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I’m not exaggerating once I say this; the Greek Islands are gorgeous. Whichever island you go to you shouldn’t be disenchanted however I’ve a comfortable 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 motive! 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 thought for its well-known windmills and seaside golf equipment. Both islands entice plenty of consideration from influencers and Instagrammers, making them two of the most well-liked locations for a summer season 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 season season working at a bar in Ios, making a few journeys to Mykonos for a change of surroundings. I’ve fond reminiscences of my time there and I wouldn’t hesitate to advocate these islands to my pals.
Planning a Mykonos and Santorini journey? This information will cowl methods to get there, what to do, the place to remain and what to eat!
How to journey to Mykonos and Santorini
Direct flight to Mykonos or Santorini
Santorini and Mykonos each have airports, so you possibly can really skip Athens and fly immediately to those islands from numerous 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.
Airlines that fly from London to Santorini: Easyjet, British Airways, Jet2.com, Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Airlines that fly from London to Mykonos: Easyjet and British Airways.
How 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. If you’ve by no means been to Athens earlier than, chances are you’ll wish to embody the capital in your Greece itinerary. Personally I’m not an enormous fan of Athens however you possibly can 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 not less than as soon as in your lifetime.
To get from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini you will have two choices; fly or take the ferry.
Flight – Flying is the quickest possibility because it solely takes 45 minutes however then it’s a must to issue within the journey time to Athens International Airport.
Ferry – Ferries are extra relaxed as a result of you possibly can 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 completely different ferry firms to select from and there are normally a number of boat departures per day. Use Ferryhopper.com to look ferry schedules in Greece and guide tickets.
How to get from Mykonos to Santorini (or Santorini to Mykonos)
Since you’re visiting each islands you’ll have to 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. Again, you need to use Ferryhopper.com to look the newest timetables.
Visiting Santorini
How to get round Santorini
When you’re within the cities you possibly can 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 technique to see the island with the wind in your hair! You’ll see rental retailers everywhere in the island, together with Fira. If you’re not assured about driving an ATV then you may rent a automobile from the airport or in Fira. Check out Rentalcars.com for rental automobile costs.
Alternatively, you possibly can journey across the island by bus. There are KETL buses from Fira to many various locations across the island. You should buy tickets on the bus and fares vary from about $2-$3. Just 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, akin 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 ensure you do this earlier than setting off.
Things to do in Santorini
Sunset 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 definitely 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 folks. Restaurants and cafes are utterly filled with vacationers and there’s not a spot that isn’t taken. Yet it’s nonetheless price it; the village is gorgeous, with white buildings nestled into the cliff face.
Kamari Beach – Kamari Beach is without doubt one of the largest seashores in Santorini and is situated about 4 miles southeast of Fira. The seaside is near every little thing and has a relaxed vibe with loads of seaside eating places to select from. Remember to carry seaside footwear as a result of the black sand can get very popular in summer season!
Perissa Black Sand Beach – Perissa lies on the southeast coast of Santorini and it’s the place I normally 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 supply lounge chairs totally free, which is nice as a result of the sand is kind of coarse and will get sizzling.
Walk round Fira – Fira is Santorini’s capital and may be discovered on the west coast of the island. Here you’ll discover loads of whitewashed villas, blue domed church buildings, retailers, bars and eating places. If 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 folks ask – is there a volcano in Santorini? Yes there’s, and it’s lively nevertheless it lies underwater. Santorini is a volcanic island with black sandy seashores and far of its panorama may be attributed to volcanic eruptions through the years. One of them fashioned 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.
Visit a vineyard – If you take pleasure in a glass of wine, head to Santo Winery, the place you possibly can 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’ll pattern quite a lot of wines which are produced from this grape.
Akrotiri Archeological Site – Another attention-grabbing factor to do in Santorini is to pay a go to to Akrotiri Archeological 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.
Where to remain in Santorini
There are a number of 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. If you’re reserving your lodging on-line earlier than you go, listed below are some nice lodging choices across the island:
Hotels in Santorini
George & Joanna Suites – This model new lodge is centrally situated in Fira and boasts trendy, fantastically 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 stable selection, with cave-style suites impressed by the island’s Cycladic structure. This luxurious lodge presents 15 suites and three rooms that includes handpicked Moroccan assertion décor items. Nine 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 – Located in Firostefani just some 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 Exclusive Suite boasts a heated non-public pool. All suites boast sea views and supply the proper backdrop for creating lovely Instagram images.
