Must-do activities on Mykonos

Mykonos is known as “the island of the winds”, as it is often swept by the breeze. It is located in the Cyclades, an archipelago that also includes other islands such as Naxos, Santorini, Delos, Ios and Milos, to name but a few (there are over 200 islands in the Cyclades, but many of them are tiny and uninhabited).

If you’re looking for the island’s must-sees, we recommend you first take the time to explore Chora (Mykonos Town). It’s a trendy and artistic city. An ideal spot to take photos of the famous windmills and the houses with their immaculate white facades.

1. Must-see: the windmills of Chora (Mykonos Town)

The first thing you see when you arrive in the port of Mykonos is this row of seven white windmills atop a small cape. Probably built by the Venetians in the 16th century, they face north to catch the prevailing wind. They were built close to the port to grind grain unloaded from ships for easier transport.

The windmills have become the island’s emblematic symbol, and can be reached easily by heading southwest from the Alefkandra district.

2. Via Matogianni, shopping and nightlife

Rue Matogianni, which crosses the town of Mykonos from north to south, is where it all happens.

During the day, you can take a leisurely stroll around, discovering pretty souvenir stores, jewelry stores and international brands such as Sephora and Lacoste.

When hunger strikes, order a souvlaki (grilled meat and vegetable skewer) or a gyro (kebab-like sandwich), or sit on the terrace of one of the many typical restaurants.

In the evening, the nightlife comes to life with its very special atmosphere. There’s no shortage of restaurants and taverns in this popular district. You’ll find romantic spots with bougainvillea coloring the walls. You can party all night long, as the bars stay open until the early hours.

3. Delos, emblematic island of the Greek Cyclades

From the old port of Chora, set course for one of Greece’s most prestigious archaeological sites. The island of Delos lies a few kilometers off the southwest coast of Mykonos. Its excavations have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Delos is known as the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. And over a thousand years ago, the island was already a sacred sanctuary.

There is much to discover, on Delos as :

• The Terrace of the Lions, dating from the 7th century B.C.
• The Doric temple of the Delians.
• The Minoan fountain.
• The theater district, dotted with splendid mosaics.

You can also see sumptuous Hellenistic mosaics in the House of Dionysus, the House of the Masks, the House of the Trident, the House of the Lake and the House of the Dolphins.

4. Discover Alefkandra (Little Venice)

Surrounding the western part of Chora’s old port is a magnificent network of small pedestrian streets. This makes it a very pleasant place to stroll. All the streets are covered with dark marble paving stones and cement joints painted the same white as the facades of the houses.

It’s called Little Venice, because it’s right on the water. The restaurants and their terraces are along a narrow path, less than a meter above the sea. If you’re looking for a charming, romantic and lively place to eat, you’ve come to the right place!

Little Venice is very popular at sunset, because the sunset is so beautiful. Your mission is to get a well-placed table to enjoy your aperitif right at that hour. From your table, you’ll also see the windmills catching the last rays of the sun.

5. Which to choose: Agios Sostis Beach or Elia Beach?

If you like space and peace and quiet for swimming, opt for the beaches to the north of the island. They are less crowded and have that wild, authentic character that Mykonos enthusiasts love.

Agios Sostis beach has no bars, restaurants or sun loungers on the sand, and that’s just as well. That’s what makes it so much quieter than the southern beaches. A Zen atmosphere is guaranteed on this magnificent beach, surrounded by gently sloping hills that drop into the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.

Rest assured, civilization is not far away! If you head north, you’ll find a small village with a tavern and a church.

In terms of beaches, there’s something for everyone, so if you like a more festive, cosmopolitan atmosphere, you’ll love Elia beach, located on the south coast. It’s the longest beach on the island. It’s very popular with gay tourists visiting Mykonos.

6. Visit Mykonos: art galleries (Galerie Rarity, Dio Hora)

Recently, Mykonos has gained a reputation as an artistic destination, and much of this has to do with the creation of the Rarity Gallery. Founded in 1995, this space was the first to present paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations by internationally renowned artists.

Expect to see works by listed artists, but you may be surprised by some of the lesser-known emerging talents the gallery has taken under its wing. Artists featured over the past two decades include pop artist Julian Opie, Carole Feuerman, known for her hyper-realistic sculptures, and Hong Sung Chul, famous for his three-dimensional rope sculptures.

The Dio Horia gallery is also at the forefront of the island’s contemporary art scene. It hosts exhibitions, offers residencies and supports young talent from countries where art is little promoted. Since opening three years ago, Dio Horia has exhibited works by Tracey Emin, David Adamo, Erik Parker and Nina Chanel Abney. Dio Horia also has a publishing arm, and organizes events and pop-up installations around Mykonos.