Mykonos is one of the most popular and visited Greek Islands. Thousands of tourists travel to Mykonos each year. The island has many things to offer during the day but also has great entertainment at night. Mykonos, also known as the party island will definitely not disappoint. Here are a few ideas when planning your holiday to this island.
1. Visit Chora
Mykonos Town or “Chora”, known locally as “The Town”, is a traditional Cycladic village built around a bay. It has whitewashed cube-shaped houses with wooden doors, windows and a balcony painted in bright colors, narrow streets forming a maze, beautiful churches, a lovely chapel, and purple Bougainvillea contrasting with the bright white of the building walls. Cars are not allowed in Mykonos Town for most of the day making it a pleasant stroll among the maze streets, especially during the early morning hours. Most people are either enjoying a late afternoon nap or relaxing on the beaches of the island. This is why the atmosphere is much quieter than usual.
You can spend your days walking through this picturesque village on the island discovering the beauty of the buildings while listening to the melodic Greek music played by local musicians and enjoying breathtaking sunset views over the sea. There are many local shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and many more to do, see and enjoy in Chora.
2. Little Venice
Little Venice is one of the most famous neighborhoods of Mykonos. It is located along the southern coast of the island and it is home to many beautiful buildings and homes. This neighborhood is known for its unique style of architecture and the beauty of its seaside location. It is also called “the place that never sleeps”, as there is always shops, bars and restaurants open, no matter what time of day it is.
Many artists has made Little Venice their home and portrays it beautifully through their work. No wonder, Little Venice is among the most photographed neighborhoods in Europe!
The name of the neighborhood was given to it because of the small canal that runs through the middle of the village. It is called “little” because of its size compared to the rest of the island.
For several thousand years, the people living in this place have had a deep connection to the sea. They have lived off fishing since ancient times and they still do now.
In fact, there are many stories about how the people of Little Venice became pirates. Some say that the people of Little Venice were actually pirates and that the locals call themselves “pirates”. Others claim that the people of Little Venice were pirates and that the locals just took on the name. However, no matter what the truth is, it seems like the people of Little Venice have always been involved in smuggling activities.
There are many beautiful beaches around the town, including Kalo Livadi Beach, where you can see the ruins of the old monastery. You can also walk up to the little chapel of Agios Ioannis Prodromou, which is very close to the beach.
During the Byzantine era, Little Venice was a big center for trade. Many traders came here to buy and sell things. At that time, the city was ruled by the Venetians. In 1537, the Turks conquered the city and destroyed much of it. After that, the Venetians rebuilt the city and even expanded it.
Today, there are many restaurants in Little Venice serving delicious food. You can find great seafood dishes and traditional Greek cuisine. You will also find places with all types of music, great cocktail bars and lots of parties and nightlife.
You can also enjoy drinking wine while sitting outside and watching the sunset over the sea.
3. Chora Windmills
The windmills are among Mykonos’ most recognizable landmarks and one of the most popular Mykonos attractions alongside Little Venice. They are located on the west side of the island, near the port of Hora Sfakion. In fact, some say that the windmills are among those that give the island its name.
For many centuries the mills used the power of the wind to grind corn into flour. Today, however, the use of the milling machines has diminished and today the windmills are used as private homes, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, or museums. There are only seven windmills left standing on the island.
4. Matogiannia Street
Mykonos Town is an island famed for its party atmosphere, and Matogianni Street, the heart of the action, is no exception. Here you’ll find everything from cheap eats and late-night bars, to high-end fashion stores and chic cafes.
By day you can idle along the main drag, perusing souvenir stores, boutiques, jewelers, and a couple of international brands like Sephora and Lacoste. If hunger strikes you could opt to eat souvlaki or a gyro or sit down at one of the many tavernas, which are generally cheaper here deeper into the town. In the evenings there’s a delectable choice of restaurants at romantic places with bougainvilleas climbing the walls, and bars that do a roaring trade well into the early hours.