Athina Luxury Suites – Perched on the cliffs in Fira, Athina Luxury Suites includes 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 – When I stayed in Santorini I stayed at Youth Hostel Anna, which is located in Perissa village, by the black sand seaside. I appreciated being only a 4 minute stroll from the seaside and the hostel’s large terrace is nice for assembly different vacationers.
Bedspot Hostel – A vibrant, trendy and ethereal boutique hostel in Fira with a rooftop and small yard. Bedspot Hostel has three kinds of rooms – double rooms ensuite , 4-bed female and male dorms with ensuite and eight mattress combined dorms with ensuite.
Where to eat in Santorini
While you’re in Santorini you’ll have loads of alternatives to attempt scrumptious Greek meals. These are a number of 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 substances discovered on the island and embody fava, korkosela, Santorinian salad with codfish, Santorini tomato balls and moussaka.
Selene – This Greek effective eating restaurant is led by Michelin star-rated chef Ettore Botrini and is housed in an outdated Catholic monastery in Fira. The menu presents a up to date 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. Most of the substances and greens present in Katsaboo’s dishes are sourced from the household’s Katsipis household orchard
Alisachni Art & Wine Gallery – A multi-use area combining an artwork gallery and restaurant, Alisachni Restaurant supplies a novel eating expertise in Megalachori. The restaurant has a cave-like inside with whitewashed partitions and an out of doors patio the place you possibly can take pleasure in Greek delicacies and effective wines.
Lefkes – Situated 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 akin to Feta Cigars, Moussaka Croquettes and Lamb in Tagine with Naxos graviera cheese.
Pitogyros – If you’re in search of one of the best souvlaki and gyros in Oia, look no additional than Pitogyros. Meat eaters have the choice of quite a lot 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 would having fun with the sundown.
Visiting Mykonos
Mykonos is known for its windmills, sandy seashores, seaside 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 possibly can simply get round by public transportation. Tickets may be bought at stands within the streets in addition to vacationer retailers and can normally value a few euros. In the summer season months the buses run later so you possibly can nonetheless catch a bus after an evening out.
If 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, Super Paradise, Agrari and Elia. Fares value 10€ for a one-beach go or 20€ for an all-day, all-beach go.
Alternatively you will get round by taxi. Taxis are particularly helpful for those who’re touring to and from the airport or if you could get someplace shortly. Cars aren’t allowed in Chora so that you’ll discover them on the sting of city in Manto Mavrogenous Square.
Things to do in Mykonos
Visit the windmills – The iconic Mykonos windmills are situated on the sting of Mykonos Town (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 picture alternative. Built by the Venetians within the sixteenth century, the windmills had been used to mill wheat till the twentieth century.
Watch sundown in Little Venice – Little Venice is part of Mykonos Town that sits proper on the water. Waves usually crash up alongside the wall, sending water spraying up into the air. It’s an exquisite space with a number of bars and eating places which have terraces the place you will 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 Town – Mykonos Town is an exquisite city with a labyrinth of slender streets and whitewashed buildings coated 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 – If you will have a couple of days in Mykonos, take a ship journey over to Delos island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is the legendary birthplace of Artemis and Apollo and at one level folks had been forbidden to die or give delivery there; as an alternative 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. Tours normally depart from the port in Mykonos Town and can take you to go to highlights such because the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Terrace of Lions.
Party at a seaside membership – Two of one of the best identified seaside golf equipment in Mykonos are Paradise Beach Club and Super Paradise Beach Club. Super Paradise is widespread within the daytime with DJs and many folks dancing and ingesting by the seaside. Paradise Beach Club has a celebration vibe within the daytime nevertheless it will get even wilder after darkish and infrequently hosts well-known DJs from everywhere in the world.
Explore the island’s seashores – Mykonos has a number of golden sandy seashores to find. The hottest seashores for partying are Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, which each have seaside golf equipment. If you’d choose to go to a extra enjoyable seaside, attempt:
- Platis Gialos
- Psarrou Beach
- Paraga Beach
- Lia Beach
- Elia Beach
- Ornos Beach
- Fokos Beach
Paraportiani Orthodox Church – There are a whole bunch 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. Dating again to the 1400s, this church has a snow white exterior and is a wonderful instance of Cylcadic structure. It sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and its title means “Our Lady of the Side Gate”.
