Mykonos is one of the most popular islands to visit in Greece. This island is famous for shopping, beach parties, and the very photogenic Mykonos town. Whether you visit Mykonos to party, to go shopping, or just to see what this island is all about, here are some of the best things to do in Mykonos, with suggestions on how to plan your visit here.
Fun Facts about Mykonos
According to Greek mythology, the island is named after Mykonos, the grandson of Apollo.
Also according to Greek Mythology, Mykonos was formed when Hercules defeated the Giants. The petrified bodies of the Giants became the rocks that formed Mykonos island.
Mykonos is called “The Island of the Winds,” since it tends to be breezy on a daily basis.
Mykonos is located in the Cyclades, an archipelago that also includes Naxos, Santorini, Delos, Ios, and Milos, just to name a few (there are over 200 islands in the Cyclades, but many of these are tiny and uninhabited).
Petros the Pelican was a famous celebrity in Mykonos town.
Best Things to do in Mykonos
Explore Mykonos Town
Mykonos town is fantasyland of whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, colorful doorways, upscale shops, and small blue and red
Mykonos town is also called the Chora, which is Greek for the town. On the Greek islands, its common practice for the main town to share the name with the island.
Mykonos town is small, and it doesn’t take much time to walk from one end to the other. However, this is a maze of narrow streets that all look the same. We read that this was done on purpose, to confuse pirates who would come to Mykonos and raid the town. The labyrinth of streets and the dead-ends were one way the town could protect itself against these invaders.
Matogianni Street, located near the center of the Mykonos town, is one of the picturesque parts of town.
Panagia Paraportiani
Paraportiani Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is one of the most photographed churches in Greece (so I have read). It sits
Little Venice
Little Venice is a row of fishing houses with balconies that jut out over the water. Built in the 18th century, these houses were used by merchants since they could have direct access to the sea. Now, some of these houses have been converted into cafes and restaurants.
Little Venice is another popular photo spot in
The Kato Mili Windmills
If you venture out beyond Mykonos town, you will see windmills all over the island. However, the most famous windmills sit right next to Little Venice.
The Venetians took advantage of the windy conditions and used the windmills for grinding
From the
Explore the Old Harbor
Just around the corner from Little Venice is the old harbor of Mykonos. Restaurants line the beach, a tiny church sits at the entrance to the main dock, daily cruises to Delos leave from here, and colorful fishing boats bob in the water.
When to go to Mykonos
June through August is peak season. Expect hot temperatures and large crowds. May and September are your best bets for decent weather and a less crowded experience. Despite the crazy weather conditions we experienced during our visit, mid to late April is a great time to visit Mykonos to see it relatively crowd free. It will still be a little bit too chilly to swim at the beaches, but it’s worth it if you like to avoid the crowds. From November through March, expect chilly, sometimes wet weather and there will be fewer restaurants and hotels open for business.
Where to Eat in Mykonos
If you want Italian, the place to go is D’Angelo Mykonos, located right in Mykonos town. We had a wonderful experience at Raya Restaurant for dinner, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant. Other great restaurants in Mykonos town include Captain’s, M-Eating, and Caesar’s.
Blue Myth Restaurant and Avli Tou Thodori are highly-rated restaurants located in Platys Gialos which is a small, beachfront town on the southern part of the island.
If you plan to visit Mykonos during the busy summer months, make your dinner reservations in advance.
Where to Stay in Mykonos
LUXURY: Myconian Korali Relais & Chateaux. This 5-star hotel is located just outside of Mykonos town. Some rooms offer a private plunge pool and terraces with views over Mykonos town. If you are looking to splurge, check out the Era Junior Suite with private pool.
UPSCALE: Boho Suites. Rooms are large and come with a small living area and kitchenette. On the terrace is another seating area and a private hot tub. There is not much of a view from the terraces at this property. From Boho Suites, it takes just 5 minutes to walk to the Old Harbor.
MID-RANGE: Chill Out Studio. This property offers studio rooms and apartments, so if you want some extra space or the ability to cook your meals, this makes a nice option. Chill Out Studio is located within walking distance of Little Venice and it offers a terrace with a small pool.
MID-RANGE: Aeolos Hotel. Located within walking distance of Mykonos town, this property offers modernly decorated rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, and free airport and ferry port transfers.
BUDGET: MyCocoon Hostel. This budget-friendly option is just a few steps from the harbor. The dorm rooms have a creative layout where the beds are tucked away into “cocoons,” giving you some privacy even though you are in a large dorm room. They also offer several private rooms as well.
Are you planning a visit to Mykonos? Comment below if you have any questions or feel free to share your experience.