Welcome to the shimmering shores of Mykonos, Greece’s personal slice of paradise in the Aegean Sea! This information is your final companion to uncovering the very best of what Mykonos has to provide. We’re not simply speaking about its world-famous seashores and events; there’s a lot extra! From strolling by way of charming streets in Mykonos Town to discovering hidden culinary spots, we’ve obtained you coated.
We’ll additionally dive into the wealthy historical past and tradition that make this island really distinctive. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned customer, our insider suggestions will show you how to expertise Mykonos like by no means earlier than. So, let’s set sail on this thrilling journey and discover out why Mykonos is among the prime Greek Islands on each traveler’s record!
Top Things to do in Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is a romantic vacation spot, a spot for honeymoons and rendezvous. Likewise, it attracts party-goers and weekenders wanting to blow off some steam. Don’t be shocked to discover massive crowds in Mykonos, particularly in the excessive season. But it’s one thing that shouldn’t scare you off, as a result of it’s a vacation spot you may strategy from many angles. You can nonetheless discover the quieter seashores and the charming cities that, regardless of Mykonos’ small dimension, nonetheless stay off the vacationer path.
So with that in thoughts let’s uncover the very best issues to do in Mykonos so you may plan your subsequent journey to this wonderful Greek Island.
1. Mykonos Town
After arriving on probably the greatest Greek islands, make a beeline for Mykonos Town. Exploring its slender streets lined by whitewashed homes is among the first issues to do in Mykonos, Greece. Not solely will it provide you with an incredible style of what Mykonos Island life has to provide, however you’ll start to get your bearings.
Nestled on the western coast of the island, Mykonos Town, often known as Chora, is the beating coronary heart of Mykonos. As we wandered by way of its maze-like, cobblestone streets, we fell in love with the colourful but laid-back environment that defines this iconic city. Mykonos city is like strolling in a postcard, with its white-washed buildings and blue-domed church buildings (similar to those you see in Santorini) making a putting distinction towards the unbelievably blue sky. We have been really blown away.
Navigating the maze of streets is a enjoyable problem and we loved simply getting misplaced, testing some nice procuring in the boutiques alongside Matogianni Street, which additionally occurs to be one of many prettiest streets on the island, and sipping Greek espresso at a restaurant. It felt like we have been in our personal film scene.
2. Paradise Beach
With your steps full, it’s time to indulge in the seaside lifetime of Mykonos Island. For a comparatively small island, Mykonos has no scarcity of lovely seashores, and choosing the very best one is an unenviable job. With that mentioned, Paradise Beach is the proper place to begin.
Paradise and Super Paradise Beach mix to create a shocking location that additionally occurs to be house to the island’s most enjoyable seaside get together scene. In the peak of summer season, the seaside floods with scantily clad women and men bathing in the Aegean solar. Come dusk, the get together scene goes up a notch with music and tropical cocktails at seaside golf equipment like Jackie O’ and The Super Paradise Beach Club.
Outside of the excessive season, you’ll discover glowing white sand devoid of enormous crowds. Add on some beachfront eating places and it’s a pristine spot to get pleasure from a day trip. Make positive to e book your sunbed in advance so you may have the very best seat in the home.
3. Monastery of Panagia Tourliani
A quick drive from the center of Mykonos Town, a go to to the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani is among the prime issues to do in Mykonos, Greece. Like the seashores, there’s stiff competitors for probably the most attractive monasteries and church buildings on the tiny island. But Panagia Tourliani isn’t one to miss.
Almost 5 centuries outdated, the monastery is a sight for sore eyes. The clear stone facade full with a trio of bells and an adjoining bell tower is a powerful sight. Not to point out the arresting marble fountain that options embellished decorations.
Equally transcendent is the inside that has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. We particularly liked taking in the hand-painted altar display and iconography from the late 18th century.
4. The Kato Mili Windmills
One of probably the most spectacular sights in Mykonos is the Kato Mili Windmills backed by the pink sky at golden hour. A quick journey from Little Venice, a row of white and brown windmills dots the shoreline and are a glimpse into the island’s outdated wheat trade.
Back in the day, there have been 20 of those well-known windmills. While solely seven stay, they’re now some of the fashionable points of interest on Mykonos. Each windmill is an ideal cylinder that rises out of the bottom with brown thatched roofs. They’re easy but past elegant, a memorable instance of 18th-century Greek structure.
