Mykonos is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist spots in Greece. This island, located in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, is a destination every person should visit. While it is famous as a party destination with exclusive beach clubs, the island offers much more than that. If you are considering visiting this Mediterranean paradise, you cannot miss this article with the best things to do and attractions to see in Mykonos. You will surely discover that Mykonos is much more than the average traveler thinks.
In recent years, Mykonos has become one of the most popular destinations on Instagram. Just hearing the name of the island evokes images of its windmills, Little Venice, and the streets of the main town of Chora.
Dazzling and glamorous, what was once a poor fishing island is now one of the most renowned destinations in the world. Its famous beach clubs with world-renowned DJs are the playground for the mega-rich and famous.
Although Mykonos is known as a party island and a top-tier LGBTQ+ destination, it can also be the perfect spot for families and people not fond of partying. The island offers beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters where you can swim all day, magical spots for taking stunning photographs, relaxing bars, beachfront restaurants where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and many bars and nightclubs where you can party all night long.
In Mykonos, you can find accommodation for all budgets, but keep in mind that even the cheapest room on the island can cost you as much as a mid-range (or even high-end) room on other Greek islands.
Mykonos is famous for its luxury, private villas, and exclusive hotels with infinity pools located throughout the island. Prices are high, but the ambiance is worth it. If you want to save some money on accommodation, the best thing you can do is book well in advance.
Things to See & Do on the Island of Mykonos
This is a list of essential activities and must-see attractions in Mykonos to ensure you don’t miss anything on the famous Aegean island.
1. Explore the main city of Mykonos (Mykonos Chora)
Walking through the main city of Mykonos, known as Mykonos Town, Chora, or in Spanish, Jora, is one of the best things you can do on the island.
It may be a bustling place during the summer, but Chora draws crowds for its beauty and its traditional Cycladic architecture. Additionally, most visitors who arrive on the island begin their journey from the capital since it hosts the main ferry and cruise port.
It may be small, but the city of Mykonos is enchanting. Chora is famous not only for its intricate maze of beautiful pedestrian streets but also for its churches and monuments.
If you are interested in the history of the island, you must visit the Archaeological Museum. Another good option is also the Aegean Maritime Museum and the Folklore Museum.
But Chora is not just the heart of Mykonos; it is also one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Greek islands. Its labyrinth of narrow alleys with whitewashed houses featuring colorful windows and doors are home to independent shops, restaurants, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops.
As if that wasn’t enough, Chora also offers numerous scenic corners to take photographs at every turn.
2. Walking Along Matoyianni Street
Matoyianni is the most famous street in Chora, where all the most well-known shops are located.
Here you’ll find a bit of everything, from renowned designers to handmade Greek summer clothing, typical crafts, jewelry, leather sandals, and much more.
At night, Matojianni is probably the best street to stop for a drink at one of the many bars or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
3. Take a Photo of the Famous Mykonos Windmills
Built in the 16th century to grind wheat grown on the island, the windmills of Mykonos have been a fundamental element in the local economy for more than 400 years.
These famous mills served internal needs and opened essential trade routes for flour to the population of other Aegean islands.
When tourism replaced agriculture and commerce as the island’s main economic drivers, the mills quickly adapted to their new role as a major tourist attraction in Mykonos.
Repainted and renovated, they are now the perfect spot for the classic souvenir photo. Additionally, one of the windmills has been transformed into a small museum with photos and exhibits in English and Greek to tell the history and commercial importance of this activity powered by the strong winds that blew – and still blow – on the island.
The Mykonos windmills are located in Kato Myli, which is easily accessible on foot from the city center. Near the windmills is a parking area for those arriving by car or scooter. The area is also conveniently connected by buses from Fabrika station.
The area around the windmills of Mykonos can get quite crowded from late morning until night. If you plan to take a photo without anyone around, it’s best to arrive very early in the morning.
4. Enjoying a Coffee in the Famous “Little Venice”
“Little Venice” is one of the most iconic places in Chora and one of the must-see attractions in Mykonos.
Also known as Alefkandra, this seaside area is characterized by its typical Mediterranean architecture and its first row of houses that “float” on the water like in Venice, hence its name.
