In search of the very best issues to do in Mykonos and don’t know the place to begin? Don’t fear we’ve you coated! Mykonos is one among Greece’s most well-known Aegean islands. Set within the central archipelago of the Cyclades, this island has nearly the whole lot going for it – and we imply the whole lot.
There’s nightlife by the gallon, some scrumptious meals, charming Cycladic structure, seashores, water sports activities, boutiques, and nightlife. Yeah, did we point out the hedonistic, typically expensive nightlife?
However there’s greater than the apparent, so prepare for the very best time on this sunny, historic island with our information on a few of the easiest issues to do in Mykonos.
1. Wander the City of Mykonos
The City of Mykonos is, as you might be able to inform from the identify, the primary city on the island of Mykonos. It’s house to a quintessential jumble of white, boxy homes and winding streets, each of which have been allegedly created to confuse pirates. You possibly can see how: it’s straightforward to get misplaced!
Among the finest issues to do in Mykonos, exploring the city is a good way to become familiar with the way it all ticks right here. Little cafes, tavernas, flowers spilling out over white-washed balconies, laundry drying within the breeze, little staircases – it’s charming as something!
2. Eat with the Locals
Mykonos is an enormous, bustling vacationer vacation spot. Granted, there are an entire load of eating places and eateries on the island that come extremely advisable for the jet-set who can, you recognize, afford to eat at posh locations.
As an alternative, one among our favourite issues to do in Mykonos is try native spots. Jump over to Kiki’s Tavern for contemporary grilled fish near Agios Sostis Seashore, or tuck into tasty tidbits on the rustic setting of Fokos Taverna.
3. Watch the Sundown in Little Venice
A buzzing district that’s alive with bars and eateries all alongside the waterfront, the aptly named Little Venice is the place lots of people come for dinner. And rightly so: it’s a phenomenal setting for dinner, particularly at sundown.
Get right here early for a desk alongside the water’s edge earlier than a sundowner, after which sit again and watch the spectacle unfold for your self. It’s even higher with a glass of wine or two, gazing on the solar sinking beneath the Aegean Sea.
4. Study Historical past on the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
Greece is clearly steeped in historical past, and the island of Mykonos isn’t any completely different. To be taught extra concerning the historical past that’s made this island what it’s at the moment, we’d advocate heading over to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
Right here, you’ll discover artifacts that date all the best way again to the ninth century BC, which is fairly spectacular to us. Essentially the most well-known piece is an historic vase that dates again to the seventh century BC; cool in itself, however even cooler is the Computer virus painted on it. Perhaps it wasn’t a fantasy in spite of everything…
5. Take pleasure in a Picnic Close to the Mykonos Windmills
Mykonos is famously referred to as the “island of the winds.” One of the crucial well-known monuments of Mykonos are the windmills. Courting again to the 1500s, and initially used to mill wheat (clearly), these spherical windmills are a cool place to return and benefit from the environment – and the views.
Among the finest issues to do in Mykonos can be to pack a picnic and make your approach from Mykonos Previous City, alongside the coast and across the bay, to the place the windmills are. Sit on the coast with snacks in hand and lap all of it up.
6. Spot the Mykono’s Pelicans
One other lesser-known icon of the island of Mykonos – the standard pelican. Yep, it’s true. In truth, the official mascot of the island is a pelican, and he’s referred to as Petros. No person fairly is aware of if it’s the identical Petros (we’re guessing not) or if it’s a brand new Petros. Some sources say he died in 1985 after a 30-year-reign of being the mascot.
Apparently, Jackie Onassis donated a pelican to Mykonos island shortly afterward. It was named Irene. One other one was donated by Hamburg Zoo. Later, one simply appeared. The reincarnation of Petros, possibly?
7. Take a Boat Over to Delos
A fast ferry experience from Mykonos City will see you arrive at Delos – the birthplace of basic Greek gods Apollo and Artemis. It’s been uninhabited because the seventh century BC. Neat.
This small island is a crucial archeological web site, with the stays of the sanctuary devoted to the Greek deities to discover, in addition to a museum. There aren’t any motels on the island as a result of, nicely, it’s tremendous necessary! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and continues to be being excavated to today. It should price round €20 for a return journey.
8. Hike Across the island
Mykonos isn’t simply seashores, good meals, and nightlife – as enjoyable as all that’s. It’s not precisely identified for climbing, however you’ll be able to undoubtedly head for the hills on a hike.
