Mykonos Little Venice and Windmills

At the westernmost edge of Mykonos town, below the windmills, lies the popular neighborhood known as Little Venice, also called “Mikri Venetia.” This charming district exerts a magical pull on vacationers and is therefore the first stop for many visitors to Mykonos.

“The row of white houses right by the sea, with their colorful wooden balconies and bay windows that seem to float above the water, supported by beams, is one of the most photographed sights in Greece.”

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

We were there in May and, despite all the horror stories, were immediately enchanted by the unique atmosphere and picturesque backdrop that Little Venice and the windmills reveal in the evening hours. Here are the most important facts and tips for a visit to Little Venice and the windmills:

#1 How to get to Little Venice

The old town of Chora, as Mykonos Town is also known, has restricted traffic, so the Little Venice district isn’t directly accessible by car or bus. Chora is more like a large village, so you can reach all the sights on foot in just a few minutes.

During the off-season between October and May, with a bit of luck, you can find a parking spot right by the Mykonos windmills and walk down the street from there to Little Venice.

Parking in Mykonos Town

During the tourist season from May to October, we recommend parking your car at the large, free City Parking lot and walking into town. If you’re still looking for an affordable rental car for Mykonos, you’ll find great deals with our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ View affordable car rental offers*

Getting there by bus or taxi

The city’s bus station is located at the Old Port of Mykonos, south of City Parking. From here, you can walk along the waterfront promenade to the city center. You can find current schedules at: KTEL MYK

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

➲ To the transfer service for the island*

#2 Walking Tour of Little Venice

The most scenic route to Little Venice runs directly along the Old Port of Mykonos, following the waterfront promenade to the Agios Nikolaos Chapel. From here, continue north, past the JackieO’ Bar, to the Paraportiani Church (see #8), which marks the entrance to the Kastro district north of Little Venice.

A narrow alley lined with shops, souvenir stores, and bars flows seamlessly into the Little Venice district. At the Veranda Bar, turn right toward the sea and you’ll find yourself in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the high-end restaurants right on Little Venice’s waterfront promenade.

The bustling waterfront promenade is crammed with tables and chairs from the numerous restaurants and bars; during peak hours, it’s chaotic. Due to the heavy foot traffic, we wouldn’t recommend dining here, though it’s fine for an aperitif. Incidentally, when the waves are high, crossing the narrow concrete path is like running the gauntlet.

If you’ve made it to the narrow Alefkandra beach without getting your feet wet, you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful view of the striking row of houses in Little Venice. The Mykonos neighborhood of Alefkandra, by the way, blends seamlessly into Little Venice.

As the sun sets, the special vibe of Little Venice—which is responsible for its great appeal—is revealed. The white houses, lapped by the waves, are bathed in warm light, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

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

Shopping in Little Venice

In addition to numerous tourist shops and souvenir stores—many of which also offer goods from the Far East—the maze of alleys is home to unique craft shops, galleries, and boutiques run by Greek artists and designers. Here are our recommendations for great shopping in Little Venice:

Eva studio & shop: Souvenir shop with handmade ceramics near the Little Venice promenade. From mugs to plates, as well as unique items like Christmas ornaments with Mykonos motifs. Friendly shop owner!

Eternity of Mykonos: A jewelry store and souvenir shop in one. In addition to amulets, necklaces, and rings, you’ll also find interesting decorative items made of bronze (Trojan horse).

Somnium Jewelry Store: A unique art and jewelry gallery, right behind the Paraportiani Church. Here you’ll find everything from minimalist to luxurious, from elegant to gothic. Friendly staff and an interesting atmosphere in one of the distinctive houses right by the sea.

MykonosArtGR: Saimon and his wife offer handmade souvenirs made from driftwood and crocheted items in their small shop on a side street. Original pieces and one-of-a-kind items at slightly higher prices.

Happiness Mykonos: A mini-boutique on the corner of Georgouli Alley. The selection ranges from simple printed T-shirts and stylish summer dresses to trendy beach bags and high-quality leather sandals from Greece.

