Mykonos: the sights that are really worth it

There are more things to do in Mykonos than you can fit into two or three days – but not all of them are worth it. So here is our honest list: what you should see, how much time you should allow and what you can safely skip.

Mykonos is a small Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea, about 85 km² in size – without traffic you can cross it from end to end in 30 minutes. It’s known for white cube houses, narrow lanes, windmills and a nightlife that runs until morning in July and August. Away from all that there are quiet coves, a village in the interior and, with Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites just off the coast.

We were on Mykonos on 22 and 23 July 2025 – two days as part of our 40-day Europe road trip, between Athens and Santorini. Anything beyond that is general information about the island that you should double-check before your trip.

The sights at a glance: location, time, cost

Distances are from Mykonos Town (Chora) and rounded. All prices are guide values (approx., as of 2026) and vary by provider and season.

Map: where the highlights are

Chora with Little Venice and the windmills is on the west coast, right next to the Old Port with the boats to Delos. The New Port (Tourlos) is about 2 to 3 km north of town. The well-known beaches line the south coast, the quieter coves are in the north. Ano Mera is in the interior, Armenistis lighthouse on the north-western tip.

Our top list in detail

1. Chora, Little Venice and the Kato Mili windmills

The old town of Mykonos is a maze of white lanes, blue shutters, bougainvillea and little chapels. According to tradition, the lanes were deliberately laid out in a tangle to slow down pirates and the wind – getting lost is part of it. In Little Venice the houses stand right on the water, with balconies hanging over the waves. Just behind it, the Kato Mili windmills stand on the hill – the island’s most famous photo spot.

Chora is at its most beautiful early in the morning, when the lanes are still empty, and late in the evening. At sunset, Little Venice and the windmills are very crowded – better find a spot a little above the windmills or along the waterfront road.

Typical mistake: walking through Chora at midday when several cruise ships are in port. You’ll be pushing through crowds.

2. Delos: the sacred island off the coast

In Greek mythology, the small, uninhabited island of Delos is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Terrace of the Lions, houses with mosaic floors, the ancient theatre and sanctuaries. Boats leave from the Old Port in Chora; the crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You can’t stay overnight on Delos, and return times are fixed.

There’s hardly any shade. Bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes, and plan your visit for the morning. In a strong meltemi wind boats can be cancelled – keep a spare day if you can.

3. Panagia Paraportiani and Matoyianni Street

The Paraportiani is the island’s best-known church: a white, irregular building made of several chapels that grew together from the 15th century onwards. It sits on the edge of Chora near Little Venice and combines well with a walk through the old town. Matoyianni is the main shopping lane with boutiques, galleries and cafés – liveliest in the evening.

4. The south coast beaches: Psarou, Platis Gialos, Ornos

Most beaches are in the south and are easy to reach by bus or water taxi. Ornos and Platis Gialos are rather family-friendly with calm water; Psarou is known for chic beach clubs and high prices. Many beaches are almost completely covered in sunbeds. If you want to swim without renting one, look for a free stretch at the edge or head to the north coast.

5. Armenistis lighthouse and the north coast

The 19th-century Armenistis lighthouse stands on the north-western tip. From here you have a wide view over the Aegean to the neighbouring islands, and the sunset is much quieter than in Little Venice. The north coast has unspoilt coves such as Agios Sostis or Fokos. There are hardly any facilities, but plenty of space. In a north wind, though, the sea here can be rough.

6. Ano Mera and Panagia Tourliani monastery

Ano Mera is the island’s second village, in the quieter interior. On the village square stands the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery with a carved altar screen. Around the square there are tavernas that are quieter and often cheaper than in Chora. A good stop on the way to the beaches in the east, such as Kalafatis.

What is overrated?

• The front row in Little Venice at sunset: minimum spend, high prices and crowds. The view from above the windmills is just as beautiful.
• Paradise and Super Paradise without party plans: loud music and beach-club prices. There are better beaches for a quiet swim.
• Chora at midday in high season: cruise passengers and heat. Mornings and evenings are much nicer.
• A big rental car: parking is scarce and the old town is closed to cars. A scooter, quad or small car is more practical.
• Too much in one day: the island is small, but beach, Delos and the old town in one day is too much.

Suggested route for 2 days

• Day 1 (Delos and Chora): boat to Delos in the morning, a break and a swim in the afternoon, and in the evening a walk through Chora, the Paraportiani, Little Venice and the windmills.
• Day 2 (beaches and interior): a south coast beach such as Ornos or Platis Gialos in the morning, Ano Mera at lunchtime, and Armenistis lighthouse for sunset.

If you have more time, add a beach day on the north coast in between. Mykonos combines well with Santorini: depending on the connection, high-speed ferries take around two to three hours.

Getting there and getting around

You get to Mykonos by plane (the airport is just a few kilometres from Chora) or by ferry from Piraeus or Rafina near Athens. Rafina is closer to Athens airport. Depending on the route, high-speed ferries take about two to three hours, slower ferries much longer. Check your ticket: Mykonos has an Old Port right by Chora and a New Port in Tourlos, about 2 to 3 km north. Current timetables and prices are on the ferry companies’ websites.

Think carefully about whether you need to bring a car: the crossing with a car is expensive and parking on the island is scarce. On the island, buses (from Chora to the main beaches and Ano Mera), water taxis on the south coast, scooters, quads or a small rental car are often the better choice. There are only a few taxis, and in summer you’ll wait a long time.

Best time to visit and typical mistakes

• High summer: July and August are hot, crowded and the most expensive. June and September are usually more pleasant – the sea is warm and prices are lower.
• Underestimating the meltemi: the strong north wind blows mainly in July and August. It cools things down but can disrupt boats to Delos and ferries.
• Booking accommodation too late: in summer, affordable rooms go early. Plan several months ahead.
• No water reserve: on Delos and at natural beaches there’s hardly any shade or kiosk.
• Misjudging the off-season: from late October many restaurants and hotels close and there are fewer ferries.

For us, Mykonos was part of a bigger trip. How the island fits between Albania, Zakynthos, Athens and Santorini is in our story 40 days around Europe by car: Krka, Kotor, Albania, Zakynthos, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini – and back via the Balkans. The highlights of the Ionian side are in things to do in Zakynthos.

Safety and entry

The usual EU rules apply to Greece. For current information on entry, safety and natural hazards such as wildfires, check your government’s official travel advice shortly before you leave, as the situation and rules can change. In strong wind: take the warning flags on the beaches seriously and don’t swim far out.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 21 Oct 2026. Prices and rules change – please check with the official sources before you travel.

Our photos

Things to do in Mykonos: our verdict

Our verdict on things to do in Mykonos: plan less and take your time for the places you really like. It also pays to visit the most famous spots such as Little Venice and the windmills early in the morning or late in the evening, because it is quieter then. You’ll find more places we have been to ourselves in our travel stories; general background on the island’s history is on Wikipedia.