Is Mykonos, Greece Worth the Summer Splurge? Here’s What It Really Costs

If you know little else about Greece, I can bet these three names come to mind: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Known for its epic nightlife and lavishness, I liken Mykonos Island to be like the Tulum of North America. Its reputation as a party destination might make you wonder: Is Mykonos expensive?

With its luxurious reputation and celebrity sightings, Mykonos may seem like an expensive destination. However, budget-conscious travelers still have a chance, if you ask for the price before consuming….anything.

In this article, I compared various travel expenses in Mykonos, from the cost of flights, accommodation, transport, food, activities, food, and entertainment during low and peak-season travel.

Is Mykonos Expensive?

To answer your question quickly, Mykonos is one of the most expensive islands compared to the rest of Greece. It’s common to see normal goods go for three times their price than on other islands. However, the lion’s share of expenses will come down to accommodation costs.

Mykonos and the Greek islands are highly seasonal. Prices soar significantly in July and August, while you can save a lot of money in June or late September/October. The shoulder months also have the added benefit of being lively, but not yet jam-packed.

Mykonos Trip Cost

how expensive is Mykonos?

On average, we went in mid-June and spent €70 per day, which is on the lower end, splitting a hotel room with 4 people in Mykonos Town and eating one meal out a day. During the peak summer months, plan to spend around €140 per person per day for the same treatment.

Average Prices in Mykonos

These costs are going to be for Mykonos’s high season.

Mykonos on a Budget: How To Travel on a Budget in Mykonos

Mykonos might deter you from its reputation as an expensive location. Fortunately, here are some ways to stretch your budget and not totally limit yourself on the island. And if you’re going on your own, here are more Mykonos solo travel tips.

• Use the bus or rent a car or scooter instead of transport. Taxi transport costs can be extremely high.
• Do free activities like chilling at local beaches and going to art galleries around the charming town of Mykonos.
• Bring your own shade or umbrella before hitting the beautiful beaches. Most beaches don’t have foliage, and getting an umbrella at an organized beach can cost a lot.
• Plan your visit during the off-season when prices for accommodations and activities are much lower.
• Many accommodations have kitchenettes. Prepare meals from the supermarket instead of dining out.

Cost of Getting to Mykonos

Flights

Flight costs to Mykonos can vary significantly depending on your origin and the time of year. Peak season runs from late June to early September when flight prices are typically at their highest.

Mykonos may be one of the few islands with many direct international flights. Here are a few cities with connections:

Amsterdam, Stockholm, Manchester, Zurich, Geneva, Vienna, Paris, Nice, Lyon, Barcelona, Naples, Venice, Rome, Bologna, Napoli, Florence, Bari, Cologne, and Munich

The airport is about 3.5km away from the old ferry port by Mykonos City. Busses leave a quarter past every hour from 9:15 am to 10:15 pm to the town. Of course, there is always taxi transport available as well.

Ferries

Given the multitude of islands in Greece, ferries follow specific routes to reach particular destinations. Since Mykonos is so famous, there are many options to get there from historic Athens and other Cyclades islands.

Ferry prices can vary significantly from boat to boat and company to company. Typically, faster boats tend to be pricier, while slower ones are more affordable. But many islands don’t have direct ferry routes, which means long boat rides and transfers. 

As an example of apparent randomness, traveling from a port in Athens can be as cheap as €38 and takes 4.5 hours. However, I had traveled from Koufinisia, which was only 1.5 hours away but cost nearly €60 per seat!

Price of Accommodation

Accommodation in Mykonos is pricey, particularly during peak season. Most likely you’re there to party, so you want to have a convenient place to stay and, you know, not drunk drive or go far distances to go out and die in bed. There are two main party places you want to stay around: 

• Mykonos Town (Chora)
• Paradise Beach

I recommend Mykonos Town, so you are close to everything, food and many bars. Surprisingly, Mykonos is quite spacious, so if you want to chill, there are plenty of quieter accommodations at beaches by Ornos or out east.

Unfortunately, Mykonos has very few options for those on a budget. The entire island only has one hostel, Mycocoon Hostel, which is super fancy looking but can come with a hefty price tag of €115+ per bed during peak season.

