Mykonos or Myconos island, which is also called ‘The Island of the Winds, is a very unique Greek island with a tremendous increase of visitors and development!
Let’s highlight here that some people absolutely adore it and some others cannot stand it!
Personally, I am somewhere in the middle as I recognise that it is a really beautiful island with amazing beaches but lately it has become very expensive and it provides luxurious and specialised holidays. So, it doesn’t fit to everyone!
Now, if you are looking for where to stay in Mykonos, you can check our special article about the best accommodation on this beautiful island!
A guide to the best attractions in Mykonos Island
Every year it attracts thousands of tourists, who want to spend some days in the rhythm of this lively island.
In the ’70s, the island became popular among international celebrities who came to Greece to enjoy the cosmopolitan life. Since then, the island did not stop being the centre of interest for tourists around the world. It is very famous for its beach clubs, the DJs, and the great nightlife. However, the island has much more to offer: culture, tradition, local cuisine, and beautiful nature.
So. let’s “dive” into this special island together and we will provide you with a short guide to the best things you can do on Mykonos Island!
Best things to do in Chora, Mykonos
#See the Windmills
One of the best things to do in Mykonos is going to the seven old windmills. They have been standing on the southeast side of Chora since the 17th century, and they are the island’s trademark!
Back in the days, the Mykonians used them to produce flour with which they supplied the ships. If you are looking for free things to do in Mykonos, a visit to the Windmills should be one of them.
#Explore Little Venice
Little Venice is one of the most iconic corners of the island!
As its name indicates, this part of Chora will remind you of Venice! The houses are white with two or three floors and colourfully painted balconies, with a sea view.
They used to be houses of ship captains and shipowners. Nowadays this area is full of bars and pubs.
I highly recommend you visit it in the sunset hour; the pinkish-orange colours of the sky are reflected in the white walls creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
#Pilgrimage at Panagia Paraportiani
Panagia Paraportiani is a complex of five churches interconnected to each other. It is in Castro, and it attracts tourists for its unique architecture.
Tip: If you are a photography lover, then this is an excellent spot for photos!
#Visit the Archaeological Museum
Greece is full of history, testified by a variety of archaeological evidence. The museum of Mykonos has a collection of ceramics representative of Cycladic art of the 6th century BC. It is worth a visit if you are interested in museums and historical sites
Tickets
Full: €4, Reduced: €2
Special ticket package: Full: €4, Reduced: €2
#Shopping in Mykonos Town
Shopping in Mykonos is a great way to spend your day! Many Greek and international designers have showrooms and boutiques in Mykonos.
From jewellery to clothing and art, the island has everything you need, and if you look for souvenirs, many stores sell those as well.
Matogianni street and the ones around it are the shopping centre of the island.
#Walk by the Old Port
Behind the little Venice, you will find the picturesque Old Port. There is the fish market, where you can buy delicious fresh fish. There are also many shops, restaurants, and taverns.
From the Old Port, you can have a breathtaking view of the sunset.
#Try the local food
In Mykonos you will enjoy good food – that’s for sure. A variety of luxurious restaurants serve you delicious dishes prepared by skilful chefs.
However, Mykonos also has its traditional recipes that you should try. Taste the Mykonian Kopanisti, a cheese spread combined with warm bread, or the typical onion pie (kremmydopita), which you can find in traditional taverns. You should also try Mostra, a rusk covered with cheese and tomatoes. They usually serve it as a side dish to Ouzo.
Finally, my personal favourite is melopita, an cheese pie covered in honey and sesame. I cannot resist it!
The local taverns and restaurants also serve the typical Greek recipes like moussaka. Once in Mykonos, let yourself indulge in the delicious feast!
Just a friendly tip, before ordering, have a look at the menu and the prices as I have heard a few stories about the unexpected amount of bills at the end of the food!
#Enjoy the magnificent beaches in Mykonos
Mykonos and the rest of the Cycladic islands are known for the long beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand.
Mykonian beaches are famous for their beach bars, where the party starts early in the afternoon and continues until the next day. Nevertheless, there are also beaches for those who like to relax in the peace of nature.
One of the top things to do in Mykonos is hitting the beach, and here are some of the best beaches on the island.
Psarou Beach
It is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and it attracts hundreds of people daily. Many celebrities choose to spend their days there. It is a small cove with white sand and clean waters.
It is known as one of the best but also the most expensive places in Mykonos. It has restaurants, hotels, and beach bars.
One of the places that attract people to Psarrou is Nammos.
It is a restaurant that functions as a concept space, and it hosts multiple events, from parties to fashions shows. There is serious face control, as they try to keep only high society in their space, but once you are in, you might be eating next to a Hollywood star or a prince of the Emirates!
Platys Gialos Beach
A long beach with clean and shallow water gets the attention of tourists and locals. At Platys Gialos the hotels offer their services at the beach when you rent their sunbeds. You can buy from their drinks, coffee, and snacks. It is a family-friendly destination, but you can also see many couples.
