Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros, and Naxos. It is also known as Chora, which is Greek for the town. Mykonos’s nickname is “The Island of the Winds” due to the strong winds that usually blow on the island. Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and as a party destination with many beach resorts. Most attractions are located in Mykonos town, which can be explored on foot, and the beaches are located south of the island.
Paraportiani Church
Paraportiani Church, whose name translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate,” is one of the most photographed churches in Greece. It is located at the Kastro neighborhood entrance and is five churches built on top of each other.
Little Venice
Little Venice is a row of colorful fishing houses with balconies that hang out over the water. Built-in the 18th century, these houses were used by merchants since they could have direct access to the sea.
It is excellent for the sunset and its restaurants and bars.
The Windmills
Because of the island’s windy conditions, the Venetians used the windmills for grinding grain. Now, the windmills have been converted into homes, storage facilities, and accommodations for travelers. It is also an excellent location for watching the sunset.
Old Port
Just around the corner from Little Venice is the old harbor of Mykonos. Restaurants line the beach, a tiny church sits at the entrance to the main dock, daily cruises to Delos leave from here, and colorful fishing boats bob in the water.
Mykonos town from the old port.
Explore Mykonos town
Mykonos town is beautiful, with whitewash houses, colorful doors, narrow streets, and upscale shops.
Watch Sunset in Mykonos town
The windmills and Little Venice are great places to watch Sunset in Mykonos.
There are a lot of restaurants where you can have dinner while watching sunset in the area.
Try local Greek food
Souvlaki is the grilled meat on skewers; you can have it on a sandwich or platter. Here is a souvlaki platter.
Gyros are cooked thinly sliced on a rotisserie and served as a sandwich or platter. Here is a Gyro sandwich.
Skepasti is a greek pita sandwich with meat, french fries, tomatoes, cheese and salad.
Frozen greek yogurt is delicious and healthier than icecream. It comes with different topping like honey, nuts, strawberry, and many more.
The restaurants we tried on our trip are Pepper Souvlaki, Jimmy’s Gyro, Meatropolitan Souvlaki, Sakis, local Mykonos, Katerina’s restaurant, and Trio Bambini.
Visit Delos
Delos is a small island in the Cyclades and one of Greece’s most important archeological and mythical sites. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no accommodations or restaurants on the island, but it is a popular day trip destination from Mykonos. From Mykonos, it takes roughly 30 minutes by ferry to get to Delos. Click here to see how to visit Delos from Mykonos.
Visit beaches
Mykonos is known for being one of the best beaches in Greece. We took the bus from Mykonos town and visited Elia beach. It was quiet and peaceful in the morning. Other famous beaches are Agrari, Super Paradise, Paradise, Paraga, Paralia Platis Gialos, and Playa Ornos. They can be visited by car, quad, bus, or water taxi.
How to get to Mykonos
Mykonos can be reached by flight, ferry, or cruise ship. It has direct flights from Athens and other European countries. There are also high-speed and slow ferries from Athens(Piraeus and Rafina port) and other Greek islands. A couple of cruise ships also stop in Mykonos for a day.
How to get from Airport or Ferry Port
Most of the hotels include free Airport or Port transfer. If it is not included in your hotel, you can also ask the hotel to arrange a transfer for an additional cost. You can also book your transfer here if you’d like. There is also a water taxi from the new port to the old port.
How to get around Mykonos
A rental car or Quad will allow you to visit more places on the island. To visit some areas, you need to drive on gravel roads. The center of Mykonos town is pedestrian only but there is a parking lot next to the windmills.
Bus There are two bus stands in Mykonos town, one closer to the old port and one in Fabrika. Most buses leave from Mykonos town to other areas but connections between those areas do not always exist. You can buy the bus ticket from the bus driver, which costs between 1 and 3 euros depending on the distance.
Water Taxis can be used to get from the old port to the new port. It can also be used to get between the beaches.
Taxi might not be the cheapest option on the island but it is easiest and fastest. You don’t have to worry about the bus or water taxi schedule and the directions.
We stayed closer to Mykonos town and explored the town on foot. We took the bus one day to visit Elia beach. If we visit again, we might rent a quad or car to explore the island more.
Where to stay in Mykonos
Mykonos is a small island with many options to stay for all budgets. You can stay closer to Mykonos town and easily explore the town to see the highlights and top attractions. If beaches are your top priority, you can stay in beach resorts located in the south of the island. Beaches are also famous for nightlife, parties, young couples, and honeymooners.
How many days in Mykonos
You can easily visit Mykonos’s highlights and top attractions in a day. If you want to see the beaches and enjoy the nightlife and party, you can stay as long as you desire.