Mykonos is an amazing island right in the heart of the Aegean Sea and the middle of the Cyclades.
It is located near the island of Delos and just about 30 minutes away from the central part of the city, you will find the largest archaeological park in Europe and the birthplace of mythology.
If you walk around the sandy beaches, the waters are nice, cool, and feel really good between the toes.
Mykonos has more than 30 beaches offering a wide variety of settings like; the fine sand ones, pebbled beaches, the ones with rocky cliffs, family oriented resort, nudist camps, and the famous Paradise and Super Paradise beaches.
The water here is crystal clear and you can see all the way through the narrow depths even if you’re just standing on a wooden pathway or observation deck.
The sight of the white and colored stone houses along the Little Venice complements the warm temperature and the all blue and transparent reflection of the sea.
It is without a doubt the best island destination and among the most visited cities in Greece.
Best time to visit Mykonos?
The best time to visit this charming city is from September to October.
Sitting in the Aegean Sea, this present island’s climate allows a year-round stream of voyagers, however, in those months you’ll see that the group of tourists had left after the peak season of summer (June to August).
You can explore the beaches without row of sunbathers soaking up the sun, the water is still warm and the inn rates plummet again into a more sensible and affordable rate.
The spring season (April up to the third week of May), before the mid-year dry atmosphere comes, is likewise an incredible island get-away time because the weather is just right at the low of 70s.
The city encounters an ordinary Mediterranean winter from the months of November to March with freezing temperature that plunges up to the mid-50s.
June, July and August are particularly occupied; temperature surges up to 70s and 80s, and there are endless beach parties and pricey inn rates.
Best things to do in Mykonos Greece
Here are the main tourist attractions and my favorite things to do in the famous city of Mykonos.
Church of Paraportiani
The Church of Paraportiani is a great place to stop for a moment and take home some souvenir photos.
Its location is very convenient and close to Little Venice, so it is a wonderful idea as part of the itinerary.
This all white stone church is well preserved and has a breathtaking scenery of the sea.
It is nice to get lost in the narrow streets of Mykonos and arrive captivated by the charm of this typical white church.
Here you will find many bars / restaurants to enjoy the journey.
Even if the prices tend to be slightly higher than in the rest of the island, take caution and choose the best place for photos that is certainly complemented by its exceptional landscape.
It is a charming place and always full of tourists taking their selfies with the church behind their back. It is a corner of Mykonos that must not be missed.
My favorite stuff to do in Mykonos
Little Venice
The place is really reminiscent of Venice.
There are plenty of terraces on the water and it looks very romantic with windmills in the background. Anytime of the year, in Little Venice
there are hordes of people who want to see the outstanding view of the beaches and the islands that surround the city.
You can spend more time on any of its terraces and just observe after strolling through its mazes of narrow streets and take advantage of the warm breeze from the sea while watching the dramatic colors of the sunset.
The beaches are incredible despite having no vegetation.
The Little Venice has two faces. By day, the sea front attraction looks splendid and inviting for lunch and sunset.
At night, it has many places for fun and dinner.
In the evening, you can skip the cocktail, and in the afternoon you can watch as the residents of the houses directly from the balconies catch the fish in the sea.
If you are lucky there may be large, pink pelican seen walking around which is a little mascot of the city.
Fun things to do in Mykonos
The Windmills (Kato Milli)
This is the main attraction and the face of the island of Mykonos.
You can take a long walk on the fairly narrow pedestrian streets, where many shops of souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry line the streets.
A lot of cafes and restaurants! On the seafront, there is a wonderful view of The Windmills or the Kato Milli.
Conversely, when you go on foot to the mills (all within walking distance), it opens an interesting view of the waterfront and the colorful houses that grow directly out of the water.
It is truly a top landmark of the city.
In the evening they are illuminated, but it is advisable to visit early in the morning, to avoid the thousands of tourists and achieve excellent lighting for your photos.
The mix that is created by the sea, the sun, the windmills and Little Venice in the background makes this place perfect!
These are five windmills with propellers made of wood and thatched roof placed on top of a hill. It is accessed via a staircase from the square that overlooks the promenade.
It’s one of those typical moments that you will treasure because they are things that you normally do not see on a daily setting.
