Top 10 Things to Do in Mykonos: So Much More Than a Greek Party Island

Bright, white-washed buildings, crystal clear water and people sunbathing on golden-sand beaches are the images that often come to mind when anyone mentions Mykonos.

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cycladic islands group in the Aegean Sea. It’s a destination where you can enjoy stylish nightlife and exciting activities from dawn till dusk or from dusk till dawn.

However, there’s more to Mykonos than parties and crowds of tourists eager to have fun.

Mykonos at a Glance

The main tourist spot on the island is the city of Chora, otherwise called Mykonos Town. It’s a maze of charming narrow streets filled with restaurants, stores, cafes and hotels. One of the most popular areas of Chora is the Old Port.

The most famous Mykonos landmarks are windmills, white-washed houses and archaeological ruins in Delos. Exploring the Mykonos picturesque capital Chora (or Hora) or the country roads, tasting wines and relaxing on the more secluded beaches can make any holiday unforgettable.

In addition to vivid nightlife, there are 300 sunny days a year on Mykonos island, so you can relax on the many sandy beaches with sunbeds and beach bars. There you can shake the stress of everyday life, swim in crystal clear waters and admire magical sunsets.

If you want to learn more about the history and traditions of Mykonos, visit the Aegean Maritime Museum. Also, the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the Monastery of Paleokastro near Ano Mera village.

You can also visit several wineries to taste the local wines and Mykonian dishes. And don’t forget about olives and cheese – they can be served a lot during your stay on Mykonos. Mykonos also features many luxurious hotels and seaside resorts.

How to Get to Mykonos and When to Go

Although only 15,000 people live on Mykonos, during the summer season, more than 300,000 travelers visit this amazing island.

The high season is from June to August, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit Mykonos in May or September.

You can reach Mykonos by plane from Athens, but the island itself is also well-connected with many European cities.

Mykonos is also reachable by ferry from the Greek mainland and other islands.

If this quick look at the island has you ready to start planning, let’s dig deeper into all the fun things to do in Mykonos once you get there.

1. Visit the Old Port of Mykonos Town

There are two ports in Mykonos. The New Port of Mykonos is used for the arrival of ferries and cruise ships. The Old Port is where you’ll be transported back in time with narrow winding streets and whitewashed buildings.

It is in the Old Port that you will find many Greek restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. There is also a traditional fish market, where local fishermen sell fresh seafood every day.

The Old Port of Mykonos also has a small sandy beach, where you can swim and picturesque alleys for strolling and sunsets from the Old Port will dazzle you.

If you want to see the ancient treasures of Mykonos, visit the nearby Archaeological Museum.

2. Explore the Mykonos Windmills

On Mykonos, like on nearby Tinos and the other Cycladic Islands, strong winds are frequent. Thanks to that, Venetians constructed the first windmills here in the 16th century to mill wheat.

As the locals began to deal with tourism, some mills were closed. Just 16 of the original 28 windmills operate today in Mykonos.

The most popular is Pano Mili. Situated on the hilltop, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the island. You can also visit the Kato Mili, the Geronymos Mill from the 18th century and Boni’s Mill, part of Mykonos’ Agricultural Museum.

Furthermore, you can see that many mills have been transformed into accommodations and café bars.

3. Visit the Paraportiani Church

The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is a lovely medieval, white-washed church. It is located in the Kastro area, the most charming quarter in the town of Chora.

Paraportiani church is one of the most famous Mykonos landmarks and one of the most photographed churches in the world.

It is situated on the coastline and consists of five smaller churches. Construction of the church started in the 14th century and finished in the 17th century.

Here you can see different architectural styles, such as Byzantine, vernacular, Western and traditional.

4. Enjoy the Charming Ambiance of Little Venice

Little Venice is the most romantic place on the island of Mykonos. It is located in the western part of the town of Chora, in a lovely area with many old Cycladic houses perched on the edge of the Aegean Sea.

Do you know why the area is known as Little Venice?

In the 18th century, merchants built houses on the edge of the waterfront, like in the Italian city of Venice. They also used the Venetian architectural style to give the place a Venetian feel.

After the day spent at the beautiful Alefkandra Beach, you can take a seat at some of the many seaside cafes, bars and taverns. They are the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or glass of local wine and take in the incredible sunset view.

