Top 20 things to do in Mykonos

20.09.2024 - 10:27 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 19, 2024 • 6 min read

There’s much more to Mykonos than its justifiably famous party scene.

By day, more than two dozen beaches are abuzz with people – there’s one for your every mood. Lounge around sunbathing and sipping cocktails or take the plunge and opt for adventure above or below the sparkling water’s surface. On land, Mykonos may not be big, but it offers variety, especially in the hilly interior where tiny villages are a stark change of pace from busy Hora and its old town jammed with amusements. 

In addition to its natural beauty, Mykonos has an impressive array of historical sites and cultural experiences. Best of all, it's surprisingly easy to get around.

And just offshore lies Delos island, a tiny but magnificent ancient sacred site. If you’re not careful, you’ll find so much to do that you might actually want to go to bed early!

Three to four days is usually enough to explore the main attractions, enjoy the beaches and experience the nightlife that Mykonos is most known for.

Mykonos’s main town, Hora, known simply as Mykonos Town, is the perfect introduction to the island and life in a traditional, pedestrian-friendly, busy Greek port. Its narrow lanes get packed with people in high season. They weave past a kaleidoscope of high-end boutiques, crammed shops selling essentials, lively cafes and top restaurants you’ll want to return to at night. Its charming squares and hidden courtyards are perfect places for a leisurely stroll.

After getting jostled on the main streets, pick an emptier angle and veer off into Hora’s quieter corners to fully appreciate the island’s vibe and get a fresh view on those picture-perfect windmills. The town’s small, so you’ll never get lost for long.

Planning tip: Download an offline map on your phone to help you navigate the labyrinth of streets, especially when venturing into less touristy areas where signs might be scarce.

Though the translated name may be mundane (‘Our Lady of the Side Gate’), everything else about this geometric church complex is extraordinary. Five separate chapels are linked by a dazzling white-washed exterior under a low dome. Look for the subtle differences of the four on the ground-level, then find the tiny stairs leading to the fifth. It’s a brilliant look at the opulent decor favored by the Greek Orthodox faith.

Planning tip: Respect the religious significance of the complex – and all churches in Greece – by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting.

Stars of countless selfies, the seven windmills silently overlooking Hora’s harbor are icons of the island and one of Mykonos' best easy hikes. Take the short walk up the small hill on which they perch and watch ferries arriving with ever-more holiday-makers. The