🇬🇷Greece · Places to discover
What to see in Mykonos?
24 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
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
5 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Panagia Paraportiani
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.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5Landmark
Armenistis Lighthouse
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.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Kastro of Mykonos
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.
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Landmark
Landmark
Little Venice Quarter (Alefkandra)
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.
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Landmark
Landmark
Kato Mili Windmills
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.
Museums
2 places
6Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Museum
Mykonos Archaeological Museum
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.
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Museum
Aegean Maritime Museum
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.
Religious sites
1 place
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Religious site
Panagia Tourliani Church in Ano Mera
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.
Nature
1 place
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Nature
Nature
Coastal Path from Agios Ioannis to Ornos
A 4 km hiking trail hugging the south-west coast between two beaches, with uninterrupted sea views and vistas of Delos. Quiet despite proximity to tourist zones; best visited early morning.
Viewpoints
3 places
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Ftelia Bay
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.
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Cape Armenistis at Sunset
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.
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Profitis Ilias Hilltop
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.
Activities
4 places
13Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Activity
Island of Delos
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.
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Activity
Activity
Farmers' Market at Ano Mera
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.
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Activity
Activity
Scuba Diving at Mykonos Diving Center
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.
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Activity
Activity
Ftelia Kitesurfing School
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 places
17Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Beach
Agios Ioannis 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.
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Beach
Beach
Panormos 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.
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Beach
Beach
Fokos 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.
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Beach
Beach
Agios Sostis 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 places
21Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0Place
Tourlos Fishing Port
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.
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Place
Place
Épicerie Skarpas
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.
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Place
Place
Galleraki Bar at Little Venice
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.
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Place
Place
Matogianni Lane
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.
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