When it comes to islands to visit in Greece, Mykonos is usually at the top of everyone’s list. From the blue and white-washed maze-like streets, idyllic water-front restaurants and iconic windmills strewn about the island, there’s no shortage of hotspots to visit.
Whether you’re a party seeker or just wanting to experience that quintessential Greek charm on one of the most famous islands, my list of the best things to do in Mykonos covers it all!
Island hopping? Make sure to check out my Ultimate Santorini Guide that includes the best things to do in Santorini before you go!
The most famous little neighborhood in Mykonos, Little Venice is one of the best places to visit and explore on the island (and the cutest photo-op!).
Nestled along the water’s edge near the famous windmills, Little Venice is overflowing with intimate seaside restaurants and bars, charming shops and winding, narrow streets that form a labyrinth–which were originally designed to confuse pirates!
Centuries ago, the Aegean Sea was a haven for pirates and Mykonos was one of the most popular targets. In order to protect themselves, the island inhabitants decided to build a labyrinth of streets that were deliberately designed to confuse the pirates and help the locals protect themselves from the raids.
You can still get lost pretty easily strolling through this scenic part of town, but it is truly a necessary and unforgettable experience!
TIP: Some restaurants on the water only serve drinks, so if you are planning to eat, make sure you ask if they serve food!
Sitting on the southwest edge of the island, these humongous windmills have developed into one of the most iconic tourist attractions on the island.
Windmills operated on most of the Cycladic islands from the 16th century to around the 19th century and were used to produce local agriculture like wheat and barley.
The flour produced was then distributed to bakeries, transported by ship to other areas around the country and abroad, or given back the farmers to help support their family.
During that time, there were over 20 windmills spread over the island, but there are only around 16 left today–7 of which are famously positioned on the landmark hill in Chora (also known as Mykonos Town, as mentioned above).
All of the windmills on the island are free to visit and the perfect place to take photos! I hear they are also a great spot to watch the sunset (but keep reading for my best recommendation on where to watch the sunset!…).
Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the brightest spot in all the Mediterranean (the rocks actually glistened and sparkled in the sunlight), was one of the highlights of our Greek island hopping experience!
An easy day tour from the island, exploring Delos should not be skipped (in my opinion) and is definitely one of the best things to do in Mykonos! If you, like me, are fascinated by ancient history, archaeology and Greek mythology→ (Delos is said to be the birthplace of Apollo, the god of light, rendering the island sacred), then this island will fascinate you!
Although it is uninhabited now, the first permanent residents of the island have been traced back to around 2,500 BC! Over the centuries, Delos developed into the most robust trade center among the islands, with a diverse population that included people from all around the Mediterranean, due to its prime location in the center of the Aegean.
Nowhere else in the world is there a natural archaeological site of this size and importance, and no other island that holds so many monumental antiquities from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic periods! The island itself is history, idling serenely in the turquoise waters of the Aegean.
No one really knows for sure why, but Delos was referred to as a holy island from ancient times—a place so sanctified that at the time of the Persian Wars, no enemy stepped foot on it.
Some believed it was because of its position in the Aegean Sea, as it sits in the center of the circle of islands we now know as the Cyclades. Others believe it gets a high concentration of energy due to a certain star that appears in the center of a ring of stars right above the island in the summertime.
According to the local Greeks, they feel there is a magnetic pull between Delos, the sea, the stars and the moon which creates and balances an abundance of positive and negative energies.
I guess we will never really know, for sure, why this ancient island is so sacred, but it’s definitely worth an investigation for yourself!
NOTE: A guided tour of Delos is HIGHLY recommended. Without a guide, Delos just a bunch of ruins without much meaning or context. With a guide, it’s extremely interesting and a fascinating introduction to Greek history and mythology!
Also, tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended!
➣➣ SEE ALSO: Mykonos: Super Yacht Cruise to Rhenia Island and Guided Tour of Delos
Check out some more guided tours below, or browse other Delos tour options here.
If you are a fan of espresso, you cannot visit Greece without trying a Freddo Cappuccino–at least once! This heavenly drink is basically the cold version of an espresso cappuccino topped with some frothy milk, but it is so much more delicious than I can describe!
I could not get enough of these in Greece! I was first introduced to this drink my first day in Mykonos, since it was my first island to visit on my Greek island itinerary, and I was hooked the rest of the trip!
Just make sure you drink a Freddo Cappuccino at the appropriate time for your schedule, as it has a LOT of caffeine! So unless you’re planning to party all night on the island and need a pick-me-up, it’s probably best to have one in the morning or during the day! (I accidentally drank one at dinner and had a pretty hard time falling asleep that night! Ha!)
One of the top things to do in Greece, no matter which island you’re visiting, is to indulge in the local cuisine!
Mykonos has no shortage of excellent restaurant options that combine delicious local fare with intimate atmospheres and incredible Aegean views.
A few of the local island delicacies to try are kopanisti, a delicious, spicy cheese and the most popular; ksinotira, a sour cheese and favorite local appetizer and louza, a dish made from spiced and thinly sliced pork.
