Mykonos Little Venice and windmills

In the far west of the city of Mykonos, below the windmills, lies the popular district Little Venice, which is also called “Mikri Venetia”. The charming district exerts a magical attraction on holidaymakers and is therefore the first port of call on Mykonos for many.

“The white row of houses directly on the sea with its colorful wooden balconies and bay windows, which seem to float above the water supported by beams, is one of the most photographed motifs in Greece.”

The crowds of people who push their way through the alleys every day and make a pilgrimage to the windmills may seem daunting at first glance. But once you’ve experienced the magical sunset from the waterfront of this picturesque district, you’ll quickly forget the hustle and bustle around you.

Last time we were there in May and, despite all the horror stories, were immediately enchanted by the unique atmosphere and the picturesque scenery that Little Venice and the Windmills, especially in the evening hours.

Enclosed we give you the most important information and tips for a visit to Little Venice and the windmills:

#1 How to get to Little Venice

The old town of Chora, such as Mykonos Town is traffic-calmed, so that the Little Venice district is not directly accessible by car or bus. Chora is more of a large village, so you can reach all the sights in a few minutes on foot.

In the off-season between October and May, you may be lucky enough to find a parking lot right next to the windmills of Mykonos and walk down the road to Little Venice from there.

Parking in Mykonos Town

In the holiday season from May to October, it is advisable to park your car in the large free car park City Parking and walk into town. If you are still looking for a cheap care hire for Mykonos, you will find suitable offers at our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ To cheap car rental offers*

Arrival by bus or taxi

At the old port of Mykonos (Chora Old Port), south of the City Parking, is also the city’s bus station situated. From here you can walk along the waterfront to the city centre. Current timetables can be found at: KTEL MYK

Due to the often chaotic traffic situation in the city area, you can also use a concierge service to get to Little Venice. You can make this transfer through our partner, for example GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the transfer service for the island*

#2 Walking tour of Little Venice

The most beautiful way to Little Venice leads directly from the old port of Mykonos along the waterfront to the chapel of Agios Nikolaos. From here we continue north, past the JackieO’ Bar to the Paraportiani church (see #8), which marks the entrance to the Kastro district in the north of Little Venice.

A narrow alley with many shops, souvenir shops and bars merges seamlessly into the Little Venice district. At the Veranda Bar you turn right towards the sea and find yourself in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the high-priced restaurants right on the waterfront of Little Venice.

The bustling waterfront is filled with tables and chairs from the numerous restaurants and bars, and chaos reigns at peak times. Because of the heavy through traffic, we would advise against a meal, it is enough for an aperitif. In strong waves, crossing the narrow concrete path is like running the gauntlet.

If you have made it to the narrow beach section Alefkandra with dry feet, the most beautiful view of the striking row of houses of Little Venice opens up. By the way, the Mykonos neighborhood Alefkandra merges seamlessly into Little Venice.

When the sun goes down, the special vibe of Little Venice is revealed, which is responsible for the high attraction. The white houses, against which the waves whip, are bathed in a warm light and there is an almost magical atmosphere.

Surrounded by twinkling lights, you can dance in one of the numerous bars to old and new music hits until the early hours of the morning. An unforgettable experience that should be experienced at least once when visiting the island of Mykonos. If you want, you can even join a guided walking tour in Mykonos Chora, bookable via GetYourGuide*.

Shopping in Little Venice

In addition to numerous tourist shops and souvenir shops, which also offer many goods from the Far East, original craft shops, galleries and boutiques of Greek artists and designers have also settled in the maze of alleys. Here are our recommendations for great shopping in Little Venice:

Eva studio & shop: Souvenir shop with handmade ceramics near the promenade of Little Venice. From cups to plates, but also original pieces such as Christmas baubles with a Mykonos motif. Friendly shop owner!

Eternity of Mykonos: Jeweller and souvenir shop in one. In addition to amulets, necklaces and rings, you will also find interesting decorative elements made of bronze (Troy horse).

Somnium Jewelry Store: Art and jewellery gallery of a special kind, just behind the Paraportiani Church. Here you can find everything from minimalist to luxurious, from elegant to gothic. Friendly staff and interesting ambience in one of the striking houses right by the sea.

MykonosArtGR: Saimon and his wife offer handmade souvenirs made of flotsam and crochet goods in their small shop in a side street, original pieces and unique pieces at slightly higher prices.

Happiness Mykonos: Mini-Boutqiue on the corner of Georgouli Alley. The selection ranges from simple print shirts to stylish summer dresses to hip beach bags and high-quality leather sandals from Greece.

#3 History of Little Venice

The origin of Little Venice’s distinctive houses dates back to the 13th century, when the Venetians ruled Mykonos. Even then, Mykonos was an important transshipment point on the trade routes in the Mediterranean. Merchants and sailors made a stopover here to replenish their goods on their way from the east to Italy.