Camping is no better. There is very little camping available on the island of Mykonos. It is illegal to wild camp, and violators may face fines if caught. There are some cheaper cabins at Paradise Beach camping. During off-peak seasons, you can secure a spot for €20, but prices can skyrocket to €150 during peak times, which is absolutely insane. 

If you’re looking for a mid-range guesthouse in Mykonos town, you can still find a place for €100 in June. Starting in July, the starting price of €150 is much more common. I tend to be more of a last-minute person, but even I booked weeks in advance to secure a reservation. If you decide to show up on the island without any accommodation prepared, you’ll likely end up with something expensive. 

Mykonos has an impressive 5-star infrastructure. Luxury hotel prices for a double room range from €300 to €900 or more. Additional add-ons, like a balcony with a private glass pool and a breathtaking sunset view of the beach, can cost €1000. If you’re traveling with a group, villas can be €1500 per night.

Tip! Booking accommodation in advance and opting for a stay during the shoulder season will generally secure better rates.

Cost of Transportation in Mykonos

Mykonos is very easy to travel around. Everyone speaks English, and if you’re staying in Chora, the entire town is easily walkable. Most popular destinations can be reached within a 20 minute drive. If you’re eager to explore the island further, here are some options available to you.

Renting a Scooter or Car

Renting a car or scooter is a popular and convenient option for transportation on Mykonos. Prices typically start around €30 per day for scooters and €50 per day for car rentals. Most rental places are located near Fabrika, one of the main bus stations or you can book online at DiscoverCars. 

Note! Motor vehicles are not allowed in Mykonos City, and due to heavy traffic, ask to see if your rental place provides a parking spot. Otherwise, good luck.

Taking Public Transportation

Local buses are also available to reach most parts of the island, with ticket prices ranging from €2 to €3 per ride. Unfortunately, the frequency of these buses may not be as often as desired. Buses serving closer areas arrive approximately every half hour, while those going to the further beaches come around every 1.5 hours. 

There are two main bus stations: the old port, which takes you to the east side of Mykonos, and Fabrika, located on the west side.

Check the latest timetable at: www.mykonosbus.com

Boat Transport

If you want to spend the day beach-hopping, there is a convenient Mykonos Water Taxi. This hop-on, hop-off service along 7 beaches on the scenic south coast costs €20 per person, granting unlimited access throughout the day.

• Season: Late May to mid-October
• Hours: 10am earliest departure from Ornos Beach, latest departure back from Elia Beach around 5:45pm.
• Route: Ornos › Platis Gialos › Paraga › Paradise › Super Paradise › Agrari › Elia

Separately, a shuttle boat departs every 30 minutes to an hour, connecting the new and old ports for €2 one way.

Private Transport

Taxis can be expensive, especially during busy periods, so public transportation or vehicle rental is the most budget-friendly choice. For instance, a mere 10 minute drive from the Old Port, where the most ferries dock, to Mykonos Town, can alone cost around €30-€40.

Mykonos Food Prices

Is Mykonos expensive for eating out? Yes, it can be, especially at fine dining restaurants and beach clubs. However, you can enjoy a decent meal for around €10-€20 per person at some tavernas and bakeries.

Value for money-wise, Mykonos is not the best spot for a budget traveler. The culinary experiences available are undoubtedly exceptional but come at a price. For instance, the island even has a #SaltBae, where a burger can be €35.

🍷 Be taken around Mykonos for some wining and dining. Taste local wine and Greek appetizers on this tour

How much does a meal cost in Mykonos?

But you can still get reasonable prices like €6 salads from Veneti, a popular chain bakery located right on the beachside in Chora. Alternatively, you can grab a souvlaki (basically a kebab) just outside of town for €4. Inside Chora, souvlaki options are priced closer to €10.

In mid-range restaurants, a typical pasta dish would cost around €15, while seafood and meat dishes may be priced at about €25+ for a main course. Starters and appetizers usually start at €7. 

Tip #1: With the high influx of tourists, make reservations in advance to avoid long waiting times at the places you wish to try.