At Platys Gialos you can enjoy a variety of watersports, such as wakeboard, water ski, jet ski, and snorkeling. In the area, there is a water sports school. The experienced instructors can show you the basics of any of the sports they offer.
For Platis Gialos, you can get quickly to Paradise and Super Paradise beach with the service boats that stop at the beach every hour.
Elia Beach
Elia beach is the longest beach in Mykonos! It has all the amenities you might need, from hotels to beach bars and small markets. The beach is known as a meeting point for the gay people of the island. On the right end, a rainbow flag signifies the gay-popular spot of the beach.
You can get to Elia beach, with a private car, which you park at the hotels’ parking space, paying a ticket. You can also get there by shuttle buses from Mykonos Town. The ride takes 25 minutes, and it drops you off right next to Elia beach.
Paradise Beach
This beach became famous around the ’70s, as the cosmopolitan centre of the island, and it still keeps its reputation as the party beach!
I have spent some summers here when I was a student!
The party at the beach bars begins around the afternoon and keeps going until the next day. It is the absolute destination for those who love to shake it in the sound of crazy bits and those who enjoy their booze. Despite that, you can also swim and sunbathe at the beach bars’ sunbeds.
You can get to Paradise Beach by car, which you can park close to the beach. There is also a bus that you take from Mykonos town and brings you to Paradise beach. Finally, there are small party boats that pick up people from surrounding beaches and drop them off at Paradise beach, right on time for the party.
Super Paradise Beach
This one is also a party beach, where the party starts popping around afternoon. The beach clubs play the best summer beats, and the visitors arrive there ready to give it all. The beach became famous as a nudist beach, but today is not so common to see nudists.
If you do not come by car or the shuttle bus, you can arrive here with a taxi boat from different beaches on the island.
Paraga Beach
On the South part of Mykonos is another worth visiting beach, Paraga. It is a beautiful place with transparent waters, sand, beach clubs and bars, and great food options. The luxurious amenities are a bit pricy, so be prepared to pay a bit more if you choose to spend the day at this beach. You can have great cocktails prepared for you and listen to beats played by DJs at the bars.
Close to Paraga beach is one of the most famous bar-restaurants in Mykonos, Skorpios. The concept of the place is a full experience that you cannot forget!
The stunning views, the colours of the sky and the sea, the luxurious space which has great decoration and design. There is usually live music or DJs playing music. and several events take place every week.
Visitors say that dinner in Skorpios is one of the top things to do on Mykonos Island.
Going out at Mykonos Island
After we talked about the beaches, it is the right moment to talk about nightlife, one of the fun things to do in Mykonos, the absolute destination for the partygoers!
People who party during the day at the beach bars can continue partying by the beach or move to one of the big clubs in Mykonos Town! Consistency is the key! 🙂
In the town, you can find clubs that play music until the morning. You can also find chill cocktail and shot bars, where you can enjoy delicious drinks before you head to the club.
At Paradise beach, you should try the Tropicana Beach Bar and Restaurant, where tourists flock every night, or you can choose The Super Paradise Beach Club at Super Paradise beach for an electric night with great beats.
If you are in Mykonos town, you should try the Scandinavian Bar for pre-drinking, and you can continue to The JackieO’ for great drug and other shows or to the biggest gay club on the island, Babylon. Both clubs attract gay and straight customers who want to enjoy a night with great music and good drinks.
Apart from these, there is a variety of choices for spending a fun night.
Best things for Couples in Mykonos
Are you in Mykonos with your partner? Then you have many options for romantic dates.
#Wine tasting in Mykonos
Take your partner on a wine tasting tour in Mykonos! There are many local vineyards and farms where you can try the local wine varieties along with a delicious meal.
You can even buy tickets for a wine tour, which includes picking up and dropping off your hotel so that you do not have to worry about driving after drinking all this wine.
#Cruise to Delos
This is my personal favourite thing that I have during my visits to Mykonos.
Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece and belongs to the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites in Greece (find more sites on our dedicated post here!).
Book one of the guided tours to Delos, the sacred island of ancient times!
You can go on a luxurious cruise, where you will have a delicious meal, dive in the clean waters. The yachts take you to the island of Delos, where you can visit the archaeological site and have a tour with an expert guide.
You can check the below two tours
#Stroll in Ano Mera
Ano Mera is a traditional village with small, picturesque alleys, where you can have a romantic stroll with your partner. In this village, you can enjoy some peace, shop for souvenirs from the local shops and enjoy a cold coffee in one of the cafes.
Near the central square, you can find the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, built in the 16th century, which is a unique example of Cycladic architecture.
How to get to Mykonos
Are you wondering how to get to Mykonos? There are two ways to get to the island, one is by ship and the second by airplane. Ships depart from the port of Piraeus and ports of neighboring islands and arrive at Mykonos a few times per day.
You can also get a flight to Mykonos. Mykonos airport hosts many domestic and international flights during the summer months, so all you need to do is ask your travel agent.
Mykonos is not just a holiday; it is a state of mind. Once you go there, you get hooked on the crazy vibes of the island. An experience that you should have at least once and that you will remember for the rest of your life! Mykonooooos!