Visit Beautiful Mykonos

Mykonos is part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea and is famously known for its cosmopolitan and summer party atmosphere. 

Mykonos travel guide

Arrival

Mykonos best sightseeing and top attractions Ornos harbor white washed buildings architecture

The top things to do in Mykonos

By the way, a bit further down I’m giving some tips on avoiding the Mykonos crowds. That is if you’re looking for a quiet day between all the sightseeing. 

Day 1: Getting to know Mykonos

Meandering the streets of Mykonos’ town on day one is total bliss. The first thing to know is that the town center is known as ‘the Chora’. You can easily get lost in the smattering of small boutiques and shops, plenty of historic old churches, and the white-washed buildings dressed in flowing bougainvilleas.

Try a traditional Greek Platter for lunch. Greece, and Mykonos is no exception, is known for crumbling feta cheese, perfectly flavored olives, and Dolmades (stuffed vine/grape leaves). Also, Tzatziki (a classical Greek dip/appetizer), or if you feel like a salad, ask for Choriatiki (cucumber, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.)

Come dinner time, try traditional Greek dishes such as (pictured below from left to right):

  • The ultimate traditional Greek dish, namely Moussaka!
  • Papoutsakia (Stuffed Eggplants)
  • Kolokithokeftedes (Fried Zucchini/Courgette Balls)
  • Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) 
  • Gemista (Stuffed Veggies with Rice)

Salads go with almost all meals, so don’t forget to order your Choriatiki.

Traditional Greek dishes Moussaka Papoutsakia Kolokithokeftedes Pastitsio Gemista

Nightlife

If you’re into clubbing, you’re at the right place. Mykonos is also known as the Ibiza of Greece.

Day 2: Explore Mykonos' Top Attractions

Mykonos best sightseeing and top attractions windmills little venice Panagia Paraportiani church

From left to right, the 16th-century Kato Mili windmills are an amazing sunset photo opportunity on your second evening in Chora. But before that:

  • Brunch at Little Venice. It’s the most picturesque quarter of Chora. 
  • Then, visit the beautiful Paraportiani Church (Panagia Paraportiani. I reckon it’s the most photographed church in Mykonos! Especially since it is actually five churches together. The Mykonians believe there is a church for every day of the year on their magical island.
  • Soak in the Greek sun and waters at Agios Stefanos, a lovely swimming beach. It is not amongst the top three beaches but it’s very quaint and nicely protected from high winds.  Agios Stefanos is about 3 km (1.8 miles) from Chora and is easily accessible by bus or on foot.

Day 3: More Things to Do in Mykonos

By now you would have met Petros the pelican, the mascot of the Greek island of Mykonos.

  • Not to be missed, visit Mykonos Folklore Museum (there is an entrance fee), established in 1958. In addition to the main building, it includes the Castle, the Agricultural Museum – “Mill of Bonis” and the “House of Lena”. Most of the collection is in the Castle building and houses 19th-century furniture, sculptures, model ships, and more. (Address: Μύκονος 846 00, Greece).
  • The small Archaeological Museum (1905) is at the Chora harbor and houses the findings from the Putrefaction Pit of 425/426 BC, discovered in 1898 on the islet of Rheneia by D. Stavropoulos.
  • And then it’s time for a bit more relaxation at Paranga Beach.
Mykonos best sightseeing and top attractions Petros the Pelican Folklore museum Archaeological museum

most popular day excursions in and around Mykonos

Staying longer than three days is almost not optional. I recommend a visit to the neighboring island and a paradise for history lovers, Delos. Over and above Delos, there are plenty of mind-blowing excursions that will make this an unforgettable holiday. Have a look…

Avoiding the Mykonos crowds

An excursion to the village of Ano Mera is worth it if you want to get away from the crowds.

Speaking of which, a bit to the north lies Panormos Beach, which is much quieter than the popular beaches. This is because it is quite a distance (17 km) from Chora. But again, it’s worth it if you want to avoid the crowds. It’s a nice day trip, because there is an artificial lake on your way to explore, and on the northwestern side, is Armenistis Lighthouse. Beautiful!

Mykonos best sightseeing and top attractions Ano Mera Panormos Beach Armenistis Lighthouse

Beach Hopping in Mykonos

When you stay a bit longer, you have enough time for some serious beach hopping. Paranga Beach, mentioned before, is one of the most popular beaches together with Super Paradise, and Paradise.

  • Ornos is a popular tourist beach and is equally loved by windsurfers. Here you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and enjoy refreshments and something to bite from the many restaurants and bars in the area.
  • Within walking distance (1 km) from Chora, lies the small beach of Megali Ammos. Opening your umbrella can sometimes be a bit of a challenge due to high winds. So, check the weather.
  • If you’re into water sports, go to Korfos, 3 km (1.8 miles) from Chora.
  • Paradise Beach is the most famous beach on Mykonos, about 6km (3.7 miles) from Chora. Sometimes nudists go there too, and in general, it is known as a party beach because of the younger crowds.
  • Super Paradise Beach, next to Paradise Beach, is the most expensive beach on Mykonos when it comes to renting sunbeds and umbrellas. It’s the ultimate Mykonian Beach and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. 

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.

Visit Mykonos most beautiful Greek Island

Mykonos travel costs from real travelers

One thing we all know only too well is the cost of living where we live. However, what we don’t know is how it compares to our dream holiday destination. Compare city to city on typical holiday expenses. Like the cost of dinner out, or the cost of groceries (self-catering holidays), or transport such as taxis, buses, and trains. 

Travel Tip(s)

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your luggage. It also prevents wrinkles (especially when you don’t have a travel-size steamer) and it’s easier to find specific items.

Use leak-proof sleeves for your toiletries to prevent spills in your luggage. Keep things tidy and hassle-free!

Add something special to your trip!

If you come to Mykonos via Athens, why not include an unforgettable food experience to set the mood!? Have a look…