There’s an incredible range of things to do in Mykonos, that it is easy to see why it is a travelers’ favorite. There is plenty to see, do, and taste, whether one chooses to explore the Island of the Winds by boat, car or even on foot.

Mykonos beaches are among some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The scenery of the island is gorgeous and dramatic. There’s many lovely and quaint coastal villages. Top this off with historic sites and it is easy to see why more and more people are booking their holidays in Mykonos.

But there’s more. Youngsters who visit this Cycladic gem will be amazed by its legendary, wild party scene. VIPs from the international jet set cruise around the island to get a good taste of it; to see and be seen. Mykonos is vibrant and has an incredible upbeat feel.

This post highlights all the coolest things to do in Mykonos, with plenty of tips to make the most of it.

Seventeen Fun Things To Do In Mykonos

Enjoy Mykonos beaches

Picturesque coves with unspoiled natural beauty, pristine sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters distinguish Mykonos’s coastal landscape. Going to the beach is a must when spending the holidays in Mykonos. I know my beaches – I am from Sardinia! So I guess my opinion can be trusted on this one.

There are more than 30 beaches on the island, so it is easy to find one that will suite anyone’s needs, tastes and likes. There’s party and cosmopolitan beaches; just as well there’s family style and remote ones. Some of the best beaches in Mykonos have luxury sun beds and golden sands; others have sea-side tavernas, restaurants and bars. And on an island with such clear waters and regular wind, watersports are a fun activity.

Here’s a selection of the best beaches in Mykonos

Platis Gialos

This beach is located just 5km southeast of the Chora (or Mykonos Town). What makes this wide beach one of the best beaches in Mykonos is the ease of access (there’s direct buses to and from other beaches, such as Super Paradise) and the fact that there’s a lot of eateries. As I will point out later, food is delicious in Mykonos, so Platis Gialos is a must!

Ornos Beach

There’s many family-friendly Mykonos beaches, and Ornos is one of them. It’s located 3 km south of Mykonos town and there’s plenty of family-run tavernas serving fresh seafood and tsipouro (a pomace brandy).

Psarous Beach

Psarous is the trendiest among Mykonos beaches. It’s located 5 km southeast of Chora, the sand is beautiful and there’s plenty of restaurants for the foodies.

Paraga Beach

What makes Paraga Beach one of the best beaches in Mykonos (and one of the busiest as well) is the combination of alluring waters, fine sand and the plethora of places to enjoy a drink or cocktail, and delicious food. The beach is located on the southeast side of the island (6 km from Mykonos Town).

Elia Beach

Elia is the longest beach in Mykonos, with prepossessing waters inviting surfers and swimmers alike; lots of parking space and frequent buses running from and to Mykonos Town, alongside the scenic villages of Elia and Platis Gialos in close proximity.

Paradise Beach

At only 6 km south of Chora there’s Paradise Beach, a young and party beach that turns into a partygoers’ hotspot after sunset. Here, there’s more than enough bars spilling out onto the sand. If partying is one of the things to do in Mykonos, this once gay beach is the go-to place for those who want to have the ultimate fun from sunrise until well after midnight. Go in the late afternoon to join the parties with top DJs while dancing on the beach until the early morning hours!

Super Paradise

Super Paradise is supposed to be the most gay-friendly beach in Mykonos with plenty of action and several bars keeping the beat up after the sun goes down or slightly before that! The beach is located 7 km southeast of Mykonos Town. It can be reached by taking a small boat from Paradise Beach and Platis Gialos.

Agios Ioannis

Mykonos can get crazy busy at times, but you’ll manage to escape the crowds. Agios Ioannis is a superb option for those in search of a beautiful, quiet beach away from the noise and craziness of the most cosmopolitan Super Paradise and Paradise beaches. Situated 5 km south of the Chora, its narrow strip of sand and the peaceful tavernas provide a more laid-back side of Mykonos. The same applies to Agrari Beach (10 km southeast of the Chora) and Fokos Beach (13 km northeast of Mykonos Town). Easy to see why they are considered the best beaches in Mykonos.

Megali Ammos

Winsurfing is a must when in Mykonos. Megali Ammos is one of the best beaches for that, as it often gets quite windy there. It boasts really nice sand, and it is only a short walk from Mykonos town (500 meters away). While there, don’t miss out on the opportunity to grab a bite at Ioanna’s Nikos Taverna on the beach. It’s one of the best restaurants in Mykonos: the food is fantastic!

Learn about Mykonos history and traditions in Mykonos Town

If you are a fan of history and culture, you’ll be in for a treat. From the whitewashed houses with the bougainvillea-filled windows and labyrinth-like cobbled streets of Mykonos Town to the impressive chapels with the distinct sea-blue doors perched along the hills of a breath-taking topography, there are so many things to impress visitors.

Make sure to go in search of the traditional Cycladic architectural style, which has remained untouched throughout the years mainly due to the building regulations that apply on the island. The streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, little shops, stylish bars, and restaurants while 15th century castle ruins safeguard the island and, of course, dazzle with their subtle power.

