20 Things To Do In Mykonos

Mykonos is known as a Greek party island with clubs and bars open until sunrise. However, there is more to the island than meets the eye, and there is enough to see and do if you aren’t interested in the party scene. It is an island with two identities, and it manages to balance this difference with hectic nightlife contrasting with secluded beaches, picturesque churches, interesting museums and paved alleys. Mykonos town and the southern beaches are crowded in the high season but even at this time of year, there are serene places to visit.

The island is part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, well known for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and traditional windmills built in the 16th century. The windmills, which were technologically way ahead of their time, are above the Little Venice area of Mykonos Town where you can experience a beautiful sunset.

You will feel safe in Mykonos as crime is low, with most petty crimes being committed by other tourists. The police, however, are helpful and will take action. The only negative about Mykonos is that it is an expensive island, at least by Greek standards. Celebrities and millionaires often visit the island, which does bring prices up. If you want to avoid high costs, visit in the spring or autumn when hotels and guest houses are cheaper. So whether you’re a partygoer or history buff, travelling with the family or solo, here are the best things to do in Mykonos.

Mykonos, Greece

20 Things To Do In Mykonos

1- Explore Mykonos Town

Wherever you are staying, pay a visit to Mykonos Town, the island’s capital.

The streets are filled with cafes, tavernas, boutiques, souvenirs, and jewellery shops.

Enjoy a frappe or ouzo mezze in one of the cafes or do some serious shopping.

Visit a Greek bakery and try one of their delicious desserts, such as baklava or halva.

Overlooking Mykonos Town are the 16th Century windmills offering great photo opportunities.

Close to the windmills is Little Venice, where you can people-watch at one of the many cafes.

There are historical landmarks to be seen in Mykonos Town, such as the monument of Marita Mavrogenous, the heroine of the Greek War of Independence, and the church of Panagia Paraportiani. Learn more on this guided walking tour.

2- Learn About History At The Archaeological Museum

For those who want to learn a little about the history of Mykonos, the Archaeological Museum is a must-see.

It was opened in 1902 to exhibit artefacts from the Purification Pit dating back to 426 BC.

The oldest exhibit is a pithos (ancient pot) showing scenes of the capture of Troy dating back to the 7th century BC.

There are quite a few exhibits from the island of Rhenia, which is next to Mykonos.

These include a statue of Hercules dating back to 3000 BC and a clay figure of a woman from the second century BC.

The Archaeological Museum is at Chora of Mykonos, 84600.

3- Journey Through Maritime History At The Aegean Maritime Museum

While in Mykonos Town, stop by the Aegean Maritime Museum, where you can take a journey through Greek maritime history from the early Minoan period to the beginning of the 20th century.

It’s a great place to take your children for a break from the beach.

They will love the models of the ships through the years, while you can study the ancient maps and shipping documents.

In the garden, you will see marble findings from both Mykonos and the island of Delos.

Delos is a part of the municipality of Mykonos and has one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece.

The Aegean Maritime Museum is at 10 Enoplon Dynameon Street, Mykonos Town, 84600

4- Party At Super Paradise Beach

There are more than 20 beaches on the island of Mykonos, some quiet and secluded, others party beaches.

Super Paradise Beach is a party beach, but it also attracts families and honeymooners due to the calm, crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for swimming.

The beach is gay-friendly, although it is not the recognised gay beach on the island. That is Elia Beach which also caters for nudists.

There are sunbeds and umbrellas on Supe Paradise Beach but get there early to secure your place, as it does get crowded in the afternoon when the young and carefree start to party.

The beach bars spill out onto the sand and get busy as the day goes on.

If you find it is getting too noisy, take the boat service to Platys Gialos Beach, which is lively but doesn’t quite have the party vibe.

The shallow water there is perfect for families.

If you want even more of a party atmosphere, take the boat to Paradise Beach.

The party continues at the club above the beach after the sun sets and goes on until sunrise.

The best beaches are on the southern coast, as the north can be affected by winds.

5- Visit The Archaeological Site On Delos

Enrich your knowledge of Greek history by taking a trip to the island of Delos, which belongs to Mykonos.

It is two nautical miles away and takes around 30 to 40 minutes on the boat.

Delos has been inhabited since 3000 BC. However, it is interesting that in 90 BC, 30,000 people lived on the island, while now there are only 24 and they are caretakers and archaeologists.

The archaeological site is spectacular and worth the visit, as there is so much to see.

It was built as a sanctuary to the gods Apollo and Artemis.

You will see the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Colossus of the Naxians, and the theatre of Delos.

