Mykonos: The 8 most beautiful highlights of the party island

If you ask Greeks on other islands about Mykonos, they quickly wave off in disgust. “Mykonos is not Greece,” you hear them saying. Regulars’ table slogans? By no means! In fact, the beautiful Cycladic island is a completely different world. The crises of recent years have never occurred here, tourism is flourishing and the construction boom continues.

»Mykonos in summer: Excessive parties, crowded alleys and OverpricedRestaurants. In addition, beaches where you can’t see the sand anymore because of all the people.”

Every year, crowds of tourists crowd through the narrow streets of Mykonos Town, none of the few Mykonos sights without countless other holidaymakers. Newcomers to Greece, who have been guided by idyllic catalogue pictures, are completely shocked after a few hours and the blue and white dream is shattered.

Whether a holiday on Mykonos is worthwhile and whether there is still a bit of originality, we reveal in this travel report and at the same time present our highlights of the Mykonos Island which you should not miss:

Is a Mykonos vacation worth it at all?

Mykonos is an interesting Greek island with beautiful beaches and a lot of Cycladic flair, but it is bursting at the seams, especially in July and August. None of the Mykonos highlights without numerous Instagrammers, always on the lookout for the perfect photo, of course atmospherically staged with an extravagant dress.

For lovers of the original Greece, summer in Mykonos is an absolute no-go. If you don’t know from the mass tourism in Greece then it is probably most clearly felt here. To get a reasonably quiet impression of the Cycladic island, please go on a Mykonos Holiday in the low season.

We were also curious and wanted to get an idea of the Greek party island and visited Mykonos for a week in May. But while other Cycladic islands were still preparing for the season, Mykonos was already bustling with activity. This island is another world!

Even in the low season, it is normal for people to squeeze through the alleys in single file and there is daily traffic chaos around Mykonos Town. We personally were shocked, even on the most popular Greek Islands Rhodes and Crete we have never experienced a traffic jam in May.

Only when you leave the main town behind do you experience a touch of peace and discover corners that you can definitely love. This will not be enough for long-time Greece experts. The urban sprawl has reached such proportions that only a few parts are still untouched. Therefore, Mykonos is only interesting for bucket list nerds or for a short stop on an island hopping.

#1 Chora: Walking Tour of Mykonos Town

Chora, the Old Town of Mykonos is a true postcard motif and is one of the most photographed places in Greece. If you want to get a taste of empty alleys in summer, you should leave early at times. From noon onwards, it gets really crowded in the largest town on the island, especially due to the numerous cruise tourists.

The white houses of Mykonos with their coloured wooden balconies are simply picturesque. Colourful bougainvilleas climb up and set colourful accents in the whitewashed maze of alleys, art galleries, boutiques and original shops (e.g. MykonosArtGR) invites you to stroll. In the restaurants (tip: La Petite) you can linger wonderfully, especially in the low season.

As soon as the sunlight enters the white alleys, they glow magically. Greece like out of a picture book and a paradise for photo enthusiasts. From the Akti Kampani promenade on the old Port of Mykonos several paths lead into the labyrinth of alleys. While walking through Mykonos Town, you will also pass some pretty chapels.

In addition to the blue and white church of Agios Nikolaos at the southern end of the old port, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani from the 15th century to the architectural highlights of Mykonos Town. It is unique due to its asymmetrical shape and consists of five chapels. The church marks the entrance to the popular Little Venice district (see #2).

If you don’t want to explore the town on your own, you can take part in a guided tour of the Chora, which leads you to one of the best photo spots of Mykonos Town. Click on the link to check prices and availability on GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided Chora tour*

Mykonos Archaeological Museum

History buffs can enjoy a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos Schedule. It is located not far from the large parking lot north of the old port of Chora. Opened at the beginning of the 20th century, it is one of the oldest museums in Greece.

Today, the small museum presents the few exhibits of the island in a very small space, but all the more artifacts from the neighboring islands of Rineia and Delos that are worth seeing. An outstanding find is the Pithos of Mykonos, a colossal vase with depictions from the Trojan War.

