Famous for its pristine beaches and great nightlife Mykonos is among the most popular Greek islands. Mykonos is not only for the party goers; it’s an island that offers gourmet food, cultural activities, and romantic holidays. It’s a great destination for solo travelers, gay travelers, couples, and families.
I have been to Mykonos four times over the last 17 years. As a student, with my girlfriends and with my husband and every time we had a blast.
Mykonos from above
Things to do in Mykonos
Here is my list of top things to do on the island of Mykonos:
Discover the Windmills in Chora
The windmills of Mykonos are among the most recognized landmarks of the island. For many centuries the mills used to refine grain with the help of the high winds that blow on the island. With the progress of technology, the use of the mills declined, and now the ones that survived are used as private homes or museums. The most famous ones are the Kato Myloi ( Lower Windmills) that stand on a hill facing the sea. Only seven of them have been preserved. I highly recommend that you walk up the hill in Chora and visit the windmill of Boni that is now a museum. The view from up there is incredible, and it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset.
The lower windmills in Mykonos town
The view from the windmill of Boni in Mykonos
Sunset in the windmills of Mykonos
Have a drink in little Venice
Little Venice is a neighborhood with colourful houses built on the edge of the sea. It took its name due to its resemblance with Venice. Nowadays the houses have been turned into elegant bars and restaurants and are among the best places in town to watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail.
Little Venice Mykonos
Sunset in Little Venice Mykonos
Stroll around Mykonos town
Lose yourself in the winding alleys of Mykonos town with the white houses, blue doors and windows and colourful bougainvilleas. Head to the area of Matogiania with the chic shops and trendy bars. The place to be in the centre of the town.
Shop till you drop in Mykonos town
Mykonos has one of the best shopping scenes in Greece. In the alleyways of the town, you can find the most famous designer labels, jewellery shops, leather goods and art shops along with very attractive shops selling traditional products and souvenirs. If you have money, the possibilities are endless.
Take a boat trip to the archaeological site of Delos
The island od Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important Archaeological Sites in Greece. According to Mythology, it was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The island is now uninhabited, but you can visit it by taking one of the many ships that depart daily from Mykonos old harbour (except Mondays that theArchaeological site is closed). The return ticket to Delos cost 20 € for adults and 10 € for children (6-12 years old). Tickets to the Archaeological site of Delos cost: Full 12€, Reduced 6€. I highly recommend that you hire a licensed guide to show you around (around 25€ per person). You will find a lot of guides at the entrance of the archaeological site or you can pre -book it with your ticket. You can have a look here.
Walk around the old port
The picturesque old harbour of Mykonos is a great area to walk around especially at night. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area overlooking the sea. From there you can also catch the ferry to Delos island. The old port is also home to the famous Pelekan of Mykonos. The last time I was there I spotted him in the backstreets of the town instead of the harbour.
Peter the Pelekan in Mykonos
Agios Nikolaos church
The old harbour of Mykonos
Discover the churches in Mykonos
One of the main characteristics of Mykonos is the abundance of churches that can be found scattered around the island. Some say that the number of churches and chapels are almost 800 and about 60 of them can be spotted in Mykonos town (Chora). Some of the most famous are Panagia Paraportiani and Agios Nikolaos in Chora and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera. During my walk in Mykonos town, I spotted a couple of them. I believe I lost count.
Panagia Paraportiani Church
Enjoy the nightlife
Mykonos is a party island and has the best nightlife in Greece. You can start your evening by watching the sunset and sipping a cocktail in Little Venice and as the night progresses you can visit the legendary Scandinavian bar, the gay-friendly Jackie O, Cavo Paradiso or you can head in one of the famous beach bars like Nammos, Scorpios and Jackie O on the beach. The options are endless.
Explore the island’s pristine beaches
The beaches of Mykonos are famous for their golden sand and crystal clear waters. There is a beach for every taste. If you want to party, then Paradise beach and Super Paradise beach is for you. If you want a family friendly beach, you can head to Kalo Livadi, Elia, Ornos, and Lia. If you are looking for a secluded beach, then you can go to Kapari or Agios Sostis. Now if you are looking for a trendy beach, where all the celebrities go you should go to Psarou. There you will find one of the best beach bar worldwide, Nammos. Beware though it is expensive. If you are looking for a trendy place, then you should go to Paraga beach with the famous beach bar Scorpios or Ftelia beach with the Alemagou beach bar.
Stairs leading to the sea
Where to eat in Mykonos
Mykonos has a plethora of places to eat from gourmet restaurants to tavernas and souvlaki. Food like most things in Mykonos is expensive. If you are looking for friendly prices and excellent food I recommend the followings:
Paraportiani Taverna
A family run restaurant located in Mykonos town near Paraportiani church. The staff is very friendly and polite, and the service is very quick. They serve traditional Greek food and fresh fish and seafood. I have eaten in this taverna three times so far. Twice on my last visit in May and once about ten years ago. The taverna has a friendly atmosphere as it overlooks a small square. The prices are very friendly at about 20 – 25 € per person.
Captain’s
It’s located on the seafront of the old harbour, and it’s an all-day restaurant that serves breakfast, snacks, and lovely Greek food. Excellent service and friendly prices. I totally recommend it.
Where to stay in Mykonos
If you prefer to spend your whole time on a beach, then you should probably book a hotel in one of the beach resorts. If you want to explore the island and be close to the town, I totally recommend staying in Kouros Hotels & Suites. It is located just 10 minutes on foot from the centre of Mykonos town, in a very quiet area that enjoys incredible views of the port and the windmills. The hotel also has free private parking. For more information check my post: A luxury stay at Kouros Hotel & Suites in Mykonos.
How to get to Mykonos
By air: There are many flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Mykonos. The flight trip from Athens to Mykonos is about 30 minutes. During the summer months, many airlines have direct flights to Mykonos from many European cities.
By boat: You can take the boat to Mykonos from Athens’s two major ports Piraeus and Rafina. There are daily ferries going to the island and the trip lasts about 3 hours if you take the high-speed ferry and 5 hours if you take regular one. Mykonos is also connected by ferry to other Cycladic islands like Tinos, Andros, Paros, Naxos, Syros and Santorini to name a few. During the tourist season, you might find connections to other islands.
When to visit Mykonos
For me, the best time to visit the island is during May and the first half of June and then in September. That way you will avoid the big crowds and enjoy the island more. Moreover, flights and accommodation cost less during these periods. If you want to swim, you might find the sea a little bit chilly in May.
Have you been to Mykonos? Did you enjoy it?
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