Before Santorini became the face of the Greek Islands and stole the crown, Mykonos was once held as the best place to be when visiting the Cyclades.
The island is home to some of the most striking features of the Greek Islands, like the iconic windmills, picturesque white buildings with blue doors and shutters, and some of the finest beaches and clearest water in all of Greece.
Within this guide, I will provide you with a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Mykonos and all the information you need to plan a great trip here. Without further ado, here are the 8 best things to do in Mykonos for solo travelers.
- Mykonos Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Mykonos?
-
8 Best Things to Do in Mykonos
- Take Photos of the Windmills of Mykonos
- Go Up to Boni's Windmill for a view over Mykonos
- Get Lost in the Streets of Mykonos
- Visit Panagia Paraportiani
- Swim in the Crystal Clear Water of Mykonos
- Hang Out Around Manto Mavrogenous Statue
- Check Out the View of Little Venice
- Explore Delos Archeological Site
- More Mykonos Activities
- How to get to Mykonos?
- Further Reading for Greece
Mykonos Itinerary Map
8 Best Things to Do in Mykonos
1. Take Photos of the Windmills of Mykonos
Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in Mykonos, or all of the Greek islands for that matter, the Windmills of Mykonos is a collection of well-preserved flour mills located on a small peninsula with an incredible view of the Aegean Sea.
These windmills are known for their unique design, with round white buildings topped with wooden blades that were used to grind grain.
The history behind these windmills dates back to the 16th century when they were built to take advantage of the strong winds that blow across the island.
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The mills were a vital part of the local economy, providing flour for the island's residents and for export before becoming the iconic tourist landmark we know today.
The stunning views of the town and the sea from the peninsula are quite a sight to behold. You can see most of the coastline along Mykonos town from up here.
Where to Stay in Mykonos?
2. Go Up to Boni's Windmill for a view over Mykonos
Another iconic landmark you should check out while you are in Mykonos is Boni's Windmill, another historic windmill located on a hilltop overlooking Mykonos Old Town.
Unlike the 4 windmills of Mykonos I recommended early, this one will provide you with the best vantage point from its hilltop location, allowing you to see Mykonos and its coastline from above.
You can also learn more about the history and significance of these windmills by visiting the small agriculture museum located nearby. While you are in Mykonos, be sure to check out Boni's Windmill.
3. Get Lost in the Streets of Mykonos
The streets of Mykonos Old Town are as picturesque as it gets but it is also a maze with crisscrossing narrow streets making navigation a little challenging.
Combine that with the number of tourists you will find here, it can get quite overwhelming for first-timers. The best way to cope with this, I discovered, is to give up on navigating the town and intentionally get lost in the flow of the town and walk in whichever direction you find interesting.
Getting lost here is an experience like no other. The winding streets and narrow alleys are full of surprises, from quaint boutiques and charming cafes to stunning churches and ancient ruins.
There's no better way to explore the island's rich history and culture than by wandering the streets and who knows, you might end up discovering hidden gems and beautiful corners of Mykonos where there are no tourists in sight.
Other than that, Mykonos is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and getting lost in the streets is a great way to stumble upon some of the island's best bars and clubs you can indulge yourself.
If walking aimlessly is not for you, you can also go on an walking tour which will allow you to get a sense of Mykonos even more or even better go around the island on a bus tour after to see even more of Mykonos in a day.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Mykonos? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Visit Panagia Paraportiani
As you explore the winding streets of Mykonos, be sure to make your way to Panagia Paraportiani, a historic church housed in this iconic whitewashed structure located right along the coast of Mykonos.
The history behind Panagia Paraportiani dates back to the 15th century when the first chapel was built. It took them more than 2 centuries to complete the church!
The church is made up of five small chapels, each with its own distinctive style and design, stacked on top of one another to create a magnificent structure.
The church is open to visitors during the day, but it's important to remember that it is still an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of the space and dress appropriately.