Matogianni Street, one of the most photographed streets in Greece, is the beating heart and soul of Mykonos Island. But what makes Matogianni Street special is that there are three ways to access it: through Gialos, the waterfront; the bus terminal; or from the Belvedère Hotel.
In its heyday, Matogianni Street was ‘the’ place to be seen. Nowadays, it’s where the photographers, paparazzi, and those looking to be seen by the photographers go in the early evening hours.
It is also where the tourists flock to take photos of each other. And while some people like to pose with the iconic blue and white windmills, others prefer to sit down and enjoy a coffee or cocktail.
5. Swimming at the best beaches
Mykonos is one of those places where you can find everything: crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, hidden coves, and much more. If you are looking for some relaxation, here we present to you the best beaches in Mykonos.
Platys Gialos Beach – This beach is located in the south part of Mykonos Island. You can reach it via boat. It is a small sandy beach with turquoise water and crystal clear sea. There are many restaurants and bars as well as accommodation options nearby. The beach is tucked away in a sheltered cove, and the waters are shallow, making it ideal for kids to swim in. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent at the beach.
Psarou Beach – Mykonos’ most glamorous beach, Psarou is known as a spot where celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Gwyneth Paltrow enjoy basking in the sun. But thanks to its international reputation, it gets very crowded during the summer months.
There is a waiting list for entry into the beach, and lounger rental fees are quite steep. The glitterati and other jet-setting vacationers head here to dine at the trendy seaside restaurant, Nammos, which specializes in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. For those who prefer to remain close to the water, the restaurant will deliver meals and beverages to guests at their lounge chairs. Psarou Beach itself offers plenty of activities including swimming, scuba diving, and jet skiing.
This is another great place to relax and enjoy the view.
Super Paradise Beach – Super Paradise Beach is considered one of Mykonosis most beautiful beaches. With crystal clear turquoise waters and a golden sandy shoreline, it’s no wonder why people flock here during the summer months.
During the day you’ll find sun worshippers lounging around on the beach while enjoying lunch or dinner at one of many restaurants along the waterfront. At night, the beach becomes a hotspot for partying and dancing.
Two well known beach clubs are located on the beach; the Jackie O club and the Super Paradise Beach club. Both offer great entertainment and food options.
The caique leaves from Platys Gialos and stops at Super Paradise. The beach is very popular among young people.
Elia Beach – This is the most famous beach of Mykonos island. Here you can see the castle of Agios Ioannis built during Byzantine Empire. The beach is surrounded by hills and cliffs. It is known for its beauty and cleanliness.
It is a long sandy beach lined with rows of loungers and parasols. There are many restaurants where you can eat delicious Greek and international meals. You can enjoy the sea breeze while dining on the terrace of the Elia Beach Restaurant.
Paradise Beach – This is a big beach with golden sand. It is located in the north part of Mykonos. Many people come here to sunbathe and swim.
Paradise Beach is legendary on Mykonos, Greece. This beautiful stretch of coast attracts many visitors every summer. Because here you will find the absolutely coolest places on the entire island. Especially famous are the Paradise beach club and the Tropicana beach club. Here you will find the most popular DJ’s playing. In the morning, the beaches are still quite calm and very relaxed. But later, it becomes a real party paradise. There you will meet the coolest beach clubs.
Paraga Beach – Paraga beach is located in the south part of the island. It’s a small beach with a beautiful view towards the island of Delos. Many people visit the beach for its beautiful turquoise waters. You can find some restaurants and mini markets nearby.
The best thing about Paraga beach is that there is no entrance fee. You can rent chairs and umbrellas at the beach.
6. Experience the Nightlife
If you’re looking for a night out that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different dimension, Mykonos is the place to be. From the moment you set foot on Mykonos, you’ll recognize the island’s unique vibe. Whether it’s the laid-back attitude, the gorgeous beaches, or the incredible nightlife, there are plenty of reasons why Mykonos is one of the hottest destinations in Greece today.
