12 Best Things to Do in Mykonos

Mykonos has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to combining bohemian beach clubs, chic bars, and designer boutiques with unspoiled nature. For anyone from sun-lovers to historians, night owls, and LGBTQ+ travelers, the island is one of the most popular and famous destinations in Greece.

Things to do in Mykonos range from delving into the island’s ancient history at fascinating museums and archaeological sites to exploring enchanting Chora, the capital, and relaxing on some of the most fashionable beaches in the Mediterranean.

This alluring island is where you’ll find those classic Cycladic scenes: ancient windmills, blue-domed Greek Orthodox churches, and sugar-cube architecture. Long, sandy beaches, some quiet, others lined with chic beach clubs, are lapped by tranquil azure water.

Discover the 12 best things to do in Mykonos on vacation.

Wander Around Chora

Garlands of bright-pink bougainvillea draped over traditional whitewashed buildings with vibrant blue doors are a common sight in Mykonos Town, or Chora.

Wandering the photogenic maze-like streets to pick up trinkets and treasures is one of the best things to do in Mykonos. Matogianni Street and the lanes surrounding it offer some of the best high-end shopping in Greece.

While international designers have sprung up in Mykonos Town in recent years, look for local brands, of which there are many, with boutiques selling gourmet treats, handmade jewelry, gorgeous ceramics and pottery, and floaty fashions and accessories.

Take a break from shopping and visit the Aegean Maritime Museum on Enoplon Dinameon to learn about the island’s seafaring history. Next door, Lena’s House Folk Museum is a charming spot to see traditional island furnishings and objects for the home.

Just around the corner, absorb the wonderful and intriguing art pieces on display at The House of Fine Art on Panachrantou, and Skoufa Gallery on Kalogera.

When you’re ready for a rest, opt for one of Mykonos Town’s many restaurants, traditional tavernas, or chic cocktail bars for fresh zucchini salad, just-caught seafood, sizzling souvlaki skewers, and delicious cocktails.

Enjoy Watersports on Kalafatis Beach

A visit to Kalafatis is one of the top things to do in Mykonos if you’re a fan of watersports Located on the southeast of the island, a 20-minute drive from Mykonos Town, Kalafatis Beach is a long golden stretch of soft sand with thatched parasols and sun loungers.

The water is a gorgeous clear turquoise and is wonderful for swimming and snorkeling. The thrilling activities you could try on Kalafatis Beach include windsurfing, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and even wakeboarding.

Pedalos with built-in slides are a great option for groups of friends or families, while a couple of relaxed beachside restaurants offer all-day dining.

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Visit the Island of Delos

A tiny, uninhabited rocky island off the southwest coast of Mykonos, Delos holds enormous significance in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo, son of Zeus. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, is peppered with intriguing Greek ruins to explore.

Take a scenic ferry ride from Mykonos to this open-air museum to gain a sense of what life might have been like on this remote island, once a cosmopolitan port.

Highlights include the Great Temple of Apollo, the House of Cleopatra, the House with the Masks, and the Ancient Theater of Delos, which once hosted thousands of spectators.

The jaw-dropping archaeological site features elaborate mosaics, striking columns, and the remains of Hellenistic mansions and temples from the 3rd century B.C.

Drop into the Archaeological Museum of Delos, where highlights of the nine exhibition rooms include rare statues, including a marble statue of Apollo, and pottery dating back to the prehistoric period.

Wear comfy walking shoes for a visit to Delos since you’re likely to do plenty of wandering around this serene island.

Gaze at the Windmills of Chora

Five of Mykonos’s remaining flour windmills are located to the south of Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, perched on a hill above Little Venice, the old fishermen’s quarter that’s now one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town.

Most of the mills were built in the 16th century, though construction continued into the 20th century, with the circular, white-painted buildings featuring small windows and pointed, thatched roofs.

Though the windmills are no longer used to produce flour, they are among Mykonos’s most treasured landmarks.

An easy stroll from the center of town, the best way to get to the windmills is to walk, passing some of the island’s scenic streets on the way. When you arrive, soak up the views from the windmills’ elevated vantage point, overlooking the whitewashed town and the fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the harbor.

Explore the Village of Ano Mera

Ano Mera is a peaceful village near the center of Mykonos, home to charming traditional-white Cycladic houses with colorful shutters and doors.

The village is the second largest on the island, after Mykonos Town, and is centered around the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery, adorned with an attractive marble bell tower. The monastery was built in 1542 and restored and renamed in 1767.

The 18th-century Paleokastro Monastery is also found in Ano Mera. Located near the 13th-century Gyzi Castle on the northern fringes of the village, Paleokastro is chalk-white with vermillion-red window frames and doors.

Once you’ve visited the monasteries, enjoy a relaxed stroll around Ano Mera’s town square and seek out a shaded spot in one of the village’s restaurants.

Marvel at the Church of Panagia Paraportiani

A visit to the glowing-white Panagia Paraportiani is one of the best things to do in Mykonos.

Lying on the edge of the Kastro neighborhood to the south of Mykonos Town, Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most photographed landmarks on Mykonos and arguably one of the most beautiful churches in the world.

Panagia Paraportiani is made up of five joined-together churches. Visitors can explore the central Agios Efstathios church, which is surrounded by Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia, with the dome-like church of the Virgin Mary lying on top.

