16 best things to do in Mykonos

With its iconic white-washed aesthetic, raucous party scene and unforgettable sunsets, I can see why Mykonos has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.

From high end beach clubs and a lively nightlife to local cooking classes and gorgeous day trip options, I love the variety of things to do in Mykonos.

Whether you’re after a relaxing beach break, a party-till-you-drop holiday or a more cultural approach to the island, I know there is something for everyone.

It may be painfully expensive, but I adore Mykonos and have had some of the best nights of my life on this Greek Island.

Based on my own experiences of exploring this gorgeous destination, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Mykonos, with all my personal favourites included.

1. Spend the day at a beach club

One of the most popular ways to spend a day in Mykonos is to head to one of the many beautiful beach clubs on the island.

I’d recommend booking a sunbed or cabana for the day, sitting back, relaxing – and then partying! My personal favourite beach club is Scorpios, as it is effortlessly stylish and wonderfully chilled.

With its wooden deck, white-washed walls and turquoise waters, Scorpios epitomises the Mykonian lifestyle.

Another of my favourites is Kalua, known for its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. For more ideas and personal recommendations, have a read of my guide to the best beach clubs in Mykonos.

Good to know: I’d advise booking your sunbed or cabana in advance of your holiday, especially if you are travelling in the peak summer months.

Note that sunbeds are usually priced according to their position on the beach. There is generally also a minimum spend with many of the higher end beach clubs.

2. Explore the Old Town

Mykonos Old Town is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

It’s a great place to shop for glamorous beachwear, enjoy the local cuisine, or just wander around and take in the sights.

I’d definitely suggest strolling along charming Little Venice, where the crashing waves meet the chilled out terraces of restaurants and bars.

Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a beautiful place to relax, Mykonos Old Town is definitely worth exploring.

I’d really recommend booking a walking tour of the Old Town to make the most of your time and learn more about the history and culture.

Good to know: Be prepared to snap lots of photos, as Mykonos Old Town is extraordinarily photogenic. I’d advise visiting early in the morning to get some crowd-free shots.

3. Have a drink at Negrita

Negrita Bar is one of the most Instagrammable spots on the island of Mykonos – and I can see why!

With its epic views of the Aegean Sea, I think Negrita is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail while watching the sunset.

You won’t miss the eye-catching all-white exterior, complete with beautiful blue doors and framed by cascading pink flowers.

The Negrita experience is all about enjoying good company, great conversation, and fabulous drinks.  The bar is also well known for its delicious food, and there’s something on the menu to suit every taste.

4. Visit the windmills

The windmills of Mykonos are some of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on the island. There are a total of 16 windmills, each with its own unique history.

Originally built in the 16th century to mill flour, they were later abandoned in the 20th century. Today, they stand as a reminder of the island’s traditional past. 

The windmills are located in two different areas of Mykonos: the Kato Mili (lower mills) area and the Pano Mili (upper mills) area.

The Kato Mili windmills are the more popular of the two, as they offer gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea.

While the Pano Mili windmills are located in a more secluded spot and I’d therefore recommend these for a more peaceful experience.

5. See as many sunsets as possible

There’s always something utterly magical about watching the sunset – and that’s amplified in Mykonos.

The sky erupts in a spectrum of oranges, pinks and purples as the sun sinks slowly into the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is renowned for its stunning sunsets, and there are plenty of great spots to catch them. 

One of my favourite places to watch the sunset is Kalua Beach Club (pictured above). Here you can sip cocktails while lounging on a daybed or enjoying a refreshing dip in the sea, as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Other gorgeous spots I’d recommend include 180 Degrees Sunset Bar, Little Venice and Cavo Tagoo. No matter where you choose to watch it, witnessing a Mykonian sunset is an unforgettable experience.

Good to know: For an unmissable sunset experience in Mykonos, I’d advise booking the Sunset Beach at Scorpios.

Watch the sunset while soaking up the chilled live music and unbeatable atmosphere. It was by far my favourite evening spent in Mykonos.

Top sunset tours to book from Mykonos:

• Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Lunch & Drinks
• Sunset Boat Party with Open Bar & Live DJ
• Rhenia Island and Little Venice Sunset Cruise

6. Take a sailing trip to Delos island

Fancy a break from the crowds of Mykonos? I don’t blame you! Located just off the coast of Mykonos, Delos is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

What better way to explore this beautiful island than by sailing?

There are a number of companies that offer sailing tours to Delos. They range from half-day excursions to week-long charters. 

During your sailing tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all that Delos has to offer.

Visit the ruins of the ancient city, take a dip in the azure waters, or simply relax on the deck of your boat and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

With its captivating scenery and warm weather, a sailing tour to Delos is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Mykonos.

Top Delos excursions to book:

• Delos & Rhenia Islands Cruise with Meat & Veggie BBQ
• From Mykonos: Delos Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
• Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

7. Go horseback riding on the beach

For a wonderfully romantic experience in Mykonos, I’d recommend trying horseback riding on the beach. This is bound to be a real bucket list moment. 

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the smell of salt in the air, and the feel of the wind rushing through your hair as you ride horseback along the beach is truly magical. 

8. Day trip to Paros or Naxos island

A day trip to the islands of Paros and Naxos is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Mykonos. Paros and Naxos are two of the most popular day-trip destinations from Mykonos – and I can see why.

Each island has its own unique charm. Paros is renowned for its beautiful beaches, while Naxos is home to a number of historical sites. 

These beautiful islands offer plenty of activities for visitors, from swimming and sunbathing to exploring ancient ruins.

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, I’d recommend booking a private helicopter from Mykonos to one of the Greek Islands.

The clear turquoise waters are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, and there are many secluded beaches where you can relax in peace.