They’re free to go to and make for some wonderful images. But be certain to return at nightfall for probably the greatest sundown spots on Mykonos.
5. Little Venice
In Mykonos Town, Little Venice is a neighborhood that can shortly steal your coronary heart. It’s the waterfront part of city the place the white homes meet the Aegean Sea, making a imaginative and prescient straight out of your wildest desires. Like the windmills, Little Venice is the place Mykonos’ pure magnificence and man-made opulence meet.
Much of what you see in Little Venice was developed in the 18th century by retailers. Now they’re trip properties, eating places, and plenty of fashionable bars which might be good for sundown cocktails. Just be certain to make a reservation forward of time. You may also wander down to the ocean and let the water lap between your toes as you watch the solar contact the horizon with the windmills in the foreground.
6. Agrari Beach
Agrari Beach contrasts enormously with Paradise Beach. The reputation of Mykonos brings in hearty crowds and seaside events, one thing that may be exhausting to escape in the summer season. But Agrari Beach is the place to go to expertise the pristine seashores and crystal clear waters of Mykonos with out rubbing shoulders with strangers.
You’ll discover this seaside on the quieter part of the island’s southern coast. The golden sand runs alongside the shore till it connects to Elia Beach, making a spectacular 5-mile shoreline of nothing however powdery white sand and turquoise sea.
After strolling down a steep, slender path, you’ll step onto the comfortable sand, the place you’ll uncover a small concession stand and some solar loungers that you need to use to bask in the heat.
7. Delos Island
Taking a ship journey to Delos Island is among the issues we suggest, particularly if you happen to love Greek historical past. Departing from the Old Harbor in Mykonos Town, it can take you about half-hour to attain the small Cycladic island.
The historical past of Delos Island goes again over 5,000 years. It’s teeming with outstanding archaeological websites, lots of which type the crux of Greek myths and legends. Such is the array of historical past, that everything of Delos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local mythology says that Artemis and Apollo we born proper right here. But that’s not all. As you discover, you’ll discover columns which have stood in place for hundreds of years on the aspect of paths shared by pilgrims yr after yr. The island’s historical past, nevertheless, reaches its zeniths with Delos’ 5,000-year-old stone huts.
The finest means to expertise Delos is to soar on one of many guided boat excursions. This is among the hottest excursions in all of Mykonos, so e book early if you happen to can.
8. Psarou Beach
A few miles outdoors of Mykonos Town, Psarou Beach is one other fashionable spot for a day on the sand. Lined by upscale seaside bars, a sequence of opulent resorts, and among the finest meals on the island, Psarou is a spot to expertise the lap of luxurious.
The seaside is sort of totally made up of solar loungers and rows of seaside umbrellas. You can neglect about laying down the towel right here. Instead, spend your day taking in the sights and sounds plus the odd superstar if you happen to’re fortunate. Keeping the summer season crowds in thoughts, it’s your decision to e book a solar lounge forward of time.
On the water is the place the true enjoyable is, nevertheless. Once you’re settled, it’s time for water sports activities. Go on a scuba diving journey or soar on board a jet ski. Afterward, dine on the iconic seaside bar restaurant Nammos.
9. Armenistis Lighthouse
Little Venice could also be the very best sundown spot on Mykonos, however it’s not all the time budget-friendly. This is particularly true if you would like to drink at the very best bars alongside the coast. For a completely free sundown, make your means to the Armenistis Lighthouse.
The lighthouse is situated on the island’s northwest coast the place you’ll have uninhibited views of the colourful horizon together with the even smaller island, Tinos. It’s simple to get right here additionally, being only a four-mile bus or taxi from Mykonos Town.
It’s finest to give your self loads of time to discover the century-old lighthouse. Mykonos has a wealthy maritime historical past. The lighthouse is devoted to telling that story and remembering the lives misplaced in a shipwreck in the years prior to its creation.
10. The Old Port
The improvement of a contemporary port on Mykonos has taken the main target of its historic Old Port. Many vacationers don’t even take the time to discover. But if you happen to’re like us, then that’s all of the extra cause to add the Old Port to your Mykonos itinerary.