5. Swim in the Crystal Clear Water of Mykonos
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived in Mykonos is just how crystal clear the water is here. Its clarity and stunning blue-green color really make the beaches here stand out from all the other islands I've seen in Greece.
Due to its location on the Aegean Sea and the lack of industry on the island, the water gets constantly refreshed by the currents and tides, which in turn, causes the water to be so clean and clear.
That is why Mykonos is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the country. Beaches like Paralia Choras Mikonou, located right by the Old Port, Paradise Beach, known for its party scene, Agios Sostis Beach, for those who don't mind going the extra mile to avoid tourists and many more.
Don't miss out on the unforgettable experience of swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Mykonos during your visit. It's highly recommended that you set aside some time for swimming and relaxation while on the island.
6. Hang Out Around Manto Mavrogenous Statue
If you are looking for a place to hang out, or sit in a cafe or a restaurant, while enjoying the delicious cuisine and people-watching, there is no better place to be than around the Manto Mavrogenous Statue.
Manto Mavrogenous Statue itself is nothing extravagant. It was constructed to honor the heroic figure of Manto Mavrogenous, a Greek heroine of the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. It was erected in 1994 and stands as a symbol of the courage and patriotism of the Greek people during their struggle for independence.
Nowadays, it has become the main meeting point of Mykonos due to its central location, right at the center of a square surrounded by souvenir shops as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes with awesome vibes. If you're in search of a perfect spot for lunch or dinner, be sure to explore the area around the statue.
7. Check Out the View of Little Venice
One of the best neighborhoods you should definitely check out while you are in Mykonos is Little Venice, a picturesque area of Mykonos full of stunning architecture, colorful houses, and charming waterfront cafes and bars.
The neighborhood is so named due to its resemblance to Venice, Italy, with houses built right up to the edge of the sea, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
The houses in Little Venice are some of the oldest on the island, and many have been converted into bars and restaurants, offering you a chance to enjoy a delicious meal or drink while gazing out over the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Be sure to drop by here and find a nice waterfront restaurant for an incredible sunset experience, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange, and the sea glows in the fading light. It is truly quite a sight to behold.
8. Explore Delos Archeological Site
One of the most interesting things you can do in Mykonos is to visit Delos, a small island home to some of the most stunning Greek ruins you will find in the Cyclades. The island is located only a few kilometers away from the Mykonos which makes for a great half-day trip to visit.
In ancient times, Delos was a sacred island and an important center of trade and commerce. It was believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis, and many temples and shrines were built on the island in their honor.
The island was also home to a thriving port and a bustling marketplace, attracting merchants and traders from all over the Mediterranean back in the day.
Today, you can explore the ancient city of Delos and the island's many archaeological sites, including the ruins of temples, theaters, houses, and public buildings. The most famous of these is the Terrace of the Lions, a row of statues that once guarded the Sacred Way, the main street of the city.
There are also other notable attractions in Delos that you should visit while you are here like the Ancient Theatre of Delos, the House of Cleopatra, and the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
While you are exploring Delos, be sure to hike to the highest point of the island to see the whole of Delos and all of its beautiful Greek ruins as well as the coastline and even Mykonos island.
The hike is extremely steep towards the top and since there are no shades along the way, be sure to carry enough water to complete the hike. It should take about 15 minutes to hike from the bottom to the top.
Despite the effort, you are going to appreciate the view you get from up here. You can spend a few minutes taking photos and resting at the top before you make your way back down to the ferry and the tour will take you to Mykonos next.
I think Delos is one of the most interesting islands to visit in the Cyclades especially if you are a history buff and would like to learn more about the ancient Greeks and their way of life on these islands.
There are 2 ways you can visit Delos from Mykonos. One is to go on a guided tour which will allow you to learn more about the history of the island from a local guide.
Or you can just go with the Delos Transfer Service which will transport you from Mykonos to Delos and you can explore the island at your own pace with no hassle. For this transfer service, you will have around 2 hours on the island which is plenty of time to see everything. This is the best option for independent travelers out there.
How to get to Mykonos?
