30 Best Things to Do in Mykonos

Mykonos has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to combining bohemian beach clubs, chic bars, and designer boutiques with unspoiled nature. For anyone from sun-lovers to historians, night owls, and LGBTQ+ travelers, the island is one of the most popular and famous destinations in Greece.

Things to do in Mykonos range from delving into the island’s ancient history at fascinating museums and archaeological sites to exploring enchanting Chora, the capital, and relaxing on some of the most fashionable beaches in the Mediterranean.

This alluring island is where you’ll find those classic Cycladic scenes: ancient windmills, blue-domed Greek Orthodox churches, and sugar-cube architecture. Long, sandy beaches, some quiet, others lined with chic beach clubs, are lapped by tranquil azure water.

Discover the best things to do in Mykonos on vacation.

Wander Around Chora

Garlands of bright-pink bougainvillea draped over traditional whitewashed buildings with vibrant blue doors are a common sight in Mykonos Town, or Chora, one of Greece’s best cities.

Wandering the photogenic maze-like streets to pick up trinkets and treasures is one of the best things to do in Mykonos. Matogianni Street and the lanes surrounding it offer some of the best high-end shopping in Greece.

While international designers have sprung up in Mykonos Town in recent years, look for local brands, of which there are many, with boutiques selling gourmet treats, handmade jewelry, gorgeous ceramics and pottery, and floaty fashions and accessories.

Just around the corner, absorb the wonderful and intriguing art pieces on display at The House of Fine Art on Panachrantou, and Skoufa Gallery on Kalogera.

When you’re ready for a rest, opt for one of Mykonos Town’s many restaurants, traditional tavernas, or chic cocktail bars for fresh zucchini salad, just-caught seafood, sizzling souvlaki skewers, and delicious cocktails.

Enjoy Watersports on Kalafatis Beach

A visit to Kalafatis is one of the top things to do in Mykonos if you’re a fan of watersports Located on the southeast of the island, a 20-minute drive from Mykonos Town, Kalafatis Beach is a long golden stretch of soft sand with thatched parasols and sun loungers.

The water is a gorgeous clear turquoise and is wonderful for swimming and snorkeling. The thrilling activities you could try on Kalafatis Beach include windsurfing, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and even wakeboarding.

Pedalos with built-in slides are a great option for groups of friends or families, while a couple of relaxed beachside restaurants offer all-day dining.

Read: Best Places to Travel With Friends

Visit the Island of Delos

A tiny, uninhabited rocky island off the southwest coast of Mykonos, Delos holds enormous significance in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo, son of Zeus. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, is peppered with intriguing Greek ruins to explore.

Take a scenic ferry ride from Mykonos to this open-air museum to gain a sense of what life might have been like on this remote island, once a cosmopolitan port.

Highlights include the Great Temple of Apollo, the House of Cleopatra, the House with the Masks, and the Ancient Theater of Delos, which once hosted thousands of spectators.

The jaw-dropping archaeological site features elaborate mosaics, striking columns, and the remains of Hellenistic mansions and temples from the 3rd century B.C.

Drop into the Archaeological Museum of Delos, where highlights of the nine exhibition rooms include rare statues, including a marble statue of Apollo, and pottery dating back to the prehistoric period.

Wear comfy walking shoes for a visit to Delos since you’re likely to do plenty of wandering around this serene island.

Gaze at the Windmills of Chora

Five of Mykonos’s remaining flour windmills are located to the south of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, perched on a hill above Little Venice, the old fishermen’s quarter that’s now one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town.

Most of the mills were built in the 16th century, though construction continued into the 20th century, with the circular, white-painted buildings featuring small windows and pointed, thatched roofs.

Though the windmills are no longer used to produce flour, they are among Mykonos’s most treasured landmarks.

An easy stroll from the center of town, the best way to get to the windmills is to walk, passing some of the island’s scenic streets on the way. When you arrive, soak up the views from the windmills’ elevated vantage point, overlooking the whitewashed town and the fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the harbor.

