Mykonos travel guide
Mykonos Tourism | Mykonos Guide
You're Going to Love Mykonos
The island of Mykonos is known for its emblematic windmills and its narrow streets with whitewashed facades. This small island in the Aegean Sea is also one of the most popular destinations in the area and is an ideal choice if you want to find modern hotels and restaurants.
Spend your day strolling through the streets of Little Venice or relaxing at one of the many beaches before heading to one of the buzzing night clubs.
Visiting Mykonos is the perfect opportunity to discover Byzantine architecture and to visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos. If you start feeling crowded in the main city, head to one of the smaller inland villages or take a drive around the island to admire the wild landscapes.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mykonos
1. See the Emblematic Windmills
The windmills are probably the most recognizable landmark on the entire island. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and you will also get a great view of the sea and of Little Venice.
2. Discover the Many Churches
There are 400 churches on the island of Mykonos. Head to the Kastro district to see the Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most known churches in all of Greece.
3. Learn about History and Archaeology
If you are interested in archaeology, make sure you visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and take a tour of the nearby island of Delos. You can also learn more about the island's culture and history at the Folklore Museum and see a restored house from the 19th century at Lena's House Museum.
4. Relax at the Beach
The beaches on the southern coast tend to attract the most tourists but you can head to Lia on the east coast or Fokos on the north coast if you want to find more secluded beaches. Most beaches have tavernas, bars, and restaurants.
5. Dance the Night Away at a Club
Mykonos is an incredible destination if you enjoy dance clubs, bars, and taverns. Yacht Club and the Paradise Club on Paradise Beach are the perfect spots to party. Mykonos Town also has some fun nightlife spots such as the Skandinavian Bar.
What to do in Mykonos
1. Little Venice: Waterside Vibes
The highlight of the Mykonos waterfront is Little Venice, named for its delightful fishing houses that fall mystically into the blue water like buildings along the Venetian canals. The stormier Aegean Sea greets the bases of these iconic white homes, and photo opportunities abound from every direction. Wandering the back streets reveals charming galleries and delectable cafés and bars with a distinctively Greek atmosphere.
2. Windmills of Mykonos: A Pretty Picture
These 16th-century windmills are adorable hilltop wonders, overlooking Mikri Venetia and the expansive sea. Built centuries ago by Venetians, the engineering is simple but lasting. Visitors to Mykonos arriving to the island catch their first glimpse of land with the silhouettes of these iconic buildings towering over the picturesque port. Sunset views from the base of the beautiful buildings are incomparable, as the white houses are bathed in golden light.
3. Church of Panagia Paraportiani: Five in One
In the Kastro neighborhood by the sea, Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most unique church buildings in the world. White through and through, this angelic structure has gradually expanded since the 14th century and celebrates a diversity of architectural styles. From tip to toe, five different churches have been combined and built into one. Don't you leave without snapping a selfie!
4. Paradise Beach: The Ibiza of Greece
This lively beach brings the fun on Mykonos Island, as people flock from the port cities to the pristine waterside wonderland. The sands are always aglow and the Aegean Sea crystal clear, abuzz with visitors hitting the waves for water sports galore. The restaurants are also some of the best on the island, but it's really the clubs that people come here for. Events are on night and day so there is always something to do!
5. Beautiful Gods
A beautiful boat ride away from Mykonos, Delos is an island rich in ancient history. One of the most important sites in all of Greece, it is archaeological heaven for experts and tourists alike. Wander every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in search of traces of the civilization that once worshipped the sacred land as the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. Highlights include the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Way, lined with countless temples, statues and mosaics.
1. Little Venice: Waterside Vibes
The highlight of the Mykonos waterfront is Little Venice, named for its delightful fishing houses that fall mystically into the blue water like buildings along the Venetian canals. The stormier Aegean Sea greets the bases of these iconic white homes, and photo opportunities abound from every direction. Wandering the back streets reveals charming galleries and delectable cafés and bars with a distinctively Greek atmosphere.
2. Windmills of Mykonos: A Pretty Picture
These 16th-century windmills are adorable hilltop wonders, overlooking Mikri Venetia and the expansive sea. Built centuries ago by Venetians, the engineering is simple but lasting. Visitors to Mykonos arriving to the island catch their first glimpse of land with the silhouettes of these iconic buildings towering over the picturesque port. Sunset views from the base of the beautiful buildings are incomparable, as the white houses are bathed in golden light.
3. Church of Panagia Paraportiani: Five in One
In the Kastro neighborhood by the sea, Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most unique church buildings in the world. White through and through, this angelic structure has gradually expanded since the 14th century and celebrates a diversity of architectural styles. From tip to toe, five different churches have been combined and built into one. Don't you leave without snapping a selfie!
4. Paradise Beach: The Ibiza of Greece
This lively beach brings the fun on Mykonos Island, as people flock from the port cities to the pristine waterside wonderland. The sands are always aglow and the Aegean Sea crystal clear, abuzz with visitors hitting the waves for water sports galore. The restaurants are also some of the best on the island, but it's really the clubs that people come here for. Events are on night and day so there is always something to do!
