🇬🇷 Greece · Places to discover
What to see in Mykonos ?
24 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Mykonos operates on a paradox: the most visited of the Cyclades is also the one that best owns its own theatricality. Chora, the main settlement, is a labyrinth of white alleys originally conceived to baffle pirates-it baffles tourists with equal effect. The reputation for festivity is real, but the island also harbours a light and architecture that justify the journey independent of nightlife.
High season in July–August is suffocating and outrageously priced; prefer May–June or September for normal movement around town. Two to three days suffice unless you're island-hopping for beaches, which demands more time. Public buses serve the main beaches from the Fabrika station, and taxis are scarce-don't count on them. Avoid the waterfront restaurants of Little Venice: you're paying for the address, not the cooking.
Landmarks & heritage (8)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAKastro of Mykonos
Landmark
Former medieval fortified quarter at the heart of Chora, with labyrinthine streets designed to confound pirates. Getting lost here without a map, among bougainvillea and sleeping cats, is the best way to understand the soul of the island.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAArmenistis Lighthouse
Landmark
White lighthouse built in 1891 at the north-western tip of the island, facing Tinos and Syros. The site is swept by the meltemi wind and offers panoramic views over several Cycladic islands – a wild and almost always deserted spot.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPanagia Tourliani Church in Ano Mera
Landmark
In the centre of the island's only true inland village, this 16th-century monastery houses a marble iconostasis of rare beauty, brought from Florence. Ano Mera is the antithesis of Chora: quiet, authentic, inhabited by true Mykonians.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAMykonos Archaeological Museum
Landmark
Small museum founded in 1902 housing funerary pithoi from the neighbouring island of Rheneia and a giant pithos decorated with the famous Trojan Horse relief, dated to the 7th century BC. Often overlooked by tourists, it's a gem for understanding Cycladic history.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAPanagia Paraportiani
Landmark
Ensemble of five superimposed chapels built between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, forming a unique white architectural sculpture. One of Greece's most photographed churches, and yet still striking in person.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAAegean Maritime Museum
Landmark
Set in a fine Mykonian house, this museum traces the maritime history of the Aegean through scale models of ancient vessels, navigation instruments and a collection of rare coins. Lesser-known but remarkably well-curated.Little Venice Quarter (Alefkandra)
Landmark
Row of captains' houses with coloured wooden balconies built directly over the sea, dating from the 18th century. The sunset viewed from here, glass in hand at one of the waterfront bars, is a timeless moment.Kato Mili Windmills
Landmark
Seven Venetian windmills from the 16th century overlooking Chora harbour are the absolute symbol of Mykonos. Arrive early in the morning to photograph them without crowds and with the golden light of sunrise.Nature & parks (1)
Viewpoints (3)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAProfitis Ilias Hilltop
Viewpoint
The island's highest point at 341 metres, with a small Orthodox chapel at the summit. 360° views over Mykonos, Delos, Rheneia, Tinos and Syros. A hike of roughly one hour from Ano Mera, virtually unknown to tourists.Ftelia Bay
Viewpoint
Large bay facing north, a paradise for kitesurfers thanks to consistent wind. Spectacular views across the open sea and arid hills. Outside of kite sessions, the beach is virtually deserted and the landscape is raw and beautiful.Cape Armenistis at Sunset
Viewpoint
The north-western coast offers the island's finest sunsets, far from the crowds of Little Venice. Flat rocks by the water allow you to settle in and watch the sun disappear behind Tinos.Activities (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAIsland of Delos
Activity
One of the Mediterranean's most important archaeological sites, 30 minutes by boat from Mykonos. The mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the entire island is an open-air museum with mosaics, temples and the famous Terrace of the Lions.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAFarmers' Market at Ano Mera
Activity
Small weekly market in the village of Ano Mera where local producers sell cheese, honey, vegetables and Mykonian artisanal products. An opportunity to taste kopanisti, the island's spicy protected designation of origin cheese, straight from the source.Scuba Diving at Mykonos Diving Center
Activity
The waters around Mykonos hide wrecks, caves and rich Mediterranean marine life. This reputable centre organises trips to less-frequented sites, notably the wild east coast and the rocks of Dragonisi.Ftelia Kitesurfing School
Activity
Ftelia bay is one of Greece's most renowned kitesurfing spots, with consistent wind and shallow water ideal for beginners. Several schools offer quality tuition with certified instructors.Beaches (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAFokos Beach
Beach
The most isolated and unspoilt beach on Mykonos, accessible only by an earth track on the east coast. No tourist development, just a simple family taverna and deep blue waters.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPanormos Beach
Beach
Large sheltered bay on the north side, with calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming even when the meltemi blows. A few fish tavernas on the beach, relaxed atmosphere and predominantly local clientele.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAAgios Ioannis Beach
Beach
Quiet beach in the south-west, sheltered from the winds, with a direct view of the island of Delos. Made famous by the film Shirley Valentine, but has remained strangely calm and family-oriented. The waterside taverna serves impeccable fish.Agios Sostis Beach
Beach
Unorganised beach on the northern side of the island, with no sunbeds, no bar, no music – just fine sand, crystal-clear waters and arid hills. Frequented by locals escaping the southern beaches. Access by dirt track, which deters buses.More to discover (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SATourlos Fishing Port
Place
Small fishing port north of Chora, away from yachts and ferries. Early in the morning, fishermen unload their nets and sell directly on the quay. The atmosphere is that of an island Greece that hasn't changed in 40 years.Épicerie Skarpas
Place
Family-run fine grocers in Chora offering the island's finest local products: kopanisti PDO, thyme honey, loukoumades, Cyclades wines. A favourite of locals for provisions and of discerning travellers for edible souvenirs.Galleraki Bar at Little Venice
Place
The oldest bar in Little Venice, with wooden tables suspended above the sea. Not the cheapest, but the location is unique: waves lap against the pillars whilst you sip a cocktail at sunset.Matogianni Lane
Place
The main winding pedestrian artery of Chora, lined with independent Greek designer boutiques and art galleries. Skip the international chains and seek out local goldsmiths and silversmiths working in traditional techniques.