Effectively, it’s a reasonably flat island so far as Greek islands go, which makes a hike comparatively straightforward for anyone. One fairly pretty hike runs from Mykonos City to the Armenistis Lighthouse on the northwest tip of the island (4 miles).
Alternatively, the hike from Ano Mera to Lia Seashore is nicely value your time – particularly within the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
9. Discover Inside Lena’s Home People Museu
Who’s Lena? What is that this home of hers? You’re about to search out out. Lena’s Home is a Nineteenth-century Mykonian home whose final proprietor was referred to as – you guessed it – Lena Skrivanou. She handed away in 1968.
Since that point, it has been opened as a glimpse into the previous of Mykonos and has been preserved with just about the whole lot in-tact, from woven rugs and darkish wood flooring to the vintage furnishings. A should for any structure and design junkie.The associated fee is €2 to enter.
10. Be Charmed by the Church buildings and Chapels
Mykonos has so many little chapels and church buildings that look excellent in all its winding streets. Mykonos City alone has over 60 church buildings, which is loopy for such a small city, and the island as an entire has 600 to 800.
Lots of them date again to the Byzantine period (that’s over 1,000 years previous), and a number of other have been constructed because the resting place for a specific member of the family, type of like a shrine. It really works out at mainly one church per native household, so it type of begins to make sense.
11. Spend the Day Lazing on the Seashore
Let’s face it; it wouldn’t be a visit to Mykonos with out spending some (possibly rather a lot of) time laying out on one among its seashores. They arrive in numerous varieties, from the tourist-populated sorts with parasols and sunbeds to comparatively untouched stretches of sand.
Head to the very fashionable – however very busy – Psarou Seashore, full with seaside bars, or the party-centric Paradise Seashore. However for one thing laid-back and secluded, Agios Sostis is an efficient choice. Different improbable Mykonos seashores:
- Platis Gialos
- Agios Ioannis
- Ornos Seashore
- Paralia Kalo Livadi
12. Windsurf on Kalafatis Seashore
However the seashores in Mykonos aren’t all about being lazy. Some locations on this Greek island are primed and prepared for extra lively pursuits. Kalafatis Seashore, for instance, is the place to go on Mykonos for water sports activities.
Set on the east facet of the island, Kalafatis Seashore is nicely away from the vacationer crowds and the event that goes with ‘em. It takes about half-hour by automotive to get there, but it surely’s undoubtedly value it; this seaside is legendary for windsurfing, so if that’s your jam, a visit here’s a no-brainer.
13. Social gathering the Night time Away
Mykonos might be most famed for its nightlife. The hedonistic facet to this island is certainly one thing that, in the event you’re into ingesting and dancing, you must contemplate experiencing. It’s a well-liked place to celebration.
However the place, oh, the place do you have to go? There are tons of locations from beachside bars to late-night golf equipment and raucous ingesting holes to search out your self a slice of nocturnal enjoyable.
The Skandinavian Bar performs host to worldwide DJs, which is a superb place to begin (or finish) your odyssey; Scorpios equals excessive costs, however enjoyable instances for certain; the well-known Tropicana Seashore Bar is an efficient place to finish up, too.
14. Clap Cyes on Paraportiani Mykonos
Paraportiani is probably the most well-renowned church, and probably probably the most recognizable icon of the island. It’s that well-known, and seeing it is among the greatest issues to do in Mykonos (particularly in the event you like buildings).
Situated overlooking the ocean, this might truly be probably the most photographed church buildings. Once you get right here and see the white-washed partitions and the hodge-podge of 5 completely different church buildings melded collectively over the ages, you’ll be able to see why.
A jumble of easy shapes and partitions with no outdoors ornament, this child dates again to 1425.
15. Go to the Folklore Museum of Mykonos
Situated inside an previous, 18th-century sea captain’s home – which, to be trustworthy, is just about value a go to in itself – the Folklore Museum of Mykonos tells the, um, folklore of the island.
As such, there are many artifacts unfold across the constructing, from conventional woven materials to mannequin boats; from an vintage wine press to lithographs of the Greek Conflict of Independence in 1821.
One of many extra off the overwhelmed monitor issues to do in Mykonos, in the event you’re somebody who likes taking a look at collections of native historical past (and structure), you’ll love this place.
