Best things to do in Mykonos Town

Watch the sunset from a Mykonos beach, go for a stroll among the shops, restaurants, and bars, and observe the mix of culture and architecture at Little Venice. The name of this attraction comes from the quaint, whitewashed houses that stand just upon the shoreline, resembling Venice itself. Visit the houses, now turned into clubs and bars, restaurants serving Greek cuisine, and stores with a wide range of merchandise. Take a camera with you an capture your own picture of one of the most photographed places in Europe. Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the paths by the sea can get slippery.

The Windmills (Kato Milli) are the first thing approaching ships see on arrival to Mykonos. Many of the windmills were constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century. From the time they were built until the mid-20th century, these structures fueled the local economy by grinding wheat. Although the mills' grinding days are over, they remain much loved by the locals. Just below this spot you'll find cafes and restaurants that serve local fare where you can admire a view of the windmills and the sea. Although you cannot enter the windmills, you can approach them for photographs.

Wander among the relics and artifacts of the ancient Minoan civilization at Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. The small museum features displays of pottery, jewelry, weapons, funerary urns, marble statues, and clay figurines ranging from the prehistoric to the late Hellenistic period. The highlight of the collection remains a large pithos--a storage container in the shape of a vase--with the earliest representation of the fall of Troy dating from the 7th century BCE. Look also for the statue of Heracles from the picturesque islet of Rheneia and the Archaic Hydria decorated with floral patterns and images of horses.

Arguably the most popular of the 400 churches on the island of Mykonos, features five whitewashed chapels built on top of one another. One of the Aegean's architectural highlights, the church stands out in dazzling white and provides a favorite photographic backdrop for the island's many visitors. Built in stages between the 14th and 17th centuries, the multi-layered structure's main feature is its domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top, which can be reached by an external staircase made of stone. At dusk the soft light of the setting sun creates good conditions for dramatic snapshots.

Established to preserve and present Greek maritime history, Aegean Maritime Museum occupies a 19th-century building in the center of Mykonos Town. Ancient navigational instruments, model ships, and antique maps tell the story of the country's nautical past, transporting visitors to a time when Greek sailors explored and conquered distant corners of the world. Outside, a small museum garden displays larger artifacts, including reproductions of marble gravestones of sailors lost at sea. A large lighthouse also stands here, reminding visitors of the importance such structures held long before the invention of satellite navigation systems.

The retail and nightlife hub of the island, Matoyianni Street serves as Mykonos Island's main shopping street. In the daytime, the sun reflects off the white buildings and illuminates the stone-paved walkways. Small shops display their wares on the pathways with jewelry, souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts. Tiny cafes and restaurants decorate the storefronts; many of these offer traditional food made to order. After dark, the cafes and bar come to life with visitors and locals sharing stories over wine.

Protected by a bay and two islets, Panormos Beach offers a large sandy beach, a nearby village, and clear waters. Pleasure boats often anchor in the bay to allow passengers to jump into the calm waters directly from the boat deck. The village provides traditional cooking near the beach, as well as shops with locally made crafts. Thick greenery encloses the beach and covers the hilly islets as well as some of the buildings.

One of Mykonos' more tranquil spots, sits in a crescent-shaped bay just a short drive from the island's main city. The wider waterfront area offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, while the beach itself features several snack bars and small cafes. You can swim or snorkel here all day, or use the beach as your base to take long boat tours up and down the coastline. The beach features a watersports club, where you can rent banana boats and snorkeling equipment, or arrange for waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons. To explore other popular beaches along the island's southern coastline, use the taxi-boat service departing from a nearby jetty.

The sun-kissed Paradise Beach may be largely responsible for Mykonos' nickname the "Ibiza of Greece." Considered one of the island's main party beaches, this slice of tropical paradise attracts visitors with bars, clubs, and restaurants that serve cold cocktails and both Italian and Greek cuisine. The parties start early at this beach and extend into the wee hours of the night, with the largest crowds arriving well after midnight. You can party and dance until the sun comes up, but if you prefer daylight beach activities and wish to escape the noise for a few hours, take a guided diving adventure to the bottom of the sea.

Stretch out on the soft sand of Elia Beach--the longest one in Mykonos. No matter how many people flock here, residents say it rarely feels crowded. Take a dip in the Aegean Sea, or visit the watersports center to rent a personal watercraft or go tubing. Two restaurants cater to the beach crowd--even serving food directly to your lounge chair. Be aware that the beach includes a designated area for nude sunbathing.

A one-stop party place, Super Paradise Beach entertains with a full-service beach that draws partiers from around the globe. Straw-topped umbrellas and lounge chairs are available to rent during the day. In the cove you'll enjoy calm, warm waters for swimming and a small dock where pleasure boats pick up passengers for excursions. Music accompanies all beachside activities and gets progressively louder as the evening advances. Clubs and bars fill up with visitors from around the world that are ready to party. Consider lodging near the beach for 24-hour access to these clubs; book rooms early on the attraction's website.