Getting from Athens to Mykonos

If you are heading to Mykonos from Athens you are going to the most cosmopolitan island in the Cyclades and one of the most famous in the world. Mykonos Town is genuinely beautiful beyond its reputation, a maze of whitewashed lanes built to confuse pirates that does an equally good job of confusing visitors, which is part of the pleasure. The windmills above the town are the landmark. The beaches on the south coast are long, well-organised and backed by some of the best beach clubs in Greece. The island draws a young, international crowd in summer and rewards those who arrive in the shoulder months when the crowds thin and the town reveals itself more quietly.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Mykonos ferry is one of the most heavily served routes in the Cyclades, with multiple daily crossings year-round and up to 12 daily departures in peak summer. Fast catamarans cover the distance in around 2 hours 20 minutes. Conventional ferries take around 4 to 5 hours. Rafina also has frequent connections to Mykonos, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours and useful if you are connecting from Athens Airport. Book well ahead in July and August as this is one of the most popular routes in the Aegean.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Mykonos have airports. Multiple daily flights connect the two with the journey taking around 40 minutes. Flying is the fastest option and the most practical if you are short on time.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Rafina if you are arriving at Athens Airport and want to head straight to Mykonos without crossing the city. Take the ferry from Piraeus if you are coming from central Athens. Fly if time is short. Either way book well ahead in summer as both ferry and flight fill up fast on this route.