Between cruising around Santorini’s caldera and exploring ancient ruins on Crete, it’s hard to pick a favorite moment from our Greek Islands tours. But, for Go Ahead Tours staffer Matt, it was Mykonos’ beachy vibes and beautiful views that won him over on his trip, The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Here are his top five things to do in Mykonos.
1. Get lost in Mykonos Town (in a good way!)
Wander through the winding streets of Mykonos Town known as “Chora” by the locals, and you’re sure to stumble upon some incredible discoveries—whether that’s a colorful bougainvillea or a street vendor serving up the best gyro you’ve ever had.
Mykonos travel tip: Snag the perfect souvenir (and snap the prettiest photos) on Matoyianni Street in Mykonos Town. With its blue-doored white homes, pink flowers, and quaint shops at every turn, saying this place is “picturesque” barely does it justice. No wonder Matoyianni Street was one of staffer Matt’s favorite things to see in Mykonos.
2. Have a coffee break in Little Venice
Did you know that the Venetians ruled Mykonos in the 13th century? Well, after seeing Little Venice, it won’t be hard to imagine. This harbor-front spot boasts colorful buildings lined with wooden balconies, and is almost the spitting image of the eponymous Italian city. “There are tons of little cafes and bars with outdoor seating—perfect for people-watching,” Matt said. Kick back and grab a coffee, or follow Matt’s lead and sip some Ouzo, Greece’s signature drink.
Mykonos travel tip: Swing by Little Venice at dusk for the best sunset ever. Seeing the sun sinking below the horizon on the water is just as breathtaking as it sounds. One of our favorite spots to get a front-row seat (and eat some of the best dishes on the Greek Islands) is Caprice Bar, where there’s more than enough feta and ouzo to go around.
3. Take a hop, skip, and jump to the beach
Heading to the beach is one of the best things to do in Mykonos. Whether you’re up for a swim or just want to soak in the sun as you listen to the sound of the waves, there’s no shortage of incredible shorelines here. Put your toes in the sand at one of the island’s 25 beautiful beaches, or just admire views of the Aegean from the streets above.
Mykonos travel tip: Hop on a bus in Mykonos Town (buses depart every 15–30 minutes) and make your way to one of our favorite beaches: Platys Gialos. The water is crystal clear, there are lounge chairs to rent, and if you get peckish, just visit one of the many restaurants or markets lining the beach.
4. See the iconic windmills in person
The 16 white windmills the dot the horizon in Mykonos are some of the most-photographed attractions on the island, and for good reason: They’re lovely, and have history in spades. They date back to the 16th century, when locals relied on the wind power to grind grain. So, if you’re looking for a bit of history (or another good sunset-viewing spot!) this is it. The iconic windmills, the views of the ocean... “It’s all even better than the pictures,” Matt said.
Mykonos travel tip: If Mykonos’ history of grain production interests you, then we’ve got another stop to add to your free-time to-do list: Gioras Bakery. This place in Mykonos Town is the oldest bakery on the island, and has been owned by the same family for over two centuries.
5. Watch local life at the Old Port
Still wondering what to do in Mykonos? Well, no matter where you are in the world, getting to know the locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in culture. Despite Mykonos’ status as a popular travel destination, everyone on the island seems to share the same sunny disposition (the almost-everyday sunshine probably has something to do with it). “All the people I met were so accommodating and friendly to visitors,” Matt said.
Mykonos travel tip: To get a true feel for local life, head to the daily morning market at the Old Port, called the Pagka. Myconians head here in the early hours of the day to buy their fresh fish and veggies, then sit to drink their coffee. Why not join them?
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