16. Store ‘til you Drop within the Island’s Boutiques
With all that cash and wealth going round Mykonos, a good few boutiques have popped up through the years, promoting all kinds of various issues. There are artwork outlets, galleries, memento stands, boutiques promoting jewellery, and hundreds extra. Mattheou Andronikou Road is among the most iconic on the island to stroll round and store on.
Many of the outlets are positioned in Mykonos City, and lots of of those are discovered fairly shut collectively. Buyers and people searching for an attention-grabbing trinket to take again house ought to make a beeline for a while spent exploring the business coronary heart of the island.
17. Discover the Quaint Ano Mera Village
A mere 15-minute drive from Mykonos City is the much less bustling Ano Mera, a village that’s the proper antidote to the typically raucous and wearying principal settlement of the island.
This place feels rather more conventional. Life in Ano Mera revolves round the primary sq., with a community of alleyways main off it, and some eating places, outlets and bars to get pleasure from.
It’s undoubtedly probably the most unmissable issues to do in Mykonos; visiting the island with out going to Ano Mera is virtually a sin. Seize a conventional espresso and watch life go by within the sq..
18. Peer contained in the Monastery of Paleokastro
Perched upon a hill close to Ano Mera is the Monastery of Paleokastro. Not strictly a monastery, because it’s truly a nunnery courting again to the 18th century, that is yet one more marvel of Cycladic structure; white-washed and fantastic, spectacular towards the sky and sea.
Although the outside is straightforward, the inside is adorned with icons and comes full with an eye catching altar. Make sure that to search for a prehistoric menhir (standing stone) subsequent to the monastery; it’s regarded as both a headstone or produce other spiritual significance.
19. Mykonos Vioma Natural Farm
If all of the seashores and historical past are weighing heavy in your soul, don’t fear; you’ll be able to all the time head to Mykonos Vioma Natural Farm for antidote to all that. And a glass or two of their regionally grown wine.
It’s been going for 25 years and is ready in a classically Cycladic spot. Situated close to Ano Mera, a 10-minute drive from Mykonos City, visiting this natural farm is made all the higher if you sit all the way down to get pleasure from a protracted, leisurely lunch. Or get pleasure from a wine tasting for €12 an individual.
20. Check out a Greek Cooking Class
In the event you’re a foodie and you like attending to grips with how locals cook dinner, then you must actually take the day out to check out cooking Mykonos type. So roll up your sleeves and learn to make a few of your favourite Greek dishes you’ve eaten – and a few you’ve by no means tried.
There are a couple of locations to do that; some locals even supply up their very own house kitchens for actually home-cooked dishes. Simply among the finest issues to do in Mykonos in case you have any type of affection for meals. Try the tour instances and see if you may get in on a category!
When is the Greatest Season to Go to Mykonos?
Excessive season (June-September)
Like most locations in Europe, Greece’s excessive season runs from June to mid-September. That is when you will discover the very best sunny climate as famous above, but additionally crowds, particularly on the favored islands like Mykonos. Days are longer, the climate is HOT, so that you’ll wish to be near a pool or ocean. Lodge and automotive rental costs are at their highest.
Shoulder Season (April -Might and October-November)
The climate in Greece is cooler throughout these months, some would contemplate it rather more snug than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see a number of vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automotive leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is usually a improbable time to go to Greece.
Low Season (Late November- early April)
The temperatures are cooler throughout the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but additionally overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers.
Fast Greek Journey Ideas
- ‘Whats up’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Foreign money: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival totally free. Examine along with your embassy to see if that’s you.
- Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are gentle and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.
- What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t overlook pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.
- Lease a Automotive: Renting a automotive is the easiest way to get across the Greek islands. See our full automotive rental information right here.
- Budget: In the event you’re within the preliminary phases of planning try our superior put up that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.
Greek Journey Planning Assets
- Packing Information — Try our Greece Packing Record to assist pack your luggage and make sure you don’t go away something at house.
- Lease a Automotive — We recommend most guests contemplate renting a automotive for the very best journey potential. Strive Uncover Automotive Rent to check quotes from completely different rental businesses. Examine Value Right here!
- Shield Your Journey — Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage! We all the time carry journey insurance coverage to guard from damage, theft, or a canceled journey. Strive World Nomads for aggressive quick time period plans. Learn a assessment of World Nomads right here.
- Excursions in Greece — Try our listing of the very best excursions you’ll be able to get pleasure from in Greece!
- Journey Adapter – Be sure to discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, you could be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.