Mykonos packs more into its 86 square kilometres than islands three times its size. See our Mykonos travel tips for more details. Beyond the famous beach clubs and whitewashed streets of Chora, you will find ancient ruins on nearby Delos, family-run wineries in the interior, and some of the clearest water in the Cyclades for snorkelling and diving. Here are the best things to do on Mykonos, with practical details for each.
Things to Do in Mykonos: Mykonos Town (Chora)
Explore Little Venice and the Windmills
Little Venice is the waterfront row of 18th-century captain houses whose balconies hang directly over the sea in the Alefkandra district. The five iconic windmills (Kato Mili) stand on a hill just south, built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill wheat. See our best beaches in Mykonos for more details. Both are free to visit and best photographed at sunset when the western light hits the whitewashed walls. The windmills are a 3-minute walk from Little Venice along the coastal path. Arrive by 18:30 in summer to claim a spot at one of the Little Venice cocktail bars (Caprice Bar and Veranda are the most popular, cocktails EUR 15-20).
Visit Panagia Paraportiani Church
This asymmetrical white church in the Kastro neighbourhood is the most photographed church in the Cyclades. Built over 200 years (1425 to the 17th century), it is actually five small churches merged into one structure, with four chapels at ground level and the main church on top. See our where to stay in Mykonos for more details. Entry is free and it is open daily during daylight hours. The best light for photos is early morning (07:00-09:00) before the crowds arrive. Located at the western edge of the old port, a 5-minute walk from the main bus station.
Get Lost in the Winding Streets of Chora
Mykonos Town’s labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets was deliberately designed to confuse pirates in the 16th century. Today it is a car-free maze of whitewashed walls, blue doors and windows, and bougainvillaea. See our Mykonos events and festivals for more details. Matoyianni Street is the main shopping artery with designer boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Soho Soho). For local crafts and quieter alleys, explore the side streets around the Old Port and the area behind the Town Hall. Free walking tours depart from the Mando Square at 10:00 (tip-based, look for the orange umbrella).
Things to Do in Mykonos: Beaches and Water Activities
Beach Day at Psarou Beach and Nammos
Psarou Beach is the most exclusive stretch of sand on Mykonos, anchored by Nammos Beach Club at its centre. Sun lounger pairs cost EUR 80-120 per day in high season (minimum spend applies at the restaurant). The water is calm and crystal-clear, sheltered from the meltemi by the bay’s shape. See our best time to visit Mykonos for more details. Public bus from Mykonos Town (Fabrika station) runs every 30 minutes in summer, EUR 1.80 one-way. Taxi costs roughly EUR 15. Nammos reservations for lunch should be made at least 3-4 days ahead via phone (+30 2289 022440).
Party at Super Paradise Beach
Super Paradise Beach on the south coast is the island’s legendary party beach. The main beach club (Super Paradise Beach Club) runs day parties from 16:00 to midnight with international DJs. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles with turquoise water. Loungers cost EUR 40-60 per pair. See our Mykonos weather by month for more details. The gay-friendly section is at the eastern end of the beach. Bus service runs from Fabrika station via the Platis Gialos transfer point. The last returning bus leaves at 02:00 in peak season. Cocktails at the bar cost EUR 18-22.
Snorkelling and Diving at Paradise Reef
Paradise Reef, located between Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, offers the best snorkelling on Mykonos with visibility up to 30 metres. Mykonos Diving Center (located at Paradise Beach) runs guided dives for EUR 60-80 including equipment. They also offer PADI discover scuba courses (EUR 95, 3 hours) and full certification courses (EUR 450, 3-4 days). The reef features octopus, moray eels, barracuda, and the wreck of the Anna II cargo ship at 18 metres depth. Best conditions are June and September when the meltemi winds are lighter. Book at +30 2289 024808.
Things to Do in Mykonos: Day Trips and Excursions
Delos Island Archaeological Site
The uninhabited island of Delos, 30 minutes by ferry from Mykonos Old Port, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The site covers the remains of an entire ancient city with the Terrace of the Lions, the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre Quarter, and mosaic floors from the 2nd century BC still intact. Ferries depart from the Old Port at 09:00, 10:00, and 11:00, returning at 12:00, 13:30, and 15:00. The round-trip ticket costs EUR 22 (book at the Delos ticket booth by the Old Port dock). Site entry is EUR 12 (free for EU citizens under 25). Closed on Mondays. Bring water and a hat, there is no shade and only one small cafe. Allow 3-4 hours minimum.
Sunset Sailing Cruise
A half-day catamaran cruise around the south coast of Mykonos costs EUR 90-130 per person including lunch, drinks, and snorkelling equipment. Most depart at 15:00 and return at 19:30, visiting the beaches of Elia, Agrari, and the uninhabited island of Dragonisi with its sea caves. Sunset cruises (17:00-20:30) cost EUR 70-100 and include wine and snacks. Operators to check: Mykonos Catamaran (Sun Odyssey 49) and Mykonos On Board. Book at least 2-3 days ahead in July and August. Departures from the New Port in Tourlos.
Jeep Safari to the Interior Villages
Rent an ATV or Jeep (EUR 40-80 per day from Mykonos Rentals at the airport or town) and explore the inland village of Ano Mera. The 16th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, with its carved marble bell tower, sits at the village square. The square itself has traditional tavernas (To Steki tou Proedrou serves grilled lamb chops for EUR 12) where locals eat rather than tourists. Continue north to Fokos Beach, a wild pebbly cove with no sun loungers or music, and to the Armenistis Lighthouse at the island’s northwestern tip for panoramic views across to Tinos.