In fact, Mykonos is often referred to as “the party capital of the Mediterranean.” And therefore the island attracts thousands of tourists every year looking for fun, sun, nightlife, and relaxation. It is also referred to as “a place where you can experience world-class night life”.
There are many options for dining out. Whether you like traditional dishes or modern cuisine, you won’t go hungry. The island boasts some of the finest restaurants in Greece. Be sure to try some of the delicious seafood specialties.
There are many places where you can spend the night, but a great place is Cavo Paradiso. The club is perched on the edge of a 150-foot cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. It offers dance music, a giant swimming pool, top DJs, and attracts VIPs and celebrities. The club opens at midnight and DJs are playing until 3-4 am, but don’t worry the club is open until 8 am..
Montparnasse/the Piano Bar is located in Mykonos Town. The bar is known for being very gay-friendly. Or if you’re interested in seeing some of the best drag performances, Montparnasse/the piano bar is the place to go. There are often special events held here throughout the week.
Mykonos’ most legendary disco club opened in 1978 and is still one of the best places to dance the night away. With over 40 years under its belt, Skandinavian Bar-Disco knows how do it right. Whether you’re looking for a laidback vibe, a lively crowd, or something else entirely, this place has got you covered.
The popular bar is right in town for easy access and though there are two floors with a patio area, it has a more personal feel than many other clubs. VIP areas are available for those who want to elevate their partying experience.
Anther party destination of choice among Mykonos’ young crowd since it opened in 2017, Moni Club is located in the heart of Mykonos Town. A boutique club where guests are treated like royalty, Moni offers a sophisticated atmosphere with a touch of Greece. Guests enjoy live music performances, cocktails and snacks throughout the night. An international hospitality team provides a unique experience.
During the peak months of July and August Mykonos doesn’t sleep. If you do not prefer one of Chora’s clubs you could just spend your time at the beach superclubs, such as Cavo Paradiso, Super Paradise or Paradise club. Beach parties kick off in the afternoon and the action carries on till late. There are also shuttle busses running between Chora (Mykonos Town) and these beach clubs.
Mykonos’s nightlife has something to offer anyone that visits, all you need to bring is lots of energy!
7. Set sails on a boat trip to Delos Island
Delos is located off the west coast of the Greek mainland and is just a few kilometers away from the island of Mykonos. The site itself consists of three main areas – the ancient harbor, the agora, and the theatre. Delos is very popular with tourists and there are many boat day trips that can be booked.
The ancient port is still visible today and it’s where visitors arrive at the site via boat tours. Once there, you’ll find yourself walking along the beach, passing the ruins of the temples, the theater, Archaeological Museum and the marketplace.
After 30 years of excavation the French School of Athens needed a museum for all its findings on Delos and Rhenia. The Archaeological Museum of Delos was inaugurated in 1904 and it now houses over 40,000 artefacts.
The digs have been ongoing since 1866 and the museum had to expand several times in 1931 and 1972 to house all of this material. The oldest pieces here go back more than 3000 years, including some ceramic vessels, stone statuary, and coins. There are also many grave sculptures and stele from the seventh to the first centuries BC, as well as pots, tiles, and everyday objects from the Hellenistic period. There are even some Roman sarcophagi and funerary urns.
Among the most important pieces are a bronze mask of Dionysis from the second century BC, an ivory plaquette depicting a Mycenean warrior from 1400 BC, and a magisterial statue of Boreas kidnapping Oreithea from the end of the fifth century BC.
Apart from the Archaeological Museum, here are some of the major monuments that can also be visited on Delos:
- • Agora of Hermaists/ Competaliasts, next to the Sacred Harbor
- • Temple of Delia (Great Temple) in the Apollonian sanctuary
- • Minoa Fountain, dedicated to the Minoan Nymphs
- • Avenue of the Lions, a Naxian tribute to Apollo’s sanctuary
- • The Theater, a large open amphitheater
- • Temple of Isis, in the Mt Kynthos Sanctuary of the Foreign Gods
- • Temple of Hera, built atop an earlier temple
- • Residence of Dionysus, a great example of Delian private houses
Since 1990 Delos has claimed its place on the list of World Cultural Heritage and is protected by UNESCO.