• Opening hours Archaeological Museum Mykonos: daily 9 am-4 pm, closed on Tuesdays, admission 5 €

#2 Little Venice: Postcard motif of the island

The neighborhood Little Venice (Mikri Venetia) and the windmills are the main attractions of Mykonos Town and are also considered popular Sights of Greece. Hardly anyone leaves Mykonos without a photo of the famous row of houses by the sea, which is associated with the Venetian occupation period.

The Venetians had Mykonos and the other Cycladic islands under their rule from the 13th century onwards. However, the colourful wooden balconies probably date from Ottoman times (from the 16th century) and served as a transshipment point for smugglers’ ships. In any case, Little Venice is today the postcard motif of Mykonos par excellence.

Today, the historic houses still house private apartments, exclusive luxury apartments and the most expensive restaurants on the island. At the end of the narrow waterfront promenade you will also find some trendy bars (tip: Cerise Bar), which exude a special charm, especially at sunset.

Caution is advised when walking along the waterfront in the direction of windmills. When the wind blows from the north, high waves crash against the concrete wall, the crossing is like running the gauntlet and you are quickly soaking wet. At the restaurants in Little Venice by the way, opinions differ, either completely overpriced or of inferior quality.

#3 Windmills of Mykonos

The six old mills on the hill Kato Myli can be seen from afar on the ferry approach and are considered to be landmarks of Mykonos. At the northern tip of Little Venice you have below the Kastros Bar from a granite rock in the sea a great view of the windmills.

In the past, of course, grain was ground here, the strong winds on the hill were ideal for this. Today, the bright white Windmills of Mykonos a pilgrimage site every evening to admire the sunset. Things are a little quieter at the Bonis Windmill on the upper windmill hill (Ano Mili). Even from up here, the evening light spectacle over Mykonos Town is magical.

By the way, the alleys of the old town are traffic-calmed at any time of the day or night. Free Parking in Mykonos is at the southern end of the village opposite the Hotel Semeli as well as north of the old port “Mykonos Old Port”. In the early season, you will also find a free parking space directly behind the windmills.

#4 Ano Mera: Far away from the hustle and bustle

About 8 km outside of Chora, on a hilly plateau in the center of Mykonos, the settlement of Ano Mera. In the past, the fertile plateau of Ano Mera was exclusively agricultural. Today, about 1,500 people live in Ano Mera, and although holiday homes are being built everywhere, the place has retained a certain charm.

Even though times have changed dramatically here, the area remains an ideal getaway when the hustle and bustle of Chora becomes too much for you. Shortly after entering the village, it is worth making a short stop at the Koutsothanasis Bakery (Ano Mera Bakery). In addition to good coffee, the bakery offers countless delicacies, fresh bread and sweet pieces and even popsicles.

From here it goes further into the village, there is a small pedestrian zone and a large village square. Some traditional taverns have settled here, it is recommended here Odos Araxame, where the locals also meet every evening. Prices in Ano Mera are significantly cheaper than in Mykonos Town.

Below the Platia stands the beautiful Monastery of Panagia Tourliani from 1542. The picturesque courtyard with the bell tower is worth seeing and you can enjoy the tranquility of this quiet place. By the way, on August 15, one of the largest island festivals in honor of the Virgin Mary takes place here.

• Opening hours Panagia Tourliani Monastery: daily 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., 2 € museum admission

Striking in the surroundings of Ano Mera are the many churches, some of which were built on granite rocks. It is said that there are 365 churches – one place of worship for every day of the year. If you don’t want to or can’t drive into the hinterland by rental car, a guided Mykonos island tour may be worthwhile, bookable via GetYourGuide*, among others:

➲ To the half-day island tour*

#5 Wineries in Mykonos

If you are at the Koutsothanasis Bakery take the turnoff to Fokos, after about 2.5 kilometers you will come to the only commercial winery on the island, the Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm. The winery was founded in 1994 by Nikos Asimomytis, who gave up his career as a banker in Athens to revive wine production in Mykonos.

