While the main attractions of Mykonos are largely its abundance of beautiful beaches and the winding, maze-like allure of a walk through the capital Chora, look a little deeper and there are some interesting cultural experiences to be had. The island is close to one of the most famous archaeological and mythological sites, Delos, where you can still see the remains of a number of traditional occupations and industries. You can have fun discovering quiet squares and strolling through avant-garde galleries, following paths and streets once trodden by the pirates who used to patrol the island’s waterways.
For more Mykonos inspiration, check out our guides to the island’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and beaches.
Find what to do by area
Delos
Travel back 5,000 years to the time of the Greek gods
It is said to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis; a small piece of rocky land just 30 minutes from the old port. Delos evolved to house a thriving community, which included temples, houses, agora and wells, decorated with statues and sculptures paying tribute to the gods of these people, many of which have been preserved (if not all intact).
Insider tip: Today you can also visit a purpose-built archaeological museum, filled with remains excavated from the site.
Contact: delostours.gr
Price: ££
Mykonos Town / Chora
Watch the sunset behind the island’s few remaining windmills
While it’s lovely to sit in one of the many chic cocktail bars on Little Venice’s waterfront at sunset, the color of the sky stands out against five of Mykonos’ remaining wheat mills (one of the island’s most iconic symbols). , is definitely worth checking out. Take a seat in the small square across the road from Kato Mili’s windmills, bring a bottle of prosecco and toast the lilac, pale orange and pink hues as they fade into the dusk.
Insider tip: You may get a good view of one of the island’s three pelicans, as they often take their daily evening passeggiata here.
Take a seat for an open-air film screening
What could be better than watching one of your favorite movies outside, under the stars? Cine Manto is tucked away in a quiet square, with an all-day café-restaurant, in an inviting 11,00 m² garden lined with trees and cacti. It shows a program of late-night films throughout the summer (showing at 9pm or 11pm); check the website for the most current schedule, but expect to see some of this year’s big names – possibly everything from Barbie to Maestro.
Insider tip: Come eat here and make sure the movie starts the moment you eat your dessert.
Contact: cinemanto.gr
Price: ££
Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Chora
If it’s your first time on the island, you might want some orientation to navigate the city’s devilish maze-like streets – a A guided walk through the old town will help. According to history, the impenetrable-looking layout was due to the inhabitants, who wanted to make it difficult for possible invaders, namely pirates, to enter the center, or even get out again. They’ve done a remarkable job of making it difficult to walk around, but that also means you slow down and take in the charming alleys, back streets, squares and doorways.
Insider tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your guide if you can spend more time in one of the shops or sample a delicacy. Most are locals who are proud to show off their island.
Contact: viator.com
Price: ££
Watch some of the island’s only remaining weavers at work
Mykonos was once an island of weavers, but also an island of fishermen and millers. Knitwear was produced and sold on a large scale until the 1930s. However, with the advent of technology, such skills have declined; Nowadays there are hardly any women who use looms. However, Nikoleta Xidakis and her daughter Anna continue the tradition in their store Nikoleta. Not far from the Paraportiani Church you will find their small workshop and shop, where they still make colorful scarves and shawls and you can watch them at work.
Insider tip: If you ask nicely (Anna will translate), Nikoleta might let you try out what it’s like to use the loom.
Address: Mitropoleos Street, Little Venice
Opening hours: Variable
Price: Free
Central Mykonos
Find a slower pace in the countryside
Ano Mera is the largest town on the island after Chora, but its location inland, a 30-minute drive, makes it feel more sheltered and quiet. It’s a great escape to when you’ve had enough of the beach or nightlife, with some fascinating sights including the ruins of the 13th-century Venetian Gyzi Castle, and a few lovely monasteries. Panagia Tourliani has a beautiful, well-preserved bell tower, while the Paleokastro Monastery is simpler but offers beautiful views from its elevated position.
Insider tip: Stop for a photo op at the beautiful red, yellow and blue painted Sun of Mykonos Apartments, dotted with oversized, primary-colored pots, just five minutes away in Klouvas.
Get ready to cook like a Greek
Yes, it’s great to go to a restaurant and order your favorite Greek food – but what’s it like to try to cook it yourself, while learning about the culture behind the cuisine and Greek traditions? Immerse yourself in all this and more with a Mykonian cooking class, like the one at Mykonian Spiti. Spend the day with a Greek family, where matriarch Teta will tell you about the island’s history, what daily life is like for the locals, and share the typical Mykonian meze. Then you will learn to make a variety of traditional dishes using ingredients from her garden, such as tzatziki, beef with orzo pasta and spinach pie. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed – helped by the free-flowing ouzo.
Insider tip: You can combine this with a visit to the family’s nearby estate and vineyard to learn about their organic farming practices.
Contact: mykonianspiti.com
Price: £££
South Mykonos
Take to the waves aboard a classic yacht
What could be better than feeling the breeze in your hair as you sail from one side of Mykonos to the other, along the beautiful south coast? After all, this is where most of the island’s best and most beautiful beaches are located, from Agios Ioannis – the starting point – past Ornos, Paradise, Paraga, Elia and more. This six-hour boat trip (Mykonos: South Beaches Cruise) makes a few stops to snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear Aegean waters, followed by a barbecue lunch on board, and sails past the small Dragonisi Island – popular with divers – before returning to the harbour.
Insider tip: Leave high heels and nice clothes at your hotel; On board you walk barefoot and still spend most of the day in your swimsuit.
Contact: getyourguide.com/mykonos
Price: £££
Northern Mykonos
Hang out at a beach club
It may come as a surprise to discover that there are a few vineyards on this largely arid, windswept island, but in fact the combination of the strong north wind, the lack of water and the rich ingredients of the soil results in some delicious wines . grapes. Head to the Vioma organic farm just outside the village of Ano Mera, where the Pasoglou family produces honey, vegetables and herbs. Their vineyards are a legacy of the local monastery, which produces some of the island’s best rosé and white wines, based on traditional Aegean grape varieties (Mandilaria, Agiannitis, Assyrtiko and Athiri). Tastings are accompanied by Greek tapas (mezedes) made from farm products.
Insider tip: Children are welcome and can meet Marika, the family’s friendly donkey, and Marousso the sheep.
Contact: mykonosvioma.com
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to bring you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveler. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.