Where to remain in Mykonos
Hotels in Mykonos
Myconian Villa Collection – Part of the Myconian Collection of resorts and motels, the Myconian Villa Collection is located in Elia Beach and is without doubt 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.
Hotel Tagoo – Family run lodge on a hillside location close to Mykonos Town with an out of doors pool, sea-view terrace and poolside snack bar. Rooms range from ultra-modern and minimalist to conventional.
Paola’s Town Hotel – Relaxing boutique lodge only a two minute drive from Mykonos Town. The minimalist rooms have terraces with backyard views or pool views and a few have their very own indoor sizzling tubs.
Soho Roc House – Part of personal member’s membership Soho House, Soho Roc House is situated only a 3-minute stroll from Paraga Beach and overlooks the ocean. The lodge options 44 visitor rooms, a poolside veranda, an out of doors health club and a restaurant/seaside membership known as Scorpios.
Nissaki Boutique Hotel – Situated simply steps away from Platis Gialos Beach, Nissaki Boutique Hotel has a wide selection of services together with an out of doors swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, magnificence salon, spa middle, health middle and hammam. Rooms are up to date with gorgeous views of the ocean and vary in dimension from double rooms to a few bed room suites.
Boheme Mykonos – Built in a conventional Cycladic model, Boheme Mykonos is a trendy boutique lodge in a handy location only a stone’s throw from The Windmills and Little Venice. Facilities embody an out of doors swimming pool, health club, boutique and an a Mediterranean restaurant known as Bilo.
Hostels in Mykonos
Paraga Beach Hostel – Located on Paraga Beach, this hostel is only a 10-minute stroll from Paradise Beach and a 15-minute stroll from Cavo Paradiso membership. Accommodation 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 correct reverse the doorway to Mykonos Town. So if you wish to keep close to city, that is the choice for you. The cave-like rooms seem like one thing out of Tatooine in Star Wars and the infinity pool supplies lovely views over Mykonos Town.
Paradise Beach Camping – When I stayed in Mykonos I stayed at Paradise Beach Camping, which is the place the celebration’s at. This hostel is situated proper on the seaside and includes a membership that’s open from April to October. There are day by day events at Paradise Beach Club and the membership attracts well-known DJs from everywhere in the world. Guests can guide cabins with entry to a shared lavatory or bungalows with non-public loos that match 2 or 3 folks.
Where to eat in Mykonos
Funky Kitchen – My favourite place to eat in Mykonos, Funky Kitchen is a small eatery in Mykonos Town that serves scrumptious meals made with wholesome substances. Plates are rather well offered and the menu options dishes akin to feta summer season rolls, tuna tataki, octopus carpaccio, and rack of lamb.
Niko’s Taverna – Niko’s is without doubt 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 very completely different vibe to Mykonos. While each islands have white buildings with blue doorways, the general really feel on every is totally completely different.
Santorini is a laid-back, romantic island with a volcanic panorama and dramatic surroundings. Some of the seashores have black sand. Mykonos, in the meantime, is extra of a celebration island with golden sandy seashores and seaside golf equipment. It’s tough to say which one you’ll choose as a result of it is determined by preferences.
How many days in Mykonos and Santorini?
I’d recommend round 3 days on every island, so 6 days exploring each islands. Of course, you may spend rather a lot longer on each islands simply absorbing the solar, enjoyable and having fun with the seashores. It actually relies upon how a lot time you will 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. Most of the nice events happen within the seaside areas, notably Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. I additionally love Scandinavian Bar in Mykonos Town.
How lengthy is the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini?
The journey from Mykonos to Santorini takes round 2 hours.
Which is dearer, Santorini or Mykonos?
You’ll discover that each islands are dearer than the opposite Cyclades islands. Out of the 2, Mykonos is dearer. Lots of celebrities go to Mykonos for the seaside golf equipment, events and luxurious resorts. It’s subsequently one of many priciest Greek islands to go to.
A last phrase…
If you solely have every week in Greece I’d recommend doing Athens, Mykonos and Santorini as your first journey. If you will 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! If you will have any strategies for this text, depart a remark beneath!