If you’re looking for a more active day, you can hike up to one of the islands’ many lookout points for stunning panoramic views.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore some of Greece’s history, a day trip to Paros or Naxos is sure to be a memorable experience. My personal favourite of the two is Paros.

Good to know: If you’re put off by how expensive and crowded Mykonos is, both Paros and Naxos offer great alternatives.

There are both wonderful places to stay and you could always do a day trip to Mykonos if you decide to holiday on one of these gorgeous islands.

Discover the best places to stay in Naxos if you plan to stay on this alternative Greek island.

9. See an open-air film at Cine Manto

Every summer, the Cine Manto in Mykonos becomes a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Nestled in a sheltered cove, the Cine Manto is an open-air cinema that screens a variety of films throughout the season, and offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

As the sun sets, moviegoers can relax on the beach or in the nearby park, enjoying the cool breeze as they wait for the film to begin.

I think this is the perfect setting for a romantic night out or a fun night with friends, and the Cine Manto is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Mykonos.

10. See Paraportiani Church

Paraportiani Church is one of the most unusual and interesting churches on the Greek island of Mykonos. The church is actually made up of five small chapels, each with its own entrance.

The chapels are clustered together in a courtyard, and they are connected by a series of arches. The overall effect is both unique and beautiful. 

Paraportiani Church is a popular tourist destination, and it was rather busy when I first visited as a result.

The church is a fascinating example of traditional Greek architecture and it offers stunning views of the surrounding town and sea.

If you’re heading to Mykonos, be sure to add Paraportiani Church to your list of must-see sights – but go early for a crowd-free experience.

11. Take a wine tour

I think a wine tour in Mykonos is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Nestled among the rolling hills of the island, the vineyards of Mykonos offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

Visitors can stroll through the vineyards, learning about the wine-making process and sampling some of the delicious wines produced on-site. 

Then relax in a scenic tasting room, enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular views.

Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a unique experience, I have no doubt that a Mykonos vineyard experience will create lasting memories.

Top wine related activities to book in Mykonos:

• Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting
• Cooking Class with Food and Wine
• Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm
• Mykonian Beer and Wine Tasting
• Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House

12. Wander along Little Venice

Little Venice is one of the most popular spots on the island of Mykonos. Located in the Chora district, it is known for its quaint buildings and stunning sunset views.

I’d recommend simply wandering down the narrow streets, admiring the colourful architecture and stopping to take photos of the iconic windmills.

As the sun begins to set, Little Venice comes alive with people enjoying drinks and appetisers at the waterfront cafes.

The scene is truly magical, and I love the atmposhere here. It’s no wonder that Little Venice is one of Mykonos’ most beloved places.

Good to know: If you’d like to see the sunset from Little Venice with a cocktail in hand – and I strongly recommend you do – then arrive relatively early in the evening to get a good spot. Or try to book ahead if you can.

13. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, the museum houses a wide variety of artefacts from the island’s history.

Visitors can see exhibitions on the island’s early settlement, its classical period and its Byzantine era.

The most famous exhibit is the Mykonos Vase, which is a 2,500-year-old archaeological treasure depicting the Trojan Horse – as told by Homer in the Iliad.

The museum also has a section on traditional Mykonian architecture. It contains a number of interesting items from the island’s maritime history.

In addition, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is home to a cafe and a shop, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring the island’s rich past.

Ideal for getting a cultural hit if, like me, you spend a bit too much time partying at the beach clubs!

14. Cook with the locals at Mykonian Spiti

Mykonian Spiti is a cooking school in Greece that offers a unique cooking experience with locals.

Students have the opportunity to learn traditional cooking techniques while cooking with locals in their homes.

This hands-on approach not only allows you to learn about the culinary traditions of the region, but also provides a rare opportunity to connect with locals and gain insight into their daily lives, which I think is invaluable.

The school offers a variety of courses, from beginners to advanced, so there is something for everyone.

The courses provide students with the opportunity to learn about different ingredients and cooking styles.

Good to know: Mykonos can feel quite overwhelming on the party front if you’re not prepared for it. So this is another perfect activity for those looking to add a cultural hit into their Mykonos itinerary. 

Other great authentic Mykonos experiences to book:

• Barbecue at a Mykonian Farm
• Mykonian Farm Baking Class with Brunch
• Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti
• Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm

15. Go windsurfing

Mykonos is a popular windsurfing spot due to its strong winds and large waves. In fact, Mykonos is nicknamed ‘Island of the Winds’, so it’s easy to see why it makes such a perfect windsurfing destination!

Winds aside, the island’s beautiful beaches are a perfect backdrop for a day of windsurfing.

The Mykonos windsurf centre is located at Kalafatis Bay, which is also one of the best windsurfing spots in Mykonos.

Other great windsurfing beaches include Ftelia Beach, Kalo Livadi and Korfos Beach.

16. Visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani

The Monastery of Panagia Tourliani is located in the town of Ano Mera, and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a courtyard.

The Monastery was built in the 16th century. It’s a charming example of Byzantine architecture and I think it’s well worth a visit.

The Monastery has a museum that contains a collection of religious artefacts, as well as a library with a large collection of books.

You can also tour the Monastery’s grounds, which include a church, a chapel, and a bell tower.

The Monastery of Panagia Tourliani is an important cultural site that is definitely worth a visit if you have the time.

Mykonos is a truly remarkable island with plenty to offer discerning visitors. From museums and monasteries to watersports and horseback riding, I know you’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do in Mykonos.

If you have any questions or recommendations for visiting Mykonos, do leave a comment below!

Looking for more travel inspiration from the ‘Island of the Winds’? Discover my pick of the best luxury hotels in Mykonos or my favourite bars and beach clubs in Mykonos.