Explore the Village of Ano Mera

Ano Mera is a peaceful village near the center of Mykonos, home to charming traditional-white Cycladic houses with colorful shutters and doors.

The village is the second largest on the island, after Mykonos Town, and is centered around the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery.

The 18th-century Paleokastro Monastery is also found in Ano Mera. Located near the 13th-century Gyzi Castle on the northern fringes of the village, Paleokastro is chalk-white with vermillion-red window frames and doors.

Once you’ve visited the monasteries, enjoy a relaxed stroll around Ano Mera’s town square and seek out a shaded spot in one of the village’s restaurants.

Marvel at the Church of Panagia Paraportiani

A visit to the glowing-white Panagia Paraportiani is one of the best things to do in Mykonos.

Lying on the edge of the Kastro neighborhood to the south of Mykonos Town, Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most photographed landmarks on Mykonos and arguably one of the most beautiful churches in the world.

Panagia Paraportiani is made up of five joined-together churches. Visitors can explore the central Agios Efstathios church, which is surrounded by Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia, with the dome-like church of the Virgin Mary lying on top.

The churches were built between the 14th and 17th centuries, with Agios Efstathios the first to be constructed.

Once you’ve taken a photo of this Greek landmark, wander the network of winding alleys around the church. There are plenty of tavernas to choose from on this tip of Mykonos Town.

Relax on Agios Sostis Beach

If you’re looking for a more secluded shorefront stretch, Agios Sostis is a glorious beach on the northwest coast, just a 15-minute drive from Mykonos Town.

Perfect for a relaxing day on the sand, Agios Sostis is undeveloped, with a beautiful remote feel that makes it one of the best beaches in Greece. The water is sublime—glistening blue and crystalline clear—and the sand is satin-soft.

Once you’ve enjoyed a blissful swim, stop by Kiki’s Tavern, which overlooks the bay.

Spend Time in Little Venice

Little Venice is a magnetic waterfront neighborhood of Mykonos Town, wrapping around the harbor from Alefkandra beach to Kastro.

One of the most beautiful places in Greece, the area is known for its chalk-white houses that appear suspended over the gently lapping water. The handsome buildings feature balconies and windows accentuated with vibrant colors.

Little Venice has a buzzy, yet laid-back and romantic ambiance that make Mykonos one of the best Greek islands for couples.

Seats at the bars and restaurants that line the waterfront fill quickly during summertime with those in the know seeking out the best spots to soak up the views.

Don’t be surprised to see the island’s resident pelican, a living symbol of Mykonos, wandering in and out of the fish restaurants in search of a snack.

Savor cooling sundowners and snacks as you relax in one of the most spectacular locations in Greece. The sea is so clear here that you can see black sea urchins on the seabed as you sip your cocktail.

Discover the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

Spend time discovering the fascinating exhibitions at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, located on the waterfront near Mykonos Old Port.

The museum was built in 1905 to house a collection of artifacts unearthed on the islet of Rheneia, next to Delos, in 1898. The items on display date from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic period.

The museum’s collection includes a number of vases, grave statues, and funerary urns from Rheneia, along with some finds from Mykonos. One of the most famous items at the museum is a large vase originally from the neighboring island of Tinos, depicting scenes from the fall of Troy.

Hike to Armenistis Lighthouse

Armenistis Lighthouse lies at the northwest tip of the island, roughly three and a half miles from Mykonos Town. You could take a taxi to see the 1891-built lighthouse, or lace up your hiking boots and walk there if it’s not too hot.

Trace the coastline from the Old Port turning inland after passing the New Port. The roads become hillier as you pass rolling farmland of wildflowers and native shrubs, dotted with traditional houses that look like scattered sugar cubes.

As the gleaming Armenistis Lighthouse comes into view, the perfect photo opportunity presents itself with the distant island of Tinos and the glittering sapphire-blue Aegean in the background.

