Whether you’ve come to Mykonos backpacking on the cheap, or you’re splurging on a luxury trip, here are the best things to do in Mykonos for every budget.
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The Best Things To Do In Mykonos For Every Budget
Mykonos has a reputation for being one of the most expensive Greek islands, and if you’re after fancy beach clubs and accommodation, you can spend a fortune here.
But Mykonos doesn’t have to be pricey – and I’m here to show you how! There are plenty of beaches and sun-traps to enjoy for free, and local tavernas and apartments that are budget-friendly – if you know where to look.
The Best Free Things To Do In Mykonos
Explore Mykonos Old Town
My top free thing to do in Mykonos is to just wander Mykonos Town (Chora). This is straight out of a postcard – think whitewashed streets, blue shutters and pink bougainvillea everywhere. If you can get up early and head into town, you’ll beat the cruise ship crowds. You can also grab supplies at the bakeries and supermarkets to keep costs down for the day.
Visit a local beach
Not every beach in Mykonos has sunbeds and beach clubs – regular beaches like Agios Stefanos have lovely soft sand, shimmering blue water and more of a local feel. It’s the kind of beach the locals go to, to relax and swim after work. Bring your own towel, snacks and drinks so you don’t end up paying over the odds for refreshments when you’re there.
Head to a hidden beach
Now I saw this beach on TikTok, which was a bit out of the way, called Kapari Beach. I am not sure how much of a hidden gem it really is these days, but I looked and there is a bus route that runs to a nearby beach, Agios Ioannis. From there, if you’re facing the sea, walk to your right and you’ll pass a white church – and just beyond it down a dirt road you’ll see Kapari. Because it’s secluded, bear in mind it’s also nudist friendly!
Go to the windmills for sunset
The Best Cheap Things To Do In Mykonos
Explore Mykonos by bus
Taxis in Mykonos are very expensive, so you’re much better off using public transport. Buses connect many of the main beaches and towns across Mykonos during the summer season, and fares are usually about €3.
Go to Ano Mera
Ano Mera is Mykonos’ second traditional town. It’s inland and calmer than Mykonos Town, orientated around Panagia Tourliani, an old monastery. There’s decent affordable accommodation here, so you may even be staying here! It is a good low-cost half-day trip – mooch through the square, see the monastery area and eat at an authentic taverna.
Eat a bakery treat for breakfast
Greek bakeries are a brilliant way to eat cheaply in Mykonos. Don’t sit down and stump up for a pricey cafe breakfast – head to a local bakery and pick up a spanakopita (spinach pastry) or something sweet to take away. Grab a juice from the supermarket and you’ve got a light on-the-go breakfast – especially handy if you’re up early doors to explore.
Grab a gyros for lunch
The Best Affordable Things To Do In Mykonos
Enjoy a long lunch at a taverna
A traditional taverna lunch gives you classic Mykonos vibes without having to spend too much. Many seaside spots have fresh seafood, grilled meats and local wine with incredible views for a fraction of what you’d spend at the beach clubs. And if you head a bit away from the busiest areas, prices get much more reasonable.
Rent a car or quad bike for the day
If you want the freedom to explore quieter beaches and villages, and don’t want to rely on bus timetables, then renting a vehicle can work out quite good value – even if just for a day. You get to see the more untouched parts of the island, like hidden swimming spots and calmer beaches.
Visit another island
If you fancy exploring more of the Cyclades islands, then hop on a ferry and visit one – Tinos and Paros for example can be easily reached on the ferry. A return to Tinos starts at around £26 return, and the journey takes about 40 minutes each way. For Paros you’re looking at about £65 return for a 2 hour journey each way.
Tinos is one of the more traditional islands in the Cyclades, with a well-preserved character and charming old town. Paros is like a calmer version of Mykonos – you’ve got the nightlife and cosmopolitan feel but with fewer crowds and a more reasonable price tag.
Book a beach club
You don’t have to pay silly money to sample the beach club experience. Some of the more relaxed beach bars and clubs have sunbeds and refreshments for an affordable price – especially if you’re visiting outside of peak summer.
Beaches like Ornos, Platis Gialos and Kalo Livadi have various options – always check before you sit down though, as prices can vary depending on exactly where you sit and when you go.
The Best Luxury Things To Do In Mykonos
Spend the day at Scorpios Beach Club
Scorpios is an iconic Mykonos club, famous for its boho aesthetic and sunset DJ sets – not to mention the glamorous crowd. It comes at a price though, with cocktails starting at about £25.
You’ll usually need to commit to a minimum spend just to reserve a table or daybed, and in peak summer they often don’t take any walk-ins.
That said, we discovered a bit of a loophole. If you book a table at the restaurant, you’re usually allowed to stay on afterwards for the evening atmosphere without committing to the same minimum spend requirements as the main club areas. This worked out well for me and James – the half chicken we ordered plus a couple of sides was more than enough food for two people.
The vibe also changes hugely depending on when you go – Sunday evenings are the party nights during peak season, but when we went on a Monday in early May it was really chilled. There was still a DJ, but we even managed to grab seats near the music after dinner without paying extra.
Take a luxury catamaran cruise
Out of everything we did in Mykonos, this was probably our favourite experience. There are loads of boat trips available around the island, but if you’re willing to splash out a little more, a luxury catamaran cruise is worth it.
Our trip lasted about five hours and it included a full three-course meal plus plenty of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Technically the drinks weren’t advertised as unlimited, but the staff made sure nobody ever had an empty glass.
There were 23 of us onboard (the max is 25) but it didn’t feel crowded and there was plenty of space to relax, sunbathe and swim.
The service was very good too, and it ended up being one of those experiences that actually justifies the higher price tag in Mykonos.
Book a sunset dinner in Little Venice
You can see Little Venice for free, but if you’re got the budget, you can splurge on a table for watching the sunset. It’s very atmospheric here, with the waves lapping below you and the spectacular sunset over the sea. A waterfront table can come with a hefty minimum spend, so book in advance and check the menu before you commit.
Plan Your Trip With Our Best Things To Do in Mykonos for Every Budget
Whether you’re on a budget or you’ve got plenty to spend, the beauty of Mykonos can be enjoyed by everyone! Make a smart choice with affordable accommodation or splash out on a luxury suite and enjoy everything this popular Greek island has to offer.
