Top 10 Things to do in Mykonos
What are the Top 10 Things to Do in Mykonos? Mykonos Island in Greece is one of the most amazing Summer getaways in Europe. In this blog post, find out my Travel Guide with Top 10 Things to Do in Mykonos.
My first trip to Mykonos was a long time ago in a Mediterranean cruise around the Greek Islands. I visited Athens in the mainland, Rhodes, Patmos and Mykonos and I still remember that from all those beautiful places, Mykonos has stolen my heart. I promised to myself that one day I would be back.
More recently in September 2019, I finally kept my promise and I traveled to Mykonos again for a short vacation. When to travel to Mykonos? September a great month to head to Greece because the weather is still warm, it is less crowded than in July or August and prices are lower.
Mykonos is located in the Cyclopes group of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. Even if is known by its nightlife, it has many other attractions to offer. In Mykonos you will find splendid beaches, beautiful coastline landscapes and picturesque towns and villages with a charming Greek atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.
There are many accommodation options in Mykonos from luxurious all-inclusive resorts to local accommodation and affordable hotels. But the most important thing to consider is location. And it depends on your holiday objectives. If you want to party and enjoy the nightlife, the best option is to stay in Mykonos Town where the main clubs and bars are located. If you prefer to have a more relaxed experience, staying in some beach areas like Elia Beach, Platis Gialos, Agios Ornos or Psarou is a good option.
I stayed in Hotel Petasos Beach Resort in Platos Gialos and I loved it as it is literally one minute walking from a great beach, many restaurants and bars. It is also very easy to go to Mykonos Town by bus or by taxi as it is less than 15m drive.
What to do in Mykonos? In this blog post I will share my travel tips for the top 10 things to do in Mykonos.
Get Lost in the Streets of Mykonos Town
There’s no better plan for a Mykonos vacation than getting lost in the labyrinth streets of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, enjoying the unique atmosphere of this picturesque Cycladic town. You will loose sense of time by walking in the narrow cobblestone-paved streets, lane steps and passageways leading to the shoreline and the harbour in a wide Mediterranean bay.
Every street in Mykonos Town is a perfect photogenic location with the cutest whitewashed houses with windows and doors in vibrant colours, where blue is the predominant, and adorned with bougainvilleas.
Walk around Little Venice
Located in Chora by the sea, at the heart of Mykonos Town, Little Venice is probably my favourite place in the island. This charming quarter has many old houses at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and facing the iconic Mykonos windmills.
In the past those houses were built by sailors, but most of the buildings had been transformed in shops, restaurants and bars. Many have great terraces where you can take a coffee or a drink admiring the best views of the city.
Visit Mykonos Windmills
Mykonos is also famous by its iconic windmills. Windmills have been part of the culture of the Cycladic islands for a long time, leveraging the winds blowing the area to produce flour that was feeding locals and being shipped to other locations in the country and abroad.
In the old times, it is said there were 28 windmills in Mykonos, but now only 16 remain. Seven of them are located in Mykonos Town near Little Venice (two windmills can still be visited indoors) and became one of the landmarks of the island. A must visit spot while in Mykonos.
Admire Beautiful Greek Churches
There are many churches and monasteries in the island, many of them dating from the Byzantine period till the 19th century. They are characterised by a simple and austere architecture where white is the predominant color, whilst some of them have the blue cobalt domes that are so popular in the Greek islands.
The most famous church is Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos Town, well-known by its unusual shape. At the heart of Chora, stands Mykonos Catedral also known as Zoodochos Pigis. Only a few meters away you will find the Catholic Church of Panagia Rodario that was destroyed by a fire in 1991 but it was meanwhile rebuilt.
Embrace the Beach Life
Being Mykonos a popular Summer travel destination, it’s impossible to resist the golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whilst other islands in Greece have pebble stone beaches, in Mykonos you can find vast sand areas.
There are many beach options in Mykonos. During my visit I mainly stayed in Platis Gialos where my hotel was located. My hotel had a private beach, so I spent there almost all the time. Nevertheless, I spent one day in Platis Gialos main beach and it was a fun experience to be in in the sunbed relaxing all day and enjoying the Summer music vibes from one of the beach bars.
I’ve researched prior to my visit to Mykonos that the beaches in the southern coast are the most protected from the winds, but the ones in the northern part are less crowded and equally beautiful.
Some other well-known beaches in Mykonos (that I didn’t visit but are quite famous) are Psarou, Ornos, Paradise (famous by the party atmosphere), Super Paradise, Elia (the largest beach in the island), Agios Ioannis and Agia Anna.
Enjoy the Scenic Landscapes
Mykonos island is a popular travel destination also due to the natural landscapes. Traveling by the island you will find many spots for scenic pictures, from golden sand and crystal clear beaches, viewpoints with windmills and churches, and cliffs with breathtaking views to the Aegean blue sea.
Experience the Most Beautiful Sunset in the World
No travel to Mykonos is complete without admiring probably the the most beautiful sunset in the world. One of the most famous spots is 180 Degrees Sunset Bar in the highest point of Mykonos Town, which offers the perfect panoramic views to the city and an unforgettable sunset.
Sunsets in Little Venice are also unforgettable, but I highly recommend to book a table in advance or to go early because the best spots get fully booked quite easily.
Enjoy Nightlife in Mykonos
If you are a nightlife lover, Mykonos is the perfect destination to add to your bucket list. The summer party atmosphere and its dance clubs attract world-known DJs every year. Some of the most famous clubs and bars are located in Mykonos Town, but Super Paradise beach is also known by the party vibes.
Eat Delicious Greek Food
You will be delighted by the Greek food characterised by Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish and seafood and mezzo dining culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste grilled octopus and squid and Greek traditional specialties like eggplant moussaka (lasagna style dish using eggplant instead of pasta), souvlaki (small pieces of meat and vegetables on a skewer) and tzatziki (a delicious typical appetiser).
Go Shopping in Mykonos Town
Mykonos is also a great place for shopping, especially in Chora, the main town in the island. Ancient heritage blends with modernity and you will find almost anything, from design fashion exquisite boutiques to traditional shops selling handicraft, jewellery, art itens and souvenirs. It’s almost impossible to resist to shopping in Greece!
Want to get some travel inspiration about other island summer destinations in Europe?