Take a stroll around the Old Port

A walk around the Old Port is a must towards the end of the day. There, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea where you can have dinner or a late night drink, and you’ll be able to board the ferries to Delos island. The harbor is also home to Mykonos’ mascot, Peter the Pelican, who’s often seen around there. He’s very friendly and you can take photos.

Enjoy sunset from Little Venice

Mykonos can be very romantic, especially in Little Venice. This is the most charming neighborhood of Mykonos, with houses built above the waves right up to the edge of the water, and ravishing Venetian wooden balconies overhanging the sea. Little Venice is an awe-inspiring spot on the island that also provides exceptional views of the sun sliding behind the horizon. I am a big fan of sunsets, so I know where to go! And while there, a sunset drink is a must!

Visit the famous Windmills of Chora

The windmills of Chora are probably the most photographed attraction in Mykonos. Once used to mill wheat, they now stand as proud reminders of their history, with some of them being turned into museums and others housing their new residents. Only 7 windmills remain nowadays, and though their sight is gorgeous, the view from there isn’t half bad either. Watching the windmills is one of the must when in Mykonos.

And all the beautiful churches

The whole island of Mykonos is scattered with beautiful churches and while you may not visit them all, make sure to explore at least the most famous ones, such as the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera; and Panagia Paraportiani and Agios Nikolaos in Mykonos Town.

Visit the archeological site of Delos

I am a massive fan of archaeological sites – the Roman Forum in Rome; Machu Picchu in Peru; the City of David in Jerusalem: I love learning the history and even the legends of the places I am visiting. Thus, a must when visiting Mykonos is going to Delos – the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis (gods of light and the wilderness respectively) according to Greek Mythology.

Today, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is only a 30-minute ferry boat ride from Mykonos. A visit typically includes entrance to the Doric Temple, Delos synagogue, the Temple of Delians, and Minoan Fountain. It’s incredible how such a small island was once the most significant spiritual centre of ancient Greece: visiting is what to do in Mykonos to learn more about Greek history.

Go on a boat trip to Delos and Rhenia

Delos, where the beautiful archeological site is located, and Rhenia, famous for its clear waters, are very close to Mykonos. They can be visited on a boat trip that departs daily from Mykonos harbor, and during the trip you have a chance of seeing the archeological site from the boat, and swim in the pristine waters of Rhenia.

Go shopping

Shopaholics are bound to have a great time in Mykonos, which is packed with designer stores, jewelries, art galleries and souvenir shops. Of course, prices aren’t exactly cheap – but if budget is not an issue, give it a go!

Eat all the amazing food

I absolutely love Greek food. At some point, years ago when I had a Greek boyfriend, I cooked Greek food every day. He was quite pleased with it, so I take it that I was doing a good job. Anyways, enjoying local food is a must when in Mykonos. And I think one of the best ways to learn about a place and its culture is via its food (hence why I ate all the food in Cuba, for example!).

The good news is that Mykonos is literally covered in restaurants offering divine dishes, excellent service, and amazing sea views. Here’s a selection of the best restaurants in Mykonos for those who want to have a culinary adventure (or just feed their hunger with great food).

The best restaurants in Mykonos

Funky Kitchen well deserves a mention among the best restaurants in Mykonos. It serves Mediterranean dishes with a funky twist on an isolated outdoor terrace in Mykonos town. Undoubtedly one of the most creative fusion restaurants on the island. Their signature dishes? Octopus Carpaccio with pink peppercorns; cumin fava beans with a rack of lamb; seared tuna with eggplant mousse; and chocolate nirvana (dessert). Just the name is enough to make my mouth water.

Pepper is one of the best restaurants in Mykonos for a quick snack or lunch in Little Venice. Everything is nice and clean, and prepared with high-quality ingredients in the open kitchen right in front of customers’ eyes. Recommendations? The gourmet burgers and gyros (pita bread with grilled lamb or chicken, onions, tomatoes, tzatziki) rock!

Uno Con Carne is an elegant restaurant with a spacious outdoor terrace and a steak-focused menu in Mykonos Town. Filet mignon, NY strip steak, and T-bone are some of the flavours to which customers can treat their taste buds. There’s an impressive oyster bar and wine list too – hence why it is one of the best restaurants in Mykonos.

Hippie Fish is the place to go for fish and seafood. This is a large, casual, beachfront restaurant located on Agios Ioannis Beach, with plenty of seafood dishes and traditional Greek tastes. Customers can sit under the thatched roof and enjoy the catch of the day, along with Mykonos sausages (louza), Aegean paella, and stuffed squid (kalamari): quite easily one of the best restaurants in Mykonos.

Last but not least, among the best restaurants in Mykonos there are Nikolas Taverna (Agia Anna Beach), La Cucina di Daniele (Ano Mera), Buddha Bar (Ornos), Kiki’s Taverna (Agios Sostis Beach), Avli tou Thodori (Platis Gialos Beach), and Nammos (Psarou Beach), which has gorgeous views of the Aegean sea.