8. Eating at the best restaurants.
There are several options to choose from when it comes to restaurants in Mykonos. From fine dining restaurants to traditional tavernas to beach bars, from Greek food to Italian, French and Asian. The choices are unlimited!
Furthermore, being an established tourism destination with its newly built port linking it with numerous other islands and the Greek capital city gave Mykonos several advantages. Among these were having daily and easy accessibility to fresh and high-end ingredients from every part of the country including seafood, meats, vegetables, wines, and more. Apart from local produce, Mykonos imported the best fish, fruit, and vegetables from the nearby Cyclades Islands which remained less crowded than the rest of Greece.
These products of exceptional quality end up in the kitchens of talented chefs executing the delicious recipes served at the island’s restaurants. During your stay in Mykonos expect to find Greek traditional and modern cuisine at its finest while savoring Italian, French, Japanese, Indian and Peruvian dishes as well. The plethora of exquisite restaurants on the island guarantees a memorable culinary experience.
Although fine-dining and International restaurants have grown substantially in popularity and claimed their place on the island, it is at the local taverns where travelers will savor the truly authentic Mykonian and Greek cuisine. A warm, friendly, and unpretentious setting with a menu that consists of decades old traditional dishes will be experienced there. Among the local delicacies, one should definitely try “Kopanisti”, a soft yet spicy cheese appetizer, “louza” a dried aromatic pork ham and the homemade “loukaniko” sausage.
Moreover, we’ve selected some of the best restaurants for each category. However, because there are so many tourists during peak season, reservations are highly recommended.
9. Wine Tasting Tours
Mykonos has a few options where you can experience some of their local wines on the wineries. These wineries offer more than just wine tasting. Book your tour now.
Mykonos Vioma Organic Wine Farm
The Mykonos ecological winery is located in Maou, an agricultural region near Anomera, the most populated village on Mykonos. This place offers visitors a unique opportunity to taste wines produced in traditional ways.
This winery is owned by Mr. Yiannis Gavriilidis, a man who loves his land and cares about it deeply. He is conscious of the fact that he lives in a beautiful environment and wants to preserve and protect it.
He chose to grow organic grapes because he believes that this way is best suited to the climate and soil of Mykonos. His aim is to produce high quality wines while respecting the traditions of the area.
Mr. Gavriilidis works very hard every day to make sure that everything goes according to plan. He knows how important this is as he is responsible for the health of his family and his workers.
Vioma Organic Farm offers wine tours and culinary experiences. It is an ideal visit for families as the farm has lots to offer. You will be welcomed by the farm animals from donkeys to sheep and dogs.
Vioma Farm is open from April – November.
Mykonian Spiti and Farm
Mykonian Spiti and Farm is located in Messaria in the heart of the island. Their aim is to introduce their guests to the authentic traditional Mykonian style of living and to instill the hospitality and the everyday lifestyle of a traditional Mykonian family.
It is a place full of experiences and adventures. You can enjoy different types of activities all in one place. Wine tasting, Cooking classes, farm experiences, baking classes, and olive oil tasting classes are just a few things on the list.
There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy some lunch.
10. Watch an open-air movie
The most famous and most visited outdoor cinema in Greece is located in the picturesque island of Mykonos in the Cyclades. Cine Manto opened in 2012 and since then it has become one of the most loved spots in the city. With its charming architecture, unique ambiance and breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea, Cine Manto offers visitors a truly memorable experience.
What makes this place even more enjoyable is that there is a Restaurant where a lovely meal can be enjoyed and also a unique garden.
Cine Manto operates from late May until early October, featuring blockbuster movies and having 2 screenings a day.
