Mykonos island hopping: 5 spectacular itineraries to easily do on your own

last updated: February 2024

Eager to visit Mykonos but wish to discover a bit more of Greece? You are in the right place! Mykonos, the famous windy island, is the perfect base for an island hopping extravaganza that will take you from glamorous haunts to understated, off the beaten track gems showcasing some of the most charming facets of Greece. Given Mykonos’ central location in the Cyclades (the islands in the centre of the Aegean Sea) and the variety of the island’s air and sea connections, don’t miss a chance to travel just a bit further and discover a whole different world!

In this blog post, you will find the 5 best island hopping itineraries starting from or ending in (or passing through) Mykonos. You can do all of these, completely on your own. No guides or ‘experts’ required. You don’t even need to speak a word of Greek (though you will get big smiles if you try!). Grab your friends, partner, family or no one, hop on a ferry and let’s explore some of the best corners of Greece.

TOP 5 MYKONOS ITINERARIES:
NO1. THE SEAFARER’S ITINERARY

The Seafarer’s Itinerary | Mykonos – (Ano) Koufonisi – Amorgos – Santorini

There are so many Greek islands worth exploring, each one offering something unique. One of the main goals of this blog is to cover as many as possible! However, I am fully aware that many people will not be able to visit Greece multiple times. For that once in a lifetime trip to Greece, the Seafarer’s itinerary might the best one to take.

The Seafarer’s itinerary will take you through some of the most photogenic islands in Greece. It also achieves a nice balance between super popular and off the beaten track destinations, ensuring you get the best of both worlds. You can live it up in Mykonos and Santorini and experience authentic, low-key island life in Koufonisi and Amorgos.

This is an itinerary filled with sun-drenched Cycladic whitewashed villages, cobblestone alleys, beaches with turquoise water and dramatic landscapes with jaw dropping views. This is a trip filled with one of a kind experiences.

CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL GUIDES:

Koufonisia: Beach bumming in the most exotic Greek islands
Amorgos: Wild beauty in the bluest of the Greek seas
Santorini: Bold, beautiful & absolutely worth it -Trip planning guide

TOP 5 MYKONOS ITINERARIES:
NO2. THE BEACH BUM’S ITINERARY

The Beach Bum’s Itinerary | Mykonos – (Ano) Koufonisi – Naxos – Paros – Antiparos

Going to the beach is serious business in Greece.

For us Greeks, summer doesn’t start until that first swim in the sea, that first iced coffee or cold beer with your feet buried in the sand and your hair dripping of salt water. I am talking on behalf of the whole Greek nation when I say that this is the highlight of our year, so simple and yet so precious…

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Greece, join us on our national pastime and spend the day by (and in) the water. Happily, the Beach Bum’s itinerary caters for both beach bums by birth and sworn winter lovers! Mykonos, Koufonisia (Ano Koufonisi & neighbouring Kato Koufonisi), Naxos, Paros and Antiparos have some of the best beaches you can find in the Cyclades and maybe even Greece*. Pack your swimsuit and let’s go!

*Competition is fierce for a place in the list of best beaches in the whole of Greece as there are so many beautiful (and swimmable) beaches throughout the country…

CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL GUIDES:

Koufonisia: Beach bumming in the most exotic Greek islands
Paros: Planning your trip to the most ‘marblellous’ Greek isle

TOP 5 MYKONOS ITINERARIES:
NO3. THE WINDSURFER’S ITINERARY

The Windsurfer’s Itinerary | Tinos – Mykonos – Paros – Naxos

Ready for an adrenaline rush?

Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos are amongst the most classic holiday destinations in Greece, welcoming visitors for many years before the Greek islands solidified their position amongst the world’s top destinations. Further than that, they are the place to be if you are into windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The wind does not stop blowing in quite a few of the beaches in the islands that make up the Windsurfer’s itinerary providing excellent conditions for those wishing to learn, practice or compete in windsurfing and kitesurfing. Kolymbithra beach in Tinos, Kalafatis, Korfo and Ftelia in Mykonos, Santa Maria and Punta in Paros and Mikri Vigla in Naxos are favourite meeting points for those who love waves.

With crystal clear waters, soft golden sand, great facilities and incomparable Cycladic architecture, Greek cuisine and hospitality, you are bound to have a blast in and out of the water.

The Windsurfer’s itinerary is the perfect trip for your own endless summer.

CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL GUIDES:

Paros: Planning your trip to the most ‘marblellous’ Greek isle

TOP 5 MYKONOS ITINERARIES:
NO4. THE REVELLER’S ITINERARY

The Reveller’s Itinerary | Mykonos – Paros – Antiparos – Ios – Santorini

Let’s get loud.

But first, I need to clarify. The islands included in this itinerary are by no means only intended for partying. Personally, I have visited most of them with friends and my fiancé and you can definitely have a relaxing / romantic time in all of them. However, if you are looking for beach parties or exciting nightlife, you will definitely find that here too.

Mykonos will give you plenty of opportunities to revel in luxury amongst the international jetset, whether on the beach or in Chora. On the other hand, chic Paros will get you hanging out with a young, energetic crowd and so will hippy Ios. Last but not least, Antiparos is quite the dark horse. It is generally considered as an undiscovered, laid-back kind of a place, and it is. Nevertheless, you can easily find yourself seeing the sunrise with your shoes and a drink in hand!

Where does Santorini fit in all of this? Well, it is the outlier here, even though you will find some clubs in Fira. However, if you actually follow the whole itinerary through, I think you’ll very much welcome the change of scenery!

Best for? The young and young at heart.

CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL GUIDES:

Paros: Planning your trip to the most ‘marblellous’ Greek isle
Santorini: Bold, beautiful & absolutely worth it – Trip planning guide

TOP 5 MYKONOS ITINERARIES:
NO5. THE ATHENIAN’S ITINERARY

The Athenian’s Itinerary | Kythnos – Syros – Mykonos

The Athenian’s itinerary is a curation of islands where Athens’ ‘it crowd’ spends their summer weekends. As a result, some of the capital’s best boutiques, restaurants and bars have opened outposts in order to cater to their loyal clientele. Kythnos, Syros and Mykonos shine own their own merit, but if you are looking for that extra ‘urban bling’, this itinerary is for you.

Nevertheless, even if ‘urban bling’ is not your thing (it rhymes!), don’t be discouraged from considering this itinerary. One the one hand, Kythnos will provide you with that precious small island experience. You can spend the day discovering glorious beaches and the evening exploring charming cobblestone alleys and cute tavernas. On the other hand, Syros’ mind blowing architecture, a unique combination of Cycladic minimalism and neoclassical colour explosion will leave you wondering why this island is not as famous as its mega-star neighbour Mykonos.

All in all, the Athenian’s itinerary is a whirlwind trip filled with the up-and-coming destination vibes of Kythnos, understated, timeless elegance of Syros and unapologetic Myconian glitz. The best of all words, perhaps?

PLANNING YOUR ISLAND HOPPING TRIP -PRACTICAL INFO

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, there you have it. Hopefully, my suggested itineraries provided you with lots of ideas about combining your trip to Mykonos with other Greek islands with similar or very different vibes, depending on what you want to get out of your trip. Bear in mind that the above mentioned itineraries can also be done partially which I’d strongly recommend if you are planning a short trip or just want to relax and travel slow.

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know in the comments section below, I will gladly help out. Now, let’s get the map out and start charting that course!