Located in the Cycladic region of the beautiful Aegean Sea, Mykonos offers so many famous attractions. There is something to do for everyone. Amazing beaches, beautiful nature, picturesque villages, delicious Greek food and a chic lifestyle.
Today, as you might now Mykonos is very famous for the great nightlife it offers. And some people call Mykonos the Ibiza of Greece, since partying til morning in famous clubs. If you want to see, and be seen, this is the perfect place. To relax and party hard, to step on virgin beaches but also crowded ones and enjoy the indisputably tasty Greek cuisine.
1. Explore the alleys of Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town (called Chora) is the heart of Mykonos and hosts the most famous attractions in Mykonos. With its beautiful, traditional, cycladic blue and white houses and its tiny streets full of shops, churches. Anywhere you go, Mykonos Town is a pleasure to the eye and each little corner and every beautiful house is a photo opportunity. Mykonos Town offers you a bunch of things to do; from bars to taverns and cafeterias, to fashionable clothes and accessories boutiques. Furthermore you will have the chance to pick up some typical Greek souvenirs, like olive oil products or leather sandals and postcards for memories that won’t fade.
2. Admire the scenic view from Armenistis Lighthouse
This is one of our favorite selfie spots! Located on the northwestern tip of the island, you will find Armenistis Lighthouse standing 19 meters (62 ft) tall. It is a scenic attraction offering great views to the Aegean Sea, and in the background you can notice the neighbouring island of Tinos. From here you can see the boats passing by between the two islands. The lighthouse is approximately 7 km (4.35 mi) away from Mykonos Town and you can get there by car taking the north coastal road simply following the signs to Fanari.
3. Mykonos famous attractions: Little Venice
You have probably already seen the most famous images of Mykonos. They are those of the Little Venice. In case you had not figured it out yet it is named ‘Little Venice’ because it resembles Italy’s Venice due to its architecture and exceptional beauty hanging over the water edge. Locate in the Mykonos Town (Chora), you can get there and relax at the various bars and cafes right on the shore with a view of Little Venice.
4. Platis Gialos Beach
Platis Gialos Beach is in the southern part of the island, and is home to all our three offices. It is located about 4 km (2.48 mi) from Mykonos Town, and is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos. With its deep white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters it attract visitors from all parts of the island. Platis Gialos Beach is accessible by bus and by boat. It is a fully organised beach with beach bars, taverns and sunbeds, definitely the place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the crystal clear waters. One can also catch a boat from there to other southern beaches (Paranga, Agrari, Elia, Paradise and Super Paradise).
5. Party at Paradise or Super Paradise Beach
Located in the southern part of the island, Paradise and Super Paradise makes sure that the fun starts as early as 4:30 in the afternoon. Their epic parties have made history and therefore it must be on any famous attractions in Mykonos top-list. Music vibes create a party atmosphere, people are dancing all the time and amazing cocktails are served. Tropicana Beach Bar (Paradise Beach) is ideal for chilling on the beach, sipping a cold beverage in a comfortable wooden chair under your umbrella. It is definitely the place to have fun, flirt and dance. At Super Paradise, which is located next to Paradise, one can party at Super Paradise Beach club, relax at the beach and enjoy the great atmosphere. Another recomendation at Super Paradise you should not miss out on is a visit to the Jackie O’ Beach Bar and Club.
6. Mykonos Windmills
The windmills are considered to be one of the most famous attractions in Mykonos island. They are a landscape landmark as they rise above the sea, on the small hill southeast of Chora. Their original use was for grain grinding that contributed to the island’s economic development.
Nowadays, the windmills are no longer operational but they continue to be a symbol of Mykonos and a jewel to the island. Today, there are 7 windmills in Mykonos that are kept in quite good conditions due to extensive renovation. The most famous of all is the “Bonis Windmill” (Agromuseum of Mykonos), which has been transformed into a museum where various activities take place. If you want to discover the past or are simply curiosity to see how windmills look like on the inside, then a visit will give you a unique experience!
7. Visit the Panagia Paraportiani
Paraportiani took its name from the fact that it is located next to the small gate (“paraporti” in Greek) of the medieval wall of Mykonos. It is in fact a two-storey complex of five churches, where four of them are on the ground floor and one is elevated. It is precisely this church that bears the name of Panagia Paraportiani.