On the cozy terrace you can enjoy a wine tasting with a view of the garden and vineyards. A guided tour of the farm, which is also home to many four-legged friends, is possible by appointment. During the season, food is also offered at fair prices. The bottle prices of the organic wines are between 7 and 15 euros, depending on the variety.

• Opening hours Vioma Mykonos Winery: daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Website: Vioma Farm

There are other manors that, in addition to wine tastings and cooking classes, also offer insights into traditional life in Mykonos. The guided tours can be booked via GetYourGuide*, among others:

➲ Wine tasting with food*

#6 Beautiful beaches in Mykonos

Away from the famous Paradise Beach there are picturesque beaches where you can escape the party hustle and bustle. Especially on the north and east coasts of Mykonos there are still some bays that are not completely overcrowded even in the high season. Buses don’t always run to the secluded beaches, so a dedicated vehicle is necessary. Here are our top 3 beaches in Mykonos:

• Agios Sostis Beach
• Elia Beach
• Agia Anna Beach

#7 Cape Armenistis: Mykonos’ North

In the far northwest you can enjoy from the Lighthouse of Mykonos a magnificent panorama over the Aegean Sea and the neighboring island Tinos. The road from Mykonos Town via Tourlos and Agios Stefanos has been well developed in recent years. The lighthouse is no longer an insider tip, but the region is worth a visit.

The way back from the Cape Armenistis you can take the high road to Mykonos Town. Up here you get an impression of the heavily sprawling landscape of the island of Mykonos. The road leads past pretty little chapels. The view of the Chora and the windmills from up here is magnificent.

Hike to the Profitis Ilias mountain

Above the lighthouse rises the 372 m Mount Profitis Ilias Vorniotis. The highest elevation of the island is barren and rugged, an ascent is possible, the lonely landscape contrasts with the lively life on the coast. The summit chapel is probably the quietest place in all of Mykonos.

An initially paved road leads past holiday homes and later turns into a bumpy gravel road. Here you leave the car and hike up the last 2.5 km on foot. The last part is extremely steep, but once at the top you have a 360-degree panoramic views over Mykonos, not a soul far and wide.

The granite rocks around the mountain look like giant marbles and the cruise ships in the harbor look like toy boats from a distance. On clear days, the view extends as far as Tinos, Andros and Syros in the west, as well as Delos to Naxos and Paros in the south and even as far as Ikaria in the east.

#8 Excursion to the island of Delos

Mykonos does not have many historical features, for centuries the island was only agricultural. All the more important is the neighboring island of Delos, which is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Hella. A trip to the island is not only worthwhile for history buffs.

From the old port of the Chora, excursion boats depart daily from Mykonos to Delos, which is largely uninhabited. Since 1990, the island of Delos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delos was considered in ancient times Greece as a sacred island and birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis.

• Opening hours Delos Island and Museum: daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., admission 20 € (10 € reduced)

In addition to the well-known lion terraces, the extensive grounds are home to numerous ruins and temple foundations. The view from the highest mountain on the island of Kynthos (112 m) is also breathtaking. Guided boat tours to Delos can be found directly at the port of Chora, or through our partner GetYourGuide* Book online:

➲ To the excursion to Delos*

More Mykonos Travel Tips

Beautiful guided tours in Mykonos

Here we have three for you popular tours in Mykonos summarized. Through GetYourGuide* you can book tours and excursions from local operators on site. Click on the links of GetYourGuide* for details such as availability and prices of the tours:

➲ To the mini-cruise incl. BBQ*

➲ To the island tour in the hinterland*

Hotel tips for Mykonos

We have summarized the 20 best hotels in the 4- and 5-star range as well as cheap accommodation for a smaller budget for you in this article: Mykonos Hotels

→ About Booking.com* you will find many Hotels in Mykonos and you can check prices here:

Here we spent the night in Mykonos

Myconian Theros, Ano Mera

In a quiet location just outside Ano Mera lies the family-run holiday resort Myconian Theros, in which we spent a week in Mykonos. Panagiota and Georgios made it possible for us to have a very relaxing stay and provided us with tips for trips to the hinterland and recommendations for restaurants in Mykonos.