11. Enjoy SantAnna, the huge Seaside Pool
Being Europe’s largest seaside swimming pool, SantAnna is an amazing pool to visit at Paranga bay. This pool was founded in 2017 and has 2 separate bars, restaurants, and beauty salons. Guests can relax at the pool on the sun loungers and enjoy the view and food.
SantAnna is very popular especially during the summer months, with numerous music events and private parties taking place here.
12. Visit the Museums of Mykonos
Mykonos boasts a variety of Museums, which get visited by tourists all year round.
Here are a few museums that are worth visiting during your trip:
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mycenæ was founded in 1894 under the name “Museum of Antiquities”. In 1904 it was moved to the site of the former church of Agios Nikolaos, which had been destroyed during the earthquake of 1897, and in 1905 it was renamed the “Archaeological Museum of the City of Mykonos”. Its collection includes finds from prehistoric times to Byzantine times.
In 1948, following the Greek Civil War, the building was damaged by fire and reopened in 1949. From 1951 to 1993 it was housed in the premises of the municipal library, where it suffered further damage due to earthquakes. In 1994 it was relocated to its present location, and since 2002 it has been open to visitors.
The archaeological find of the famous Bronze Age shipwreck off the coast of Crete known as the “Mykonian Ship”, found in 1896, is now on display here.
Mykonos Folklore Musuem
The Mykonos Folklore Museum offers a unique look into 19th-century Greek culture. The museum is located in the heart of Mykonos Town. Its exhibits showcase the art of the Cyclades islands, including pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and painting. Highlights include an exhibit dedicated to the famous painter Nikiforos Lytras, whose work includes portraits of women, landscapes, and religious scenes. There are also several rooms devoted to traditional Cycladic dancing, music, and theater performances.
The museum also features a collection of antique furnishings, including beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs, and even a piano. Visitors are invited to take a peek inside a typical period bedroom, a kitchen, and a sitting room, decked up with traditional oil lamps and original furniture.
Aegean Maritime Museum
In 1982, a group of enthusiasts established the Aegean Maritime Museum. In 1985, the museum moved into a building of the 19th Century, located in the area called Triapigadia in the Town Centre of Mykonos. The museum works towards preserving, promoting and studying Greek Maritime History and Tradition. The museum specializes in the Merchant-Ship History of the Aegean sea.
Lena’s House Folk Museum
Lena’s house is a 19th-century townhouse, located in the area “Tria Pigadia” and is part of a larger building that belonged to a war hero, Nicholaos Sourmelis. THe house became part of the collection in 1970, after George and Ioanna Drakipolou donated it, along with their furniture and various other items. The name “Lena’s house” refers to its last inhabitant, Lena Skrivanou.
The house consists of an entrance hall, a dining area, a kitchen, three bedrooms, a bathroom and a small garden. Various notable items from different periods and cultures come together to recreate what daily domestic activity might have looked like in the 19th-Centuries. Handmade embroidery and a collection of French engraving adorn the interior walls, whilst crockery of the period assists in creating this unique ambience. Additionally, this museum holds two replicas of traditional Mykonian clothing, inspired by paintings of travellers from the 17th and 18th centuries, who preserved them in colour in their memoirs. These have been donated to the museum by the folkloric-cultural women’s association of Mykonos and one of the outfits has been designed by the renowned scenographer and costumer designer Yiannis Metzikof. Lena’ s house also displays a “doulamas” outfit from Sifnos, and a version of the traditional attire of local heroess Manto Mavrogenouses, based on a coloured print by A. Friedel. The latter was created under the patronage of His Eminence Metropolitan Dorotheos II of Syros and Myconos.
Agricultural Museum
The Agricultural Museum of Mykonian is located in the old town of Mykonos. Its purpose is to preserve the traditional way of agriculture practiced in the area since ancient times.
In addition to the windmill, the museum features the threshing floor where wheat was processed into flour, the oven where bread was baked, the dovecote where pigeons bred and the wine press where grapes were pressed to make wine.