Take the coastal route back to Mykonos Town via Agios Stefanos Beach, where you’ll find a couple of beach bars to enjoy a refreshing drink after you’ve cooled off with a dip in the sea.

Savor Local Gastronomy at Mykonos Farms

Mykonos might be a small island, but it produces many of the exquisite foods that Greece is known for, including herby olive oils, a local cheese called Kopanisti, known for its salty, spicy flavor, and loukoumi, Greece’s answer to Turkish delight.

Make your way to a traditional homestead, Mykonian Spiti & Farm, a short drive inland from Mykonos Town, to tour the kitchen and garden and taste a selection of local produce before taking part in a cookery class.

Sample outstanding kopanisti, a smoked ham called louza, fresh tomatoes, and olives. Learn how to make a savory Greek spinach pie along with the refreshing tzatziki yogurt dip.

Sail Around Mykonos on a Boat Trip

One of the best ways to enjoy a leisurely scenic day in Mykonos is by joining a local boat tour.

Many operators stick to a south coast route, dipping in and out of the popular Mykonos beaches to give visitors the chance to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at spots such as Paraga and Super Paradise beach, one of the hippest on the island. You’ll be able to jump off the boat straight into the inviting water.

The profoundly beautiful island of Mykonos has plenty of culture and history for travelers to experience. As well as the mouth-watering cuisine, the island is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

Sample a Beer at Mykonos Brewing Company

Housed in a former bowling alley just outside Chora, the Mykonos Brewery Company was set up by two self-professed local homebrew geeks who decided they wanted to learn as much as they could about artisanal craft beers.

Launched in 2016, it soon became a success with their Mikònu beers which use desalinated sea water and Mykonian hops to add distinctly local flavors.

Visitors can tour the brewery, buy at the cellar door, and sample the beers themselves in a relaxed tap room, where board games are actively encouraged.

Visit the Restaurant With no Walls

Overlooking the remote and very wild Agios Sostis beach on the north of the island, Kiki’s restaurant is just what a traditional Greek taverna should look, feel, and smell like.

On an island where modernity rules, this refreshing locale has no walls, no phone, no electricity, and takes no reservations (so arrive early). For an authentic experience, this is one of the best things to do on Mykonos.

Technically, Kiki’s is only open in season for lunch, but service can last into the afternoon. Diners gather in the shaded courtyard for fresh meat and fish grilled over charcoal, salads bursting with flavor thanks to veggies from local farms, and delicious chilled rosé.

Join a Beach Party

There are three beaches in a row on the southeast coast of the island and all can be reached via water taxi from the main town.

The first, easiest to get to, and probably the one least likely to shock those of a nervous disposition is Paraga. Set in a rocky bay, this small stretch of white sand is home to several beach bars where the fun starts early.

You’ll find the usual amenities including lifeguards, washrooms, and water sports.

Further down the coast is Paradise Beach which started life as a clothing-optional spot in the 1960s and went on to become a fun party venue for the younger generation.

The final beach of the three is Super Paradise, a little more upscale and LGBTQI-friendly with a number of bars and restaurants. Visit both the latter two with an open mind.

Enjoy the Art at Rarity Gallery

Chora’s maze of streets is home to many high-end shops but there’s the occasional dash of higher culture thrown in too. Case in point is Rarity Gallery, a contemporary arts space opened by Vassilis Matsaidonis and Christos Nikolaou in 1994.

The relatively small space is home to a diverse array of modern artists, including British minimalist pop sculptor Julian Opie and former President of London’s Royal Academy of Arts Sir Christopher Mark Le Brun, who is famed for his paintings and prints.

Light a Candle at Agios Nikolakis Church

The little chapel of Agios Nikolakis (little St. Nicholas), or Saint Nikolaos of Kadena Holy Orthodox Church, to give its full name, sits on the quayside at Chora and is dedicated to protecting sailors, fishermen, and the harbor it overlooks.

Inside, it’s minimally beautiful with a black-and-white tiled floor, gold icons and chandeliers, and a candle stand from which candles can be lit in memory of a loved one.

