Things to Do in Mykonos and Santorini
A tour manager with 15 years of experience guiding tours in Greece shares his advice.
November 04, 2026
5 minute read
Mykonos and Santorini are often grouped together, but each of these Greek islands offers its own distinct experience. At a recent virtual event, George, a Tour Manager for Collette, explained what makes each of these Greek islands distinct. In his words, “You go to Santorini to see; you go to Mykonos to be seen.”
His recommendations below cover what to do on each island and when to visit.
For a deeper look at Collette’s Greece Island Hopper tour, which includes Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, you can watch the event on demand. The event also gives you a chance to meet George and see why travellers say he is one of the highlights of their trip.
Things to Do in Mykonos
Go for a Swim or Relax on the Beach
If you come to Mykonos for its beautiful beaches, you won’t be disappointed. George recommends beaches on the island’s more sheltered side, where travellers can swim in turquoise water or settle in for a relaxed afternoon.
Wander the Alleys of Chora
Mykonos Town, known locally as Chora, is what most people picture when they think of Mykonos: white buildings, narrow lanes, and windmills overlooking the water. It's nicknamed “Little Venice” for the waterfront houses that seem to rise straight out of the sea.
Before air conditioning, the town’s whitewashed walls reflected the sun and kept homes cooler. Over time, painting the buildings white became a local rule that property owners still follow today.
The narrow, winding alleys also served a practical purpose. Their layout helped break the island’s persistent winds and made the town more difficult for pirates to navigate.
Step Back in Time at Lena’s House
Lena’s House is a 19th-century folk museum set inside one of the island’s old merchant mansions. It’s part of a building that belonged to the war hero Captain Nicholaos Sourmelis. Inside, you’ll find furniture and clothing that show what life was like here in the 19th century.
Take the Flavours of Mykonos Excursion
If you travel to Mykonos on Collette’s guided tour, you can add the Flavours of Mykonos excursion for a tour of the island’s culinary gems. One of George’s favourite parts of the excursion is a visit to a small dairy farm, where travellers learn about the traditions and history of cheesemaking. At the farm, travellers sample Xinotiro, Kopanisti, Vrasto, and freshly made yogurt.
Take a Boat to Ancient Delos
For travellers who want a dose of mythology, ancient Delos is a short boat ride from Mykonos. This optional excursion brings you to the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Delos was also one of the ancient world’s important religious and commercial centres. George describes it as a thriving city that once supported about 30,000 people. Its extensive ruins continue to draw travellers today.
Things to Do in Santorini
See the Blue-Domed Churches
Santorini's blue-domed churches, perched along the caldera's cliffside, are one of the most photographed sights in Greece. Venetian and Genoese settlers built these villages high on the rim centuries ago to watch the sea and guard against pirates.
Walk Through Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a Bronze Age settlement, roughly 4,000 years old, buried and preserved by the same volcanic eruption that shaped the island as we see it now. The remaining buildings, objects, and streets offer a detailed look at daily life in the settlement. George describes the people who lived there as part of a “pre-Greek culture” that traded wine and olive oil.
Taste Assyrtiko, Santorini's Volcanic Wine
Santorini’s dry white Assyrtiko is produced from vines trained into low, basket-like shapes, grown in volcanic soil, and never irrigated. The flavour reflects the island’s history: dry, strong, and distinct from anything else in Greece.
You can also try a sweet, sun-dried wine made from the grape that locals treat as a dessert pour rather than something to serve alongside a meal.
Take the Island-Hopping Sunset Dinner Cruise
George says the island-hopping sunset dinner cruise is one of the experiences travellers remember most. The full-day excursion includes:
A roughly 35-minute hike that brings you closer to the active crater, where you can see steam rising from vents in the ground.
A swim in the natural thermal springs and the open water of the caldera.
Dinner served onboard as the sun sets over the water.
Travellers who'd rather skip the climb can relax on the boat with a drink and still enjoy the views and sunset dinner.
When to Visit Mykonos and Santorini
George recommends visiting from mid-May through early July or from late September into October. These periods avoid the most intense summer heat and crowds. For warmer water, aim for late September or October.
Keep in mind that many shops and restaurants on Mykonos don’t fully open for the season until late April. Avoid mid-July through early September, when Greece experiences its most intense heat.
Mykonos and Santorini FAQs
Why are Mykonos's buildings so famously white?
It started as a practical way to reflect heat and keep homes cool before air conditioning existed, and it later became a local building rule.
Is Santorini's volcano still active, and is it safe to visit?
Yes. The volcano is active but dormant — there hasn’t been a major eruption in thousands of years. It is monitored for signs of increased risk, and travellers can visit the crater on established excursions.
Can I fly between the islands instead of taking the ferry?
Travellers with Collette will take the ferry, but flights between options are available if you book a custom tour.
What's the best month to visit if I want fewer crowds?
Late September and October tend to be quieter than the summer months and offer warmer water and lower prices.
What other Greece Islands can I visit?
Travellers who want to look beyond Mykonos and Santorini should consider Crete or Naxos. Explore our guide to Crete and Naxos to see if these islands are right for you.
Learn More About Travel to Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens
Collette’s Greece Island Hopper tour starts and ends in Athens, with three nights on Mykonos and three nights on Santorini. These multi-night stays give travellers time for more included activities, whilst preserving free time to relax and explore on their own. It’s the perfect mix of guided touring and independent exploration, with the added bonus of knowing all the details are taken care of.
Watch the on-demand event and let George introduce you to the islands and tell you more about the tour.