Panagia Paraportiani was built in the first phase between the 16th and 17th centuries. Due to its unique architectural heritage, it has been an important monument not only for Mykonos but also for the whole Aegean islands region. It is, with certainty, one of the most photographed sights of Greece and no one visiting Mykonos should miss it.
8. Dive and explore Mykonos marine life
Mykonos beauty isn’t limited to it’s land. Discover the magic of Cycladic seabed and explore the wide diversity of marine life.
Head to Mykonos Diving Center which is located on Paradise Beach., on the south side of the island.. It is just 4.5 km (2.79 mi) away from Mykonos town and have the experienced staff show you the beauty of the water. You can rent all equipment and do all levels of lessons from beginner to professional.
9. Tour the Ancient City of Delos
At a very short distance from cosmopolitan Mykonos, you can travel by boat and find Delos – the holy island of ancient Greece. Since 1990, the entire island has been declared a World Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO. It is an imposing place, with no vegetation but exceptionally brilliant and full with the remnants of ancient Greece. This is bucket-list thing to do while in Mykonos!
According to Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. What makes Delos one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, is that it is the only place in Greece where ancient homes have been found in a wonderfully preserved state. The temples, theaters, stadiums, gyms and other monumental structures give us a vivid picture of how it used to be. The architecture, the interior layout, the materials used, the wall decoration, the water supply, the drainage system etc.
10. Go on a shopping spree along famous Matogianni
The famous Matogianni is the busiest alley in Mykonos and is the island’s most well-known market. Take a walk along the narrow traditional alley that combines fashion and nightlife. Besides luxury stores, you may also find international clothing brands, accessories, jewelery, works of art and many souvenirs. It is usually full of people walking by window-shopping or trying on clothes and accessories. All the shops, no matter how luxurious, all retain a traditional Cycladic architecture, keeping the traditional style of Mykonos.
The area does not have only shops but also cafes, bars, and taverns where you can relax and have a cup of coffee, an aperitif or eat some local food. This is the island’s hotspot.
11. Visit the Folklore Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum
There is a different side to Mykonos, more linked to it’s traditional past, between the bustling alleys of Mykonos Town. These contrasts are what make Mykonos special. The traditional side of Mykonos is worth seeing and you may do so by visiting the Folklore Museum.
Just a few meters away from Panayia Paraportiani, you may find Mykonos Folklore Museum. Housed in an old two-storey captain’s house, includes six main halls that host collections of historical items of Mykonos. Collections of old furniture, Byzantine icons, folk ceramics, old commemorative dishes and more.
The Aegean Maritime Museum, in Tria Pigadia area, is worth visiting as it holds an interesting maritime collection. The building belonged to the legendary Μaster Nicolas Surmeli. With his merchant ship “ENOSIS”, Master Nicolas, helped the Cretans in their struggle against the Turks.
The Museum exhibits include ship dunks from the pre-Minoan period to the early 20th century. Historical shipping documents, rare engravings and maps, ancient objects, as well as nautical motifs from the 5th century BC . Until the 5th century AD, the library of the Museum consists of about 5,000 rare books, old and newer publications.
12. Catch a show at the Cine Manto
“Ciné Manto” was created in 1995 by the Municipality of Mykonos and is a open-air cinema. It is located inside the Municipal Garden of Meletopoulos in Matoyianni. Moreover it offers a unique green area full of palm trees and cactuses in the middle of Mykonos Town. Here you can enjoy a movie under the beautiful Aegean sky. Inside the cinema, that is located at the back of the garden, there is an old church and a cafe-restaurant. Offering a variety of food: greek breakfast, brunch, dinner as well as drinks and refreshments. Here you may enjoy your movie while dining.
13. Explore the beaches of Mykonos on an ATV
Obviously, we saved the best thing to do for last. You cannot fulfill a vacation in Mykonos without a tour around the island. So weather it is on a ATV or in a car will be your choice. But discovering the beaches of Mykonos will be a memory you never forget! So make sure you don’t miss out on it. Read our guide on Exploring Mykonos on wheels.