There are 2 ways to reach Mykonos. The easiest and most convenient way is to fly into Mykonos from Athens. You can easily reach Athens by flying into Athens Airport (ATH) via airlines like Wizz and Ryanair and then flying directly to Mykonos Airport.
From the airport, you should be able to catch a shuttle bus service in front of the terminal exit that will take you to the Fabrika bus station in Mykonos town in 20 minutes. The ticket should cost about 2 EUR per person and can be bought by the bus driver.
You can also go by private transfer if you have a lot of luggage. This is the most efficient way to get to Mykonos and I highly recommend you go with this if you do not want to deal with the hassle of traveling by ferry.
Taking the ferry to Mykonos is another option. From Athens Airport, you can catch the direct bus numbered X96 straight to the Port of Pireas where most of the ferries to the Cyclades leaves from.
From the Port of Pireas, you can catch the ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and other operators that run in the morning between 7 AM to 9 AM every day.
Seajets ferries are speed ferries that are faster and more expensive with the price of around 85 EUR per person and it will only take about 2.5 hours to reach Mykonos.
Blue Star Ferries, on the other hand, is a slow ferry service that offers a cheaper ticket option costing around 43 EUR but the journey can take almost 5 hours and can often be delayed. If you want to go with this route, you will be asked if you want to book a seat for an additional cost.
Here's a reserved seating area on the Blue Star Ferries.
Here's a tip for you, when you book a ticket on the Blue Star Ferries, you will have the option to reserve a seat. For a 7.5 hours journey like this, I highly recommend you do it or you will be scrambling, trying to find a place to sit which is definitely not fun for such a long trip. I ended up sitting on the stairway as the airplane-style seats were all occupied. Don't cheap out like me and get a reserved seat with your ticket!
Here's a non-reserved seating area on the Blue Star Ferries.
You can book the ferry ticket here for your trip from Athens to Mykonos and vice versa. If you are traveling during the summer months, I highly recommend you book the ferry in advance to get the best seats.
With the ferry, you will be dropped off at the New Port which is 3 km away from the old town. To get from the New Port to the Old Port, you can catch the local bus located on your left after you exit the ferry terminal. The bus runs twice a day at 12 PM and 1 PM, both aligned to the arrival time of ferries so you should be there on time for the bus to take you to the Old Port.
The bus should cost you around 2 EUR and you can buy it from the bus driver. The journey should take no more than 10 minutes. You can also walk but it will take you around 45 minutes which is not fun especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Greece
I hope you found this Greece travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Greece, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- For a complete itinerary of Greece, check out: 2-Week Backpacking Greece Itinerary.
- Most journeys in Greece begin in Athens. For a complete travel guide to the capital city of Greece, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Athens.
- Here is a complete 3 days itinerary for Athens: 3 Days In Athens: An Itinerary For First Timers.
- One of the best day trips you can make from Athens is to go visit Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary that was considered to be the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. To visit this historical site, check out our Complete Guide to Backpacking Delphi.
- Have 3 days but want to see the Greek Islands? Check out this itinerary: 3 Days Backpacking Greek Islands Itinerary.
- Looking for things to do in Thessaloniki? Check out: 16 Best Things To Do In Thessaloniki.
- My favorite place out of all of Greece is Meteora with its incredible towering rock formations and stunning monasteries perched atop. If you plan to visit Meteora, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Meteora.
- Want to explore the Greek Islands but not sure where to base yourself? Naxos is the best island for that. Here are the 10 Best Things To Do In Naxos.
- Santorini, despite the crowd, is a place you have to see once in your life. If you plan to visit Santorini, the best place to base yourself is Fira, the capital of the island. For a complete travel guide, check out 10 Best Things To Do In Fira, Santorini.
- One of the most interesting islands in the Cyclades that you shouldn't miss is Delos, home to stunning ruins of an ancient Greek city of Commerce. Want to visit Delos? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Delos.
- Want to visit Santorini but not sure where to begin? Check out our 3-Day Backpacking Santorini Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Greece, visit the Greece Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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