Choose from 13 Fun Things to Do in Mykonos
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Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Surrounded by the boutiques and bars that have made Mykonos the Aegean’s most stylish and sophisticated Greek island, the flower-bedecked Church of Panagia Paraportiani is a highlight of a wander through the town’s picture-perfect Little Venice. The island’s most famous and most photographed church is made up of four whitewashed chapels, topped by a further bright white chapel on the upper storey, reached by an external staircase. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the church once guarded the entrance to the town’s castle, long since destroyed.
The multi-layered nature of the church gives it a unique shape, rising from the squared-off white chapels on the ground level to the domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top. Don’t miss the chance snap a photo of the church, standing out in brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the Aegean.
The multi-layered nature of the church gives it a unique shape, rising from the squared-off white chapels on the ground level to the domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top. Don’t miss the chance snap a photo of the church, standing out in brilliant white against the deep blue sky of the Aegean.
Practical Info
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is in Chora (Mykonos Town), the island’s main hub. The church is in the historic Little Venice quarter, on the southern side of the port overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Only one of the ground-floor chapels is open to the public.
Only one of the ground-floor chapels is open to the public.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
From $ 113
Mykonos Folklore Museum
Housed in the old captain’s house on the seafront of Mykonos Town, the Mykonos Folklore Museum transports visitors back to the 19th-century, offering a unique insight into historic life on the island. Inside, visitors can take a peek at a typical 19th-century bedroom, kitchen and sitting room, decked out in period style, with traditional oil lamps and vintage furniture.
Among the museum’s eclectic collection, highlights include antique tools, utensils and ceramics; musical instruments; rare textiles and embroidered works; and fine paintings. Also on display is a pair of canons used during the 1821 War for Independence, an impressive collection of keys and locks, and a series of sketches depicting Mykonos shipping vessels.
Practical Info
The Mykonos Folklore Museum is located in the Kastro neighborhood of Mykonos Town and is open from April to October, daily between 5:30 and 8:30pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
Address: Kastro, Mykonos Town, Greece
Hours: April-Oct daily 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
From $ 587
Little Venice
Situated in Chora Mykonos (aka Mykonos Town), the waterfront quarter of Little Venice is one of the island’s top sunset-viewing spots. Rows of whitewashed old fishermen’s houses—now occupied by bars, shops, and restaurants—back onto the seafront, their brightly painted red and blue balconies jutting out over the water.
The Basics
Named for its Venetian-style housing, Little Venice is one of Chora Mykonos’ most picturesque quarters. Guided walking tours of Mykonos Town often include a visit to Little Venice, as do shore excursions, which typically add other must-see sights on the Greek island, such as Kalafatis Beach on Mykonos’ southeast coast and Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera. Cruises departing from Chora Mykonos often sail by Little Venice, offering unobstructed views of its wooden balconies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Little Venice is a must for sunset-watchers and photographers.
- Browse the shops of Little Venice, which sell everything from clothes to crafts to souvenirs.
- If you plan on having dinner here, book ahead. Terrace tables quickly fill around sunset.
How to Get There
Little Venice is situated in Chora Mykonos on Mykonos, one of Greece’s Cyclades Islands. The easiest way to get there is on foot. From the windmills (Kato Milli), follow the road leading toward the sea.
When to Get There
Little Venice is postcard-perfect at any time of the day, but especially so at sunset. Plan a sunset cocktail or dinner to fully enjoy the seafront view. From the afternoon on, Little Venice tends to be busy—the later it gets, the livelier it becomes. For a quieter experience, come early in the morning instead.
Nearby Sights in Mykonos
After wandering Little Venice, take some time to explore the rest of Chora Mykonos. Take photos of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, whose gleaming whitewashed exterior contrasts with the blue of the sky and the Aegean Sea. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos to examine ancient artifacts from Delos, and peruse the Aegean Maritime Museum to view nautical memorabilia, including old maps, ship models, and navigation equipment.
Address: Greece
From $ 44
Archaeological Museum of Delos
In Ancient Greek mythology, the tiny Cycladean island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis; in thanks for the safe delivery their mother vowed to make the island the richest community in Greece. And so it came to pass.
Delos was first colonized in around 1100 BC as a sanctuary to Apollo. By 456 BC the island was under Macedonian control and many of the surviving monuments of this vast, open-air museum date from that era, as its community of 25,000 people became a powerful trading port in the eastern Mediterranean. However, Delos lost its strategic importance in the first century BC and was gradually abandoned.