Enjoy Local Cheeses at Mykonos Farmers

There aren’t many cows on Mykonos, but one of the largest herds belongs to Mykonos Farmers, a family-owned artisan cheesemakers.

Located in the town of Agios Lazaros and led by third-generation cheesemaker George Syrianos, the factory produces kopanisti (a spicy soft cheese), xinotiro (a little like feta cheese), and yogurt.

One-hour cheesemaking classes include a tour of the factory, a cheese-making lesson, and a tasting of five cheeses with a glass of wine, plus yogurt with homemade jams for dessert.

Spend Time With the Monks at Panagia Tourliani Monastery

In the 16th century, a pair of monks from the Panagia Ekatontapiliani monastery on neighboring Paros decided to set up their own monastery on Mykonos.

Named after an icon of the Virgin Mary found in the sea off Tourlos (which is now the island’s port), the monastery sits outside of the village of Ano Mera in handsome Cycladic-style buildings around a pretty Venetian-era fountain.

The marble-fronted main church here houses a majestic altar screen, impressive icons, and silver incense holders decorated with dragons. The monks here are happy to show visitors around and, unlike many other monasteries, polite requests for pictures with them are often greeted positively.

Sample Local Wines at Mykonos Vioma

In 1994, Nikos Asimomytis gave up his career as a bank inspector in Athens and returned to Mykonos to open a winery on the family farm.

Marrying fields that historically belonged to his family with land purchased from the Panagia Tourliani Monastery, he planted Aegean wine varieties including Asyrtiko, Malagouzia and Mandilaria and the vineyard began to thrive.

The small batches include white, rosé and red varieties, as well as a naturally sweet dessert wine called Heliophilous.

Now, there are wine tours and tastings, as well as the chance to pet the farm’s animals—goats, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and a donkey—and taste honey from the 20 on-site beehives.

Go Horse-Back Riding on Remote Beaches

Experience what life on Mykonos’s beaches was like before the beach bars and clubs arrived with a horseback riding experience with Mykonos Horseland. Offering rides since 2007, instructors take riders on a journey to more remote parts of the island.

You’ll walk along dusty old shepherd tracks, through fields redolent with wild oregano, and past the impressive Vokos dam to remote volcanic beaches that remain untouched.

Rides are available for all levels of ability with basic riding skills on the farm’s rescue horses taught before each session.

Read: Best Greek Islands for Beaches

See Medieval Architecture at Agios Panteleimonas

In medieval times, villages on the many Greek islands had to be fortified to guard themselves against the marauding pirates that were rife in the Aegean.

Religious buildings were not spared the wrath of these buccaneers either. So when two monks, Kampourakis and Gerasimos, founded the Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas in 1665, they made sure it was built with defensive structures.

These include turrets and small windows. Set in the village of Marathi, the imposing building houses some incredible frescoes, as well as a wood chancel carved with religious icons.

Spend Time at the Aegean Maritime Museum

Rainy days are few and far between in the summer months but if the weather is inclement, or partying on the beach all day becomes too much, this museum dedicated to Greece’s long-standing seafaring history is a pleasant way to pass a few hours.

Set in the former mansion home of legendary local sea captain Nikolaos Sourmelis, the non-profit museum offers an insight into naval life in the Aegean with models of ships from the pre-Minoan period to today, ancient artifacts, and navigational aids.

The museum’s peaceful gardens host replicas of ancient gravestones from the neighboring island of Delos, and there’s a large library with more than 5,000 books.

Discover the Vampire Islet of Baos

A few hundred yards from the harbor at Chora lies a tiny islet with a big history. Baos is named after a well-known pirate, George Bao, who turned from hated to hero in the first Greek revolution of 1770, when he helped defend Mykonians from Ottoman reprisals.

The island was given to him as thanks and there’s a small chapel dedicated to St. George in his honor—the only building that stands here.