Other notable foods to indulge in on the island include fresh seafood, of course (you can’t get any close to the water!), Greek salad (so simple, yet so amazing), gyro (duh) and baklava (when in Rome, right!?)
Restaurants worth mentioning:
If the heavenly views from Kiki’s Tavern haven’t convinced you to come here already, then the outstanding food and reviews will!
Everyone from local’s to tourists will recommend eating at Kiki’s Tavern because, in short, it’s the real deal! This little hidden gem of a beach shack has no electricity, just a grill, fresh local produce, an abundance of wine and views for days!
The restaurant is about 15 minutes outside of Mykonos Town on Agios Sostis Beach, so you will definitely need to hire a car to get there if you aren’t staying in the area.
PRO TIP: It is best to arrive as early as possible, as there is usually always a line to get in the door due to limited seating. On the plus side, though, the wait isn’t bad, the views are incredible (you’re right on the beach) and they serve endless free wine to all the hungry patrons while they wait!
Also DON’T count on google’s times being accurate for when they close! Since the restaurant has no electricity, they literally close “at sunset” (which varies depending on the time of year you’re visiting) and will stop accepting customers at that time. They open at 12:30pm for lunch, so go early and get in line, or head out well before sunset for dinner to ensure you don’t miss out on this experience!
M-Eating is the place to go for fine dining in Mykonos Town.
Located in an old home that was built in the 20th century, the restaurant’s cuisine focuses on contemporary approaches to local fare.
The chef and owner has trained in the kitchens of 5-star restaurants all over the Mediterranean and utilizes only the freshest produce from the land and sea.
Okay okay, you got me. This isn’t Greek food, but it is still one of the best restaurants in Mykonos (and for good reason)!
If you love Italian food, then you cannot miss eating at Pasta Fresca Barkia!
Located in the heart of The Chora (Mykonos Town), Pasta Fresca Barkia serves a wide-range of authentic, handmade pizzas and pastas from their three-story restaurant that has been operating since 1978.
As the name states, the restaurant is located in Barkia, one of the most central areas of Mykonos Town. Nestled along a white-washed, narrow pathway and nearby some of the cutest souvenir shops, Pasta Fresca Barkia’s intimate dining atmosphere and incredible Italian fare will leave your soul satisfied, yet longing for more.
One of the absolute best things to do in Mykonos is watch the sunset at 180° Sunset Bar!
This stunning hidden gem was quite possibly one of my favorite things I experienced during my stay in Mykonos! There are no shortage of places to watch the sunset on the island, but I’d be hard pressed to find anything more magical than this buzzy cocktail lounge!
This outdoor bar is part of Mykonos Castle Panigirakis, a hotel and event space that’s tucked into the hills on the pathway that leads out of Mykonos Town (if you are staying higher up above Chora).
We kept seeing signs pointing to the bar on our treks back up to our wonderful hotel, Bellou Suites, and (thankfully) we just had to check out it for ourselves!
That being said, the best way to reach 180° Sunset Bar is by foot. While it is a bit of a hike uphill from from Mykonos Town, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, live music entertainment, magical sunsets, unbeatable ambiance and delicious food and drinks–the recipe for a perfect evening, in my opinion!
It’s a well known fact that Mykonos is the most popular party destination, not only in Greece, but possibly in the world. Thousands of people from around the globe flock to Mykonos ever year to enjoy the island and experience those Greek party vibes firsthand.
For those of you seeking out the nightlife and party scene in Mykonos, Paradise Beach is the most popular location.
Since I visited Mykonos more in the off-season during the month of October, I didn’t actually make it to Paradise Beach (which is most popular in the summer). However, with famous DJ’s making appearances, several bars and nightclubs and an abundance of drink specials, the beach parties on Paradise Beach are all the rage.
The most notable clubs on Paradise Beach are Cavo Paradiso and Super Paradise Beach Club, which get the most popular around 2-3AM.
If you’re visiting during the summer, be prepared for thousands of people, high drink prices and late nights! It’s also probably best to make a reservation in advance, as it is with any restaurant during the high seasons.
One of the best things to do in Mykonos that attracts thousands of visitors, year after year, is visit the stunning beaches.
Two of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island are Paraga Beach and Psarou Beach.
Paraga Beach, although relatively small, is still popular due to it being within walking distance of Paradise Beach (mentioned above). From this beach, you can actually see the island of Delos! It should be noted that nudity is allowed on this beach, as well.
The waters are calm and clear, and beachside bars/parties and loud music are also a common occurrence.
Paruga Beach is about a 15 minute walk from Platys Gialos Beach, passing through Agia Anna and Psarou on the way.
Psarou, the other famous beach, is worth visiting for the crystal clear waters, stunning scenery and water activities offered, such as snorkeling and diving. The beach is known to attract local and international celebrities and humongous yachts.
Situated in front of a small fishing village, Ornos Beach is probably the best beach to visit if you are traveling with family. Less than two miles from Mykonos town, this beach is known as the “family beach,” and offers tons of fresh seafood taverns and activities.