5. Beautiful Gods
A beautiful boat ride away from Mykonos, Delos is an island rich in ancient history. One of the most important sites in all of Greece, it is archaeological heaven for experts and tourists alike. Wander every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in search of traces of the civilization that once worshipped the sacred land as the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. Highlights include the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Way, lined with countless temples, statues and mosaics.
1. Little Venice: Waterside Vibes
The highlight of the Mykonos waterfront is Little Venice, named for its delightful fishing houses that fall mystically into the blue water like buildings along the Venetian canals. The stormier Aegean Sea greets the bases of these iconic white homes, and photo opportunities abound from every direction. Wandering the back streets reveals charming galleries and delectable cafés and bars with a distinctively Greek atmosphere.
2. Windmills of Mykonos: A Pretty Picture
These 16th-century windmills are adorable hilltop wonders, overlooking Mikri Venetia and the expansive sea. Built centuries ago by Venetians, the engineering is simple but lasting. Visitors to Mykonos arriving to the island catch their first glimpse of land with the silhouettes of these iconic buildings towering over the picturesque port. Sunset views from the base of the beautiful buildings are incomparable, as the white houses are bathed in golden light.
Where to Eat in Mykonos
There are many high-end romantic restaurants in the centertown and Little Venice areas, but you will also find a lot of more affordable eateries that serve traditional gyros and souvlakis. If you are in the centertown area, Eva's Garden is an excellent choice for traditional Greek fare and the Appaloosa Bar & Restaurant is an interesting mix of Mexican and European fare. Bakalo is one of the best eateries near the southern bus station if you want to try souvlakis and other traditional Greek foods. You will find taverns and bars near most beaches and need to stop by Marco Polo or Niko's Taverna for an authentic Greek tavern experience. A meal should only cost EUR10 if you go to an affordable eatery. Eating at a mid-range restaurant should cost EUR25 and a meal at a more upscale restaurant in the Little Venice area should cost EUR50 or more.
When to visit Mykonos
The summers are typically warm and the winters mild. There might be some rain between October and April but you will find that the weather is pleasant all year round. Avoid July and August since the island can be crowded. Travel to Mykonos between May and June or between September and October to get lower prices and avoid crowds.
How to Get to Mykonos
Plane
The Mykonos Island International Airport (JMK) is just over two miles away from Mykonos Town. Most hotels offer a free shuttle but you can take a taxi to town for approximately EUR8 or take the bus to town for EUR1.60. It is best to book your transport in advance if your hotel does not offer a shuttle.
Boat
You can also get to the island by taking a ferry or a catamaran from the Piraeus Harbor in Athens or from Rafina. The trip from Athens should cost between EUR32 and EUR50 depending on the speed and class of the boat. The trip from Rafina should cost between EUR23 and EUR50. Hellenic Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, and other companies offer ferry services to and from the other Cyclades islands during the high season.
Airlines serving Mykonos
Where to stay in Mykonos
Centertown - this is a typical Greek neighborhood with narrow streets and whitewashed steps. You will find a lot of churches, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, bars, and restaurants. The area can be crowded but is always charming.
Popular Neighborhoods in Mykonos
Little Venice - this is the western part of Mykonos Town. Little Venice is a very romantic area where you will find many cafes and bars. The colorful balconies and houses overlooking the sea give the neighborhood a picturesque feel. Make sure you visit the Paraportiani church and the old port near Little Venice as well.
Ano Mera - this is a smaller community located four miles east of Mykonos Town. There are many other small villages on the island but Ano Mera is worth visiting for the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani and for its tavernas.
Where to stay in popular areas of Mykonos
Most booked hotels in Mykonos
How to Get Around Mykonos
Public Transportation
Taking the bus is a convenient way to get around the island. You will find two bus stations on each side of Mykonos town, where buses leave to go to Platys Gialos, Ornos, Agios Ioannis, and Paradise Beach among other destinations. The fare is EUR1.60 or EUR1.70 and night buses cost EUR2. The Plati Yalos Boat Service connects Mykonos Town to the beaches located on the southern shore of the island. Taking a boat to the Paradise Beach area should cost between EUR5 and EUR7.
Taxi
There are only about 30 taxis on the entire island since there is a rule that limits the number of taxis permitted. Finding a taxi during the high season is not easy and it is always best to call in advance. There are fixed rates for each destination. A trip from Mykonos Town to Agios Ioannis should cost EUR6 and fare to Agios Stefanos should cost EUR4.
Car
You will find car rental agencies at the airport or near the southern bus station, including Action Rent a Car, Budget, or OK Rent a Car. Keep in mind that cars are not allowed inside of Mykonos Town but are a very convenient way to get around the rest of the island. You can rent a car for EUR30 to EUR45 a day or opt for a motorbike or a bicycle if you want a cheaper option.
The Cost of Living in Mykonos
Shopping Streets
The centertown area in Mykonos Town, and more precisely Matoyianni Street, is the best place to shop for souvenirs. You will find several souvenirs shops, art galleries, and jewelry stores in this area. There are no department stores anywhere on the island.
Groceries and Other
You will find a Mini Market and a Savvas in Mykonos Town. There are larger grocery stores east of town, including a couple of Flora Super Markets locations. Expect to pay EUR4.50 for a gallon of milk, EUR4.50 for a dozen of eggs, and EUR0.90 for a loaf of bread.