Excavations began there in 1873 and one of the wonders of the ancient world was unearthed from the UNESCO-listed site covering 235 acres (95 hectares) — only 62 acres (25 hectares) have been uncovered so far — of temples, sanctuaries, villas, palaces, amphitheaters and baths. The most famous of the Delos ruins is the Terrace of Lions, a row of marble lions that guarded Apollo’s sanctuary. Today nine replicas stand in their place, while five originals are found in Delos Archaeological Museum, which has nine galleries displaying finds from the archaeological excavations including mosaics, fragments of marble and stone torsos and heads as well as ivory and bronze reliefs, all dating from the seventh to the first century BC. As well as the marble lions, highlights of the collection include a bronze mask of Dionysos, wall paintings depicting boxing matches and great feasts, and a giant marble statue of Apollo. Considering this is one of the most important classical sites in the world, there is little interpretive information among the Delos ruins, so visit the museum first for an understanding of the history and importance of the island.
Practical Info
Delos, Mykonos. Open Apr–¬Oct 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar 8am–3pm. Admission adults €5, seniors, students & children younger than 19 €3. Delos is accessible by twice daily boats from Mykonos. Additional services run from Tinos and Naxos in summer.
Address: Delos, Cyclades, Greece 846 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily Apr–Oct 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar 8am–3pm
Admission: Adults: €5; Seniors, Students & Children younger than 19: €3
From $ 42
Kalafatis Beach
With its long stretch of golden sand and steady coastal winds, Kalafatis Beach is not only one of Mykonos’ most beautiful beaches – it’s also earned a reputation as the island’s water sports hub. The beach is most renowned for its windsurfing, but other popular activities include jet skiing, water skiing, banana boating and wakeboarding.
For less adventurous beach-goers, Kalafatis also offers ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, as well as boat cruises around the sea caves of Dragonisi island. The beach itself is well equipped for families, with sunbeds and parasols for hire, beach volleyball nets, and a selection of cafés and restaurants nearby.
Insider’s Tip: Beach bars and sun beds for rent are located at both ends of the beach, but if you don’t want to pay, bring your own beach towel or parasol and head to the central strip.
Practical Info
Kalafatis Beach is located on the southeast coast of Mykonos island, 12km east of Mykonos Town.
Address: Kalafati Beach, Kalafati 846 00, Greece
From $ 63
Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili)
The four windmills lined up on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town are a signature island sight. All up there are around two dozen windmills on the island, but these four are the most famous. Capped with wood and straw, the three-story conical windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill flour. They remained in use until the early 20th century.
The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.
The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.
Practical Info
The four most famous windmills overlook Little Venice and the waterfront’s southern stretch in Mykonos Town (Chora).
Address: Greece
From $ 80
Panagia Tourliani Monastery
Ano Mera is the second-largest settlement on Mykonos, and as far from the island’s party-crazy reputation it is possible to get. A whitewashed cluster northeast of Mykonos Town (also called Chora), life rumbles on here as it has done for centuries. There’s a daily fresh produce market in the village square and Ano Mera is popular with local families for leisurely Sunday brunches in traditional tavernas. The village’s chief claim to fame is the 16th-century whitewashed monastery of Panagia Tourliani and its church, which is fronted by an intricate marble bell tower and ornate triple bells.
Founded in 1542 by monks from the neighboring island of Paros and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery’s Byzantine styling is apparent in its red dome and its layout around a fountain-filled courtyard. The interior of the church is awash with elaborate Byzantine decoration in marble, green and gold Byzantine frescoes, carved wood, incense burners and crystal chandeliers among which precious icons flash and sparkle. A fresco of Jesus covers the cupola and the pulpit is covered with gilding and portraits of the Apostles; the wooden altar screen (iconostasis) is carved with scenes from the New Testament dating from 1775, studded with icons and patterned with flowers in red, gold and green. There’s also a small museum displaying richly embroidered vestments and the monastery’s original bells.
Although a regular bus service runs from Chora to Ano Mera, the village and its monastery can also be visited on 4x4 or scooter tours of Mykonos.
Practical Info
Ano Mera, Mykonos. Open daily 9am–1pm, 3.30pm–7pm. Admission €1. The monastery is 5 miles (8 km) from Chora, the main town on Mykonos. There is a limited public bus service between Chora and Ano Mera.