The churches were built between the 14th and 17th centuries, with Agios Efstathios the first to be constructed.

Once you’ve taken a photo of this Greek landmark, wander the network of winding alleys around the church. There are plenty of tavernas to choose from on this tip of Mykonos Town.

Relax on Agios Sostis Beach

If you’re looking for a more secluded shorefront stretch, Agios Sostis is a glorious beach on the northwest coast, just a 15-minute drive from Mykonos Town.

Perfect for a relaxing day on the sand, Agios Sostis is undeveloped, with a beautiful remote feel that makes it one of the best beaches in Greece. The water is sublime—glistening blue and crystalline clear—and the sand is satin-soft.

Once you’ve enjoyed a blissful swim, stop by Kiki’s Tavern, which overlooks the bay. The pared-back restaurant offers a sun-kissed terrace with stunning views. Try the char-grilled octopus, zesty salads or tasty shrimp, and calamari with a refreshing glass of Greek wine.

Spend Time in Little Venice

Little Venice is a magnetic waterfront neighborhood of Mykonos Town, wrapping around the harbor from Alefkandra beach to Kastro.

One of the most beautiful places in Greece, the area is known for its chalk-white houses that appear suspended over the gently lapping water. The handsome buildings feature balconies and windows accentuated with vibrant colors.

Little Venice has a buzzy, yet laid-back and romantic ambiance that make Mykonos one of the best Greek islands for couples.

Seats at the bars and restaurants that line the waterfront fill quickly during summertime with those in the know seeking out the best spots to soak up the views.

Don’t be surprised to see the island’s resident pelican, a living symbol of Mykonos, wandering in and out of the fish restaurants in search of a snack.

Savor cooling sundowners and snacks as you relax in one of the most spectacular locations in Greece. The sea is so clear here that you can see black sea urchins on the seabed as you sip your cocktail.

Discover the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

Spend time discovering the fascinating exhibitions at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, located on the waterfront near Mykonos Old Port.

The museum was built in 1905 to house a collection of artifacts unearthed on the islet of Rheneia, next to Delos, in 1898. The items on display date from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic period.

The museum’s collection includes a number of vases, grave statues, and funerary urns from Rheneia, along with some finds from Mykonos. One of the most famous items at the museum is a large vase originally from the neighboring island of Tinos, depicting scenes from the fall of Troy.

Hike to Armenistis Lighthouse

Armenistis Lighthouse lies at the northwest tip of the island, roughly three and a half miles from Mykonos Town. You could take a taxi to see the 1891-built lighthouse, or lace up your hiking boots and walk there if it’s not too hot.

Trace the coastline from the Old Port turning inland after passing the New Port. The roads become hillier as you pass rolling farmland of wildflowers and native shrubs, dotted with traditional houses that look like scattered sugar cubes.

As the gleaming Armenistis Lighthouse comes into view, the perfect photo opportunity presents itself with the distant island of Tinos and the glittering sapphire-blue Aegean in the background.

Take the coastal route back to Mykonos Town via Agios Stefanos Beach, where you’ll find a couple of beach bars to enjoy a refreshing drink after you’ve cooled off with a dip in the sea.

Savor Local Gastronomy at Mykonos Farms

Mykonos might be a small island, but it produces many of the exquisite foods that Greece is known for, including herby olive oils, a local cheese called Kopanisti, known for its salty, spicy flavor, and loukoumi, Greece’s answer to Turkish delight.

Make your way to a traditional homestead, Mykonian Spiti & Farm, a short drive inland from Mykonos Town, to tour the kitchen and garden and taste a selection of local produce before taking part in a cookery class.

Sample outstanding kopanisti, a smoked ham called louza, fresh tomatoes, and olives. Learn how to make a savory Greek spinach pie along with the refreshing tzatziki yogurt dip.

In the central-northeast region of Mykonos, Vioma is an organic farm and vineyard, producing vinegar, vine leaves, grape molasses, and honey among an array of vegetables and herbs.

Luscious Greek grapes grown on the vineyard include Assyrtiko, Athiri, Monemvasia, Malagouzia, Agiannitis, and Mandilaria.

Visit the vineyard and you might also see some of the 20 honey-producing beehives and resident animals, including goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, a donkey, and sheep.

Book a tasting to learn about Vioma’s biodynamic farming methods and the wine-making process. The experience is family-friendly, with the opportunity for visitors to meet the farm animals and enjoy the expansive farmland.

Pick up citrusy white, smooth red, and velvety sweet wines to savor when you return home as a Greek souvenir of your unforgettable getaway.

Sail Around Mykonos on a Boat Trip

One of the best ways to enjoy a leisurely scenic day in Mykonos is by joining a local boat tour.

Many operators stick to a south coast route, dipping in and out of the popular Mykonos beaches to give visitors the chance to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at spots such as Paraga and Super Paradise beach, one of the hippest on the island. You’ll be able to jump off the boat straight into the inviting water.

The profoundly beautiful island of Mykonos has plenty of culture and history for travelers to experience. As well as the mouth-watering cuisine, the island is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

From people-watching in Little Venice to delving into island life at a traditional homestead, there’s plenty to do on this picture-perfect Cyclades island. Discover Celebrity’s luxury cruises to Mykonos and experience the allure of the Greek Islands.