Like the primary city, Old Port is surrounded by a maze of slender streets. Among them are smiling locals and an genuine assortment of native retailers. Without the cruise ships, the water is left for small fishing boats that come in and out as in the event that they’ve traveled again to earlier than Mykonos was a vacationer mecca.
As you discover the Old Port, preserve your eye out for the well-known Peter the Pelican. This pelican has taken on legendary standing amongst locals and seeing him wherever he’s is an enormous tick in your Mykonos bingo card.
11. Scuba Diving
A number of days on the shore of the Aegean Sea can have you excited to discover life beneath the floor. The glistening child blue water is each bit as spectacular because the Mediterranean Sea, with as many marine treasures awaiting your arrival.
There are many nice scuba diving spots round Mykonos, together with from Psarou Beach. But for inexperienced persons, Lia Beach is the proper place to start. Within the protected bay you’ll discover calm swimming situations with wonderful readability as you study the important abilities alongside your instructors.
Once you’ve accomplished your first dive, you’ll be prepared to assault some extra websites round Mykonos. Paradise Reef is one for the books. Here, you’ll discover a prismatic array of coral, starfish, barracuda, and octopus. If you need to swim round a shipwreck, you may as well do that at Dragonissi.
Mykonos is the proper place to study to Scuba Dive because the water is crystal clear and actually calm. This tour is ideal for inexperienced persons!
12. Ano Mera Village
Like the Old Port, Ano Mera Village is one other wonderful a part of Mykonos that sees a disproportionately meager quantity of tourists. But whereas most are having fun with the Mykonos seashores, you may take the time to discover one of many oldest cities on the island, in peace.
The old-time village is centered on a city sq. and boasts Greece’s patented whitewashed properties. Ano Mera offers vacationers with a singular and genuine expertise inside a captivating Cycladic village. The streets are simply as skinny, but with out the bustle. This leaves you with a tranquil townscape that boasts a number of main landmarks, together with Panagia Tourlani, the Paleokastro Monastery, and the Gyzi Castle.
Explore on a whim and don’t be afraid to get misplaced while you go to Ano Mera Village. That’s precisely the way you’ll find yourself on a fantastic cafe patio, sipping wine and overlooking the Aegean Sea.
13. Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Admiring the gorgeous Church of Panagia Paraportiani is among the finest issues to do in Mykonos, Greece. On the shore of the Aegean Sea, the church is a photographer’s dream. It’s an unbelievable mixture of basic white Greek structure, cobblestones, and the intense blue sea.
The church is, in truth, a a lot bigger advanced that options 5 distinct chapels. Each has its personal peculiar design and domed roof. The oldest, Agios Anargyros, was constructed in the fifteenth century full with a stunning bell tower.
Arriving on the advanced is simple. You can merely soar on a bus and get off at Fabrika Central. It’s additionally doable to stroll from Little Venice.
14. Elia Beach
On the southern coast, Elia Beach is the opposite half of a sandy shore shared with Agrari Beach. Elia Beach is a mixture of facilities and tranquility. Here, you may benefit from the solar lounges and water sports activities with out dense crowds, with ample further sand to lay down the towel.
During the summer season months, there are sometimes seaside events that includes DJs, booze, and loads of dancing. But that apart, it’s a relaxed spot that’s liked among the many LGBTQ group and even the odd nudist.
When you depart the sand and go for a swim, you’ll uncover crystal-clear waters and an excellent mixture of blue shades. Aside from swimming, you may enterprise out on a jet ski, get a view as you para-sail and you may as well attempt your hand at windsurfing when the breeze picks up.
15. Wine Tasting
No time in Mykonos could be full with out exploring the island’s vineyards and sampling the native wines. After all, Mykonos is among the oldest wine-growing areas on earth.
An exquisite place to do simply that’s at Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm. From your elevated place on Mykonos, you’ll bask in the wondrous views of the vineyards and the coast from the patio. You may also join a winery tour that can take you behind the scenes of this stunning farm.
But Vioma is not only about distinctive wine tasting. As the title suggests, there’s way more to this natural farm. Take your time exploring to uncover conventional Mykonian delicacies comparable to rusks, hams, genuine Greek salad, and artisan cheese.
If you need to take a guided wine tour, this one which goes to a locals house is a good way to pattern the wines of the area and have an genuine Mykonos expertise.
