There is no shortage of things to do in Mykonos. From snorkelling to diving, shopping, dining out, and even hiking, you will have a packed Mykonos itinerary no matter what you’re in the mood to do.
Are you wondering how to spend a day in Mykonos, or how to plan a Mykonos itinerary? Take this list of the best things to do in Mykonos and pick out some of your favorites.
How To Get To Mykonos
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Mykonos is by ferry boat from Athens. This ferry costs about €34 to €55. It’s a magical feeling when you’re leaving the port in Athens and watching city life leave behind you then watching the island of Mykonos come towards you in the distance. Everyone should experience it at least once!
Mykonos also has a small airport, perfect for people who don’t want to sit on a ferry. Flights generally cost about €80-€180 depending on the time of year you are visiting. Keep an eye on flights using Google Flight Tracker to make sure you get the best deal possible!
How To Spend A Day In Mykonos
- Wake Up, grab some breakfast. Most hotels have a continental breakfast that offers delicious items like fresh Greek yogurt, honey, croquettes, and more.
- Head for a swim – I like to head to the ocean first thing before it gets too hot, especially in peak season.
- Change, head to the town of Mykonos or cross something else off of your list of things to do in Mykonos such as snorkelling or hiking. Or, just spend the whole day on the beach. Those are the best days sometimes.
- Walk around, shop, eat, meet people, and enjoy the sunshine.
- Grab dinner in the town of Mykonos. Make sure you don’t eat too late or you miss the sunset. You do NOT want to miss a sunset in Mykonos.
- Change, get pretty, and head out. Mykonos nightlife is vibrant and varied. You can choose between beach clubs, town nightlife, live music, dance music, and more. Find something you enjoy!
- Stay until sunrise or head home and get some sleep so you’re fresh for the next day!
- Repeat.
The Best Things To Do In Mykonos
Things To See In Mykonos
Make sure you see all of these Mykonos staples while you are there. Don’t worry, they are all pretty centrally located so you won’t be traveling to 9 sides of the island in a day.
1. The Windmills (Kato Milli)
First and foremost, the most famous stop in Mykonos, the windmills or Kato Milli. These are a must see while you are exploring the island. Located right next to Little Venice and the town of Mykonos, you will see 5 large windmills perched atop a hill overlooking the town. It’s the perfect instagram spot!
The windmills get quite a few tourists, so they’re one of your things to do in Mykonos, I suggest going early. Getting a polaroid of the sunrise behind the windmills while you sit in front of them will be the coolest photo of your trip, trust me on that one!
2. Meet Petros The Pelican
Petros the Pelican is the official mascot for Mykonos, and you will find his image plastered on souvenirs throughout the many gift shops in Mykonos. Petros the Pelican actually passed away in 1985 after living to almost 30, impressive for a pelican. Lucky for us 3, new pelicans moved onto the island of Mykonos and one of them was named Petros to keep the spirit alive!
If you are hoping to find Petros the Pelican, your best bet is to look by the main waterfront, through the narrow alleyways of Mykonos town, and around the Paraportiani Church. He has also occasionally been spotted by the harbour and by the windmills. Keep a camera ready to go!
3. Get Lost in The Town of Mykonos
It is so easy to get lost while you explore the old town of Mykonos. The famous cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways weave with no exact pattern or direction. You will find yourself admiring the beautiful architecture and picturesque white and blue buildings, then snap out of it and be completely lost.
Getting lost in the town is one of my favorite things to do in Mykonos Greece, and not it is alarming at all. You eventually find your way out! While you are roaming, you will find cool little shops, restaurants, and friendly locals in the little nooks and crannies of Mykonos. Go and explore.
Mykonos Island Activities
While you’re out and about, these things to do in Mykonos will make your trip unforgettable.
4. Rent an ATV or Scooter
On Mykonos, you will find Jeeps replaced with ATVs and a wild and carefree attitude about the island. An ATV is the preferred way to get around Mykonos, and a definite must while you are crossing things off this list of things to do in Mykonos. You will find ATV rental shops scattered from the harbour to the town and back, all ready to help eager tourists traverse the beautiful island of Mykonos.
Rent an ATV or Scooter and feel the wind in your hair while you drive alongside the beaches and hilly landscapes while the Greek sun shines down on you. It will be one of the highlights of your trip.
Make sure you take a ton of photos of your ATV and do not leave your passport with a rental company. I like to bring printouts of my passport for times that I am asked for it.
5. Feed The Cats
Whenever I go to Mykonos, Thailand, or any other country that has an abnormally higher rate of stray animals, I try to do my due diligence and take the time to stop and feed them. I feel that all animals deserve a proper chance at life, so I try to set aside an hour each day to wander around and find cats to feed.
Most corner stores sell cat food, meat, or other things that you can feed them. Make sure you don’t pet the cats in Mykonos, as they may have diseases or sicknesses that can be passed onto you.
6. Meet The Locals
Mykonos is home to many friendly locals and families that make a living helping tourists enjoy the island. Many locals actually ferry in from larger cities like Athens to work the high season on Mykonos island.
Head out and meet some of the locals! They love it when you try your hand at speaking Greek, and many of them have amazing stories worth listening to. Whether you’re meeting shop owners or locals at the bar hearing first hand about the rich history of Greece and Mykonos will help paint a picture of why this country is so amazing. A definite must-add to your list of things to do in Mykonos.