5. Explore the Island of Delos

According to Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, where you can see well-preserved ruins from the ancient Greek civilization.

Delos was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance.

It is an uninhabited Greek island surrounded by the Aegean Sea but with good boat connections from Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and other Cycladic Islands. There are no hotels and apartments, so you can visit Delos only as a day trip adventure.

6. Visit the Armenistis Lighthouse

Armenistis Lighthouse is situated near the village of Agios Stefanos, in the north-western part of the island. The 19-meter-high octagonal tower was built in 1891 on the edge of a rock, and it is still in operation.

The Hellenic Navy’s Hydrographic Office operates the old lighthouse of Armenistis. It is a significant part of the rich maritime history of Mykonos.

Because it is far from the main town, we recommend visiting the Armenistis lighthouse with a half-day guided tour from the Chora. You can also rent a car and tour the nearby beaches, such as Panormos, Ftelia and Agios Sostis beach.

7. Stroll the Famous Matoyianni Street

Matoyianni Street in Chora is the most popular place in Mykonos during the summer months. There are many white-washed houses, with souvenir and handmade jewelry shops and designer stores. Most of them are open until midnight.

One of the most famous stores here is Pantopoleion, a 300-year-old Mykonian shop with organic food and natural cosmetics. You will enjoy the stroll through narrow alleys filled with beautiful flower arrangements.

Thanks to many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, Matoyianni street is also the best nightlife spot on Mykonos.

8. Taste the Best Mykonian Wines

Greece is known worldwide as a great wine-producing region. Because of the Mediterranean climate, Crete, Peloponnese, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos feature ideal conditions for vineyard growth.

The most famous wines from Mykonos are Paraportiano white wine, Veggera rose and the sweet red wine, Heliophilos.

You can book a wine tasting tour and visit the best wineries in Mykonos, such as Mykonos Vioma and the Mykonian Farm. On the tour, you can learn how wine is made, taste the local wines, and enjoy delicious Mykonian food while listening to traditional Greek music.

For a hands-on taste of local flavors, the Food Tour in Mykonos – Famous Tastings lets you sample traditional Greek dishes like fresh feta and souvlaki while exploring hidden corners of the island, with stops for coastal views and a sip of mastiha liquor along the way.

9. Enjoy a Mykonos Sailing Tour

Sailing tours are one of the best things to do in Mykonos. You can go on a day trip to the nearby islands of Naxos, Paros, Syros and Sifnos and visit other smaller islands.

If you have a whole week for exploring, you can book a boat tour with a professional crew and go on a one-week cruise of the Cyclades.

Sailing companies on Mykonos offer yachts and catamarans in different sizes, hotel pick-up and drop-off, snacks, drinks and snorkeling gear.

You will experience many gorgeous coves and bays, as well as excellent spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing on Mykonos sailing tours. A sailing adventure is sure to be an experience you will never forget.

One great option is Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises, a half-day small-group sailing trip along Mykonos’ south coast and nearby islands. It includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, time to visit Delos, onboard meals and wine, plus convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

10. Discover the Best Beaches on Mykonos

Not surprisingly, going to the beach is one of the top things to do in Mykonos. Beaches on the southern side of the island are generally preferred to those on the north side because the wind is not as strong.

However, the northern beaches offer a quieter experience, whereas the southern beaches are the choice of those looking for a party.  

Thanks to the beach clubs and bars with DJs, party lovers will adore Psarou Beach, Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise Beach.

Platis Gialos Beach, with its mini-market, and Ornos Beach, with turquoise water, are the most popular beaches for families. You can also visit Elia Beach, the longest beach on Mykonos, or Fokos Beach, known for its clear blue waters.

If you are interested in water sports, the best beaches are Kalafati and Lia Beach. There are plenty of activities you can do, such as jet-skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming.

Also recommended are the long and wide Kalo Livadi Beach and Agios Ioannis Beach, which is probably the most beautiful beach on Mykonos.

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Author Bio: Based in Serbia in Europe, Marija Stojanovic Petkovski worked as a journalist but realized writing about the most beautiful places in the world is something that inspires her. She is sure that a pint of good craft beer perfectly accompanies a tasty homemade lasagne. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her children and spending time outdoors with her family.

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