Things to do in Mykonos

I have only been to this beautiful island once, in August 2023. I was immediately enchanted, I couldn't help but take pictures of the beautiful houses and windmills. If you only want to see one Greek island in this region, and you are interested in my opinion, I think Mykonos should be it, because the sights on Mykonos are truly special.

What do you need to know about this wonderful island?

Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) is a part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, about halfway between Athens and Santorini. The island has become one of the most famous and sought-after holiday destinations in the world – especially for those seeking luxury, vibrant nightlife and fashionable beaches. However, Mykonos is not just a party destination: charming villages, historical monuments and a rich cultural heritage can also be discovered here.

The name Mykonos comes from Greek mythology, supposedly from Apollo named after his grandson.

The island lies near the ancient sacred island of Delos, which was one of the most important religious centers of the ancient world. Mykonos itself was never a powerful city-state, but rather played a service and trading role alongside Delos.

Mykonos has a varied history: it was first under Roman, then Byzantine, and finally Venetian rule. In the 16th century, it then came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted until the 19th century. The Mykonosians also actively participated in the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

With the boom in international tourism from the 1950s, Mykonos also came into the spotlight, first becoming a favorite destination for artists, then celebrities, and finally the global elite.

Unlike Santorini, Mykonos is not of volcanic origin, but is composed of granitic and metamorphic rocks. This results in a solid, barren, rocky landscape with little vegetation.

The strong north-easterly wind, the meltemi, is particularly characteristic in summer, cooling the hot days and making the island excellent for surfing. The soil is less fertile, so agriculture has never been significant - fishing and trade were more important.

The most beautiful sights in Mykonos

• Mykonos Town (Chóra): A postcard-like town with narrow, labyrinthine streets, whitewashed houses, blue windows and bougainvillea.

• Little Venice: a row of colorful houses stretching into the sea, with a unique romantic atmosphere and bars.

  
  

• Windmills: iconic symbols of the island, offering a wonderful view at sunset.

• Paraportiani Church: the most famous Orthodox church on the island, a white block consisting of several chapels, built from the 15th century onwards.

• There are also cute shops and galleries here, where you can go shopping.

  
  

• It is also worth taking a short trip to the island of Delos. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located just a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos. One of the holiest places in the ancient Greek world, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Archaeological wonders can be seen here: temples, a theater, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Lion's Promenade, Roman villas with mosaic floors. It can be visited by daily boat trips and is worth exploring with a guided tour.

Most beautiful beaches

• Psarou - luxury category, many celebrities visit here

• Platis Gialos - family-friendly, easily accessible beach

• Paradise and Super Paradise Beach - if you are looking for a beach with fantastic parties, day and night, with famous DJs

• Korfos - surfer's paradise

• Elia, Agrari, Panormos - calmer, quieter beaches

Mykonos is the perfect blend of traditional Greek island life and modern luxury. While Chora offers a vibrant nightlife and elegance, the island’s interior and smaller beaches offer a peaceful retreat. With nearby Delos, it also has a historical depth, so it has plenty to offer not only party-goers but also history seekers. The crystal-clear sea, blue-and-white colors, and world-class services all contribute to making Mykonos one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world.

It's my personal favorite among the Greek islands, I think it's so beautiful that it's definitely worth spending at least a few days there.