16. Mykonos Maritime Museum
The Greeks have a storied relationship with the ocean. In centuries previous, they found new islands and expanded nicely past the mainland. Now, out of the two,000 islands in the nation, round 170 are inhabited.
Today, the nation nonetheless is dependent upon the ocean to get from A to B. As you journey round Greece, water taxis and ferries are fashionable, not simply to switch locals and vacationers, however cargo too.
To study Greece and Mykonos’ oceangoing historical past, each historical and up to date pay a go to to the Aegean Maritime Museum. Journey again so far as the Neolithic period as you uncover historic paperwork, historical maps, treasures, and duplicate ships from the Minoan interval. Complete the expertise by studying about moments that modified the course of native historical past and the tales of ships which have sunk to the underside of the ocean.
17. Kayak
You’ve explored the charming villages, considered the sundown from the coast, and swam beneath the ocean. But for a recent perspective, it’s time to seize your paddle and kayak round Mykonos.
As you float alongside the crystal clear sea, you’ll find a way to obtain a spectacular vantage level from which to admire the island. Much of Mykonos is accessible, however there are numerous nooks and crannies alongside the coast that you just’ll solely find a way to see and attain from the water. With the assistance of a guided kayak tour, you’ll find a way to.
There are a number of operators on the island, relying on the place you’re based mostly. We took this guided kayak tour which took us to wild rock formations the place we paddled into grottos, and explored the northern shoreline all whereas maintaining our eye out for marine life.
18. Rhenia Island
Rhenia Island is one other of the close by islands it’s best to add to your itinerary. In the shadows of Mykonos, Rhenia Island is a well-kept secret. Although it has a wealthy human historical past that dates again hundreds of years, right this moment, nobody lives right here. It’s now an untouched paradise.
With zero ferry infrastructure, the one means to make it right here is on a guided tour or non-public boat. But when you’ve arrived, you’ll haven’t any scarcity of wonderful adventures. Here, the seashores are clear, with none footsteps and the ocean is a dream to swim in.
The island’s human historical past is on full show. Centuries in the past, the island was abandoned and its historical temples have been left to survive by themselves. Add on some quaint Twentieth-century church buildings and you’ll see why Rhenia Island is among the finest day journeys from Mykonos.
19. Boat Tours
Many of the very best seashores on Mykonos will be discovered on the breathtaking southern coast. You might spend a day at every, however for a memorable expertise, go island hopping and be a part of this full-day south coast cruise.
Beginning at Ornos Beach, for eight hours, you may relax and slowly make your means alongside the spectacular coast whereas sipping one Greek wine and sampling ouzo. After visiting a few seashores, you’ll enterprise additional offshore to uncover Dragonissi Island. Upon arrival, you’ll spot the ocean caves that glisten towards the water.
Afterward, dive into the calm waters of Frangias Bay and have lunch at a seaside restaurant on Kalafatis Beach. Last up is the colourful Super Paradise Beach earlier than getting dropped off proper again at your lodge.
20. Mykonos Archaeological Museum
The Cyclades are akin to an open-air museum, such are the variety of historic websites. But with out having to journey to Delos or Rhenia, you may go to the Mykonos Archaeological Museum.
History lovers and architectural buffs can have a blast as they discover the unbelievable assortment. You will probably be in a position to stand up shut to historical vases, vessels, artistic endeavors, and columns.
The museum could also be small however it’s been masterfully curated. Further highlights embody a shocking mortuary urn that explores the story of the Trojan War. For those that missed out on exploring Rhenia, take a look at the museum’s Purification Pit. This was found in 1898 and included tons of of urns and vessels that harbored choices to the gods.
21. Island Hop
There’s way more to the world round Mykonos than simply Delos and Rhenia islands. The Cyclades are house to over 200 islands and you’ll entry all the most important ones comparable to Santorini, Tinos, and Naxos from the native port.
Frequent ferry crossings will provide you with loads of choices when it comes to exploring the encompassing islands by yourself. Likewise, there’s an abundance of native excursions that can showcase the great thing about the Cyclades on a yacht.
Santorini is one other well-known vacation spot in the Cyclades and is a number of hours away from Mykonos. You can simply take a make a day journey of it with 5 ferries crossing every day. Another choice is Tinos, which is simply half-hour by boat and boasts some stunning conventional villages.
