You can use Mykonos as your base to visit some other amazing greek islands (including Santorini). This is all you need to know about the other awesome greek islands you can visit from Mykonos with a few hours trip by ferry or a quick flight.
With more than 10 direct flights per day (especially between April-November) from all over Europe, Mykonos can give you the ultimate opportunity to visit some less touristy but probably equally beautiful Greek islands.
These are the best islands near Mykonos:
- Santorini (on Google Maps)
- Naxos (on Google Maps)
- Syros (on Google Maps)
- Tinos (on Google Maps)
- Ios (on Google Maps)
- Dilos (on Google Maps)
- Milos (on Google Maps)
- Paros (on Google Maps)
The great thing about Mykonos is that you can actually visit other Cyclades islands around it, as it is pretty much in the center of this greek islands group.
READ ALSO:
Where to Stay in Mykonos >
Best Greek Islands >
Best Greek Islands near Santorini >
I highly recommend you stay at least 1 night to all of these islands (apart from Dilos obviously which is not inhabited) because a day trip will always be tiring with all the ferries trips you may have to do.
Greek island hopping is possible but you have to consider the costs and the times as the ferry schedules will basically dictate your plans.
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to visit the islands on the western side of Greece like Corfu, Zante (Zakynthos) or Kefalonia (these are located at the Ionian sea between Italy and Greece) as there are no direct connection flights or ferries and you always have to go through Athens (and possibly take a bus to some other ports on the west side of Greece etc).
Also, I DO NOT recommend visiting Crete or Rhodes from Mykonos.
It is 100% doable, but Crete and Rhodes are very big islands and you need to dedicate at least a week to each one of those.
A daytrip or 2-3 nights is not worth it, because you would spend too much money and you won’t even see 5% of these amazing big greek islands.
Timetables for ferries are not fixed every year, so times and schedules might change. Let’s Ferry website provides you with an updated time schedule.
So, the best islands near Mykonos are:
1. Santorini
You have probably already heard a lot about Santorini and if you are thinking of visiting Mykonos then chances are, you are thinking of visiting Santorini too.
Santorini (along with Mykonos) is probably the most famous Greek island, for many reasons.
Read Also: How To Get From Athens to Santorini
Incredible views, mesmerising sunsets (and sunrises) , 5 star hotels, beautiful volcanic beaches, artisanal local wineries and one of the most romantic places on earth.
There is literally a million things that can make you believe Santorini is one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen but make no mistake: Santorini is a very touristic place and if you are visiting Mykonos in July or August (which I don’t recommend anyways…) then chances are Santorini will feel extremely overcrowded, very touristic and super expensive as well.
Yes, there are still places in Santorini that are not spoiled by overtourism but they probably don’t worth your visit.
So, if you are visiting in July or August I would suggest that you skip the visit to Santorini and try another greek island.
But any other month, you can certainly visit Santorini and have a great time!
Bear in mind though that Santorini is a very diverse place compared to Mykonos as there are lots of different things to do.
My advice in general is to spend at least 5 days in Santorini (and definitely more days than you will spend in Mykonos…)
How To Get From Mykonos to Santorini
The best way to get from Mykonos to Santorini is by a 2-2.5 hrs ferry.
You can check all the timetables and prices for ferries on Let’s Ferry Website.
There is also a direct flight (more expensive) from Mykonos to Santorini. The flight is about 20 mins but it’s not available every year so please check well in advance.
i do not recommend taking the flight from Mykonos to Santorini as you will spend too much time on the airports and by that time you would already be in Mykonos with the ferry
Read Also the Detailed Guide: How To Get From Santorini to Mykonos
Best Hotels in Santorini
Santorini has no lack of impressive hotels with incredible caldera views and excellent service.
Read Also: Best Hotels of Santorini
Be careful though because most of the hotels are NOT open between November-April so always check first.
Here is my list of the best places to stay in Santorini (spoiler alert: w-o-w ! ):
Grace is the best hotel in Santorini and it has one of the most impressive swimming pools in the world along with 5 star service at Imerovigli. CHECK PRICES
This is the best hotel in Oia with the most amazing views to the famous sunsets and unparalleled service. CHECK PRICES
Andronis has the best spa on the island with beautifully designed private suites and an amazing restaurant in Oia. CHECK PRICES
MY TIP FOR SANTORINI:
If you cannot find a room in one of the most famous hotels of the island try to avoid the famous views and head over to the beachfront areas where things are more normal (Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari). Prices are definitely lower and you won’t be missing much as you can always visit the famous cliff volcano view areas at any time. Read Also: Where To Stay In Santorini
2. Naxos
Naxos is one of the largest greek islands and definitely the largest in Cyclades island complex.
It’s my personal favourite and it is very easy to reach from Mykonos!