Local legend has it that the island is also the final resting place of an 18th century vampire. The creature rose from the dead and terrorized the islanders, who brought him to Baos and burned him here.

Shop Like a Local at Pagka Market

With all the glitz and glamor of Mykonos, it’s easy to forget that traditional everyday life still happens on the island.

An excellent way to draw back the curtain and live like a local is to take an early morning walk down to Pagka Market, held daily (except Sundays) at the Old Port.

Here, fishermen bring in the catch from their brightly colored boats, while farmers lay out their fruit and vegetables from organic inland farms. All are laid out on vast marble-lined benches (pagka means benches in Greek) and there’s a buzzy atmosphere as stallholders sell their wares and locals catch up on gossip.

Dive Into the Tragonisi Caverns

Depending on the local pronunciation, this rocky islet some three miles off Mykonos’ east coast can have two meanings. Tragonisi means “goat island”, while Dragonisi translates as “dragon island”. Either way, a trip here is a real treat.

Now uninhabited, the island has variously been a sacred site dedicated to the god Apollo, a pirate hideaway, and a World War II military installation. The only buildings now left standing are a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a lighthouse, while there are some good hiking trails.

The real highlight of a visit though is the many impressive caverns, caves and craggy rock formations that surround the island’s coast. These are home to a number of rare and protected species.

Visit on a private hire boat from Chora and dive in with a snorkel and mask for the chance to see yellow sea anemones and, perhaps even a Mediterranean monk seal.

Learn About Local Folklore

For an island that wears its big and brash reputation like a badge of honor, Mykonos is still immensely proud of its oldest traditions. Some of these can be discovered at the Folklore Collection of Mykonos, three buildings with historical importance dotted around the town.

The center of the museum is the Kastro House in the northernmost part of Chora. This former home of sea captain Nicholas Malouhos consists of seven rooms laid out in the style of locals who earned their wealth from sea commerce. It is home to the largest part of the collection, including antique furnishings.

Lena’s House is a 19th-century townhouse in the Tria Pigadia neighborhood and was donated to the trust as a museum space in 1970.

The third building is Boni’s Windmill. Not to be confused with the five windmills at Little Venice, Boni’s is a 15-minute walk from the town, superbly preserved and—whisper it—better for photographs than its more famed cousins down by the harbor. Sitting on a hill, it also offers great views over Chora and the port.

See Greece’s Answer to Stonehenge

Archaeologically, Delos rightly remains in the spotlight here, but the main island has its own relic that is well worth seeing.

On a hill overlooking the resort of Platis Gialos is a Stonehenge-style monument made of large granite blocks that stand erect over the surrounding countryside.

Known locally as Portes (doors), it is thought to have been part of an ancient defense system. The site is on private land but the majestic arch formed by the blocks can easily be seen and photographed from the road that runs past the site.

Taste the Treats at Gioras Bakery

Finding this traditional bakery on Agiou Efthimiou Street is easy enough; all you have to do is follow your nose from the windmills of Little Venice.

Open daily from the early hours, it is set in a medieval building thought to be the second oldest on the island and is home to one of the few remaining wood-fired ovens on Mykonos.

Here, things are done old-school, with master bakers kneading away as fresh “village” bread. Rusks and biscuits emerge from the oven on a regular basis.

There’s also a small coffee stand and seating for those who wish to dine in on traditional sweets such as amygdalota, an almond cookie that’s the house specialty.

Take a Cycling Tour

Another unique Mykonian experience is to enjoy the island by bike. While there are many places around Chora offering cycle hire for those confident to self-plan a day out, organized tours offer the chance to venture out to lesser-known spots.

These include traditional villages seemingly caught in time, and remote beaches with pristine waters.

The highest point on the island is just 1,200 feet, so there are not too many hills to climb, although e-bikes that take the strain are increasingly popular.

From people-watching in Little Venice to delving into island life at a traditional homestead, there’s plenty to do on this picture-perfect Cyclades island. Discover Celebrity’s cruises to Mykonos and experience the allure of the Greek Islands.