There are several other beautiful beaches on the island, so if you have the time, don’t limit yourself to just one or two! Here’s a good list of The 12 Best Beaches in Mykonos, to help you sort through your options!
If you know me, you know my love for organic, biodynamic and sustainably produced wines. Which is why I must recommend visiting Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm as one of the best things to do in Mykonos.
Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm is the only historic vineyard of Mykonos and offers a true Mykonian experience. This organic vineyard and charming little farm are “untouched by modern and tourist influences,” and offer a serene and stunning escape from the regular tourist traps of Mykonos.
The historic monastery vineyard of Maou dates back from the 19th century, now run by the Asimomytis family who will partake with you in an authentic wine tasting and farm-to-table experience.
Free guided wine tours are offered in English at 12.30pm, 2pm and 4pm, during which visitors learn about the biodynamic cultivation of the grapes, the wine making process, the Mykonos traditions and have the opportunity to play with the farm animals!
Book your Wine & Farm Tour at Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm Here.
When you think Mykonos, images of whitewashed buildings and streets come to mind; but, perhaps the most photographed church in all of Mykonos (and possibly even the world) is the Church of Panagia Paraportiani.
What makes this church so unique is that it is actually made up of five small separate churches, all built almost on top of each other over the centuries. Four of the churches are in the ground, and the 5th and most ancient church is one level above the rest.
This iconic structure is located near Mykonos harbor (near Little Venice area) in the Chora (also known as Mykonos town)–more specifically the Kastro neighborhood.
One of the most instagrammable places in Mykonos, The Church of Panachra is situated among the labyrinth of blue and whitewashed streets and shops in Chora.
Another one of the most popular things to see in Mykonos, this operating church attracts thousands of visitors each year. You can’t miss it when you stumble upon these colorful hanging flags!
One of the most picturesque churches in town, this cute little church with a beautiful blue dome is nestled by the water on a stretch of cobblestones near the (new) port.
This is one of the most popular areas of the town, with restaurants lining the harbor and the perfect little beach to dip your toes in the water or go for a swim, so you can’t miss it!
Those are just a few of the iconic churches on Mykonos, but there are several stunning churches scattered all over the island!
I absolutely love taking bike tours to explore a new area, and Mykonos would be no exception!
Mykonos Town and the beaches are always beautiful and will have plenty to do to keep you occupied, but it’s so nice to escape the buzz of the town and explore the rest of the island!
I didn’t have a chance to take a bike tour while on Mykonos due to time constraints, but I know it would have been amazing! Yummy Pedals is a great option if this sounds up your alley!
One of my favorite bike tours I took was through Kilkenny in Ireland, even though it began to rain! Read about it here: The Ultimate 7-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
Another fun thing to do in Mykonos would be to take a cruise or sailing tour around the island.
It’s always fun to explore the island first-hand, but being able to enjoy the beauty of the island from the Aegean Sea (away from all the crowds) is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
➣➣SEE ALSO: Mykonos Catamaran Daytime or Sunset Sailing with Food and Drinks
Mykonos, along with Santorini, are some of the best islands for shopping! From handmade souvenirs, art and jewelry, to well-known international brands, Mykonos has it all!
One of the best shopping areas is Matoyianni Street. Adorned with bougainvilleas, cute boutiques, cafés and brightly painted doors and balconies, this street is the epitome of all your Greek shopping expectations!
Plus, after dark, the cafés and bars come to life with locals and visitors connecting over food and wine. Even if you don’t like shopping, this area is still an experience you should partake in at least once!
Mykonos is super easy to explore by ATV or vehicle, and it’s a great way to get to see more secluded parts of the island!
One of my favorite ways to explore a place is by renting an ATV (I am a Louisiana girl, after all!). We rented an ATV and explored the entire island of Paros for a day, and it was one of my favorite memories from my Greece trip!
Plus, the taxis on the island are VERY scarce (especially if you’re traveling in the off-seasons), so it may even end up being cheaper to rent a car/ATV for a day rather than paying a premium for a driver!
➣➣ SEE ALSO: The Best Airbnb in Paros, Greece You Need To Book
The Mykonos Folklore Museum is situated near the Paraportiani Church in the Kastro neighborhood in a ship owner’s former house.
It houses tons of historical artifacts, Byzantine antiquities and significant items of Mykonos’ history. The library also features archives of manuscripts, old photographs and maps.
It’s free to visit, but donations are appreciated!
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, located near the Chora harbor, is home to several artifacts that were discovered during the island’s excavation! If you’re a history lover, this is sure to be a fascinating experience for you.
Artifacts such as old pottery, vases and jewelry dating back to the 25th century B.C., as well as relics from the many raids and battles that took place on the island, can be found at this museum.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Mykonos, and you will surely see why this island is one of the favorite destinations to visit among Greece travelers!
Whether you’re visiting for the parties, the history, relaxation or all of the above, I hope my list of the best things to do in Mykonos excites you and helps make planning your visit a breeze!
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