Also, there are several farming implements and machinery from the pre-industrial era, including ploughs, harrows, tractors, threshers, winemakers’ equipment, etc. There are also exhibitions about the history of the island, the development of tourism during the 20th century and the role played by the local farmers in the economy of the island.
13. A day out to Gyzi Castle
The ruins of Gyzi Castle lie on the island of Mykonos, one of the most visited islands in Greece. The castle was built in 1297 by the Gyzi family, who ruled on Mykonos at the time. They constructed the castle as a stronghold to protect the village and its inhabitants from invaders. In addition, it served as a refuge where the villagers hid or fought off attackers. The castle was abandoned when it fell into Ottoman hands in the 14th century and remained there until today. The castle is on top of a hill above Ano Mera Village.
14. Churches of Mykonos
There are many churches to visit on the island of Mykonos.
The Church of Panagia Paraskevi Paraportiani is one of the most important monuments of the island of Mykonos. Located in the old part of the city, it stands out among the many beautiful buildings constructed during the Venetian period. This is a small church, built in the middle of the 15th century, with walls covered with whitewash . Panagia Paraportiani is the most photographed church on Mykonos.
The Monastery of Panagía Tourlíniá is located in Anóméra village, near the city of Volos. It is one of the most important monasteries in Greece, founded in 1580. Its name derives from the Greek word “tourlínis”, meaning “of the Virgin Mary”. The monastery is very small compared to the size of the island, having just 30 monks living there.
The church of Saint Nikolaos was built in the middle of the 4th century during the Venetian rule over Greece. This small church is located on cobblestone ground and stretches across the picturesque old town of Mykonos. It is considered one of those rare churches dating back to the Byzantium era that has been preserved up until today. It is close to some cafes, restaurants and right next to the sea.
Its natural landscape makes it stand apart among the other churches in the area. Moreover, the church has charming interior design, with golden chandelier lights and black and white tiling floors. Also, the building itself is unique because of its architecture, where it combines elements of both Gothic and Byzantine styles.
The Agia Eleni Church is one of the most famous churches in Mykonos. Located in the heart of the castle area, it is the largest church in the Mykonian region. Its name derives from the Greek word “agias”, meaning holy.
This church was built during the Byzantine period in the 12th century. In the Middle Ages, the church underwent several renovations and modifications. During the Venetian rule of the island, the church was renovated twice again. Today, the church still preserves many interesting elements such as its architecture, paintings, frescoes, icons, etc.
In addition, the church offers a unique experience for visitors, because it hosts mass every day except Sunday. This makes it possible to attend the daily mass and see the icons of the saints displayed inside the church.
The Panagia Rodariou Catholic Church is located at the heart of Mykonos town. It is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God and her child Jesus Christ. Built in 1677, it was destroyed by a fire in 1991. In 1997, the church was rebuilt, and today it stands proudly among the many beautiful churches in Mykonos.
Paleokastro Monastery sits atop a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. It dates back to the Byzantine era and was built around the 7th century AD. Today, it houses about 40 monks who live here. They spend most of their days praying, meditating and reading books. There are no phones allowed inside the monastery. Visitors must sign in at reception upon arrival.
The monastery offers guided tours only in English and Greek. Tours start every hour starting at 10 am. You’ll learn about the history of the monastery and see some of the rooms where the monks sleep and study.
There are many things to do nearby including swimming, snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and eating.
Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, Windmills of Mykonos, Ancient Kythnos, Agios Dimitrios beach, and Porto Vromi are just minutes away.
15 Armenistis Lighthouse
Located at Cape Armenistis, one of the most beautiful spots in Mykonos Island, the Armenistis Lighthouses is ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing holiday.
This old lighthouse stands as a silent witness to the rich history of Mykonos, which was once an important port for shipping. Today, the Greek Navy manages this historic landmark.
The most notable feature of this lighthouse is that it is still operational and it is 19 meters in height. To get there, you need to drive from Agios Stefanos (the nearest town).