On their estate, they rent out two stylish suites with a terrace as well as a lovingly furnished apartment (Antheia Suite) with a fully equipped kitchen and two balconies. A pool invites you to refresh yourself on hot days, and there is even a children’s pool for the little ones. Every morning we were also spoiled by Panagiota with a rich, homemade breakfast, very delicious!

It is about 20 minutes by car to Chora, but here you can enjoy an idyll away from the crowds, which is rarely found on Mykonos. More information about our beautiful accommodation in Mykonos can be found on Booking.com*:

➲ Book Myconian Theros*

Mykonos Holiday Packages

Are you looking for a cheap Mykonos package holiday? Then it is worth comparing the prices in advance. Especially in the low season, you can get one or the other inexpensive holiday offer for Mykonos. On Check24* you will find attractive offers for Mykonos:

➲ To cheap package holiday*

Restaurants in Mykonos: Our recommendations

Mykonos, together with Santorini, probably has the most expensive restaurant prices of all Greek islands. For example, you can easily pay 15 euros for a salad and 9 euros for tzatziki. That’s twice as much as others Cyclades Islands. Mykonos has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights and as a gourmet you can indulge yourself with the appropriate change.

If you like typical Greek food and want to save money, we recommend you to go to a restaurant outside of Mykonos Town. Here you can visit Ano Mera or the region around the airport, where there are still good traditional taverns. Enclosed we have a selection of our favourite cafés and restaurants on Mykonos composed:

• Apozouraki Café, Ano Mera
• Baladaya Mykonos Bar, Paradise Beach
• La Petite Taverne, Chora
• Terry’s Gelateria, Chora
• …

Want more restaurant tips for Mykonos?

→ In our Google map you will find all recommended cafes and taverns in Mykonos: To the Mykonos map

Car rental on Mykonos

If you want to explore the island of Mykonos outside the old town, then a vehicle is worthwhile. With a Mykonos rental car, scooter or quad you can get to very nice and quiet corners, lonely bays and in original landscape far away from the crowds. Via portals such as Discover Cars* you can find a cheap rental car for Mykonos:

➲ Book your rental car here*

There are numerous car rental suppliers on Mykonos. Prices are high, especially in the high season, so it’s worth comparing prices online in advance. It can be a little cheaper if you choose a regional provider. The rental vehicle is provided either at the port or at the airport. Recommended providers include:

• CCC Mykonos | Rent a Car
• Quality Rentals Mykonos
• Mykonos Online Rentals

The roads in Mykonos are mostly paved, the main roads are well maintained, but the side roads are in poor condition. Due to the numerous potholes, caution is advised. It is also advisable to park your car outside of Mykonos Town, as traffic can be very chaotic during the high season.

Bus connections in Mykonos

You can also get around Mykonos by bus. To the larger towns in the south and in the center of the island there are regular buses on Mykonos. There are also stops at the popular beaches, such as Paradise Beach.

The bus stop of Chora is located in the large parking lot near the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, where the water taxis also arrive. If you also want to explore the hinterland and the north, then it’s worth renting your own car. You can find out more about Mykonos bus schedules here: Mykonos Bus

Getting to Mykonos

Mykonos is equipped with an international airport, the Mykonos Airport JMK. Direct flights from Germany to Mykonos are available from Frankfurt, Munich and Cologne, for example. Click on the link to find out more about Skyscanner* Show flights to Mykonos:

➲ To cheap flights*

You can fly to Mykonos at a particularly low price with Ryanair. Alternatively, Eurowings, Condor and Volotea also fly directly to Mykonos. In addition, small planes operated by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air depart from Athens to Mykonos several times a day during the season.

By ferry to Mykonos

You can also fly to Athens and then arrive by ferry from the ports of Piraeus or Rafina. The crossing takes place several times a day during the season and takes about 4-6 hours. Our partner Ferryhopper* shows you the current ferry connections to Mykonos and you can book directly if needed:

➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*

From May, additional speedboats (including Seajets and Hellenic Seaways) will sail to the island of Mykonos. These only take half the time. However, they cost on average almost twice as much as the slow passenger ferries.

