Best Things To Do in Mykonos

Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is one of Greece's most iconic islands, famous for its beaches, vibrant nightlife and cobblestone streets. Here you will find a unique combination of culture, history and natural beauty, and you can take some of the best photographs in the world.

Activities in Mykonos include walking through the Little Venice neighborhood, seeing the windmills, discovering the town by bicycle and participating in a Greek wine tasting, but you can also use the island as a great starting point to explore other nearby destinations, such as the historic island of Delos.

Mykonos is one of Greece's most famous islands and is known for hosting some of the most visited beaches in the world. Among the most popular are Psarou Beach, Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, each offering a unique experience, with exclusive and luxurious atmospheres and lively parties that attract tourists from all over the world.

Psarou is known for its sophisticated atmosphere, where you can enjoy the local cuisine in elegant restaurants and beach bars. There you can relax on sun loungers and enjoy the calm sea at the edge of the shore. On the other hand, Playa Paradise is the ideal place for those looking for fun and live music, with a wide range of parties and events taking place, especially during the European summer.

In addition to beach life, the island offers a variety of activities for all tastes. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for surface and diving water sports. In particular, the beaches of Agios Sostis and Elia are ideal for booking a diving baptism experience in Mykonos, as there you can explore colorful coral reefs, rock formations and rich marine life.

Little Venice is one of the most picturesque places in Mykonos and stands out for the colorful houses that overlook the sea, creating a postcard image that enchants all visitors. This neighborhood, known for its romantic atmosphere and unique architecture, is located a short distance from the port of the island and in its narrow cobbled streets you can discover the spirit of another era.

In Little Venice, you will also find a variety of bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces, where you can enjoy a meal or a cocktail while watching the sunset. The restaurants usually offer Greek and Mediterranean specialties, and many of them are known for their lively atmosphere, especially at night. In addition, booking a cooking class in Mykonos can also be a great way to learn about the gastronomic culture of the area, so it is ideal to combine both experiences.

Near Little Venice, which is usually included when booking a guided tour of Mykonos, there are several places of interest that are also worth a visit. Just a few minutes' walk away you can find the iconic Church of Panagia Paraportiani, which is another must-see for tourists. This white temple, with its unique architecture and multiple domes, is one of the most photographed monuments in Mykonos and Greece in general.

The wine culture in Greece is rich and fascinating, and this island is no exception. Booking a wine tasting in Mykonos is an experience that combines the pleasure of tasting with the opportunity to learn about local wine traditions. In addition, here you will find a variety of wineries and vineyards worth touring.

One of the most popular wineries is Mykonos Vioma Organic Winery, located in the Ano Mera area. This family-owned winery specializes in the production of organic wines and offers tours of the vineyards, where you can learn about the winemaking process, from grape harvesting to fermentation.

Another notable winery is Ktima Drosopigi, known for its high-quality wines and commitment to sustainable practices. Located in a picturesque setting, this winery also offers guided tours that include a tasting of its most outstanding varieties. There you can taste unique varieties, such as Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano, which are emblematic of Greek viticulture. In addition, the winery overlooks the island.

If you want to complement the wine tasting with a bit of sightseeing, you can visit the nearby monastery of Panagia Tourliani, an architectural gem located in Ano Mera. Dating back to the 16th century, this monastery is popular for its bell tower and iconography.

If your goal is to see the most popular sites in Mykonos, then you can't miss the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, which is one of the most emblematic buildings on the island and an outstanding example of the beauty of Cycladic architecture. Located in the Kastro neighborhood, this church is famous for its unique design, which combines five temples in a single structure.

Its construction began in the 15th century and its name, which translates as The Virgin Mary of the Portal, refers to its location near the entrance gate of the Venetian castle. The church is notable for its radiant white color, which contrasts with the blue of the sky and sea, making it an ideal place to take photographs.

The architecture of Panagia Paraportiani is a fascinating example of the evolution of church design in the Cyclades, with a blend of Byzantine and Gothic styles. Its curved roofs and soaring domes create a unique atmosphere. And its interior, although austere, is adorned with icons and frescoes that reflect the tradition of the Orthodox religion in the region.

As you explore the area around the church, you'll find a number of sites of interest that will allow you to make the most of your visit. A short distance away you will find the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, where you can discover a collection of items from ancient Greece, including sculptures and ceramics dating back several centuries. These sites are usually included in the guided tour of the city.

If you want to get to know the city from a different perspective, you can choose to book a catamaran tour of Mykonos, which will allow you to discover the beauty of this place from a maritime perspective, sailing through the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. During these experiences you will be able to visit some of the most outstanding and hidden beaches of Mykonos, as well as access quiet coves away from the crowds.