Interested in Santorini? Check out our information on the wonderful island.
22. Bike Tour
Exploring stunning Mykonos on two wheels guarantees to be as memorable an journey as any on the island. Even as you develop increasingly more accustomed to the mountainous, sun-soaked Mykonos, there’s all the time extra to see. On a motorcycle, you may do simply that with out losing any time.
Joining a neighborhood knowledgeable on a motorcycle tour will show you how to get off the overwhelmed path and away from the island’s most iconic locations. Take the again streets by way of charming villages and seize coastal and city views that you just wouldn’t have in any other case seen. As you discover the countryside, you’ll get to know Mykonos on a deeper degree.
The hilly nature of the island has pressured some bike operators to present a wide range of excursions for various health ranges. So there’s no entry barrier for vacationers.
FAQ’s
What is Mykonos finest for?
Mykonos is finest recognized for its unbelievable nightlife, seaside events, and delightful seashores. But it additionally presents a captivating outdated city and nice Cycladic structure.
Why is Mykonos so well-known?
Mykonos is legendary primarily for its wonderful nightlife, attracting guests worldwide with its quite a few bars and golf equipment. It’s additionally recognized for its picturesque landscapes, that includes iconic windmills, whitewashed buildings, and delightful seashores.
Which is best Santorini or Mykonos?
The selection between Santorini and Mykonos actually is dependent upon what you’re on the lookout for out of your trip. Santorini is right for these looking for dramatic volcanic landscapes and romantic settings, whereas Mykonos is the place to be in the Greek Islands for the get together scene.
Is 3 nights in Mykonos sufficient?
Spending three nights in Mykonos will permit you simply to scratch the floor of its predominant points of interest, together with the seashores and Mykonos Town. In our opinion 5 days in Mykonos is the proper period of time to benefit from the full scope of what Mykonos has to provide.
How to get to Mykonos
There are two methods to get to Mykonos. The most scenic is by boat. Multiple firms, comparable to Hellenic Seaways, Blue Star, and Sea Jet, function usually between Mykonos and varied Greek locations.
It can take between three and 5 hours to go between Athens and Mykonos. Blue Star and Hellenic take round 5 hours however have a tendency to present a extra sturdy trip.
Sea Jet on their smaller catamarans can get you there the quickest. However, if you happen to get seasick, bear in mind this trip can get bumpy. We suggest reserving in advance for all three, particularly Sea Jet.
You can fly to Mykonos in the course of the summer season months. This isn’t the budget-friendly choice however will show you how to get to the island lots sooner. The every day flights from Athens final solely 25 minutes.
Best time to go to Mykonos
Mykonos has an extended span of wonderful climate. This lengthens the interval vacationers ought to be wanting to go to the island. The climate is heat by May and lasts till October.
Mykonos’ excessive season begins in June and ends in September. During this era, the climate is at its peak, the water is balmy, and the environment is electrical. Of course, this era comes with crowds and better lodge charges. But it’s the quintessential Mykonos expertise.
You can save on room charges whereas having fun with good climate in May and October, however some eating places and excursions is probably not working. Outside of this sixth-month span, Mykonos is quiet and with out the hotter climate, it can unlikely be the journey you’re anticipating.
Where to keep
With the very best points of interest coated and a few key questions answered, let’s take a look at some locations to keep in Mykonos that swimsuit all budgets.
Budget – Elena Hotel Mykonos
In the center of Mykonos Town and simply 6 minutes from the seaside, Elena Hotel Mykonos presents comfort and luxury. Each room has a TV and Wi-Fi, whereas visitors will benefit from the every day buffet breakfast and airport transfers.
Mid-range – Harmony Boutique Hotel
Next to the Old Port in Mykonos Town, Harmony Boutique Hotel balances luxurious and worth. Just two minutes from the seaside, visitors will get pleasure from trendy lodging with sea and sundown views. There are additionally spa and health facilities and an onsite restaurant.
Luxury – Cavo Tagoo
Also in Mykonos Town, Cavo Tagoo has a shocking infinity pool with views out to the ocean. Each room options the peak of luxurious, with distinct decor and a few include both a spa bathtub or non-public pool. To pamper your self, join their vary of spa therapies earlier than eating at their onsite restaurant.