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Belvedere hotel, Mykonos

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Mykonos

Updated 1 October 2026 · 15 things to do

Pictured: Belvedere hotel

Mykonos has a reputation, and mostly it lives up to it. Whitewashed lanes that twist like a maze, windmills on the ridge, sunset cocktails with the waves slapping at the terrace, beach clubs that don't really start until the afternoon. Yes, it's glamorous. It's also, between the glitter, a small Cycladic island with a lovely old town.

Give yourself a day to get lost in Chora, a day or two for the beaches, and a morning for the boat to Delos, the ancient sacred island that sits across the water. Spend the rest of your time where the island is at its best, which is somewhere with a view and a cold drink.

Don't miss

  1. 1Little Venice
  2. 2Kato Mili windmills
  3. 3Paraportiani Church
  4. 4Delos
  5. 5Elia Beach

Chora, the main town

Whitewash, bougainvillea and a street plan said to have been designed to confuse pirates.

  1. Little Venice

    Neighbourhood

    The waterfront houses of Little Venice in Mykonos
    Photo: Julian Lupyan, CC0

    A row of old sea captains' houses with colourful wooden balconies built right on the water's edge, now turned into bars and restaurants. Waves splash the terraces, and at sunset it's one of the best seats in Greece.

    Tip: Arrive well before sunset to claim a table, or just grab a drink on the rocks.

  2. Kato Mili windmills

    Landmark

    The windmills of Kato Mili on their ridge above Chora
    Photo: Joe deSousa, CC0

    A row of whitewashed windmills on a low ridge above Little Venice, once used to grind grain and now the island's most photographed sight. Walk up for the view back over the town and the bay.

  3. Paraportiani Church

    Landmark

    The whitewashed Panagia Paraportiani church in Chora
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A cluster of small whitewashed chapels fused into one lumpy, sculptural church by the sea. It's one of Greece's most photographed churches, and it looks like a work of art, with its curves catching the light.

  4. Matoyianni Street

    Neighbourhood

    Chora's main shopping lane, a twisting, cobbled street of boutiques, jewellers and cafés that comes alive in the evening. It's worth wandering with no plan, and then following the side streets until you're lost.

Beaches

Pick your style: loud, smart or quiet.

  1. Psarou

    Beach

    The sheltered cove of Psarou beach
    Photo: rene boulay, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The island's smartest beach is a sheltered cove of golden sand with sunbeds, restaurants and a yacht-filled bay. It's a place to see and be seen, and the water is clear and calm.

  2. Platys Gialos

    Beach

    A long, sheltered beach on the south coast, lined with sunbeds, tavernas and water sports. It's also where the little boats leave for the other southern beaches in summer, so you can hop along the coast without a car.

  3. Paradise and Super Paradise

    Beach

    The two south-coast beaches that made Mykonos famous for partying. Paradise has beach clubs that run from lunchtime into the small hours; Super Paradise, in the next cove east, is smaller and a little more polished. Both are busy, loud and fun in July and August.

    Tip: Come by the summer boat from Platys Gialos or Ornos rather than braving the narrow road and the parking.

  4. Elia Beach

    Beach

    The long sandy sweep of Elia Beach
    Photo: Squirmy2000 at English Wikipedia, Public domain

    One of the island's longest beaches, a wide curve of sand on the south coast with a relaxed feel and calm water. It has plenty of space and is good for families who want a more laid-back day.

  5. Agios Sostis

    Beach

    The small bay at Agios Sostis on the north coast
    Photo: rene boulay, CC BY-SA 3.0

    On the north coast, a simple, undeveloped beach with a small chapel and a tavern or two. It's a quieter, wilder side of Mykonos, though the wind can blow.

Beyond the town

  1. Armenistis Lighthouse

    Landmark

    The white Armenistis Lighthouse on the north-west tip of Mykonos
    Photo: Mateus Pabst, CC BY 2.0

    A white lighthouse on the north-west tip of the island, standing over wild coast and a deep blue sea. It's a lovely place for the sunset when you want an escape from the town.

  2. Ano Mera

    Neighbourhood

    The Panagia Tourliani monastery in Ano Mera
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The island's only inland village, a quiet square of tavernas and shops beside the Panagia Tourliani monastery, with its carved marble bell tower. It's a glimpse of everyday Mykonos away from the glamour.

Day trips

  1. Delos

    Day trip

    The marble lions of the Terrace of the Lions on Delos
    Photo: User:Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The tiny uninhabited island across the water was the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek myth, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Walk among the ruins of temples, houses with mosaics and the famous Terrace of the Lions. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Tip: Boats leave from the old port in Chora. Go in the morning when it is cooler, and wear a hat.

  2. Tinos

    Day trip

    The neighbouring island is quieter and more traditional, known for the pilgrimage church of Panagia Evangelistria and marble villages such as Pyrgos. It makes a good ferry trip from Mykonos.

Eat, drink, dance

  1. Kopanisti and louza

    Food

    Kopanisti, the spicy soft cheese of the Cyclades
    Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Two Mykonian specialities: kopanisti, a sharp, peppery soft cheese, and louza, cured pork. Both turn up on meze plates in the tavernas of the town.

  2. Chora after dark

    Nightlife

    The old town's bars and clubs fill up from late evening, with cocktails, music and the energy that made the island famous. Start with sunset in Little Venice and follow the crowd.

Where to stay in Mykonos

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Mykonos →

Getting around

Chora is small and best seen on foot, and buses and taxis link it with the main beaches. Many visitors hire a quad or scooter, though a car is safer. Water taxis run between some of the southern beaches in summer.

When to go

July and August are the party months, hot and very busy. May, June and September are warm and calmer. The meltemi wind blows on the island in summer, so choose a sheltered beach on windy days.

Questions about visiting Mykonos

What is Mykonos best known for?
Its whitewashed town, windmills and Little Venice, glamorous beach clubs and nightlife, and the nearby ancient island of Delos.
Is Mykonos worth visiting?
Yes. Beyond the party scene there is a lovely old town, beautiful beaches and one of Greece’s great archaeological sites on a day trip away.
How many days do you need in Mykonos?
Three or four days is enough to see the town, spend time on the beaches and visit Delos.
Do you need a car in Mykonos?
Not necessarily. Buses and taxis cover the main beaches, though a car or quad gives more freedom to explore.

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