Mykonos Travel Guide: Greece's Glamorous Island of Windmills and Parties

First Impressions of Mykonos

Mykonos is the most famous of the Greek Cyclades islands, known for its white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches, sandy beaches, and summer nightlife. Mykonos Town (Chora) is a labyrinth of narrow streets designed to confuse pirates—today they confuse tourists instead, but that is part of the charm. Little Venice, where houses perch on the water's edge with wooden balconies, is one of the most photographed spots in Greece. The windmills above the town, once used to grind grain, have become the island's symbol. Nearby Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology, contains some of the most important archaeological ruins in the Aegean.

Mykonos has two personalities. From June to September, it is a party destination with world-famous beach clubs like Scorpios and Cavo Paradiso drawing international DJs and crowds. But outside the party scene, the island retains a quiet Greek character: fishermen mend nets in the old port, grandmothers sweep their doorsteps, and family tavernas serve grilled octopus and tzatziki to locals. The beaches on the south coast—Psarou, Elia, and Super Paradise—have crystal-clear water and golden sand.

Four to five days is ideal. Spend one day exploring Mykonos Town, one on the beaches, one on Delos, and one or two relaxing. The island is small (15 by 10 kilometers) but the winding roads make travel slow. Rent an ATV or scooter for the most flexibility. Ferries connect to Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, and other Cyclades islands.

Best Time to Go

May to June and September to October are the best months. Temperatures range from 22 to 28 degrees, the water is warm, and the crowds are smaller than in peak summer. May has wildflowers and the island is green. September has warm sea temperatures and the wine harvest. Prices are 30 to 40 percent lower than in July and August.

July and August are peak season, with temperatures above 30 degrees, strong Meltemi winds, and the island at its busiest. Beach clubs and nightlife are in full swing. The Mykonos Biennale runs in even-numbered years. Winter (November to March) is very quiet—most hotels and restaurants close, and ferry service is limited.

Getting There and Around

Mykonos Airport (JMK) is 4 kilometers southeast of Mykonos Town. It handles domestic flights from Athens (45 minutes) and seasonal international flights. Taxis to town cost €10 to €15. The public bus runs from the airport to the Fabrika station in town for €1.60.

Ferries from Piraeus (Athens) take 2.5 hours by high-speed catamaran (€50 to €80) or 5 hours by conventional ferry (€30 to €40). Seajets and Hellenic Seaways are the main operators. The Delos ferry departs from the old port and costs €20 round trip (plus €12 site entry). On the island, KTEL buses run from Fabrika station to the beaches (€1.60 to €2.50). ATVs and scooters rent for €25 to €45 per day.

Where to Stay

Mykonos Town is the most convenient base. Hotels range from €100 to €500 per night in summer. The area around Little Venice and the windmills is the most scenic but noisy at night. Stay on the edge of town for a better balance of access and quiet.

Platis Gialos and Psarou, on the south coast, are beachside bases. Hotels range from €150 to €600 per night. The beaches are excellent and you can walk to several other beaches. Psarou is where the luxury beach clubs are located.

Ornos and Agios Ioannis, on the west coast, offer a quieter alternative with rooms from €80 to €300 per night. Both have good beaches, restaurants, and frequent bus connections to town. For budget travelers, hostels and guesthouses in Mykonos Town start at €30 per night in shoulder season.

Must-See Attractions

Mykonos Town (Chora)

A maze of white-washed lanes, boutiques, and churches in the Cycladic style. Little Venice, where 18th-century houses overhang the water, is the most photographed area. The windmills, built by the Venetians in the 16th century, sit on a hill above the town with sunset views. The Paraportiani Church, a complex of five chapels fused together, is one of the most unusual churches in Greece. Allow a full day to explore.

Price: Free | Hours: Always open; shops 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to midnight

Delos Archaeological Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Delos was the mythical birthplace of Apollo and a major religious and commercial center in antiquity. The ruins include the Terrace of the Lions, the Temple of Apollo, ancient theaters, and mosaic floors in former merchant houses. The museum on the site houses sculptures and artifacts. Allow four to five hours.

Price: Ferry €20 return; site €12 | Hours: Ferry departs 9 AM, 10 AM, 11:30 AM; site 8 AM to 8 PM

Psarou Beach

Mykonos's most glamorous beach, with fine golden sand and clear turquoise water. The Nammos beach club here is one of the most famous in Greece, with sunbeds, a restaurant, and a boutique. The beach is sheltered from the Meltemi wind. Arrive early to secure a sunbed—prices start at €50 for a pair with minimum spending.

Price: Sunbeds €50 to €100 minimum spend | Hours: Beach clubs 10 AM to sunset

Panagia Paraportiani Church

A cluster of four small chapels and a larger church, fused together over centuries into one asymmetrical white structure. It is the most photographed church on Mykonos and one of the most unusual in the Cyclades. The building dates from the 15th to 17th centuries. The view from the nearby square, with the blue Aegean as backdrop, is iconic.

Price: Free | Hours: Exterior always visible; interior limited hours

Armenistis Lighthouse

Built in 1891 after a British steamship sank off the coast, this lighthouse stands on the northwestern tip of Mykonos. The views from the headland extend across the Aegean to Tinos and Syros. The building itself is a simple stone structure with a metal tower. It is a 20-minute trip from town and a good spot for sunset.

Price: Free | Hours: Always open

Food and Drink

Grilled Octopus at Kiki's Tavern — A legendary open-air restaurant on Agios Sostis beach with no electricity—everything is grilled over charcoal. The grilled octopus with olive oil and lemon is the signature dish. There is no phone and no reservations; arrive early and wait your turn. The setting, overlooking the sea, is unforgettable.

Greek Salad at Nikos Taverna — Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and a slab of feta cheese with olive oil and oregano. Simple but perfect when the ingredients are fresh. Nikos Taverna in Mykonos Town has been serving the same recipe for decades. Add a plate of grilled sardines for a complete meal.

Moussaka at Avra Taverna — Layers of eggplant, minced lamb, and bechamel sauce, baked until golden. Avra Taverna in Mykonos Town serves a version that is lighter and less greasy than many tourist-oriented versions. The restaurant has a pleasant courtyard.

Mykonian Wine at Vinsanto — The Cyclades produce distinctive wines from Assyrtiko and other local grapes. Visit the Mykonos Vioma organic winery for a tasting of their whites and rosés. The vineyard sits on a hillside with views of the island. A tasting of four wines costs €10.

Practical Tips

• Mykonos is extremely expensive in summer. Budget €100 to €200 per day minimum.

• The Meltemi wind blows strongly in July and August, making some beaches rough. Check conditions before heading out.

• Book ferries online in advance, especially for July and August departures.

• ATVs and scooters are the most flexible way to explore, but Go carefully—the roads are narrow and winding.

• Many restaurants add a cover charge of €2 to €4. Check the menu.