Travelling from Athens to Mykonos

The island of Mykonos has long since been one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, attracting millions of visitors each year. And for good reason. There is so much to admire about this Aegean oasis including its remarkable beaches and stylish nightlife. Better yet, Mykonos is located around 108 miles from Athens, making it easily accessible from the Greek capital.

Where is Mykonos?

Mykonos is located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, between the islands of Paros, Naxos, Syros and Tinos. It is situated 94 nautical miles (174km) southeast of Athens, the capital city of Greece. 

Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Athens to Mykonos?

The best way of travelling from Athens to Mykonos all depends on your budget and time constraints. If you don’t mind adding an extra couple of hours onto your journey for the sake of saving money, perhaps the ferry from Athens to Mykonos is the best option for you.

However, if you are in a hurry then flights from Athens to Mykonos take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. While this is quicker than by ferry, plane tickets usually cost much more if not booked in advance.  

How long is the ferry from Athens to Mykonos?

The sailing time for the Athens to Mykonos ferry can vary depending on whether you are departing from Pireaus Port or Rafina Port. The fastest ferry from Athens to Mykonos takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with Golden Star Ferries from Rafina. However, the average duration for this route is around 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Please be aware that ferry durations might change for various reasons including weather conditions, seasonality and the type of vessel you sail on.

How to get to Piraeus Port

The port of Piraeus is situated 10km south of Athens city centre and is easily accessible via public transport. If you are arriving from Athens Airport, you can either hire a taxi, take the metro or get the X96 bus. These are found within walking distance of the main terminal. 

A taxi from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port costs anywhere from €80 to €95. The cheapest option is a one-way metro ticket, which usually costs €9 for adults and €4.50 for children, students or anyone over the age of 55.

Port of Piraeus Guide

As Piraeus is the largest port in Greece, you might require some help finding your way around. There are 12 departure gates and each are accessible via a free shuttle bus service. The port provides ferries to various destinations in Greece. If you’re unsure which gate you are departing from, here is a list:

• Cyclades (departure gates: E6, E7, E9, E10)

• Saronic Gulf (departure gate E8)

• Crete (departure gates E2, E3, E6)

• Northeast Aegean Islands (departure gates E2, E9, E10)

• Dodecanese Islands (departure gate E1)

•   Kythira (departure gate E3)

Passengers embarking on ferries from Athens to Mykonos will therefore need to follow directions for departure gates E6, E7, E9 or E10. However, please check the departure board for the latest details regarding your sailing.  

Is Mykonos closer to Athens or Santorini?

As the crow flies, Mykonos is closer to Santorini than it is to Athens. There is approximately 119km separating Mykonos and Santorini. 

How many days in Mykonos is enough?

Most travellers would recommend staying in Mykonos around 3 to 4 days to fully experience all that it has to offer. This will give you enough time to enjoy the various attractions, beaches and landmarks available on the island. However, if you are planning to take boat trips to the smaller islands around Mykonos, you might want to consider staying longer. 

Is Mykonos expensive?

Mykonos is relatively expensive in contrast to its Greek counterparts. Even so, it’s still possible to enjoy the island while sticking to a budget. You can keep the costs down by dining at local tavernas or doing free activities like beach hopping and hiking. However, you can always visit Mykonos in the off-season when the prices are usually lower. 

Best Beaches in Mykonos

If you enjoy sunbathing on beautiful sandy beaches, then Mykonos is the place for you. The island is famous for its various beaches, each with their own distinctive glamour. Here are some recommendations to get you started:

• Super Paradise Beach (Plintri)

• Psarou Beach

• Elia Beach

• Paradise Beach (Kalamopodi)

• Ornos Beach

Please keep in mind that the beaches in Mykonos are very popular during the summer months so we would suggest arriving early in order to guarantee yourself a spot. Alternatively, you could explore the north coast which is often quieter. 

What to do in Mykonos

As the most popular island in the Cyclades, there is no shortage of things to do in Mykonos. Whether its boat trips or chasing sunsets, this Greek paradise provides activities for people of all ages. If you are stuck for ideas, here is a list of attractions:

Please be aware that the prices shown are only approximate and might change depending on what time of year that you decide to visit Mykonos. Overall, prices tend to increase during peak tourist season between June and August.