The Open Road Travel

The Greek island of Mykonos is an incredibly popular destination for people in search of a vacation relaxing on the sand, soaking up the sun, and playing in the sea.

However, beyond its wonderful selection of beaches and relaxing atmosphere, most people know very little about Mykonos. With that in mind, I want to show you what we believe to be the 10 best things to do in Mykonos.

Our list will contain everything from natural beauty spots to historic and cultural destinations.

We will provide you with plenty of extra information about the island and give you a wide range of options with which to fill out your travel itinerary. That way, you will be able to make the most of every second of your stay when you visit Mykonos for yourself.

Mykonos is a Greek island that is part of a group known as the Cyclades, which are located in the Aegean Sea. The island covers an area of 85.5 square kilometres (33 square miles) and has a maximum elevation of 341 metres (1,119 feet).

The island has a population of just over 10,000 people, the vast majority of which reside in the eponymous Mykonos Town. The rest of the towns and villages on the island are located in the south and west, while the north and east are considerably more rugged and remote.

Mykonos is nicknamed “The Island Of The Winds”, due to the incredibly strong winds that often blow across the island. It is also said to be named after its first ruler, Mykonos, a mythological descendant of the god Apollo.

In Greek mythology, Mykonos was the site of the legendary battle of Gigantomachy, where Hercules lured Zeus and the giants down to Earth.

The numerous massive boulders and rocks that make up the island’s landscape are said to be the petrified remains of the giants that Hercules slayed.

Aside from its mythology, Mykonos is a popular destination for tourists, due largely to its stunning beaches, beautiful climate, vibrant nightlife, and traditional atmosphere.

It is also known to be an incredibly LGBT friendly destination, with numerous establishments catering to the community.

The best time to visit Mykonos is from mid-May to early July. While the temperatures are fabulous in Mykonos from mid-May to early November, mid-July to the end of August is the height of the tourist season, then the rainy season begins in mid to late September.

Visiting from mid-May to early July provides the perfect combination of warm, dry weather and not too many tourists. It is ideal for those seeking a blissful vacation, relaxing on the beach, quietly taking in the sights, and embracing the traditional Greek culture.

As we move to our list of the 10 best things to do in Mykonos, I am going to suggest a broad range of options. These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Mykonos is known for.

The Archaeological Museum Of Mykonos is one of the oldest museums in Greece, having first been opened in 1905 to display the artefacts found in the Putrefaction Pit Of 425/426 BC, which was discovered in 1898.

The original building was built using stunning Neoclassical architecture, while continual expansions and developments continued to be made until 1972.

While relatively small, the museum hosts a fabulous collection of artefacts covering the era from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic period.

Among its collection of exhibits are beautiful pots, urns, figurines, reliefs, and pieces of funerary art. There are also artefacts from neighbouring islands in the Aegean Sea, covering the period between the 9th and 6th centuries BC.

It is most famous for being the home of a legendary Tinos vase, which depicts scenes from the fall of the city of Troy.

The Mykonos Folklore Museum is a heritage museum which first opened in 1958. The museum consists of three buildings, The Kastro House and Boni’s Windmill, both built in the 16th century, and the 19th century Lena’s House, as well as the area surrounding them.

Throughout the museum you will find a stunning collection of 19th century furniture, clothes, embroidery, farming equipment, model ships, sculptures, and more.

A fabulous place to learn about the folklore and mythology of Mykonos and Greece as a whole, there are also plenty of exhibits to educate guests on the life, industry, and agriculture of Mykonos and its inhabitants throughout history.

The Mykonos Windmills are perhaps the most notable and iconic feature of the island’s landscape. They can be found dotted around the entire island and it is said there isn’t a single location in Mykonos Town where at least one isn’t visible.

The largest concentration of the Mykonos Windmills on the island are centred around the town of Chora.

Known as the Kato Mili, these wood and straw topped windmills were built in a straight line along the seafront in the 16th century by Venetians, to harness the island’s famous coastal winds.

Designed as flour mills, they operated for around 400 years, until the mid-20th century.

While many have since been restored and converted into homes and vaults, they are a great option for those wanting to witness one of the island’s most famous features and important aspects of historical engineering and manufacturing.

Agios Panteleimonas is a beautiful, 17th century monastery, located on a hill overlooking Marathi Lake. It is one of the best places on the island to combine beautiful architecture and natural beauty.

Take a tour of the monastery and learn about the history of it and religion on this Greek island. Then, when you’ve done enough learning, take a stroll down to the lake to walk around its shores or take a dip in its cool, blue waters.

If you happen to be visiting near the ned of July, the monastery even holds an annual festival. This is one of the best opportunities to experience true Mykonos culture and hospitality, as you eat, drink, and have fun with the locals.

Also known as the Church Of Panagia Paraportiani, the Paraportiani Orthodox Church is a complex of five interconnected, whitewashed churches.

Four of the churches are located on ground level and dedicated to Saints Anargyroi, Anastasia, Eustathios, and Sozon, while the fifth sits atop them.