Try Greek wine

A proper meal of Greek food is going to taste much better if you accompany it with Greek wine. Wine tasting around the island is fairly inexpensive. You can definitely have your share at a good bar or restaurant, and even visit a vineyard!

Learn a few words of Greek

Greek isn’t exactly an easy language to learn. I studied classical Greek for a whopping 5 years in high school, and had a long relationship with a Greek man, so I have learned a few things here and there. Make sure to know at least the basics:

Kalimera – Good morning

Kalispera – Good evening

Kalinichta – Good night

Efharisto – Thank you

Parakalo – Please

Nerò – Water (Ena potiri nero, parakalo: a glass of water, please)

Pos pas sto… – How do I get to…

Party till you drop

Going to Mykonos and not going to at least one party is like ordering a pizza without mozzarella cheese! Quite simply, one of the top things to do in Mykonos is partying. Those looking for some fun, great cocktails, lots of champagne to shower with or drink, and dance floors open from the wee hours of the morning until well after dawn, have an incredible choice. Among the best clubs there are Cavo Paradiso (Paradise Beach); Super Paradise Beach Club (Super Paradise Beach); Babylon (Mykonos Town); Kalua Beach Bar (Paraga Beach) and Paradise Beach Club (Paradise Beach).

Pet the cats

Like in the rest of Greece, many cats live in Mykonos. I am a cat lady proper, and it’s pretty much inevitable that I end up befriending, feeding and cuddling the cats wherever I go, Mykonos included. I don’t recommend sharing your food with the cats – human food is packed with salt which is actually bad for these lovely felines. But you can definitely buy some cat food in one of the shops. And if you really want to do your share for the cats and dogs of Mykonos, you can even make a donation to the Mykonos Animal Welfare.

Do water sports…and not only!

I am obsessed with swimming and I love water sports. One of the greatest things to do in Mykonos is practicing water sports. But there’s more! Swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing are obviously incredible activities, but other things to do in Mykonos are the super family-friendly, fun and informative cooking classes, where wine flows abundantly. I find that learning how to cook traditional Greek food is a great way to get to know the culture of the country.

Other things to do in Mykonos include yacht/catamaran cruises to nearby islands of Delos, Ios, Naxos, Paxos and Rhenia, which may easily turn into an after-dark party with BBQs and lots of music; horse riding through the most beguiling areas of the islands, and even enjoying the views from above with a private helicopter tour. There are so many surprising ways to explore this lovely island.

Go on a bike tour

One of the nicest things to do in Mykonos is going on a bike tour. There are various ones that depart daily and that are suitable for various levels of fitness – what you pick is ultimately up to you and to the heat of the season: if it is summer, you will want to avoid the longest or toughest tours, but on the other hand you may also end up at the beach and cool off with a swim.

Experience luxury at its finest

One of the perks of holidays in Mykonos is the possibility of staying at a fantastic property. This means having the opportunity to make reservations on practically everything one may want to do (i.e. get VIP access to private parties or get beach-front loungers) and enjoying the life of Hollywood stars and celebs that also maintain elite holiday properties in Mykonos.

Make sure to stay at a luxury villa when in Mykonos. There are many exclusive, spacious villas that overlook the Aegean, and that offer incredible views of the sea and the raw beauty of the island. They obviously have all amenities to make the stay comfortable – infinity pools; fully equipped kitchens; roomy bedrooms; and private pergolas. Everything is designed with grandeur, following the Cycladic architecture and keeping in mind that the ultimate aim is making guests comfortable.

Here are some of the best villas in Mykonos:

• Amallini Complex – a gorgeous villa with an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and terrace overlooking the sea.
• Mermaid Luxury Villas Alana – overlooking the Aegean sea, it’s built in Cycladic style.
• O Lofos Luxury Boutique Suites – there are 3 apartments in the complex: from small and basic, though fully equipped; to large and even more comfortable.

Other Useful Information

When to visit Mykonos

Any time is a good time to visit Mykonos. If you are a beach bum, the summer months are definitely the best, but keep in mind it may get crowded. To enjoy a bit of everything, May and September, and depending on the season even October, are perfect: it won’t be too hot so you can easily explore, but there will be less crowds. And it will be significantly cheaper to get there and to stay there!

How to get to Mykonos

By plane

Mykonos is well connected to the rest of Greece, with direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. During the summer months, budget airlines usually have flights from many European cities.

By ferry

Ferries depart regularly from Athens ports Piraeus and Rafina. The trip lasts around 3 hours on the high speed ferry, or 5 on the regular one. There are also ferries to and from other Cycladic islands.

How to get around Mykonos

Once in Mykonos, shuttles, a few taxis, boat taxis and buses will help you move around the island. You can also rent a scooter or a car. Check out the prices of car rental here.

Have you ever been to Mykonos? What did you like the most about it?

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