This whole area is full of bars and restaurants whose terraces are connected, forming a curious semi-covered promenade.
As with other attractions to see in Mykonos, Little Venice is usually crowded in the afternoon and when cruise ships dock on the island, so if you know of a restaurant where you want to have lunch or dinner, be sure to book a table in advance.
5. Admire the Curious Panagia Paraportiani Church
The most famous Orthodox church in Mykonos is located in the Kastro district, very close to the windmills and Little Venice.
Panagia Paraportiani is the unique architectural result of the fusion of four small churches built close to each other between the 15th and 17th centuries (their names: Agios Sozontas, Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Anastasia, Agios Efstathios).
Unfortunately, it is almost always closed, so you have to be content with admiring it from the outside like the many tourists who gather daily in the area to enjoy the island’s beautiful sunset.
The whitewashed building enhances the vibrant colors of Mykonos’ sky and sunset even more. For photography enthusiasts, this is one of the must-visit spots on the island.
6. Disconnect from the World (and the Tourists) in Ano Mera.
If you want to avoid mass tourism and truly discover Mykonos, stay away from Matoyianni Street, Little Venice, the shops, nightclubs, hotels, and the nightlife promenade, and instead visit Ano Mera.
This charming village will captivate you with its unique, authentic atmosphere. Located inland, about eight kilometers (5 miles) from the excesses of the capital, Ano Mera awaits you with delightful traditional taverns at much more affordable prices than the island’s average.
In addition to its charming central square full of restaurants, we recommend a visit to the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, in the center of the village.
Built in 1542, this monastery stands out for its imposing bell tower and sculpted marble facade. Inside, you can also admire beautiful Byzantine mosaics and icons.
Ano Mera is connected to Mykonos Town by frequent buses departing from the Old Port Bus Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
You can view the bus schedules in Mykonos on the official MykonosBus website.
7. Take a Tour of the Island of Delos
Just over three miles (five kilometers) from Mykonos, the island of excess and fun, there is another completely uninhabited. We are talking about Delos, one of the must-see places during a trip to Greece.
This uninhabited island is considered sacred. According to Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
The island is home to one of the most sensational archaeological sites in all of Greece where excavation operations have been ongoing uninterrupted since the late 19th century. Not surprisingly, it is strictly forbidden to stay overnight on the island, with the only exception being the archaeologists present.
A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1990, in Delos, you will be impressed by the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Terrace of the Lions, and the inestimable amount of finds from different periods.
Several shipping companies (ferries or traditional boats) connect Mykonos with nearby Delos every day. The island is only accessible for day trips and is best visited with a guided tour.
8. Swimming in the Best Mykonos Beaches
It’s easy to see why spending a day at the beach is one of the best things to do in Mykonos.
With 25 beaches of golden sand and crystal clear waters, the beaches of Mykonos are a magnet for tourists during the summer months but also in spring and autumn. Some of the best beaches in Mykonos are:
- Psarou Beach: This wonderful beach has the best sand and the clearest water on the island. It is the new fashionable beach of Mykonos.
- Elia: The largest beach on the island, a famous naturist and gay-friendly destination.
- Paradise Beach: The most famous party beach of Mykonos. It is surrounded by nightclubs and trendy beach bars.
- Super Paradise: The LGTB-friendly alternative to Paradise.
- Agios Ioanni: secluded beach ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
- Agios Stefanos: popular beach in Mykonos for families and water sports.
Other popular beaches in Mykonos are Panormos, Paraga, Ornos, Agios Sostis, and Kalafatis.
9. Enjoying a Cocktail at an Exclusive Beach Bar.
Mykonos is known as a party island, a place to have fun, drink, and dance on the beach (and take thousands of pictures to post on all your social networks).
That’s why you will find one (or several) beach clubs on almost every beach on the island. They all offer sun loungers with wooden umbrellas for all-day lounging, tanning, drinking, and eating directly by the sea.
Most of the beach clubs in Mykonos also offer DJs at nightfall.
After all,what’s a Mykonos vacation without a beach party?