However, many houses date back to the Ottoman occupation period and were not built by the Venetians. The Ottomans ruled Mykonos from 1537 onwards and significantly shaped today’s appearance with their overhanging balconies and bay windows. Nevertheless, the name Little Venice has survived to this day.

Little Venice was a popular anchorage for smugglers’ ships in the late Middle Ages, and piracy was strong. The living conditions on Mykonos were poor, so that quite a few islanders were involved in the smuggling business at that time. The construction of the houses made it possible to load the stolen goods quickly.

#4 Windmills of Mykonos

South of Little Venice, the trail climbs up to Kato Mili Hill, where the six Windmills of Mykonos enthroned. From up here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the small town, and even at sunset you can usually find a free spot despite the crowds.

Once upon a time, the treeless hill was used to intercept the strong winds directly from the sea and to power the mills for the production of grain. In the past, there are said to have been even more windmills in the area.

By the way, the Mykonos windmills can be seen very well from the Kastro district from photographically capture. At the end of the narrow alley where the Kastros Bar you have a wonderful view of the windmill hill from the rocks in front of you.

No less beautiful is the sunset from the Bonis Windmill on the hill Ano Mili in the upper part of the city. The magnificent panoramic view over the white sea of houses of the Chora is included here.

#5 Guided tours in Mykonos Town

Would you like to learn more about Mykonos Little Venice and benefit from the knowledge of the locals? Then, join a guided tour of the city and visit the most important sights of Mykonos Chora. Click on the links from GetYourGuide* to learn more about the tour and prices:

➲ To the city tour through Chora*

➲ To the sightseeing tour with windmills*

#6 Restaurants and cafes in Little Venice

The price level in Mykonos is generally very high and the Little Venice district is probably the most expensive. Almost all gastronomic establishments have driven up their prices extremely, and this cannot always be justified by the quality.

It is advisable to take a look at the menus and Google reviews beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are our personal recommendations for good bars and restaurants in Little Venice and at the Mykonos windmills:

• Cantera Sunset Restaurant Mykonos
• Cerise Bar
• La Petite Taverne Windmills
• NOE Mykonos
• Semeli Bar Little Venice
• SNOW Gelato

#7 Hotel tips for Little Venice

An overnight stay in this lively neighbourhood is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the perfect place to stay for partygoers, friends and couples who want to dance the night away in one of the many bars.

Some of the apartments listed are located just above Little Venice’s bars and restaurants, so the bed is just a few steps away. Perfect for long party nights – after a few cocktails, the high noise level no longer bothers you.

If you prefer it quieter, you should book an accommodation outside of Mykonos Town, e.g. in Ano Mera, our favorite: Myconoan Theros (Watch on Booking.com*). Enclosed are our personal recommendations for studios or hotels in Little Venice and near the windmills:

Bluetopia Suites

Very tasteful suites in the first row of houses of Little Venice. Balconies with amazing views of the windmills of Mykonos. Breakfast is delivered to the room, and a bridal suite is also available. All details about the accommodation on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Bluetopia Suites*

Little Venice Suites

Beautiful, bright suites in the heart of Little Venice, just above the bars and restaurants. Very central location for those who like to party in the evening. Unique view from the balconies to the windmills. Some rooms have an outdoor hot tub.

➲ Book Little Venice Suites*

Accommodation at Mykonos Windmills

Mylos Suites

Cozy suites for couples and families with a view of the windmills. Within walking distance of Little Venice, yet in a quiet location. Friendly and helpful staff.

➲ To book Mylos Suites*

Marietta’s

Small apartment complex centrally located near the windmills. Attractive Cycladic-style rooms with balconies and beautiful sea views. The courteous hostess also organizes the transfer to the accommodation. Downtown and Little Venice are within walking distance.

➲ To book Marietta’s

Sole Blu Mykonos Town Apartment

Compact, modernly furnished apartment for 2 adults in a central location directly opposite the windmills. With kitchenette and washing machine. Numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance.

➲ Book Sole Blue Mykonos*

#8 Places of interest in the area

Paraportiani Church in the Kastro district

In the oldest part of the city stands the Orthodox Church of Panagia Paraportiani. The gleaming white church with its asymmetrical façade was probably built in the 15th century under Venetian rule. Under the strange dome, the church unites five individual chapels.

Of these, four chapels are on the ground floor and the chapel of the Mother of God Panagia on the upper floor. The name Paraportiani (Greek: at the gates) probably derives from the location of the church, which was once the entrance to the medieval Kastro of Mykonos. Only remains of the walls of the castle remain, which are described by information boards.

Church of Agios Charalambos and beach

To the south below the windmills stands the small chapel of Agios Charalambos, a little away from the hustle and bustle. It offers an ideal escape from the crowds and is also a nice place to enjoy the sunset in the evening. Directly below is a small bathing bay, which is hardly visited, especially in the low season, and invites you to refresh yourself.

➝ More Cyclades travel tips You can get here: Cyclades Islands Overview

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