Ferries and cruise ships dock at the new harbour Tourlos in Mykonos, where buses or taxi boats (Seabus) commute regularly from here over to the old port of the Chora. If you want to walk to Mykonos Town, you should note that there is no classic footpath from the new port to the old town.

By the way, Mykonos is also ideal for a Cyclades Island Hopping incorporate. Due to the good accessibility of the airport, the island of Mykonos is usually both the starting and ending point of an island hopping trip in the Greek islands.

→ You can get more information and travel tips for island hopping in the Cyclades in our article: Island hopping Greece

FAQ about Mykonos Island

Is Mykonos an expensive island?

Yes, together with Santorini, Mykonos has the highest prices of all the Greek islands! A salad easily costs €15 here, tzatziki €9 or €10 – twice as much as on other Cycladic islands. The restaurants in Chora are the most expensive; it’s cheaper in Ano Mera or in taverns away from the tourist centers. If you want to save money on your Mykonos vacation, you should travel in the off-season and eat outside of Mykonos Town.

What is so special about Mykonos?

Chora impresses with its white houses with colorful wooden balconies, the Little Venice district with its iconic houses by the sea, and the five windmills that serve as landmarks at the end of the village. The vibrant nightlife also makes Mykonos unique. Add to that paradise beaches like Paradise Beach and the proximity to the ancient island of Delos. Mykonos is the Greek party island with international jet-set flair, but it is also extremely crowded!

Which is more beautiful, Mykonos or Santorini?

That depends on your taste! Santorini has the spectacular caldera with the towns of Oia and Fira, which are more dramatic and romantic. Mykonos has more picturesque alleys, better beaches, and more party life. Santorini is more photogenic for weddings and honeymoons, while Mykonos is livelier for partying. Both islands are completely overcrowded and expensive in summer. Our advice: visit both, but plan more time for Santorini!

Is Mykonos very touristy?

Absolutely! Mykonos is the epitome of mass tourism in Greece. Even in May, it was already bustling with activity: people squeezed through the narrow streets in single file and there was daily traffic chaos around Chora. In July and August, the island is bursting at the seams with cruise tourists and Instagrammers. For lovers of authentic Greece, Mykonos in summer is an absolute no-go!

Is four days in Mykonos too much?

Two to three days are enough to see the main sights (Chora, Little Venice, windmills, and Delos). With the beaches, Ano Mera, the wineries, and the north, four to five days are ideal, especially in the off-season. In midsummer, four days can be stressful because of the crowds. We spent a week in Ano Mera and really enjoyed the peace and quiet outside Chora. For party people, 3 to 4 days are perfect!

When is the best time to visit Mykonos?

May/June and September/October are ideal: there are fewer tourists, hotel prices are lower, and temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 23 to 28 °C. July and August are the peak season, when the small island is extremely crowded, very expensive, and sometimes stressful for sightseeing. Many restaurants and clubs are only open from May to October. We were last in Mykonos in May and it was already very busy. If you want a quiet vacation, it’s better to come in April or October, or even in winter 🙂

Which beaches on Mykonos are the most beautiful?

Our top 3 are the quiet and natural Agios Sostis Beach, the long and turquoise Elia Beach, which also has a nudist area, and the picturesque and relaxed Agia Anna Beach in the south. Paradise Beach is the party mile of Mykonos and, in our opinion, extremely overrated. Fokos Beach and Panormos are also beautiful and far less crowded. There are more quiet bays on the north and east coasts, but some of them are unkempt.

What is the best way to get around Mykonos?

Rental cars or scooters are ideal for exploring secluded beaches and the hinterland on Mykonos. Chora itself is traffic-calmed and best explored on foot. Buses run regularly to the larger towns and popular beaches (bus stop at the Archaeological Museum). For the north and remote corners, you definitely need your own vehicle. Please note: The roads on Mykonos have many potholes and the side roads are in poor condition. For us, this is hard to understand, because the island takes in millions every year, but nothing is left for such things.

Did you like our Mykonos highlights? Then save the post on Pinterest!