The site is very interesting and allows a full view of Mykonos Sea. It’s nice to get there from the city center along the streets filled with bars and shops.
If you prefer to reach the site by car, there is convenient parking space right around the mills. The sunset seen from the mills and from the square below (Alefkandra) is spectacular.
If you switch from Mykonos it is a must. The nice thing about these mills is that you can just get under while admiring them closely.
The best part is you can take wonderful pictures and you will enjoy the view over the bay of Mykonos Town.
Popular Mykonos tourist attractions
Matoyianni Street
The Matoyianni Street is the main street of Mykonos, the hub of all the other streets and built like a maze.
It is a pretty place with simple shops, restaurants, and elegant boutiques.
It has many alleys that wind from the main building where every corner you will discover shops and houses that are very characteristic.
The street is ideal for romantic couples and groups of friends looking for a memorable evening.
The classic blue and white labyrinth alleys of Mykonos town gives an impression that makes it look like a large upscale shopping mall (when it’s not).
It is a street full of surprises with shops of famous brands and stores with souvenirs of objects and crafts about Mykonos and Greece.
What else to do in Mykonos?
Mykonos SeaBus
If you are not in a hurry or you don’t have time to wait for the few taxis (there are only 32 taxis that roam around the city) in Mykonos, take the Mykonos SeaBus.
It is also a good option for people who want to save money on transportation costs when going around the city.
The boat leaves the New to the Old Port and vice versa for €2. Every half hour, another boat comes until a certain time and more up to the evening.
It is fast, safe, and a convenient mode of transport between the new port of Mykonos and the city center.
Is Mykonos worth visiting?
The answer is Yes. Mykonos is worth visiting. For being such a magical place full of beauty, good vibe parties and beaches.
Make sure you visit this gorgeous beach:
Kalafatis Beach
The Kalafatis Beach is considered a beach for water sports; it has clear water and is good for swimming.
It has good structure of bars and restaurants and well worth the visit. On the beach there are chairs for rent (8 Euros for 2 chairs and an umbrella).
The beach Kalafatis has water facilities designed for water sports fans. It has loose sand and clear waters.
There are sun beds and space to layer your towel on the sand even during the height of the peak season for tourism. It has a shop for Jet Ski rides if you need to rent one and a ski school.
There is the overwhelming presence of free beach and beach facilities with very low prices, you can also find a bar / restaurant and a shower as well as a center for kite surfing even if the wind is not exaggerated.
It has a calm sea and beautiful colors of the water, fine sand separated from the street by some trees that can make convenient space to have a little ‘shadow’.
If too much sun and windy days are a problem, the trees provide the best shelter. It is certainly worth the ride to see the wonderful view of Mykonos from this beach.
What else to see in Mykonos?
Ftelia Beach
The Ftelia Beach is a little difficult to reach if you do not know the way, it is indicated by a small sign that is hard to notice; but once reached, it is definitely a great achievement.
In fact, the place is wonderful and it’s not the usual crowded beach and widely visited, but it is a definite must see when in Mykonos! It is a windy beach that is very popular for kite surfers.
Ftelia is definitely among the best along with Panormos if you like places that are a little ‘more “wild” or otherwise without umbrellas and loungers.
Come into its crystal clear water with a mask and a mug and you can do excellent snorkelling and diving thrills.
It is a quiet beach in Mykonos with bar service and comfortable taverns. It may look a bit isolated from the usual circuit of the famous beaches along the Mediterranean coast and without complete infrastructure, but it is blessed with a beautiful sea.
At the edge of the bay, there are food and beverage counters where food is served in comfortable ottoman lounge areas under its makeshift tents.
Popular places to visit in Mykonos
Armenistis Lighthouse
Despite being far from the center of Mykonos, it is worth to rent a car and go visit the place, not only because of the lighthouse, but the view that the place creates.
It has an amazing view, with the Aegean Sea completing the scene and made more radiant by the colors of the sunset.
The Armenistis Lighthouse on the island of Mykonos is the symbolic icon and postcard image of the island along with the windmills and Little Venice.
The access road may be quite a challenge (the trail passes through dirt roads and not sign posted), but you can stop several times along its tracks to capture the impressive scenery.