Apart from Naxos’ cute capital town (where the ferries stop) there is another cute small village up in the mainland of Naxos called “Apeiranthos” (here it is on Google Maps)
Naxos has amazing long sandy beaches (like Agia Anna beach) and it’s an amazing destination for foodies and for families with kids.
Seriously….don’t leave the island if you don’t try the amazing Naxos gruyere yellow cheese called Graviera Naxou.
Naxos offers fantastic opportunities for watersports as well: waterskiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing as its beaches are are ideal with the strong winds of greek islands:
Naxos is very well organised with B&B’s and hotels and I definitely suggest a 2-3 days stay on the island because there are so much to see and do.
How To Get From Mykonos To Naxos
Naxos is about 1 hour by ferry from Mykonos (choose the Blue Star Ferry).
If you want to check all the timetables or even book your ferry ticket to Naxos (which you have to pick up at the port anyways – that’s the greek law…) you can visit the Let’s Ferry website (or you can just check the timetables).
There is no flight between Naxos and Mykonos as it doesn’t make sense; the islands are pretty close.
Best Hotels in Naxos
Naxos is quite a big island with lots of options for accommodation.
As with every location outside of Santorini and Mykonos DO NOT expect the luxury and the services that you will find in those other 2 greek islands.
But the following hotels in Naxos are very good and are highly rated everywhere online:
One of the highest rated hotels of Naxos at a quiet area close to Vivlos beach but also close to the Naxos main town. CHECK PRICES
Being inside a massive olive trees grove this hotel offers private swimming pools but it’s also in walking distance to the famous Plakas beach. CHECK PRICES
Naxian Utopia Luxury Villas (Naxos)
Stunning villas with cycladic architecture and private swimming pools and amazing views to the Aegean sea. Very close to the famous Agios Prokopios beach too! CHECK PRICES
Beautifully decorated rooms, very close the famous Plaka beach. This is where you will find the friendliest guest of the island! CHECK PRICES
Celebrity-like treatment and 5 star luxury in (possibly) the best hotel of Naxos. Amazing greek breakfast too! CHECK PRICES
MY TIP FOR NAXOS:
If in case you are island-hopping then you need to stay more than 1 night in Naxos because the island is pretty big (one of the biggest islands in Greece actually) and you definitely need to rent a car or a scooter to move around as the distances are not short. Also, make sure you visit the amazing mountain village of Apeiranthos and DO NOT LEAVE THE ISLAND if you don’t eat at one of the best restaurants in Greece: Axiotissa (here it is on Google Maps)
3. Syros
Syros is another greek Island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. The largest towns are Ermoupoli, Ano Syros and Vari.
Ermoupoli is the capital of the island and it has always been a significant port town and during the 19th century it was even more significant than Piraeus port in Athens.
You should definitely visit the Syros Town Hall, which is a very beautiful building especially on the inside with beautiful tiles, marble and decoration. Nearby you will also find cafes, shops, restaurants etc.
In Syros, you can find lots of sandy beaches, cocktails bars, night clubs and tavernas with fresh fish!
Syros is great for families and it is one of the most relaxing greek islands even in August (no tourist crowds there…)
How To Get From Mykonos to Syros
Syros is very close to Mykonos and you won’t need more than 1.15 hours.
If you decide to go to Syros, I would suggest you stay at least 2 days and spend 1 day for Ermoupoli and Ano Syros (amazing views and picturesque alleys) and the second day on the beach.
It is about 1.15 hours away from Mykonos by the slow ferry and 45 minutes away with the fast ferry (just 1.5 euro more expensive).
Travel agencies at Mykonos Town will be able to book your tickets and tell you the timetables of the available ferries at the time you are there but my proposal is always to check and book online through Let’s Ferry.
It’s very simple: you pop in at a travel agent in Mykonos Town (there are hundreds you won’t miss them), you ask the timetables for the ferries to Syros and that’s it. Alternatively, you book everything online at the Let’s Ferry website.
Best Hotels in Syros
There are some excellent recent additions to Syros’ Hotels scene lately that make it an extremely attractive destination. Here are the best of them:
Located at the medieval town of Ano Syra it offers some beautiful terraces and balconies with stunning sea views to the beautiful town of ano Syra and the aegean sea. CHECK PRICES
This is the most elegant and stylish hotel of Ermoupoli capital town with excellent breakfast and top service. CHECK PRICES
Apollonos Seafront Apartments (Syros)
This is an amazing villa located literally on the seafront in Ermoupoli with incredible sea views and excellent spaces for more than 6 people. CHECK PRICES
MY TIP FOR SYROS:
You must visit Agathopes beach, which is about 20 mins drive from Ermoupoli. There are umbrellas and sunbeds you can rent (much cheaper than Mykonos…) and crystal blue-green water! This place is very popular and it gets quite busy in the early afternoon so make sure that you will arrive in the morning and you will enjoy the sandy beach.
4. Tinos
Tinos island is a very interesting place to visit due to its picturesque villages, its beautiful beaches and the amazing food!
