Cosmopolitan but also romantic, intense but also idyllic…Mykonos is an island for all tastes. The “Island of the Winds” is world famous for its opulence, wild parties, crystal beaches, sunsets, and the extraordinary Cycladic atmosphere that can be felt in all its must-see places…
Little Venice
The most photographed spot of Mykonos is no other than “Little Venice” or “Aleukandra”. It is a settlement by the sea, reminiscent of an Italian town, and it was created in the 18th century by wealthy merchants and captains. Today, the buildings retain their wooden windows and balconies, painted in blue and green colors.
Apart from the countless photos that can be taken in this part of the island for its picturesque setting, “Little Venice” is also popular for its sunset time as this is the best time to visit it and enjoy the view of the Aegean, in the restaurants and bars that are literally located by the sea.
Windmills
The mills have become a symbol for the whole island. The most famous windmills are located next to “Little Venice” and were built near the harbor for grinding the grain which was unloaded from the ships and facilitating in this way their transport.
There used to be over 20 windmills spread across the island, each vital for its production and the island’s economy. Today, there are only seven windmills left, another great spot for visitors to enjoy the view of the island and the sunset.
Matogianni Street
Matogianni Street, or Matogiannia, is the most commercial and busiest street on the island. Mykonos Town is famous for its designer and expensive shops where one can find all the famous luxury brands.
Matogiannia is the most central alley where during the day visitors can relax in one of the numerous bars/cafes, go shopping or window-shopping, and in the evening they can enjoy their supper and drink in one of the acclaimed restaurants and bars until the early hours. It is also very likely that visitors will meet some Greek or foreign celebrities who visit the island, enjoying their walk in the famous Matogiannia.
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Panagia Paroportiani is one of the most important and stunning religious monuments of the Cyclades and the Aegean. It stands out thanks to its unique architecture and it is the most photographed church on the island. It is located right next to the sea, where the Aegean waters hit on the island’s walls on the shore as the Mykonian windmills stand out in the background. It is a church unlike any other, built between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Ano Mera Viilage
Eight kilometers away from the town of Mykonos, there is an impressive village, called Ano Mera. It is the most picturesque settlement of the island which attracts attention because of its traditional Cycladic beauty and alleys.
This settlement hosts one of the most important religious monuments of the island and Greece, the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, which was founded in 1542, in a place where there was an old church; the architecture of the monastery impresses the visitor with its simple magnificence.
Mykonos Armenistis Lighthouse
The “Armenistis” Lighthouse is a very distinctive building, with a rich history on the island of Mykonos. The building stands next to the sea, on the edge of a cliff, and impresses visitors with its idyllic landscape. It was built in 1981, located in the Fanari area, on a hill that used to be called “Vourvoulakas”, meaning vampire. The reason for the construction of the lighthouse was the prevention of marine accidents as a shipwreck took place once there.
Mykonos Town Hall
Mykonos Town Hall is one of the most elegant buildings on the island. The two-story building is located in “Gialos”, right next to the sea. What makes it special is its tiled roof which was built in 1780 in order to be the seat of the Russian Consul General of the Archipelago.
For this reason, it is also called the “Voinovich building”, in honor of the first Consul General Ioannis Voinovich. Later, it came under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Mykonos. Right in front of the Town Hall, “Agios Nikolaos of Kadena” is located, a small church, characterized by its blue dome.
Beaches
One of the assets of Mykonos is its beaches that meet every taste. Whether you look for crystal clear waters, wild beach parties or want to enjoy solitary dives away from the crowds, you will definitely find what you need on this island.
In the west, visitors can enjoy swimming in Agios Stefanos and Megali Ammos beaches, which are a breath away from Chora, as well as Korfos beach, which is a paradise for windsurfers. In the south, there is the busy beach of Ornos, Agios Ioannis beach, the cosmopolitan Psarrou beach, the well-organized Platy Gialos beach, the exotic Paraga, and the popular Paradise and Super Paradise beaches.
In the southeast of Mykonos, Elia, Kalo Livadi, and Agia Anna are also among the most beautiful beaches. Finally, if you are a fan of adventure, waves, and isolation, do not miss the northern beaches of Ftelia, Fokos, and Agios Sostis.
Delos island
In the old port, visitors can set sail for one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, Delos. It is one of the smallest islands in the Aegean, but it used to be one of the most famous and holiest islands in the ancient world. It is located in the heart of the Cyclades, next to Mykonos, and in ancient times it was particularly famous as the birthplace of the goddess Artemis and the god Apollo.
The island of Delos belongs to the Municipality of Mykonos and has a long and rich history. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its excavations and it constitutes an open-air museum in the middle of the Aegean. Delos is only a 30-minute ferry trip from Mykonos, making it one of the best day trips you can take.
Archeological Museum
The island’s magnificent archaeological museum has artifacts found on Mykonos and neighboring islands, dating from prehistory to the end of the Hellenistic period, around the 1st century BC. It is one of the oldest museums in Greece and was designed by Alexandros Lykakis.
The museum contains artifacts such as pottery from the 9th to 8th century BC from the neighboring Cycladic island of Rhenia and works of art dating from the 7th to 6th century BC from other Aegean regions. The most famous object is a large vase from Tinos island, depicting scenes from the fall of Troy.