You must visit the museum as it has one of the country’s best collections of ancient Greek sculptures.

An ancient pottery collection dates back as far as the 2nd century BC.

Admire the amazing art as you wander past mosaics and wall paintings from the second to first centuries BC.

Although the island was primarily a religious site, it was also a commercial port and you will be able to see the remains of the port. Here are two tours you may like:

• The Original Morning Delos Guide Tour – Skip the line and go straight into this incredible site.
• Delos and Rhenia Islands Six-Hour Boat Trip – A combination of swimming in secret spots around Rhenia Island and exploring Delos archaeological site.

6- Go On An Off-Road Safari

Enjoy exploring the rugged terrain of Mykonos on an organised off-road safari and explore parts of the island that many visitors to Mykonos don’t have the opportunity to experience.

Your journey begins with a drive along the coast to Houlakia Beach and then up to Armenistis Lighthouse, where you will be treated to breathtaking views.

The drive then takes you to the centre of the island and the farming village of Ano Mera, a quiet and relaxing stop far away from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos Town and the party vibes of many of the beaches.

Here you can explore the ruins of Gizi Castle, built in the time of Venetian rule, and an old, abandoned mine.

After a swim at Agrari Beach, end the tour in Kalafatis, a small fishing village where you can have lunch in a traditional Greek taverna.

The day will be one to remember, taking you off the beaten track to experience life as the Greeks do. Book your spot here!

7- Cruise To Little Venice And Agios Stefanos Beach

Take a cruise along the south coast from Mykonos Town.

The highlight is the spectacular view of the whitewashed church of Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most photographed churches in the world.

You will get the best view of the church from the boat rather than on land.

It dates back to the 1400s and is at the entrance to Mykonos Town. It is a perfect example of Cycladic architecture.

The boat drops anchor near Little Venice, one of the most eclectic and elegant neighbourhoods in Mykonos Town.

Here you can enjoy brunch and try your hand at snorkelling.

The cruise then continues, passing the rocky island of Mpaos, offering more photo opportunities.

The cruise ends with lunch on board and swimming in the calm and clear waters at Agios Stefanos Beach.

This is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset, so come back in the evening and have a romantic meal at the Limnos Taverna.

8- Tour Ano Mera Farm

In the centre of the island, you will find the small agricultural village of Ano Mera, which is a world away from the party vibe.

You will step back in time and experience life as it was and still is for some Mykonian farmers.

If you book a tour of the village from Mykonos Town, you will be taken around a farm, learn about its history and find out how the farm works.

Enjoy a sip or two of the Greek firewater, raki, and have a traditional farmer’s lunch of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bread, and a salty and spicy cheese called kopanisti.

You can even lend a hand at the farm.

Feed the animals or weed the garden; the choice is yours, or you can just relax and continue sipping your glass of raki.

You will find that it grows on you, and you may doze off on the journey back to Mykonos Town. Find out more here.

9- Go Wine Tasting

If you enjoy a glass of wine, you will enjoy the Aegean varieties of Assyrtiko, Athiri, Monemvasia, and Mandilaria, from which white, rose, and red wines are produced.

You can visit wineries off your own back or take an organised tour if you don’t have a car.

Some winery tours even take you to a beach, not the winery, where you will taste five different ancient varieties of Greek wine.

Relax, taking in the view while sipping these rare wines and listening to a Sommelier who will tell you about the wines and Greek mythology.

Other wine tours include lunch or dinner at the winery and a chance to purchase your favourite wines.

10- Enjoy The View On A Sunset Cruise

What better place to watch the sunset on Mykonos island than on a boat sipping a cold drink?

These cruises start at the port of Mykonos Town and sail past the beautiful Little Venice before anchoring to take in the captivating setting sun.

You will find it a magical experience, certainly, one for couples to enjoy before going for a romantic dinner in Mykonos Town. Book your cruise here.

11- Visit The Windmills

There are 16 iconic windmills on the island of Mykonos, which were built in the 16th century.

At that time, Mykonos was on a main sea trading route, and because of a need to refine grain, these windmills were built.

Mykonos can be called a windy island, so the windmills were a good choice for free energy.

These windmills are well-preserved, and some are now private homes.

One is open to the public as a museum where on the ground floor, you will see where the grain was weighed and on the first floor, where the supplies were kept. The mill is above this.

This is another lovely place to go at sunset for a magnificent view of Little Venice, offering great photo opportunities.

12- Explore The Old Port Of Mykonos

Ferries don’t sail to the Old Port anymore, but the area is full of life and the ideal place to spend the morning.

If you enjoy shopping, you will be in your element.

