The best things to do in Mykonos, Greece

Get lost in the charming streets of Chora

The maze-like streets of Mykonos Town (or “Chora” to the locals) bring you some of the most classic Greek snapshots. Think: whitewashed homes, bright blue doors, colorful bougainvillea, and waterfront tavernas. “It’s all even better than the pictures,” said staffer Matt. The endless beauty makes this one of the best places to while away a leisurely afternoon of wandering.

Must-visit landmarks in Mykonos Town

• Kato Mili Windmills: The seven white Mykonos windmills that dot the horizon are some of the most-photographed attractions on the island. They date back to the 16th century, when locals relied on the wind power to grind grain (and now mark an amazing sunset-viewing spot).
• Matoyianni Street: This pedestrian shopping street makes for one of the best people-watching and souvenir-shopping spots. It’s the place to go for art galleries, jewelry stores, and other boutiques.
• Panagia Paraportiani Church: If you think this landmark looks like melting ice cream, you’re not the only one—its five small chapels, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, give it its distinct style.
• Old Port: This working harbor is the place to admire colorful fishing boats and dig into the waterfront dining scene. (Insider tip: To get a true feel for local life, head to the Old Port’s daily morning market, called the Pagka, where Mykonians go to buy their fresh fish and veggies.)
• Monastery of Panagia Tourliani: Find quiet beauty (and 16th-century history) at this spot in the village of Ano Mera, which stuns with a white marble facade and a peaceful courtyard.

Cap off your day at Mykonos’ most romantic spot

Little Venice in Mykonos is a must-see. This harbor-front area boasts colorful buildings lined with wooden balconies and is almost the spitting image of the eponymous Italian city—which is thanks to the fact that the Venetians ruled Mykonos in the 13th century. “There are tons of little cafes and bars with outdoor seating—perfect for people-watching,” said staffer Matt.

Best ways to experience Little Venice

• Sunset cocktails at waterfront bars: Soaking up the atmosphere at popular spots like Galeraki and Scarpa Bar as the sky changes colors is a must. Just be sure to arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to secure a waterfront table.
• Early morning photography: The secret to capturing frame-worthy Mykonos photos without the crowds is to snap away just after sunrise. Plus, the soft morning light on the iconic balconies is always worth seeing.
• Waterfront dining: Fresh seafood and Greek specialties like lamb souvlaki are served up at tables right next to the water. Don’t miss one of our favorite spots, Caprice Bar, where there’s more than enough ouzo and OMG-worthy views to go around.
• Evening strolls: A pedestrian-friendly waterfront promenade draws a direct line from Little Venice to those iconic Mykonos windmills. Trace the 10-minute route on foot to soak up cooler evening temps and see street performances.

Seek out the best spots for relaxation and swimming

Accessibility and good amenities are the name of the game at many of Mykonos’ beaches. Want to spend a relaxing free day by the sea? Read on for some of our favorite spots to sprawl as we run through the best beaches in Mykonos.

Beaches to visit around the island

• Elia Beach: Soaking up the sun, taking a relaxing dip—choosing what to do in Mykonos is easy at this beach, which is one of the island’s largest. You’ll find sun beds, soft sand, and calm waters.
• Agios Sostis Beach: If you want more rustic, off-the-beaten-path natural beauty, this undeveloped beach is calling. There won’t be chairs to lounge on, but there will be good food nearby—swing by Kiki’s Tavern (with cash) for simple grilled meats, fresh salads, and Aegean views.
• Platis Gialos Beach: Hop on a bus in Mykonos Town (which departs every 15- to 30 minutes) and make your way here. 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.
• Fokos Beach: If wild, unspoiled beaches are your scene, then this secluded spot in northeast Mykonos is for you. While it requires a drive on unpaved roads, the minimal crowds make it a treat. Hungry? Swing by Fokos Taverna for fresh fish and traditional dishes.
• Paradise Beach: Looking for a party by the sea? This upbeat spot always offers a lively atmosphere. Paradise Beach, Mykonos, is just a short trip away from Chora, and is the place to go for sun beds, umbrellas, drinks, music, and more.

This nearby island is one of Greece’s 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Want to see what type of beauty and history surrounds Mykonos? Get an unparalleled window into ancient Greek civilization during a day trip to the island of Delos. This sacred isle is about a 30-minute ferry ride away and is known as Europe’s largest open-air museum. According to Greek mythology, it’s also the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and you can get the full story by adding our Delos Island: Ferry & Temple of Apollo excursion.

Preparing for your Delos visit

• What to bring: There’s almost no shade on this sunny island, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for a dreamy day of exploring. Of course, drinking water, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture all the beauty are musts, too.
• Physical considerations: Varied terrain and ancient stone paths give Delos its stopped-in-time charm—and also mean you’ll want to be prepared to walk a good amount over uneven paths during your visit. Think: at least three to four hours of exploration on one of Greece’s sunniest islands.
• What to see: Be sure to explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Sacred Cave, the Lion Terrace, and the House of Dionysus, where you’ll find a breathtaking mosaic of the god of wine.
• Advantages of visiting on a tour: Letting our travel experts handle all the logistics (think: booking your ferries, picking the best time to go, getting tickets, hiring local guides) makes for a stress-free visit to Delos.

Follow our lead to top tavernas and local dishes

Sitting down for a leisurely meal is one of the best ways to socialize in Greece. Looking for authentic dining experiences beyond Mykonos’ popular tourist areas? Our team of local experts has the in.

Greek dishes and culinary experiences to savor on Mykonos

• Fresh seafood, like grilled octopus: Other seafood staples on Mykonos include calamari, just-caught sea bream, and red mullet.
• Traditional Mykonian specialties: A spicy local cheese called kopanisti can be found at just about every taverna. The island’s famous cured pork, louza, is also a must-try. Looking for something lighter? Try a traditional Greek salad with Mykonian xinomyzithra cheese.
• Twice-baked barley bread typical to the island: Rusks called paximadia are a must-try on Mykonos, which has a long history of grain production. Visit Gioras Bakery, the oldest bakery on the island, to try some.
• Tavernas in Ano Mera village: Take a quick taxi ride from Mykonos Town to Ano Mera, a village where local Mykonians actually live. The authentic atmosphere makes for even more authentic local dishes—as well as lower prices. Two of our fave spots to dig in are Vergos Taverna and Vangelis Taverna.
• Old Port waterfront dining: The day’s freshest catch is very easy to come by at this quintessential Greek harbor, where locals go after a long day of work. (That’s why you won’t find the same touristy vibe at the tavernas here as some restaurants in the center of Mykonos Town.)

Mykonos has an undeniable charm thanks to its traditional architecture and layout—which means cobblestone streets galore! The fact that there’s so much history on the island means more ancient sites found along hillside paths, so travelers who like walking and enjoy full, on-the-go days in the sun will be in their element.

What to know before you go to Mykonos

• Packing essentials: Of course, sun protection is a must no matter which Greek island you’re visiting, but layers are also a good idea for when evening breezes roll through cafe-dotted squares. Be sure to throw a bathing suit for swimming and a scarf for monastery visits in your day bag, too.
• Accessibility and mobility: The pedestrian streets of Mykonos Town require walking on cobblestones, Little Venice involves stairs and uneven surfaces, and archaeological sites like Delos are crisscrossed by ancient paths. Prefer a beach day? If you’re looking for an easy-to-access strip of sand, put Elia Beach on your list.
• Local customs and etiquette: For Greek locals, dinner starts around 9 p.m. (so the most authentic tavernas will be practically empty if you eat early). If you want to leave a tip for good service, 10% is appreciated (as is a “thank you” in the local language: efharisto).