Even though it began construction in 1425, the church wasn’t completed until some time in the 17th century, over 200 years later.

Its name translates to “Our Lady Of The Side Gate”, as its original entrance was located in the side gate of the entrance to the Kastro neighbourhood.

Its stunning, unique façade make the church a great stop for fans of architecture, while it’s also an opportunity to learn more about the Greek Orthodox religion and the culture that goes with it.

Some even visit purely to take in the beautiful ocean vistas from its position overlooking the sea.

The Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani is a stunning 16th century church and monastery complex. With its whitewashed walls, ornate façade, and grand dome, it is one of the most spectacular buildings on the island of Mykonos.

It’s an incredibly popular destination for architecture fans, hoping to marvel at its beauty, while artists and photographers arrive in their droves to try and capture permanent representations of its majesty.

With a museum dedicated to the location and Greek religious history inside, the Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani is a multifaceted attraction that has something to offer for a wide range of visitors and is definitely worth checking out.

Just a few kilometres from Mykonos, the neighbouring island of Delos is one of the most important archaeological, historical, and mythological locations in all of Greece.

Said to be the birthplace of gods and goddesses like Apollo and Artemis, it has been a holy sanctuary for over 1000 years. The entire island of Delos has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, due to the rich and extensive archaeological sites it holds.

You’ll find the Agora Of The Competaliasts, Delos Synagogue, Doric Temple Of Isis, Establishment Of The Poseidoniasts, House Of Dionysus, House Of The Dolphins, Minoan Fountain, Stoivadeion, Oikos Of The Naxians, Temple Of Hera, Temple Of The Delians, Terrace Of Lions, and Mount Cynthus.

With Delos being just a 1 hour boat ride from the port of Tourlos, it is a must visit location for any archaeology, history, or mythology fans who visit Mykonos.

The Armenistis Lighthouse is a stunning lighthouse, situated atop a steep hill on the northwest point of the island.

Built in 1891, it has stood the test of time and remains a fully functioning lighthouse to this day, which is a testament to the engineering and maritime histories of Mykonos.

Visitors to the lighthouse will be amazed not only by the construction and beauty of the lighthouse itself, but also by its surroundings.

From its lofty location, you can take in breathtaking panoramic ocean vistas, picturesque views of neighbouring islands, and stunning sunrises and sunsets, making it an ideal attraction whether you prefer your scenery natural or man-made.

Mykonos has been home to an immigrant population of Venetians since at least the 16th century.

In the 18th century, some of the richest Venetian captains and merchants on the island constructed a small group of fishing houses along the waterfront, with balconies overhanging the sea.

With their picturesque design, underground storage areas, and direct access to the water, a legend developed that these houses were the secret homes of pirates that lived on the island.

While no such thing was ever proven, the area gained infamy and Little Venice rose to prominence.

In recent years, many of the houses have been converted into bars, cafes, galleries, restaurants, and shops, giving people the opportunity to venture inside and appreciate their design for themselves.

Meanwhile, the area as a whole has developed a reputation as one of the most romantic locations on Mykonos.

Everyone from artists and photographers to couples in love come to soak in the beautiful buildings, stunning coastline, and some of the best sunsets on the island.

The abandoned barite mines, known as Mining Barytes, are a unique attraction that essentially amounts to a Greek ghost town. Located in the northeast corner of Mykonos, the location consists of an abandoned settlement, filled with a beautiful collection of murals.

Abandoned since the mines were closed; visitors can clearly see how the sands of time reclaim such locations after they have been left for only a few years.

While the mines themselves have been closed off, there are still visible shafts, entrances, and other mining buildings, giving you the opportunity to explore the remnants of what was once one of the most prominent industries on the island.

The Mykonos Princess Hotel is a stunning, 5-star hotel, located right on the beach in Agios Stefanos.

The luxurious rooms are all spacious, beautifully designed, and boast luxuries like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a satellite LCD TV, mini bar, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities, while most will also feature a private balcony or terrace with a sea view.

An on-site wellness centre features a gym and spa services like massages. Meanwhile, the beautiful outdoor, sea view pool provides a perfect place to relax, have fun, and enjoy the sun, while soaking in your beautiful surroundings.

The gourmet restaurant serves contemporary and modern Greek cuisine with views of the pool, while also offering an a la carte breakfast each morning.

Meanwhile, for those who would prefer just a drink, the pool bar has a great range of options, which you can enjoy while taking in the views of the sea, Mykonos Town, and Delos island.

It also offers all guests free parking and an airport shuttle service at the beginning and end of their stay.

That concludes our list of the 10 best things to do in Mykonos. Hopefully, you will now have a much better idea of what there is to do on this sun soaked Greek island and be able to fill out a travel itinerary to help you enjoy your dream vacation.

That means, all there is left is to go and start getting everything booked. That way, you can begin looking forward to experiencing it all for yourself, as soon as possible.