Mykonos, Greece Holiday: 15 Tips on What to See and Do

When you hear Greece, most of us picture white houses with blue shutters, crystal clear sea, tzatziki, and an atmosphere that instantly transports you into the life from the Mamma Mia movie. Mykonos is precisely that kind of place.

This small island in the Cyclades archipelago has become synonymous in recent years with luxury holidays, endless nightlife, and beautiful beaches. It’s nicknamed “the Greek Ibiza”, and it’s no wonder. After sunset, this idyllic Mediterranean island transforms into an entertainment epicenter, attracting visitors from all over the world. But Mykonos offers much more than just parties. So let’s check out 15 tips on what to do and see there.

Summary for those who Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article

• Best time to visit: High season (June-August) for parties and beaches, April-May and September-October for a calmer atmosphere and better prices.
• Accommodation: In the capital Chora for nightlife, in the Ornos or Platis Gialos areas for peace and relaxation (e.g., Margie Mykonos Hotel or Hotel Charrissi)
• Don’t miss: Kato Mili Windmills, Little Venice, Panagia Paraportiani Church, a trip to Delos island.
• Transport: It’s ideal to rent a car, as not all beaches are easily accessible by bus; you can book it through a trusted portal RentalCars.
• Budget: Medium to higher price range, lunch in a tavern 15-25 €, drink in a bar from 8 €.

When to Go to Mykonos

Mykonos has its charm in every season, but each brings something different.

Summer Months (June – August)

The main tourist season is when Mykonos truly comes alive. Temperatures range around 25-30°C, the sea is wonderfully warm, and all beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels are open. This is also the time of the largest tourist crowds and highest prices. If you’re planning a summer holiday in Mykonos, book your accommodation well in advance.

Late Spring and Early Autumn (April-May / September-October)

These months offer a happy medium. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures around 20-25°C, but without the summer crowds. Accommodation prices are more reasonable, and you can enjoy the island more peacefully. In October, the sea can even still retain summer temperatures.

Winter Months (November – March)

Winter in Mykonos is quiet, and many businesses are closed. Temperatures hover around 15°C, and the weather can be unpredictable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for authentic island life without tourists and low prices, it can be an interesting option for your visit.

Read also: Skiathos Holiday

Mykonos: where to Stay

The choice of accommodation in Mykonos depends on the type of holiday you prefer. If you want to be in the center of the action, then choose Chora. The quieter areas are Ornos and Platis Gialos. We recommend these accommodations:

• Hotel Charissi,
• Bella View Mykonos Town Suites,
• Margie Mykonos Hotel.

15 Tips on What to See and Do in Mykonos

Let’s take a look at 15 tips on what to see and do in Mykonos.

Mykonos Town (Chora)

Mykonos Town is a living museum of Cycladic architecture. Narrow cobbled streets wind between white cube houses with blue shutters and doors, creating a perfect labyrinth full of surprises. Every alley leads to a small square, a tiny church, or a viewpoint. It’s liveliest here in the evening, when the lights come on and restaurants open.

A walk through the town is an experience in itself. You’ll come across galleries, boutiques with Greek fashion, traditional taverns, and bars. The town’s atmosphere changes throughout the day – in the morning it’s calm and romantic, in the afternoon it fills with tourists, and in the evening it comes alive with nightlife.

Kato Mili Windmills

A row of six windmills on a hill above Mykonos is the most photographed motif on the entire island. These white structures with wooden sails date back to the 16th century and originally served to grind grain. Today, they are not only a tourist attraction but also offer a perfect viewpoint over the town and harbor.

It’s most beautiful here at sunset, when the windmills are beautifully silhouetted against the orange sky. Footpaths lead around the windmills, allowing you to reach various viewpoints.

Little Venice

On the southern edge of the capital, you’ll find a district with the poetic name Little Venice. Colorful houses with wooden balconies literally touch the sea surface, reminiscent of the famous Italian city on water. Most of these houses now host restaurants, cafes, and bars with terraces overlooking the sea.

Panagia Paraportiani Church

On the northern edge of the town stands one of the most unusual churches you’ll ever see. Panagia Paraportiani looks more like a modern sculpture than a traditional sanctuary. In fact, it’s a complex of five small churches that were gradually added from the 15th to the 17th century.

The church is most beautiful in the evening at sunset, when its unusual outlines create a silhouette against the blue sky.

Delos Island

Just a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos lies one of the most significant archaeological sites in all of Greece. According to mythology, Delos Island is the birthplace of the god Apollo and his sister Artemis, and thus it was a sacred place for the ancient Greeks for centuries.

Today, you can walk among the ruins of temples, a theater, commercial quarters, and admire the famous Terrace of the Lions. A trip to Delos is a must-see for anyone who loves history and wants to explore the roots of European civilization. Boats depart several times a day from Mykonos Town harbor.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is legendary among beach party lovers. During the day, it’s a beautiful sandy beach with clear water, but in the afternoon it transforms into a giant open-air dance floor. The Paradise Beach Club hosts events with famous names from all over the world.

Super Paradise Beach

Even wilder than Paradise is the neighboring Super Paradise Beach. The Cavo Paradiso beach club is among the most famous on the entire island.

You might also like: Zakynthos Holiday

Psarou Beach

Psarou is the most exclusive beach in Mykonos, regularly visited by celebrities and wealthy tourists. The famous Nammos beach club offers luxurious sunbeds, first-class service, and premium cocktails. The prices are commensurate, but the experience is unforgettable.

Agios Sostis Beach

At the opposite end from the party beaches lies Agios Sostis on the northern coast. This quiet beach is surrounded by nature and often visited only by locals. There is no infrastructure here, so bring your own supplies. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and reading a book.

Ano Mera Village

In the island’s interior lies the traditional village of Ano Mera, which represents the quieter side of Mykonos. The main square is lined with taverns where you can taste local specialties without tourist markups. Also visit the beautiful 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery with its rich decoration and historical icons.

Archaeological and Maritime Museum

For culture lovers, Mykonos offers two interesting museums. The Archaeological Museum displays finds from Delos island and Mykonos itself, including beautiful ancient sculptures and pottery. The Maritime Museum focuses on the long maritime tradition of the Cyclades and exhibits ship models, navigation instruments, and historical maps.

Elia Beach

Elia is the longest beach in Mykonos, with fine sand and a gently sloping seabed, making it an ideal place for families with children. The beach offers full services, including taverns, sunbed rentals, and water sports.

Sunset at 180° Sunset Bar

For an unforgettable sunset, head to the 180° Sunset Bar, located on a hill above the town with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The bar is designed so that nothing obstructs your view of the setting sun. Reservations are necessary, especially on weekends.

Nightlife

Your holiday in Mykonos wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the local nightlife. The town offers a wide range of options for going out – from bars with sea views to wild dance clubs. Skandinavian Disco is among the most famous, Jackie O’ is a popular dance club, and Galleraki offers excellent cocktails.

Water Sports and Diving

The clear waters around Mykonos offer excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. You’ll find underwater walls, caves, and shipwrecks here. Diving centers are located on Paradise, Lia, and Kalafatis beaches. For adrenaline junkies, jetskiing, parasailing, or wakeboarding are also available.

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