Tinos is famous amongst Greeks for the Church of Panagia Evagelistria (the blessed Virgin Mary). From all over the country, people come here to fulfil their vows and to seek comfort. Tinos is the most important Orthodox centre of worship in Greece but, in the same time, an important Catholic centre too.
You should visit some of the scenic villages of Tinos (Pyrgos, Volax, Arnados, Kalloni and Ysternia).
Tinos has some very beautiful beaches that you should definitely visit such as Kolympithra, Agios Fokas, Kionia, and Agios Sostis.
I do recommend staying for 2 days and spend your time to visit the Church of Panagia Evagelistria, the Arnados village which is the oldest village in Tinos with the most beautiful alleys, terraces with flowers and old traditional cafes.
How To Get From Mykonos to Tinos
Tinos is about 30 minutes by ferry from Mykonos (there are many ferries throughout the day).
Just visit any travel agency at Mykonos Town, anytime you are in Mykonos and they will be able to give you the latest timetable (it changes every few months)
Alternatively you can also check the times and book at Let’s Ferry.
Best Hotels in Tinos
A beautiful villa with private swimming pool that can sleep up to 6 people. CHECK PRICES
A simple but elegant hotel that offers beautiful panoramic views to the sea and yummy greek breakfasts. CHECK PRICES
Possibly the best hotel in Tinos island with a beautiful swimming pool and excellent service. CHECK PRICES
MY TIP FOR TINOS:
Though the famous Mary church in Tinos is one of the highlights of the island, I do not recommend visiting the island on the 15th of August because this is when people from all over Greece go to Tinos to celebrate holy Mary. Avoid the week of 15th of August in general and you should be ok for Tinos.
5. Ios
Ios is a really unique and underrated island in my opinion but it is very well worth your visit while you are in Mykonos (or Santorini).
Back in the 90’s and 00’s it used to be a crazy party island and for some inexplicable reason it got bad reputation but I really never understood why.
It’s an island with amazing beauty and its golden sandy beaches are some of the best in Greece. Seriously…
Though I have to say that the island is mainly more appealing to younger ages (up to 30 years old probably), this shouldn’t stop you to visit Ios and explore it’s amazing beauty.
Ios is very well organised, with B&B’s and Hotels and I’d definitely suggest a 2-3 days stay on the island in case you decide to visit it.
How To Get From Mykonos To Ios
Ios is about 1.5 hrs away by ferry from Mykonos (check ferry timetables and prices on Let’s Ferry website)
The journey is really quick and it costs about 30-35 euros (one way). I know…expensive…
Best Hotels in Ios
Ios has some really good hotels. While not to the level of luxury and services that you would find in Santorini or Mykonos, the hotels of Ios are definitely very impressive.
These are the Top Hotels in Ios:
Beautiful setup with a massive swimming pool next to the famous Mylopotas beach in Ios. Great services and a Margarita Bar that serves the longest list of margaritas in Europe! CHECK PRICES
Designed to overlook the town of Ios, Liostasi offers world class services and amenities with the biggest swimming pool of the island. CHECK PRICES
Levantes Ios Boutique Hotel (Ios)
A trully unique boutique hotel, 10 mins walking distance from the famous sandy Mylopotas beach. Some of the rooms offer their own private swimming pool overlooking the beach! CHECK PRICES
This is a value for money option for Mylopotas beach as you get a lot for what you pay for! A massive swimming pool and cleand and decent rooms.CHECK PRICES
MY TIP FOR IOS:
Though definitely not the party island of the 90’s and 00’s, Ios still has some of the best beach bars/clubs of Greece (along with Mykonos obviously…). The best one is by far the famous Far Out Beach Club at Mylopotas in Ios that also has the great Far Out Camping Ios. Also, bear in mind that Ios would feel like Italy in August as it is one of the most popoular destination for Italians!
6. Dilos
Delos (or Dilos) is an island that is not inhabited by any people.
It used to be one of the most famous and important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece.
There are no houses or hotels on the island: just lots of ancient greek ruins, some guards, a museum and…lots of lovely cats!!
I highly recommend you take some organised tours to Delos island so that you understand what you are looking as it is not always obvious…
How To Get From Mykonos To Dilos
Though you can certainly find the boats that can take you to Delos at the old port of Mykonos, I highly recommend you take an organised tour like the following 2 which are very well rated:
or
CONCLUSION
So, these are best islands near Mykonos: Santorini, Naxos, Tinos, Ios, Syros and the unique Dilos. If you have time for only one island then let it be Santorini as it’s really worth it unless it’s July or August when it will be super crowded. If you want a more relaxing and quiet 1-2 days trip (especially if you are with family and kids) then you should visit Naxos or Ios. The only island I suggest doing a daytrip from Mykonos is obviously Dilos. For all the rest of the islands I highly recommend staying at least 1 night to enjoy your visit more.
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