Catamaran tours often include stops at iconic locations such as Super Paradise Beach and Elia Beach, where you can swim in turquoise waters, participate in snorkeling experiences and relax in the sun. You can also combine the boat tour with snorkeling, paddle surfing and kayaking activities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the marine life of the area.

Also, if you opt for the afternoon tour you can discover the sunset of Mykonos from the deck of the catamaran. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and also one of the cleanest, due to its purified climate and the surrounding beauty that highlights the environment of the Greek Cyclades.

The windmills of Mykonos are one of the most iconic symbols of the island and their presence dates back several years. Originally built in the 16th century, these mills were used to grind wheat and other grains, taking advantage of the strong breeze from the Aegean Sea. With their white stone structure and thatched roofs, the mills were not only functional, but also became an integral part of the island's landscape.

Today, these windmills are a popular tourist attraction and are located on a hill near the highest parts of the island, giving them a prime location for admiring the sea and the horizon. Of the fourteen mills that once existed, five have survived and have become a must-see destination that you can also discover from another perspective by booking a panoramic catamaran tour of Mykonos.

In addition to their historical value, the windmills offer an excellent starting point for exploring the surroundings. From there you can walk to the Old Port, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of restaurants and bars offering local delicacies and sea views, especially at sunset. You can also stroll through the surrounding picturesque stone streets and take some of the best pictures of your trip.

Exploring Mykonos by bike is a fun and comfortable way to discover the island, which is often crowded with tourists and jam-packed with cars. Pedaling on your own, you can appreciate its natural beauty and charms at a relaxed pace and without worrying about traffic or traffic jams that are common in the narrow streets of this destination.

With its varied skyline combining beaches, hills and rural landscapes, Mykonos offers a series of circuits ideal for cyclists of all levels. By renting a bike, you can enjoy the freedom to tour this place at your own pace, stopping at the places that interest you most to take pictures or just relax. But you can also choose to book a bike tour of Mykonos that includes the assistance of a guide.

One of the most popular circuits among cyclists is the one that goes from the city center to Elia beach, which is one of the largest coves on the island. This route, which covers approximately 10 kilometers, will take you through picturesque landscapes, vineyards and hills covered with wildflowers. And along the way you will find scenic spots that will allow you to discover the vastness of the Aegean Sea.

The Old Port of Mykonos is an emblematic site that combines history and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to enjoy the island's spectacular sunsets. This port, which has been the commercial heart of the Aegean since ancient times, is now one of Greece's tourist epicenters.

On a tour of the Old Port you will find taverns and cafes that offer an unmissable view of the sea and the nearby mountains. There you can enjoy an outdoor dinner while watching how the sun sets on the horizon, staining the sky with orange, pink and violet tones that distinguish Mykonos as one of the best sunsets in the world.

From the Old Port you can also access water activities, such as boat trips and excursions to nearby islands, such as Delos, famous for its archaeological ruins and mythological history. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region, while enjoying the beauty of the Aegean Sea and surrounding landscapes.

Tourliani Monastery is an architectural and cultural gem that has served as a religious and spiritual center on the island over the centuries. Its name comes from the word tourliani, which refers to the town of Tourlos, from where it is said that the stones for its construction were brought. The monastery is also famous for its church, which stands out for its white facade and domes, although they are separate buildings.

When visiting the Tourliani Monastery you will be amazed by the beauty of its surroundings. The monastery is surrounded by a peaceful garden and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect place for meditation and contemplation. Inside, you can also explore the side chapels that house a rich collection of icons and religious art, many of which date back to the late 17th century.

The monastery also has a deep connection to the history of Mykonos, as during the Ottoman occupation it served as a refuge for the island's inhabitants and as a center of cultural resistance. Today, a variety of religious festivities and events are organized there that attract both locals and tourists, especially in August, when the feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated.

Delos is one of the most historically and archaeologically significant islands in Greece, and is just a short boat ride from Mykonos. Considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology, Delos was an important religious and commercial center in ancient times, so a visit to this sacred island will transport you back in time, especially through its ruins.

On Delos you will find archaeological sites that include temples, houses and public squares. One of the island's highlights is the Temple of Apollo, a sanctuary that used to attract pilgrims from all over Greece. You can also explore the Alley of the Lions, where marble lion sculptures flank the entrance to an ancient temple.

Booking an excursion to Delos from Mykonos usually includes free time to wander around the island, allowing you to discover its natural beauty and panoramic views. As you stroll through the ancient marble streets, you will have the opportunity to imagine what life was like in this thriving city in its heyday. In addition, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.