Mykonos, Aegean Sea one of the Aegean sea’s most sparkling jewels, has long attracted the great and the good with its blend of history, culture, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a history buff, or a party enthusiast, our curated list of 8 must-see experiences will take you all across Mykonos, ideal not only for ticking off items from your bucketlist but also for, you know, actually enjoying your time on the island, too.
Visit The Windmills
One of the very first views that you’ll clock when coming into Mykonos port is a row of seven white windmills, built by the Venetians around the 16th century.
These windmills have become the island’s signature feature and something of an emblem of the place. As such, they represent an absolute must see if you find yourself in Mykonos. Not only is it a pleasant fifteen minute stroll from Mykonos Old Town to the windmills, but along the way you’ll pass several places to enjoy a snack and a souvenir, should you wish to take your time.
The only windmill open for the public is Mylos tou Bonni, a part of the Agricultural Museum of Mykonos where visitors can see all the machinery and tools that were used in milling in days of old. That said, the remaining six can be admired from the outside, and rest assured; they are a fantastic sight to behold (the vantage point on which they sit isn’t bad either!).
Take A Boat Trip To Delos
If you fancy a bit of a history and mythology on your trip and don’t mind spending some time on a boat, then visiting Delos might just be what you’re after. This island is located just 20 minutes away by taxi-boat from Mykonos Town and happens to be home to some of the most incredible excavations in Europe. Accordingly, in 1990, Delos was declared a World Heritage Site, with UNESCO praising the site for being ‘’exceptionally extensive and rich’’ and conveying ‘’the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port’’.
Delos may be of particular interest to those who are well versed in Greek Mythology; it is the birthplace of the Greek Gods Apollo and Artemis, who were twins. This island has been considered a holy sanctuary for thousands of years and is well worth the visit.
Shop Matoyianni Street
It’s fun just to lose yourself in Mykonos Old Town’s (locally known as Chóra) labyrinth of white-washed lanes, where every turn is a picture perfect Instagram shot, and discover your own favourite places as you go. But if you’re looking for “the main drag”, it has to be Matoyianni Street.
Matoyianni runs from the north to the south of Mykonos Old Town and is full of little alleyways and side streets exploding with culture and the most beautiful little stores. Here you can find your pick of boutiques, souvenir stores, jewellery shops, and cafes and tavernas if you get hungry.
In the high season, which tends to run from late May to early September, it gets chockablock in the Old Town, with the tight, pedestrianised lanes easily becoming congested with tourists. Matoyianni Street is no exception, so it’s best to visit outside of its busiest hours, which are between 10am and 5pm.
Spend The Evening At Alefkandra
Also known as Little Venice, Alefkandra wraps around Mykonos’ old harbour and is arguably the most charming area of the entire island.
Travel Awaits reports that this little corner of Greece was actually inspired by Venice itself; Mykonos was once an important part of the Venetian’s trade routes and wealthy Venetain merchants built Venice-inspired buildings right on the Aegeans sea’s edge with “sweeping arches and colourful facades’’ to pay tribute to the Italian city.
Today, Little Venice remains one of the most striking spots on the island. Moreover, it’s one of the best places to pull up a chair at one of the many bars on the waterfront, enjoy a drink and appreciate the sunset.
The best place to do so with views of the bay and sunset is undoubtedly Kastro’s, which has a spectacular location right next to the water. If you can get a table in their narrow, alley-like dining space, do so. It’s just magic and one of Mykonos’ most iconic spots. Here, you can enjoy a few appetizers with your ouzo, including classics like taramasalata, calamari, Mykonian cheese rolls and steamed mussels, or you can have a more fully-fledged sit down meal.
Take Photos At The Church Of Panagia Paraportiani
Take a little trip north of Alefkandra, and located in the Kastro neighbourhood, you’ll find one of the most beautiful churches, Panagia Paraportiani. This church, which is made up of five separate buildings, was built between the 15th and 17th century. It is said that the highest of all the buildings was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia.
Its striking all white facade set against the azure sea behind make it one of the world’s most Instagrammed travel sites. Care to add to the collection?
Relax At The Beach
You’re on holiday in Greece! It would be rude not to relax on at least one beach. Being an island, Mykonos has so many beaches to choose from, but the beauty of the island’s bounty is that they boast such diversity of appeal.
Many are aimed at partygoers, like Paraga Beach, which is home to two of the best beach clubs on the island; Scoropous and SantAnna. There are direct buses that go to both from Mykonos town, making a night on the tiles here simple and safe.
Psarou beach is another party beach where you’ll find rows upon rows of sun loungers populated by beautiful people sipping cocktails. We’re also big fans of Platis Gialos and its excellent clutch of restaurants.
That said, the Mykonos beach scene isn’t all throbbing beats and thrusting. If you’re looking to get away from the chaos, then head to the south of the island to find a few more secluded spots, some of which are connected to the most exclusive of Mykonos villas. It’s worth making the trip to Fokos beach, specifically to eat at the taverna there which offers up some of the best Greek food on the island, particularly its grilled fish.
Be warned that, other than the taverna, there aren’t any other facilities here, so be sure to bring supplies with you – just on the off chance that it’s closed when you visit.
Party Until Dawn
Mykonos is fast building itself a reputation as the ‘Ibiza of Greece’ and if you have the stamina to stay out until dawn, you won’t be disappointed here. Paradise Beach is the main party beach and after sunset, the place goes wild! Open air Cavo Paradiso is regularly ranked in the top ten nightclubs in the world and its legendary status is well deserved.
Alternatively, in the Old Town, Skandinavian Bar and Club adopts a more sophisticated stance, but still gets pretty lively later on in the evening. For something more laid back, we’re fans of 180 Sunset Bar which offers a chilled vibe and gorgeous views.
See What The Rarity Gallery Has To Offer
In recent years, Mykonos has become well known for its fine art scene and this is mainly down to the Rarity Gallery. This small gallery is a place where budding local artists would come to present their sculptures, paintings and photography. Now, you will find someinternationally renowned names in the artworld here.
In Mykonos Town you’ll find a superb selection of museums and galleries, too. The Aegean Maritime Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the Folklore Museum will all give you an idea of how island life was in the past. Fascinating stuff.
The Bottom Line
As Lawrence Durrell once wrote, ”However many tourists come with their chatter and their litter, little Mykonos will not let the stranger down.”
Indeed, even in the tourist chaos of the island in peak season, when the cobblestoned streets of Chora, the main town, are six-deep with daytrippers, Mykonos still has enough variety on offer to charm even the weariest of traveller.