The most famous beach clubs in Mykonos are:
- Principote: It is a very elegant place to enjoy a sunny day in Mykonos. It is located on the west side of Panormos Beach, on the north side of the island. The food is delicious, and there are people of all ages.
- Scorpios: Located on Paraga Beach, this place is most famous for its sunsets and Greek style.
- Jackie O: Located in Super Paradise Beach, this is the most famous LGBTQ place. It has a pool and a fantastic bay view where you can sip cocktails and watch drag shows.
- SantAnna: A beautiful beach club with a large pool where you can spend a day relaxing and dancing to the live DJ.
- Nammos: This is a very luxurious place to spend the day, there are some stores inside and a fabulous restaurant where you can choose your fresh fish directly from the counter.
10. Visiting the Museums in Mykonos
Okay, cultural tourism might not be Mykonos’ strong suit. That said, the island does offer much from this perspective as well.
Perhaps the most interesting museum in Mykonos is the Archaeological Museum, an institution that houses many ceramic findings from the nearby islands of Rhina, Paros, and Delos (Rhina, Paros, and Delos).
The Maritime Museum is also interesting. Inside, you will find several naval models of the pre-Mycenaean fleet, as well as a whole range of other objects (anchors, rudders, navigation books).
There is also the Folklore Museum, the Agricultural Museum, and last but not least, the charming Lena’s House, an authentic traditional bourgeois house of Mykonos.
11. Experiencing the Legendary Mykonos Nightlife
Mykonos is well known for being a party island with a legendary nightlife, and you can’t leave it without stopping by one of its bars and nightclubs:
- Queen of Mykonos: You’ll love this spot if you’re looking for a place to dance, enjoy a drink, or chat outdoors in the reserved street area.
- Jackie O: Not to be confused with the Jackie O Beach Club, this is a famous gay bar in the main city where you can dance all night long.
- Caprice: This is a cocktail bar right on the waterfront of Little Venice. A very picturesque spot to enjoy a cocktail in Mykonos.
- Galleraki: Another charming cocktail bar in Little Venice.
- Cavo Paradiso: You’ll love this place if you’re looking for a nightclub with famous DJs. It’s located on Paradise Beach.
- Scandinavian Bar: Located in the middle of Chora, it has a nightclub atmosphere inside and a more relaxed vibe outside. It occupies the entire exterior street space, making it a great spot to stop for a drink while exploring the city by night.
- Astra: An elegant nightclub in Chora.
12. Having a Bite to Eat at the Most Famous Gyros Stand in town
It is open all day if you are in the mood for something tasty and inexpensive. Jimmy’s Gyro is the most famous place to have a good Gyros, souvlakis and hamburgers.
It can get very crowded during the afternoon and evening, but it is well worth it.
Address: Lakka, Mykonos Town 846 00.
13. Strolling Along the Chora Old Port and Promenade
The Old Port and the Chora promenade are some of the highlights of Mykonos.
This area, which clearly occupies the coastal zone of the city, is the best place to take amazing photos of the town, stop for an ice cream, have a drink, or buy some souvenirs.
At the end of the town’s promenade, there is a small beach suitable for swimming and popular among locals. It is not the best beach on the island of Mykonos nor the most exclusive, but it is centrally located and completely free.
14. Discover the North of the Island and its Beaches.
The most famous and visited beaches of Mykonos are all located on the southern side, filled with beach clubs and luxury hotels, while the northern side is wilder, featuring natural beaches where you have to lie on the sand because there are no loungers available.
They are less crowded, windier, and further from the main town, offering a glimpse of what Mykonos was like before it became such a famous tourist island.
15. Practicing Water Sports, Diving or Snorkeling.
There are many water sports to try in Mykonos. The most famous place is Super Paradise Beach, where you can rent a jet ski and try fly-boarding, parasailing, kitesurfing, and much more.
Another recommended activity in Mykonos is scuba diving. Every year, thousands of enthusiasts choose the island for the spectacularity of its dives. There are activities for beginners and others exclusively for experienced divers.
All over the island, there are dive centers that offer snorkeling courses for adults and children. If you prefer to go on your own, you can always snorkel along the shore. Just make sure you stay close to shore, have a waterproof swim buoy to make you visible, and keep your valuables safe and dry.