Address: Ano Mera, Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece 846 00, Greece
Hours: Open daily 9am–1pm and 3.30pm–7pm
Admission: €1
From $ 35
Manto Mavrogenous Square
Looking out over the Old Port and marking the entrance to historic Mykonos Town is Manto Mavrogenous Square—the lively epicenter of the quintessential Greek Island destination. A popular starting point for walking tours, the square boasts handicraft shops, restaurants, and cafes along its seafront promenade, while its white-painted, blue-shuttered buildings make for a pretty photo opportunity against the ocean backdrop.
At the heart of the square stands its namesake monument, an unassuming statue of Manto Mavrogenous, the Greek war heroine famous for her role in the Greek War of Independence.
Practical Info
Manto Mavrogenous Square is located by the Old Port in Mykonos Town.
Address: Serakonta, Mykonos Town 846 00, Greece
From $ 44
Aegean Maritime Museum
Those with an interest in Greece’s nautical history will find a trove of fascinating exhibits at the Aegean Maritime Museum, housed in a traditional 19th-century mansion in the heart of Mykonos Town. The nautical theme starts before you even step inside, with the museum courtyard dotted with cannons, anchors and ship helms, while inside the displays are crammed with model ships, maps and navigational instruments, shipping documents, and ancient coins.
Among the many highlights is a gigantic lighthouse lantern, impressively restored to its 19th-century glory, which stands in the museum garden alongside a collection of larger artifacts and sailors’ gravestones recovered from around Mykonos.
Practical Info
The Aegean Maritime Museum is located on Enoplon Dynameon Street in Mykonos Town and is open daily from April to October from 10:30a-1pm and 6:30pm-9pm. Adult admission is €4.
Address: 10 Enoplon Dynameon Street, Mykonos 846 00, Greece
Hours: April-Oct: Daily 10:30am-1pm & 6:30pm-9pm
Admission: Adults: €4
From $ 587
Delos
Archaeological buffs and lovers of legends can't miss a trip to the sacred island of Delos, the archaeological jewel of the Cyclades. Travelers can see firsthand where the ancients lived and clamber over the ruins they left behind. Held sacred as the mythological birthplace of Apollo, Delos was at the heart of the ancient world as an important religious and commercial center, reaching its zenith in the Hellenic period around the 5th century BC.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
The huge site sprawls along the island’s west coast, from the stadium in the north to the old trading warehouses to the south. Standouts include the Sanctuary of Apollo temples and the Terrace of the Lions. The remains of private houses surround the semicircular theater, and the site includes several agoras, monuments, sanctuaries and temples. You can see finds from the excavations at the site museum, including the original lions from the much-photographed Terrace of the Lions. Another must-do is the climb up nearby Mt Kythnos for views over the island, sea and site.
Practical Info
Delos lies a 30-minute sail southwest of Mykonos, only 5km (less than 1 mile) away. You can take an organized tour to Delos, or catch a boat from Chora Mykonos. Factoring in the return boat trips, stays on Delos are a maximum of six or seven hours.
You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
You can’t stay overnight on Delos, which has been uninhabited since 478 BC. Facilities are limited, so pack a picnic and bring all the essentials, including a sunhat and walking shoes.
Address: Greece
Hours: Open Tue – Sun: 8:30am-3pm
Admission: Adults: € 5
From $ 42
Paradise Beach
By day, Paradise Beach is a water sports hot spot, with swimsuit-clad revelers enjoying banana boat rides, Jet Ski jaunts, and scuba diving excursions. Come late afternoon, its legendary party scene gets going as fun-seekers flock to the beach bars and clubs for music, dancing, drinking, and fun.
The Basics
Paradise Beach is one of Mykonos’ most well-known stretches of sand. During the day, people come here to sunbathe, try watersports, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Some beach-hopping Mykonos tours stop here, while scuba diving tours also set off from Paradise Beach.
Later on, Paradise transforms into one of Greece’s most notorious party beaches, as the bars and clubs on the beach fling open their doors. Some beach clubs, such as Paradise Club and Cavo Paradiso, host sets from big-name DJs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Paradise Beach is a must for those who want to experience this Greek island’s legendary party scene.
- While the beach is family-friendly by day, it can be a bit too loud and rowdy for children as night draws in.
- Drinks, food, umbrellas, and loungers are all available at the beach.
How to Get There
Paradise Beach is situated on Mykonos’ southwest coast, about a 20-minute drive from Mykonos Town. Buses run between Mykonos Town and Paradise Beach, though the schedule changes depending on the time of year. Water taxis also run from Platis Gialos beach throughout the day, but service typically stops in the early evening.
