A Greek Island Escape: One Week in Mykonos & Santorini

After arriving in Mykonos, head to your resort and take some time to settle in, explore the property, and enjoy the beautiful views. Keep your first afternoon relaxed—you’ll likely be tired from traveling. In the evening, stay close to home with dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and enjoy fresh Greek cuisine in a gorgeous open-air setting. I recommend making an early reservation so you can enjoy the sunset and get a good night’s sleep before your first full day.

Spend your first full day enjoying the island’s best features: beautiful beaches, incredible food, and a lively evening in town. Head to Ornos Beach in the late morning and reserve loungers at Kuzina Beach Club, where you can relax by the water and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later, return to your hotel to get ready before exploring Mykonos Old Town, Little Venice, and the iconic windmills—aim to arrive before sunset, when the area is especially beautiful. End the evening with dinner at Noema, a stylish open-air restaurant hidden within the winding streets of town; reservations are essential during the summer.

Spend the day at one of Mykonos’ many beach clubs, choosing the atmosphere that best suits your trip. For a livelier scene, try Alemagou on Ftelia Beach or Principote on Panormos Beach; for something more relaxed and family-friendly, consider Kuzina on Ornos Beach or Hippie Fish on Agios Ioannis Beach. Reserve loungers, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and spend the afternoon swimming before heading to Scorpios for sunset drinks, music, and dinner overlooking the water. Book your loungers and Scorpios reservation well in advance during the summer, and arrange transportation ahead of time since the beach clubs are spread across the island.

Enjoy a final relaxed morning in Mykonos before taking the ferry to Santorini. After arriving and settling into your hotel, keep the afternoon flexible to unwind and explore your surroundings at an easy pace. In the evening, head to Oia for a sunset dinner overlooking the caldera—an unforgettable introduction to Santorini. Reservations are essential, and plan to arrive early so you have time to wander Oia’s winding lanes and find a beautiful sunset viewpoint before dinner. Mia’s is a top rec for dinner!

Spend the day exploring Santorini from the water on a sailing excursion around the caldera. Cruise past the island’s dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes, with opportunities to swim near the hot springs and stop at some of Santorini’s distinctive black and red sand beaches. Choose a daytime departure for more swimming or a sunset cruise for especially beautiful views as you sail back toward the island.

Spend your final day discovering Santorini through its food with a hands-on cooking experience featuring traditional island recipes, fresh ingredients, and local wine. It is my favorite way to learn about the island’s culinary traditions while enjoying a slower-paced, more personal experience away from the busiest sightseeing areas. Leave the evening flexible for a relaxed dinner near your hotel or one final stroll through a nearby village.