Follow this with a long, leisurely lunch at one of the many tavernas overlooking the sea.

The traditional fish market will give you a glimpse into real Greek life.

At night, the Old Port has a buzzing nightlife that goes on until the early morning hours.

If you want to party, you will enjoy bar hopping here.

Don’t forget to take a photo of the kaikia, which are the traditional wooden fishing boats still used today.

In Mykonos, you will find that the old merges with the new.

13- Join A Cooking Class

Why not take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Mykonian dishes?

The class lasts for six hours and takes place at a traditional farm estate.

You will be able to use freshly picked vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, ripe red tomatoes, and cucumbers.

After the class, you then have the opportunity to try your dishes with your fellow classmates.

The meal is accompanied by local wine.

14- Experience The Nightlife

Mykonos is well-known for its party scene.

If this is your thing, you won’t be disappointed with the bars and nightclubs on the island, many in the open.

Little Venice is a great bar-hop place and the party goes on until 5.30 am at the Scarpa nightclub, where you will get the full hands-in-the-air experience.

If you’re not into clubbing, you can still spend the evening in Little Venice enjoying a long leisurely meal on the waterfront.

The Greeks don’t eat until late, so be prepared to sit sipping wine until the early hours.

Paradise Beach is another place to go for the party vibe.

If you want to party all night and watch the sunrise, the Cavo Paradiso is the place to go.

There is a pool, big-name DJs, and a booming sound system that gets going after 1 am.

You need the stamina to get through the night, but if you’re young or young at heart, it will be an experience to remember.

15- Go Scuba Diving

The underwater world around Mykonos is beautiful so why not go scuba diving and take in the impressive marine flora and fauna?

If you have never scuba-dived before, take a beginner scuba experience.

Before heading out with a certified PADI instructor, you will have an introductory lesson.

There is an opportunity for you to pose for underwater photos, so you will have a souvenir of your experience.

16- Join A Cycling Tour

There are quite a few companies that offer cycling tours taking you off the beaten track and through rural landscapes.

Luckily, the tours generally travel through flat landscapes, so they are suitable for everybody.

Many tours go to Fokos Beach, where you can swim or go for a short hike.

Starting and ending at the Vioma Organic Farm, where you can have lunch served with wine produced at the farm.

Halfway through the tour, you will stop at a private chapel and learn about Mykonos’s religious heritage. Here’s one that’s perfect for couples.

17- Do A Photography Session

Have you ever thought that you’d like to be a model? If so, why not book a photography session on Mykonos?

You will walk through Mykonos Town and a professional photographer will take photos of you in the best areas of the town.

You will get pointers as to how to pose.

At the end of the photo session, you will be rewarded with 50 photos in an online gallery.

18- Take A Motorcycle Tour

You can hire a motorbike to see the island on your own, but there are also tours on offer that enable you to go off the beaten track without getting lost.

They give you the opportunity to see the real Mykonos away from the crowds.

Your guide will take you along beautiful country roads after leaving Mykonos Town and Little Venice behind.

Visit the famous lighthouse, the Byzantine monastery of Panagia, and the agricultural village of Ano Mera.

Meet other motorbike enthusiasts and chat with them over lunch on your return to Mykonos Town.

19- Take A Boat Trip To The Island Of Tinos

The island of Tinos is just 20 minutes away by boat from Mykonos.

It is a Catholic pilgrimage site with 750 churches, some of which are Orthodox, 600 ornate dovecotes, and the Temple of Poseidon, where the citizens were purified before visiting Delos, considered then to be a sacred island.

If you take an organised tour, you will visit the famous Panagia of Tinos Church in Tinos Town, the Kechrouvani monastery situated on the top of a mountain, and the handicraft villages of Pyrgos and Votex.

The island has a wild beauty.

The wind has eroded rocks, villages climb up the hillsides, and the water is a deep inviting blue.

20- Go On An E-Tuk Tuk Brewery Tour

You probably won’t expect to see an E-Tuk Tuk in Greece, but these open-air vehicles have reached Mykonos and are becoming very popular.

The E-Tuk gives you 360-degree views. Your guide will tell you about Mykonos and the history of the sights as you travel.

The tour begins at the Old Port and then stops at Bani’s Mill, built in the 16th century.

There are spectacular views from all angles, a perfect place to take photographs, and the highlight is visiting a brewery in Mykonos Town, where you can try six types of beer.

The tour visits Ftelia Beach on the north coast with its quiet beach, and you will also go to the Armenistis Lighthouse, a testimony to the island’s rich maritime history. Find out more here.

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