The island of Mykonos, in addition to ballads, beaches and restaurants do not have many sights. Thus, it highlights the lighthouse and the windmills.
Go there to enjoy the rides, the landscapes and also to know a little more about the geography of the island.
Things to do in Mykonos with kids
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos exposes parts of Greek civilization. Even if the selection is small, it has interesting parts and exhibitions that are worth seeing.
Worth seeing is the huge vessel which carved and presents the whole story of Troy.
Besides the sea, the fun, good food, Mykonos has an interesting museum about the history of ancient Greece through artifacts, weapons, kitchen utensils, and old implements used by the first settlers of the island, which makes the visit both fun and entertaining.
The small museum of the island is a great option for those who want to understand how the ancient Greek civilizations lived and survived on this island.
The site is simple and necessitates the best accommodations (and support of the local government regarding maintenance and preservation), considering the desirable conditions for proper maintenance of the parts and a few treasured pieces, but it has a lot of material, rich in detail, and factual information.
Things to do around Mykonos
Manto Mavrogenous Square
Manto Mavrogenous came from a Greek family that hails from Romania, which left secretly for Italy. They settled in Trieste and there her father Blackbeard Nicholas became a local merchant.
With the beginning of the revolution, she and her family went to Mykonos and roused the people to fight against the Turks.
On ships equipped with its own expense, she chased the pirates who infested the Cyclades and later fought in Pelion, in Fthiotida and Livadia.
Holder of the French language, she once wrote a touching appeal to the women of France, asking for their support in the population of Greece.
For this cause, she spent all her fortune.
For its activity, overall, Ioannis Kapodistrias awarded her a rare recognition for a unique woman as the honorary Lieutenant of the Greek Army and was given a central house in Nafplio.
Apart from the French language, she spoke fluent Italian and Turkish.
After the Revolution, she was persecuted by Ioannis Kolettis (who participated in the First National Assembly that took place in December 1821 in Epidaurus) came back in Mykonos and in July 1848 she died in Paros very poor and unrecognized.
This square was built to honor her patriotism and service to the country. In the middle, you will see the iconic bust of the heroic Greek warrior.
The Manto Mavrogenous Square is now surrounded by bars, restaurants, grocery stores and shops. There are travel agencies to buy ferry ticket on site.
It is a popular meeting point and taxi terminal for the few cabs that services the area.
Must see places in Mykonos
Cine Manto Mykonos
Built for entertainment and amusement purposes for local and foreign guests, the Cine Manto Mykonos is an ideal place to spend a wonderful evening under the sky of Mykonos to see recent films in their original language.
Next to the cinema in the same garden, there is a grilling area where you can order food and drinks before, during, or after the movie.
The lovely garden with tables invites you to relax over a glass of cold beer or surf the internet while your children enjoy the movie! It is no exaggeration to say that it is the most beautiful open air cinema in the world, especially for the elementary school parents.
No doubt, it is only in Mykonos that you can find this small paradise where children enjoy their favorite movie while you unwind with a delicious BBQ prepared by Greek chefs in a very relaxed ambience.
Free things to do in Mykonos
Rarity Gallery
The Rarity Gallery is by far, one of the best modern art galleries in Mykonos.
It has a beautiful and varied collection and the owner is willing to share to every guest (without being intrusive) a lot of interesting facts behind the artwork.
The property is ideal for presenting the voluminous works of art, but in addition there are also some smaller works done by contemporary artists that are for sale.
The quality of the works and the featured exhibits are high. It is worth seeing even if you’re not going to buy something.
You can wander around and simply explore. You will be amazed by how talented and skilled the local artists from this island have come up with along the halls of this gallery.
My vacation activities in Mykonos
Mykonos is a Greek city where the Greek gods Apollo and Artemisia were born. The city is all white and identical with its century old traditional architecture.
You will be welcomed with a beautiful view upon arrival at the port by the buildings which are standing on the hill and facing the ocean.
If you want, you can use the local service city tour, which is very good because the guides speak excellent English.
Mykonos is not only a beach lover’s paradise, it is the perfect place for photo enthusiasts and famous fashion photo shoots overlooking the Mediterranean and the South Aegean Sea.