Mykonos Holidays

Top attractions

While the island is best known for its lively parties, there are actually many other things to do in Mykonos. It's one of the most stunning of the Greek Islands, having retained its village charm.

• If you visit during the summer, you’ll find the island is bursting with activity. At this time of year, when temperatures reach around 25 degrees, you’ll have plenty of options for outdoor fun, strolling through the town, topping up your tan, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
• No holiday to Mykonos would be complete without visiting the heart of the island: Mykonos Town. It’s here you can marvel at the famous windmills, stroll around Little Venice and the narrow, winding streets lined with iconic whitewashed buildings, and visit the beautiful Panagia Paraportiani church.
• In Mykonos Town you’ll also find all sorts of cultural activities to enjoy, giving you a unique insight into the history of the Greek Islands. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is excellent and has a fantastic prehistoric exhibit, while the Folklore Museum is packed with all sorts of relics dating from the 1800s.
• For total relaxation, the beaches of Mykonos are the places to be. You can easily spend your days here soaking up the sun and swimming in the warm seas… even if you visit during the off season! Spring and autumn are typically a little cooler than the summer, but you can still enjoy daily highs of 17 degrees.
• If you love spending time by the sea, but are looking for something a little more adventurous than sunbathing, there are plenty of watersports on offer all around the Mykonos coast. One of the most popular water activities on the island is diving, with a number of fascinating sites to choose from.
• Of course, Mykonos didn’t earn its reputation as a party island for nothing! You’ll find a whole host of bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs here which are perfect for long evenings of drinking and dancing. There are also lots of local Greek tavernas and beachside restaurants for a more laid-back night out.

Mykonos for culture vultures

Although the island is best known for its party atmosphere, Mykonos culture is alive and well all across the region. In fact, the island is actually bursting with classic Greek culture and amazing historic sites.

• One of the best inland attractions in Mykonos is the Panagia Paraportiani church, and the several other Greek chapels located nearby in the small local towns. The church, which commands an excellent view of the island’s famous windmills, will really make you feel like you’ve been transported back into history.
• The 18th century monastery of Panagia Tourliani is well worth a visit, and with its standout marble bell tower and intricate carvings, it really is a stunning sight to behold. There’s a small museum housed iside, complete with beautiful embroideries and the monastery's very first bells.
• There are plenty of other museums in Mykonos, too. You can learn more about the maritime history of Mykonos at the Aegean Sea Maritime Museum, which boasts exhibits relating to sailing and trade, or embrace the local culture at the Mykonos Folklore museum, which is a great way to spend a morning.
• For something a little more active and adventurous, how about a spot of island hopping? Nearby, you can visit Delos, the mythological birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, and home to the very real Archaic Greek Agora, Temple of Apollo, and the Sacred Way. You can also see the House of Cleopatra here.

Beaches

The Mykonos coastline is truly spectacular, and beach lovers really will be spoilt for choice. There are lots of great Mykonos beaches to discover, with hidden coves and lively bay areas that are worth exploring.

• For an unforgettable experience, head to Paradise Beach, which is home to some of the most famous Mykonos beach clubs. A former nudist beach back in the 1960s, the free spirited vibe of those days still remains, with the area becoming well known for its non-stop beach parties and lively atmosphere.
• If it’s watersports you’re looking for, Platis Yialos (or Platys Gialos) is the place to be. Not only is this a fantastic place for jet skiing, it’s also one of the island’s most popular beaches. If you love people-watching, there's perhaps no better place in all of Mykonos to relax in the midst of all the excitement.
• Perhaps the most convenient beach for many travellers will be Ornos Beach, which is the closest to the island’s capital. The sands here are super soft underfoot, there are plenty of watersports on offer, and sun loungers are readily available. There are also some amazing eateries and cosy beachfront bars here.

Top Mykonos beaches

• Tourlos Beach is a popular choice for visitors, thanks to its golden sands and easy access to the harbour and town. While there are few facilities here, it does benefit from having a ton of affordable tavernas nearby, as well as a mini market. It’s a firm favourite of the locals who come here to cool down.
• Many of the beaches in Mykonos are lively and energetic, but there are still a few quiet, secluded options for more peace and quiet. For a more relaxing experience, head to Fokos or Agios Sostis. Agios Sostis especially is a great place for families, with calm, shallow waters which are great for swimming.
• For something completely different, hop on a boat at Mykonos Harbour and sail across to the island of Delos for an unforgettable day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is bursting with archaeological highlights, from the Altar of Dionysos and the Apollo Temples, to the Lion Terrace and the old theatre.

