Mykonos Holidays

Must-visit landmarks

Mykonos is the glamorous jewel of the Cyclades, where whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches stand out against the deep blue Aegean.

• The Windmills (Kato Mili) – These seven iconic white towers overlook the harbour and represent the island’s milling heritage. They’re the most photographed spot on the island – visit just before sunset for the best light.

• Little Venice – A row of 18th-century fishing houses with colourful balconies hanging directly over the sea. It was originally built by merchants who wanted quick access to the water.

• Panagia Paraportiani – A unique whitewashed church that is actually five small churches built on top of or next to each other. It’s a masterpiece of Cycladic architecture.

• Armenistis Lighthouse – Located on the north-western tip of the island, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the neighbouring island of Tinos. The road up is steep and winding, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.

• Delos Island – A UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, located just a short boat ride away. It’s one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

History and arts

Mykonos has a simple but rich past, with small museums in historic buildings making it easy to explore the island’s history.

• Archaeological Museum of Mykonos – One of the oldest museums in Greece, home to a vast collection of ceramics and grave steles from the nearby island of Rhenia. Look for the 7th-century BC Pithos of Mykonos, which features the earliest known depiction of the Trojan Horse.

• Aegean Maritime Museum – Housed in a traditional 19th-century building, this museum explores the nautical history of the Aegean with model ships and ancient maps. In the garden, there’s a functional reconstruction of the Armenistis Lighthouse lantern, which is particularly impressive to see up close.

• The Folklore Museum – Located in an old sea captain's house, it displays traditional furniture, textiles, and tools, offering a glimpse into Mykonian life before mass tourism. The museum is split across three locations in the town – the main house near Paraportiani is the most comprehensive.

Local experiences

Local experiences in Mykonos are easy to dip into, whether that’s beach-hopping, long lunches by the sea or simply settling into the island’s slow, social pace.

• Beach hopping by boat – Many of the island's best beaches are connected by a traditional wooden boat service. You can buy a day pass for the Platis Gialos water taxi to easily hop between Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise beaches.

• Sunset at – 180 Degrees Sunset Bar – This open-air lounge is built into the ruins of an old castle, offering what many consider the best view on the island. It’s highly popular and requires a reservation, so go for the atmosphere and the view rather than just a quick drink.

• Cinema under the stars – Cine Manto is an outdoor cinema located in a lush botanical garden in the heart of Mykonos Town. They show current blockbusters in English with Greek subtitles – it’s a chilled-out evening activity when you want a break from the bars and clubs.

Festivals and events

From summer beach parties to local celebrations rooted in tradition, Mykonos has a busy events scene that’s easy to weave into your trip.

• The Harvest Festival (September) – Held at the Agricultural Museum, this celebrates the island's farming roots with traditional food, wine, and music.

• Feast of Panagia Tourliani (August) – A major religious celebration in the village of Ano Mera, featuring a grand procession and a local fair with music and dancing.

• Summer party season (July – August) – While not a traditional festival, this is when the world’s top DJs descend on the island’s beach clubs for non-stop events and summer-long residencies.

Live like a local

Step beyond the main hotspots and you’ll get a more everyday feel for Mykonos, from simple food spots to daily rituals designed to suit the slower pace of island life.

• Morning coffee in Ano Mera – While the tourists sleep off the night before in town, locals gather in the central square of this traditional inland village for coffee and backgammon.

• The Volta – This is the name for a traditional evening stroll through the labyrinth streets of Chora as the air cools down, stopping to greet neighbours and shop owners.

• Buying fish at the harbour – Early in the morning, local fishermen sell their catch directly from their boats at the small pier in the old port.

Daytrips

Mykonos is well set up for daytrips, with easy options to nearby islands, quiet beaches and cultural spots.

• Tinos – A 20-minute ferry takes you to this incredibly traditional island, famous for its marble-carving villages and the Panagia Evangelistria church.

• Rhenia – A deserted island next to Delos with pristine, crystal-clear turquoise coves that are only accessible by private boat or organised cruise. It's around 45 minutes away by boat.

• Naxos – The largest island in the Cyclades, known for its green mountains and ancient ruins, accessible via high-speed ferry. It takes about 40-80 minutes to get there.

• Delos – An easy and popular day trip from Mykonos, with regular boats taking around 30 minutes each way. It’s a good option if you want to add some history to your trip, with well-preserved ruins to explore at your own pace.

Must-try dishes

From quick street-food staples to taverna menu must-haves, Mykonos has a handful of dishes to tick off your list.

• Kopanisti – A spicy, aromatic fermented cheese with a creamy texture, often referred to as the Roquefort of Greece. It’s a protected Mykonian speciality.

• Louza – Thinly sliced, sun-dried pork seasoned with salt, pepper, and local herbs like oregano. It’s the island's most famous charcuterie.

• Mostra – A simple but flavourful appetiser consisting of a large barley rusk topped with Kopanisti cheese, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Amygdalota – Traditional almond cookies that are chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, often flavoured with rosewater and dusted with icing sugar.

• Melopita – A sweet honey pie made with fresh mizithra cheese, honey, and cinnamon, traditionally eaten during Easter but available year-round in bakeries.

Local drinks

From crisp local wines to simple cocktails and refreshing soft drinks, Mykonos makes it easy to find a drink that suits your taste.