Tip #2: Numerous accommodations offer kitchenettes, allowing you to save money by purchasing groceries and preparing your own meals. Regarding affordable and sizeable grocery stores, AB Foods is a great choice.

Price of Beer and Alcohol

Mykonos is known as a nightlife and party island, and alcoholic beverages can be pretty expensive at popular bars and clubs. Expect to pay around €10-€20 for a cocktail or €5-€8 for a beer. To save money, sneak in a flask or pre-drink beforehand. Grocery prices are only slightly inflated from the mainland.

Tip! This holds true for all Mykonos, but know the price before ordering anything. I’ve seen €30 drinks and Cavo Paradiso listing a staggering €39,000 bottle of champagne! 

Cost of Attractions in Mykonos

Vacationing in Mykonos basically means indulging in gastronomy, beaches, and partying, but there are other activities and attractions too. 

Exploring the enchanting old town is absolutely free. Visit the iconic Kato Mili Windmills (especially at sunset), Little Venice, and churches like Paraportiani and the Chapel of Agios Nikolaos. 

Randomly meander through its labyrinthine streets and check out the many art galleries open to the public. There are a few small museums like the Folklore Museum or the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. They both have a small entry fee of a few euros. 

👉 Or take a walking tour to learn more about Mykonos and Greek history by joining this small-group tour

From the old port, you can take a boat trip to the archaeological island of Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. An in-person round-trip boat ticket will cost €22 per person, or you join a half-day guided tour for €60 per person.

If you’re looking for more excitement, combine a yacht trip to Rhenia with a guided trip to Delos here!

Numerous water activities are available at different price points, like jet skiing, kayaking, or parasailing. Across from Ornos is a popular beach for kitesurfers and windsurfing.

Of course, there are always other activity options, like joining a private tour of Mykonos, going on a boat trip, or local wine tasting.

Do beaches in Mykonos cost money?

Most beaches (except for a few exclusive ones) are free, but many are organized with pricey rentals for umbrellas and chairs. For instance, at Super Paradise Beachclub, a single chair costs €65 per day. 

Cost of Nightlife: how expensive is mykonos nightlife?

Mykonos’s nightlife is the primary draw for tourists, from techno nightclubs that stay open until 7am to beach bars where you can bask in the sun and dance the night away.

Many venues in Chora, such as Jackie O’s, Guzel, and Scabar, offer free entry. On the night we went to Skandinavian Bar, buying a drink was the requirement for entry. Void is said to have a €20 cover charge typically, but it was free the night we went.

Bigger clubs like Cavo Paradiso impose an entrance fee, starting at €25 for local DJs and reaching up to ~€60 for renowned DJ acts. Paradise Club and Tropicana cater to the late afternoon and early evening crowd and have free admission so attracting a younger crowd. Lastly, fancier establishments such as Scorpios require a reservation, aka bottle service ranging from €150-€400.

Tip! Except for beach clubs, almost all party places enforce a dress code, so don’t look like you just came from the beach. 

Final Thoughts: Is Mykonos Expensive?

Partying in Mykonos can definitely add up and be pretty expensive, but plan ahead and don’t go crazy, and it can still be affordable for those on a tight budget. And if you’re into the partying scene, I admit, it lived up to its hype. 

As a few final important tips to make your trip cheaper, make sure to:

• Book your accommodation ahead of time
• Check if the ferry for your island hopping route is cheap
• Rent your own transportation or take the local bus
• Prepare your own food

Where Next in Greece?

I spent almost two months going around all of Greece. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest. 

• 16 Must-Visit Athens Historical Sites
• 8 Delicious Food Tours in Athens
• 11 Best Athens Private Tours
• Koufonisia Island Travel Guide
• Amorgos Island Travel Guide
• 7 Best Mykonos Private Tours

Have Travel Questions About Greece? Maybe I’ve Answered Them

• Is Mykonos Expensive?
• Do They Speak English in Greece?
• Can you Drink the Tap Water in Greece?
• Currency in Greece: What Currency in Used in Athens?
• How to Travel From Athens to Glyfada
• Nudity In Greece: A Guide To Naturalism Etiquette & Nude Beaches