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#3 History of Little Venice

The origins of the distinctive houses in Little Venice date back to the 13th century, when the Venetians ruled Mykonos. Even then, Mykonos was an important hub on the Mediterranean trade routes. Merchants and sailors stopped here to restock their goods on their way from the East to Italy.

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

In the late Middle Ages, Little Venice was a popular anchorage for smuggling ships, and piracy was rampant. Living conditions on Mykonos were poor, so quite a few islanders were involved in the smuggling trade at the time. The design of the houses allowed for the quick loading of stolen goods.

South of Little Venice, the path leads up to Kato Mili Hill, where the six windmills of Mykonos stand. From up here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the small town, and even at sunset, you can usually still find a free spot despite the crowds.

In the past, the treeless hill was used to capture the strong winds blowing directly from the sea and power the mills for grain production. It is said that there used to be even more windmills in the area.

By the way, the Mykonos windmills are best photographed from the Kastro district. At the end of the narrow alley where Kastro Bar is located, you have a magnificent view of the windmill hill from the rocks in front.

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

#5 Guided Tours in Mykonos Town

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

➲ To the walking tour of Chora*

➲ To the sightseeing tour with windmills*

#6 Restaurants and Cafés in Little Venice

Prices on Mykonos are generally very high, and the Little Venice district is probably the most expensive. Nearly all restaurants and cafés here have driven their prices sky-high, and this isn’t always justified by the quality.

It’s advisable to check the menus and Google reviews beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are our personal recommendations for good bars and restaurants in Little Venice and near 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

Staying overnight in this lively neighborhood is a unique experience and the perfect accommodation for partygoers, friends, and couples who want to turn night into day in one of the many bars.

Some of the listed apartments are located directly above the bars and restaurants of Little Venice, so your bed is just a few steps away. Perfect for long nights of partying—after a few cocktails, even the high noise level won’t bother you anymore.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you should book accommodation outside of Mykonos Town, e.g., in Ano Mera—our favorite: Myconoan Theros (View on Booking.com*). Here are our personal recommendations for studios and hotels in the Little Venice district and near the windmills:

Bluetopia Suites

Very tasteful suites in the first row of houses in Little Venice. Balconies with a magnificent view of the Mykonos windmills. Breakfast is brought to your room, and a wedding suite is also available. All accommodation details on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Bluetopia Suites*

Little Venice Suites

Beautiful, bright suites in the heart of Little Venice, right above the bars and restaurants. Very central location for those who like to go out partying in the evenings. Unique view of the windmills from the balconies. Some rooms feature an outdoor hot tub.

➲ Book Little Venice Suites*

Accommodations near the Mykonos Windmills

Mylos Suites

Cozy suites for couples and families with views of the windmills. Just a short walk from Little Venice, yet in a quiet location. Friendly and helpful staff.

➲ Book Mylos Suites*

Marietta’s

Small apartment complex in a central location near the windmills. Charming Cycladic-style rooms with balconies and beautiful sea views. The welcoming hostess also arranges transfers to the accommodation. Downtown and Little Venice are within walking distance.

➲ Book Marietta’s

Sole Blu Mykonos Town Apartment

Compact, modern apartment for 2 adults in a central location directly across from the windmills. Features a kitchenette and washing machine. Numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance.

➲ Book Sole Blue Mykonos*

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#8 Things to See 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 likely built in the 15th century under Venetian rule. Beneath its distinctive dome, the church unites five individual chapels.

Four of these chapels are located on the ground floor, and the Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) is on the upper floor. The name Paraportiani (Greek: “at the gates”) likely derives from the church’s location, which once marked the entrance to the medieval Kastro of Mykonos. Only remnants of the castle’s walls remain, described on informational signs.

Agios Charalambos Church and Beach

South of the windmills, a little away from the hustle and bustle, stands the small chapel of Agios Charalambos. It offers an ideal refuge from the crowds and is also a lovely spot in the evening to enjoy the sunset. Hidden directly below is a small cove that is rarely visited, especially in the off-season, and invites you to take a refreshing dip.

➝ For more travel tips on the Cyclades, click here for an overview: Cyclades Islands Blog

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