticket kiosk at the other end and it can cost more to buy on board. Make sure to keep your ticket in case they inspect it later. Because Fabrica is a main station there’s usually a bus sat waiting to go.

Hippie Fish

Hippie Fish restaurant is right on the beach. I was going to look for somewhere else to eat (knowing it would be expensive) but I couldn’t see anything in the vicinity that was open and I didn’t want to wander miles from the beach so Hippie Fish it was! The food was very good but the service wasn’t particularly friendly. I couldn’t get on board with the pricey beach club scene – who goes to the beach for fancy food? I want snacks and somewhere I can rock my bedraggled beach hair without feeling underdressed!

So just be aware if you head to the beach in Mykonos, it might be worth buying snacks at the supermarket beforehand if you don’t want to splash the cash. Mmm a picnic on the beach sounds so good… I wish I’d done that now! There is a supermarket in Mykonos town but since it was the other side of town to my hotel I never used it.

Platis Gialos

Another nice beach, also lined by hotels. This beach is also easily reached by bus from Fabrica. Because it wasn’t a very good day I didn’t stop to sunbathe. Instead I walked along the pretty coastal path to Agia Anna.

Agia Anna

You can walk from Platis Gialos to several more beaches but I found the route got less clear after this beach. Agia Anna is a quieter beach with a nice taverna –Nickolas – with a more relaxed vibe than some. I curtailed my walk early to go back for a spritz and a slice of baklava. On a slightly confusing note there is another Agia Anna on the other side of the island so make sure you go to the right one!

Because of the threatening weather the waiter at the taverna encouraged me to eat under the covered area but since I was only having a drink and dessert I decided to brave it – us English aren’t afraid of a little rain. And thankfully the rain held off long enough for me to relax and gaze out to sea for a while. This is the bonus for bad weather – on a sunny day all the outside tables may have been taken or busy. As it was I could really relax.

Megli Ammos

It might not be the best beach, but sometimes you can’t beat strolling along down the road rather than catching a bus and hanging around waiting for one to come back. I spent a divine last afternoon there as I soaked up my last rays of sun and watched as the sun dipped low in the sky. Chasing the sunset I walked around the edge of the town. I waited until the last moment possible as the light faded, to turn around and head back to my room to change.

Where to Eat in Mykonos

Kastro’s

This restaurant is the scene for one of Mykonos most iconic photo shots. And therefore, I couldn’t resist. My advice? Definitely bag yourself one of the sunset tables, either in the window booths or on the narrow street outside that leads to the sea. Book a table or check out the menu here.

My mistake was that I booked a table for seven and the restaurant opened at six. So of course all the good tables were taken. The food is very good and the service excellent but it is expensive, and it’s Mykonos expensive. So make sure you make it worth it by getting a spectacular view to go with it.

Joanna’s Nikos Place

Finally I’d found what I’d been searching for. Located on Megli Ammos beach this is a (comparably) cheap and rustic beach taverna. After the “Hippie Fish” diversion I was in need of some classic, simple Greek goodness. It might not be fancy, if that’s what you like, but I’d much rather Instagram a cute taverna with a classic tablecloth then a pristine beach club. Most importantly, the food was delicious for half the price tag.

---

Related Post…

How to Plan an Incredible Greek Island Hopping Adventure

---

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Because I returned to the island I had the chance to sample two hotels. I must admit that my favourite (where I spent the longest) was the Myconian Inn.

Myconian Inn

Perched at the top of Mykonos Town with a gorgeous view across white rooftops towards the sea I really couldn’t fault this hotel! Very friendly and helpful reception staff who made you feel so welcome. A bright, clean room with a comfy bed and a balcony with side sea-views. The free breakfast included bread, cakes, yogurt and a hot drink and juice. One day there was a cheesecake too, I wasn’t sure why but I wasn’t complaining. If you wanted something more substantial you would have to pay extra but luckily for me I don’t do big breakfasts so it was perfect. The hotel had tables outside so you could eat breakfast with a view across the houses towards the sea.

What was great about this hotel was how easy it is to find and get to. I got a taxi from the airport and only had a few steps to walk with my case because it’s right by the main road. Most hotels in the town will require tugging your suitcase down lots of awkward, bumpy streets. Obviously to get to the port – I took the Seabus to the new port to catch my ferry – does require some suitcase wrangling!

It was the most expensive hotel I stayed in on the Greek Islands but judging it on typical Mykonos prices it was reasonable!

Being close to Boni’s windmill is handy for getting sunrise/sunset pics of windmills without the crowds. The hotel is very peaceful away from the town centre and it takes no time at all to wander down the steps.

Check out their website here.

Anagram Boutique Hotel

This hotel was an intriguing proposition. I spent one night there before catching my flight home. Now this place is smart, with all the fancy bits and pieces I don’t usually see on my budget adventures. Like sewing kits and fluffy slippers. The sink was a towering masterpiece. The only downside is there’s no view. My room was almost underground and my windows were perched at street level. No biggie for one night but something you might want to consider if going for a longer stay.

Check out their website here.

Solo Travel in Mykonos

I think my dilemma with Mykonos was that it didn’t really suit solo travel. The clubs and bars, the romantic restaurants and enchanting sunsets all suggested a group trip with friends or a romantic getaway.

Me and Mykonos didn’t get off to the best start when I got the feeling a guy was following me and approached me to start a conversation. The whole thing left me feeling awkward because although I wasn’t 100% sure he had been following me I felt too tense to be friendly to him. Half-seven in the morning at the start of a trip is not a good time to approach me no matter who you are! Even with good intentions I am a woman travelling alone and yes a lot of the time my guard is up. I often feel it’s hard work as a female solo traveller to walk the line between being friendly and doing what feels comfortable.

When I returned to Mykonos to catch my flight home I felt much more relaxed and confident, as is often the case on my travels. I just get going towards the end! And I could feel a big difference in my feelings towards the town.

My Final Thoughts

I’m not sure Mykonos fully connected with me or fitted well with solo travel but it’s no doubt an island worth visiting. The town is very beautiful, with lovely nooks and crannies you only find after several wanders. Most of my favourite photos of my trip come from Mykonos so that shows just how photogenic it is – considering my other stops included Santorini!

Would I go back? Solo no but I’d take a romantic trip there, perhaps on one of the beach resorts.

My Ultimate Mykonos Tips

My main recommendations (especially for the solo and/or budget traveller) to enjoy a cheap and simple experience in Mykonos would be:

1. Explore Mykonos early in the morning while it’s quiet of course!

2. Stroll down the road to Megli Ammos beach, it’s lovely and quiet and there isn’t the flashy resorts. Enjoy a cheap and delicious meal at Joannes Nikos place and stroll slowly back along the coast towards Little Venice as the sun sets.

3. Visit Agios Ioannes beach and take a picnic!

4. Take pictures of Boni’s windmill rather than the crowded Kato Milli line-up.

5. Pick one expensive meal to splash out on and do it well – snag the window booths at Kastros!

6. For the most peaceful sunset walk the path that winds along the edge of the town. Follow it towards Little Venice and duck underneath the windmills, avoiding the crowds. Inside the town is a much more hectic sunset.

More on the Greek Islands…

Greek Island Hopping Highlights: Mykonos, Paros and Santorini

2 Days in Paros: The Forgotten Gem of the Cyclades

Solo travel in Santorini