• Assyrtiko Wine – While famous in Santorini, this crisp, mineral-heavy white wine is widely enjoyed and produced in the Cyclades, pairing perfectly with fresh seafood.

• Ouzo – The quintessential Greek anise-flavoured aperitif. On Mykonos, it is traditionally served with a small plate of meze, such as octopus or olives, to whet the appetite.

• Soumada – A non-alcoholic, refreshing almond syrup drink often served at celebrations and weddings, usually diluted with ice-cold water.

Nightlife

Nightlife on Mykonos is legendary, with everything from low-key bars to late-night clubs.

• The vibe – Mykonos offers a glamorous nightlife scene that shifts from sophisticated cocktail bars at sunset to high-energy international beach clubs and late-night underground venues into the early hours.

• Beach clubs – World-famous spots like Scorpios and Nammos offer a barefoot luxury vibe, where the party begins in the afternoon and continues long after dark.

• Matoyianni Street – The main artery of the town, which transforms into a glamorous outdoor party in the peak months, with bars like JackieO’ offering inclusive and energetic atmospheres.

Why couples love Mykonos

The island provides a deeply romantic setting with its sunset views over Little Venice and intimate boutique hotels carved into the cliffs. Private cocktails on secluded beaches and sunset cruises make it a top destination for honeymoons and anniversaries.

Why families love Mykonos

Despite its party reputation, the beaches at Platis Gialos and Ornos offer shallow, calm waters and excellent facilities for children. The car-free streets of Mykonos Town are safe for exploring during the day, and many resorts offer dedicated family suites.

Why groups love Mykonos

Mykonos is built for socialising. Large villas with private pools provide the perfect base for groups, while the island's beach clubs and restaurants are designed for big tables and shared bottles of wine, making it a popular spot for milestone celebrations.

Why solo travellers love Mykonos

Mykonos is a very safe and cosmopolitan island, where English is spoken everywhere. The town is highly walkable, and the social atmosphere of the beach clubs makes it easy to meet people, while the quiet inland villages offer a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude.

Why LGBTQ+ travellers love Mykonos

Mykonos has been a world-leading LGBTQ+ friendly destination since the 1970s. The island's culture is one of total acceptance, featuring iconic inclusive venues like JackieO’ in the ‘Gay Square’ and a vibrant community that makes every visitor feel at home.

Places to shop

Shopping in Mykonos ranges from small independent boutiques to higher-end designer stores, and prices tend to be higher than you’ll find on other Greek islands.

• Matoyianni Street – This is the heart of Mykonos Town’s retail scene, where high-end international designers like Louis Vuitton and Dior sit alongside local Greek boutiques.

• The Old Port – A great area for finding smaller, independent shops selling local crafts, soaps, and traditional Greek textiles.

• Nammos Village – An outdoor luxury mall located at Psarou Beach, offering a curated selection of the world's most prestigious fashion brands in a stunning garden setting.

Souvenirs and local finds

From small, locally made pieces to simple keepsakes you’ll actually use, Mykonos has plenty of ways to pick up something unique.

• Handmade leather sandals – Local artisans continue the ancient tradition of sandal-making. You can often have a pair custom-fitted to your feet in a matter of hours, to last for many holidays to come.

• Evil Eye (Mati) jewellery – A traditional Greek symbol believed to protect the wearer from bad luck, found in everything from simple glass charms to high-end gold jewellery.

• Local textiles – Mykonos has a long history of weaving – look for hand-woven scarves and linens that use traditional Cycladic patterns.

Souvenirs and local finds

From small, locally made pieces to simple keepsakes you’ll actually use, Mykonos has plenty of ways to pick up something unique.

• Handmade leather sandals – Local artisans continue the ancient tradition of sandal-making. You can often have a pair custom-fitted to your feet in a matter of hours, to last for many holidays to come.

• Evil Eye (Mati) jewellery – A traditional Greek symbol believed to protect the wearer from bad luck, found in everything from simple glass charms to high-end gold jewellery.

• Local textiles – Mykonos has a long history of weaving – look for hand-woven scarves and linens that use traditional Cycladic patterns.

Markets

Markets in Mykonos are small and fairly low-key, but they’re a good place to pick up local produce if you’re self-catering.

• Chora Farmers Market – A small, daily market at the harbour where local farmers bring in fresh produce, honey, and herbs from the island.

• Street Vendors – While not a formal market, you’ll find vendors throughout the town selling pasteli (honey and sesame bars) and fresh nuts.

KTEL Buses

Local buses by KTEL provide efficient and cheap travel between Mykonos Town and the main beaches like Platis Gialos and Paradise. There are two main bus stations in town (Fabrika and the Old Port), so make sure you check which one serves your destination.

Sea Bus

The sea bus connects the New Port (where cruise ships dock) to the Old Port in the heart of the town. It’s a much more pleasant and scenic 10-minute journey than taking a bus or taxi, and it runs every 30 minutes.

ATVs and scooters

Renting an ATV or a scooter makes it easy to explore the hidden beaches and inland villages like Ano Mera at your own pace. You’ll need a valid motorcycle or an international driving permit. Be cautious as the roads are narrow, winding, and can be very busy with tourist traffic.

Private transfers and taxis

A taxi is handy for late-night transport after the buses stop running or for direct travel to your hotel with luggage. There are a limited number of taxis on the island, so booking a private transfer via an app or your hotel is often more reliable during peak season.