Mykonos
Mykonos
  • Where to go in Mykonos

Where to go in Mykonos

Mykonos is famous for its beautiful beaches with soft, powdery white sands, world-class dining, buzzing nightlife, high-end shopping, and luxurious resorts that draw an affluent crowd, but outdoor adventurers and history enthusiasts will enjoy it too. In fact, there are few that wouldn’t enjoy a visit to this spectacular island. It even boasts picturesque, whitewashed architecture with blue doors and balconies draped with bougainvillea.

Enjoy everything from swimming, sunbathing, and kitesurfing to hiking, biking, and off-road tours. While summer is the time to come for a lively party atmosphere with parties on the beaches and in the clubs where you can dance ‘til dawn, if you visit in late spring or early fall you can look forward to a more tranquil experience and pleasant weather.

While you’re here, be sure to visit these top spots on Mykonos.

Little Venice, Mykonos

Little Venice

One of the most romantic places in Mykonos, you can see how much influence Venetian culture had on the island by visiting Little Venice where wealthy merchants constructed Venetian-style buildings with colorful facades and sweeping arches, set right along the waterfront. While it was once an important part of Venetian trade routes, today the neighborhood is more often frequented by tourists than sailors, although there are still plenty of yachters who come to enjoy its many delights.

Little Venice is also known as one of the top spots for a sunset, while its famous historic windmills, built in the early 16th-century, are one of the many favorite photo-ops. Originally used for producing barley and wheat, they’re no longer in use, but they’ve become an iconic symbol on the island’s skyline and important historical landmarks. Inside one you’ll even find an agricultural museum.

Chora

Chora/Mykonos Town

Chora, also known as Mykonos Town, is the main town on Mykonos, its largest and busiest settlement. It’s essentially a traditional Cycladic village with the typical jumble of whitewashed buildings, with pops of color thanks to the balconies, doors, and windows. The maze of narrow, winding pedestrianized lanes are fun to get lost in, with the main street Matogianni, lined with bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

It’s impossible to actually get “lost” as no matter which way you go you’ll eventually reach the waterfront. If you explore early in the morning, you’ll get a better sense of local life and the opportunity to buy fresh fish and seafood and bargain prices at the fish market near the Old Port. During the day most of the restaurants will have plenty of seats available for sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the local appetizers with a sea view.

Ornos, Mykonos

Ornos

This picturesque neighborhood in the heart of the city is famous for its ancient sites, neoclassical homes, and a famous open-air market. You can find just about anything here with the market and the entire neighborhood known for offering some of the best bargains in the city. There are rare antique dealers right alongside souvenir shops selling the usual tourist wares like t-shirts, along with fashionable clothing and jewelry.

It’s also a hotspot for people-watching, worth visiting just to experience the atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine or another beverage in one of the hip cafes while sipping a drink at one of the cafes overlooking the ancient agora as you take in the scene with all the shoppers coming and going. There’s almost always street musicians to complete the experience too.

Delos

Delos

Delos is a popular day trip from Mykonos, just a few miles away, with boat tours departing from Ornos.  The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous archaeological site as well as being the birthplace of Apollo. The myth of the god Apollo, god of light, and goddess Artemis birthed here rendered Delos sacred.

No mortal would ever be allowed to be born or even die here. While it was a powerful economic and religious center, even during the peak of the Delian Alliance, women nearing childbirth and those close to dying would be carried to the neighboring island of Rineia. Today visitors can witness some of the most extensive ruins dating from around the 5th- to 4th-century BC. You’ll be able to marvel at beautifully preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture, along with mosaics, temples, a theater and statues.

Agrari Beach Mykonos

Agrari Beach

About a 25-minute drive from Mykonos Town, including a portion traveling on an unpaved road, Agrari Beach offers a more tranquil beach compared to many, even its nearby neighbor, Elia Beach, which is just five minutes away on foot. It’s a long, sandy stretch with plenty of room to toss down a beach blanket and stunning visual appeal.

On one side, you’ll find loungers and umbrellas, while the other is just sand, providing a choice of spots for relaxation and fun in the sun for nudists and non-nudists alike. The water is typically calm for swimming as it enjoys a protected location rarely affected by northern winds. You’ll also find an affordably priced restaurant, making it easy to spend an entire day here.

Ano Mera, Mykonos

Ano Mera

One of the island’s lesser-known villages, Ano Mera provides the opportunity to explore one of its more authentic sides away from the bustling tourist spots and thick crowds. The tranquil village sits atop a hill about five miles from the main port and offers plenty of history and culture. The narrow streets are enjoyable to wander, lined with whitewashed walls while providing many Instagrammable photo-ops.

Ano Mera is known for its monasteries with beautiful art collections, including the 16th-century restored Panagia Tourliani monastery, a whitewashed complex with holy icons, and an impressive bell tower. The Monastery of Paleokastro sits on a hill nearby, providing beautiful views over the coast and valleys. It also includes a small museum displaying church relics and related artifacts. In between exploring, you’ll find many traditional tavernas serving local cuisine, often following recipes that have been handed down for generations.

Kalo Livadi Beach Mykonos

Kalo Livadi Beach

One of the largest sandy beaches in Mykonos, Kalo Livadi is located about six miles southeast of Mykonos Town. It’s less crowded than other beaches along the south coast like Paradise, but its popularity is on the rise with a trendy beach club, plenty of tasty food and drink, and an Ibiza-like atmosphere in the summer. The vibrant social scene during the warmer months draws international jet-setters, celebrities, and partygoers from across the globe, but it’s also a good spot for families with children.

The shallow azure waters are ideal for swimming and safe for the little ones to splash around in. Just a few of the popular activities in and on the water include snorkeling, wakeboarding, parasailing, and kayaking, with rentals available. You’ll also find umbrellas and loungers for rent, but there are plenty of empty stretches for lying your towel down in the sand.