Eating out

Each region of Greece has its own unique set of dishes, and Mykonos is no different. The island is famous for its divine olive oil and mezzes, and one of the top pastimes here is to just sit back, relax, and eat!

• Some of the best restaurants in Mykonos can be found in Mykonos town, where there’s a wide range of tavernas and cafes. However, great cuisine can be found all across the island, and if you’re looking to sample some mouth-watering dishes, don’t overlook other destinations such as Kalafati and Elia, too.
• While there’s lots of choice here, many visitors opt to try Kopanisti Mykonou which is a salty, slightly spicy Greek cheese which has earned a reputation as the Roquefort of Greece. Another popular local dish is louza; a type of cured meat that’s infused with flavours such as black pepper, cloves, and allspice.
• In Mykonos, there’s no better way to end a great meal than with a shot (or two!) of ouzo. While Mykonos isn’t especially known for its wines, it does boast a small wine region, growing grape varieties such as Assyrtico, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, so there’s plenty of wines on offer across the island.

Nightlife

Mykonos nightlife is famous across the world, and the parties here last until the sun starts streaming through the windows. There are plenty of options, right the way from laid-back bars to lively nightclubs.

• Mykonos Town nightlife is perhaps the most varied of all. As well as the clubs, there are also plenty of options for people-watching and relaxing with a drink. Aroma Bar serves up a huge selection of cocktails after sundown, and it’s also open for breakfast if you need somewhere to nurse a sore head.
• Kastro in Little Venice offers the same sort of down-to-earth, laid-back experience as Aroma Bar. Overlooking the sea, the view here is second to none, and there’s a pretty decent wine list and cocktail menu to go with it. Many cocktails are a little fruity, and a little spicy, for mouthwatering combinations.
• While the view at Kastro is incredible, the stunning scenes you can enjoy at Katerina’s Bar are also worth a mention. With an open air balcony (book in advance to secure a table here, especially in the summer!), this is the place to enjoy a cocktail while gazing out at the night-time action all around you.
• Mykonos is known as one of the most welcoming and accepting of the Greek Islands, and there are lots of gay-friendly bars here, especially in Mykonos Town. Babylon Bar and JackieO’ are two of the best options on the harbour, offering a place to dance and party for as long as you want to.
• One of the longest standing bars in Mykonos is the Scandinavian Bar, which features a quiet place to drink on the ground floor and a more lively dance hall upstairs. This place comes to life around midnight, and has earned a reputation for being one of the most energetic and fun nightlife spots around.

Families

Mykonos family holidays are a fantastic choice for a getaway when school’s out. Children are welcomed all across the island, and with the parties not starting until around 11pm, daytimes are usually quiet.

• For children who are happy to paddle and play on the beach all day, there are some wonderful family-friendly beaches around. Agrari Beach is a great choice due to the shallow, calm waters, playground, and amenities. Panormos Beach is also good for kids, and has two restaurants nearby.
• For a bit of adventure, spend a day at Raceland; a go-kart track where you and your family can compete to see who’s the fastest. Perfect for kids (and big kids!) aged 5 and up, this is a great place to get the adrenaline pumping, and there’s an on-site coffee shop where you can relax after the fun.
• If you’re worried about picky eaters, don’t be. Lots of families visit the island, and most restaurants and cafes will be happy to cater for children with a selection of kid-friendly options, such as pasta, pizza, fish, and rice. There really is no need to eat at your hotel restaurant every single day… unless you want to!

Couples

With so many romantic things to do in Mykonos, it’s not surprising that the island is one of the top choices in Greece for couples' getaways. Here are just a few of the very best activities for two:

• Cosy up to your partner on a secluded beach, located in one of the island’s lesser travelled areas. These hidden gems offer a more intimate beach experience, providing an opportunity for a romantic day in the sun for two. Follow that up with a hike with a perfect backdrop, and take a selfie to remind you of the day.
• Come sunset, find yourself a quiet corner in a cafe or taverna by the sea in Mykonos Town, Agios Ioannis, or Platis Gialos, and watch as the dancing colours in the sky are reflected in the shimmering waters of the Aegean. For even more ambience, a moonlit stroll along the beach is always an option.
• Perhaps the best place to stay in Mykonos for couples is Tourlos, where the pretty whitewashed buildings of the former fishing villages are scattered next to the golden sands of the bay. There’s a vibrant atmosphere here, though it doesn't feel busy, making it a great place for laid-back days of wandering aimlessly.