When to Get There
If you want a laid-back beach experience or a few chilled-out drinks, come during the day. If you want to experience the wilder side of Paradise Beach, arrive in late afternoon. The party typically gets started between 4pm and 6pm and lasts until the wee hours.
Mykonos’ Other Beaches
Mykonos has lots of beautiful beaches to explore. Not far from Paradise Beach, you’ll find its neighbor, Super Paradise Beach, which boasts golden sand, clear waters, and a party atmosphere. For a family beach, try Agios Ioannis, which looks across to Delos, or Paraga Beach to the west of Paradise. Northwest of Paradise Beach, discover low-key Psarou Beach, where you can try outdoor activities such as windsurfing and waterskiing, or just chill out in one of the chic beachside restaurants and bars.
Address: Greece
From $ 139
Ornos Beach
The soft, sandy beach at Ornos is found on the southwest coast of Mykonos, draped around a sheltered bay with clear, calm and shallow water that is safe for family swimming and a popular anchorage for yachts. Thanks to its proximity to Mykonos Town, it is busy every day with a mixture of youngsters and families; sun loungers and parasols are available for a small fee and it is backed with a generous supply of seafront restaurants, tavernas and shops as well as cozy apartments, villas and several luxury hotels in what was once a traditional, whitewashed fishing village. Water sports facilities available at Ornos include water-skiing, diving and windsurfing, with equipment for hire and lessons for all skill levels.
Several boat cruises around Mykonos and sailing trips to Delos depart from Ornos Beach; water taxis near Platis Gialos also offer trips to other beaches on the island, including Psarou, Agrari, Elia and Super Paradise.
Practical Info
The beach is two miles (3.5 km) south of Mykonos Town and can be accessed by bus (there are frequent connecting services), car or taxi. It is is also within walking distance of Mykonos Town.
Address: Ornos, Mykonos, Cyclades Islands 846 00, Greece
From $ 101
Mykonos Cruise Port
Known world-over for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and booming nightlife, Mykonos is a favorite amongst visitors on the Greece leg of their Mediterranean tour. With a load of wonderful beaches to park at, Mykonos is also filled with museums and other tokens of cultural life. The town itself is a wonderful maze of charming little streets and traditional buildings full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Feel free to get lost when exploring Mykonos.
How to Get to Mykonos
Now with two ports, one of which is the relatively new, but smaller marina, all sorts of cruise liners, yachts and other boats swarm the island of Mykonos, making it a common ferry destination from places like Rafina or Piraeua, where you can catch a ride daily. Mykonos also has an international airport only a few miles away from the town itself, offering flights from a number of major European destinations.
One Day in Mykonos
Though there may not be much to do along the port itself, you are less than five minutes away from the village of Mykonos, where you can find plenty to do, day or night. During the day, there are a handful of sandy beaches, either in Mykonos town, or nearby Platys Gialos or Paranga. Also check out the famous 16th-century windmills or its famous folklore or archaeological museums, both unforgettable treasures of the island.
Port Information
Mykonos is capable of hosting some very large cruise ships that can also hold vehicles or higher-speed catamarans, and finding such ships is quite easy. On the ferry side, Mykonos works on a four-season schedule, each have different connections and routes depending on the company, so be on the lookout a few weeks prior to each season.
How to Get to Mykonos
Now with two ports, one of which is the relatively new, but smaller marina, all sorts of cruise liners, yachts and other boats swarm the island of Mykonos, making it a common ferry destination from places like Rafina or Piraeua, where you can catch a ride daily. Mykonos also has an international airport only a few miles away from the town itself, offering flights from a number of major European destinations.
One Day in Mykonos
Though there may not be much to do along the port itself, you are less than five minutes away from the village of Mykonos, where you can find plenty to do, day or night. During the day, there are a handful of sandy beaches, either in Mykonos town, or nearby Platys Gialos or Paranga. Also check out the famous 16th-century windmills or its famous folklore or archaeological museums, both unforgettable treasures of the island.
Port Information
Mykonos is capable of hosting some very large cruise ships that can also hold vehicles or higher-speed catamarans, and finding such ships is quite easy. On the ferry side, Mykonos works on a four-season schedule, each have different connections and routes depending on the company, so be on the lookout a few weeks prior to each season.
Address: Pros Palaio Limani, Mykonos, Mykonos Island GR-846 00, Greece
From $ 17