7. Go Shopping on Matogianni Street
Matogianni is the most popular and well known street on the island, and is full of things to do in Mykonos. Aside from its famous nightlife, Matogianni is a shopper’s paradise. The world renowned designer shops that are scattered along the street are reminiscent of Rodeo drive in Hollywood, California.
If you like to shop, make sure you stop by Matogianni. “All roads lead to Matogianni”, as the locals say!
8. Take A Hike
Yes, you read that right. Hiking the hilly mountainscapes is one of my favorite things to do in Mykonos. You will find beautiful trails along most of the beaches and islands. If you aren’t taking a taxi boat or bus to get around the island, grab your hiking shoes and take a scenic walk from beach to beach. The views are absolutely incredible!
Let’s Party on Mykonos!
Woo Hoo! Nightlife is a big part of Mykonos culture and tourism, so it is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Mykonos. Here are my favorite party hotspots and events!
9. Grab A Drink at Jackie O’s
Jackie O’ is a super fun beach club, bar, and restaurant. You will find the Jackie O’ town bar located just beneath the famous Paraportiani Church. This is the perfect sunset setting for dinner and cocktails. They also offer nightly drag shows, showcasing some of the best drag in Greece!
Head on over to the flagship location: Jackie O’ Beach Club located just above Super Paradise beach and dance your buns off. The drinks flow freely and the general vibe of this place is unparalleled to anything else you can experience in Greece. They even offer a pool and jacuzzi if sand isn’t your thing (which it should be, you’re in Mykonos people!)
Jackie O’ attracts a mix of a gay club crowd and a straight crowd, so don’t worry about not fitting in! Everyone is welcome at Jackie O’. The parties go until sunrise so make sure you pace yourself!
10. Make It To Sunrise At A Beach Party
Paradise beach and Super Paradise beach are the two largest party beaches on Mykonos, and definitely a great addition to your list of things to do in Mykonos. Both beaches are filled with beach bars and eager partygoers. They host some of the biggest events and DJs in the world!
The parties go until the wee hours of the morning. Make it your mission to make it to sunrise, there is something about watching the Mykonos sunrise in the morning while you are still at the club that just feels like a right of passage.
11. Attend XLSIOR
If you plan your trip timing just right, you better go to XLSIOR. This circuit party / event is the largest gay event in Greece. The festival lasts a whole week between August 22nd-29th, and attracts gay men from all over the world to party. Most of the events are held on Super Paradise beach, so I recommend staying on a different beach so you can get some sleep between events!
12. Drink Some Ouzo and Greek Wine
Tasting Ouzo and Greek wine in Greece is a definite must when crossing items off your list of things to do in Mykonos. Ouzo is a commonly enjoyed aperitif that tastes sort of like black licorice. It is strong, so take it easy!
Greece is one of the oldest regions to start producing wine, so they definitely know what they’re doing. Whether you enjoy red or white wine, enjoying it while watching a beach sunset is like sitting in paradise.
Where To Eat Mykonos
Everywhere. Eat your whole vacation. You hit the gym and dieted for that beach body, now it’s time to ruin it. Add these hot spots to your list of places to eat in Mykonos!
13. Eat Lunch in Little Venice
If you Google photos of Mykonos, Little Venice is one of the first things that you will see. This little strip of bars and restaurants is extended over a cliff on the shore near the town of Mykonos. Little Venice offers a wide selection of fine dining options for you to try out.
It may be a little pricier, but eating out in Little Venice at least once should be on your list of things to do in Mykonos!
14. Try Some Mykonos Greek Food
Walking through the town of Mykonos, you will notice quickly how many restaurants they have here. Check some of them out! The restaurants, menus, and prices vary but the freshness of the ingredients do not!
When I did my Greece food tour, I fell in love with a few little restaurants I found in Mykonos. Don’t plan your dinner too far in advance (unless you are eating in Little Venice), and just walk around and find a place!
15. Enjoy Some Mykonos Cheap Eats: Street Gyros
If you’re traveling on a budget (or spent all of your money at the beach bar yesterday), grab yourself a street gyros. You can find these for a euro a piece, and I could seriously eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Street gyros are made with slow roasted pork, chicken, or lamb, wrapped in a flatbread, then stuffed with fresh tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, and french fries. My mouth is watering already!
Let’s Go To The Beach!
Mykonos beaches rock. There are so many things to do in Mykonos, you will be doing quite a bit of running around and sightseeing. Don’t forget to take some time for R&R! Add these excursions to your list of things to do in Mykonos.
16. Visiit Platis Gialos
While it is true that Platis Gialos is one of the busiest beaches, it is a definite must on your list of things to do in Mykonos. I stayed on Platis Gialos (when I almost died in Greece), and I can tell you it was amaing.
Platis Gialos is full of sunbeds and beach umbrellas (bring about €20 to rent one if you aren’t staying on the beach), and is full of restaurants, resorts, and bars. They also run a taxi boat service from this beach that takes you to the other popular beaches like Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Ornos.
17. Try the famous Mykonos Nude beach on Elia
You’re on Vacation, live a little! Mykonos is in Europe, so the beaches are a lot more liberal than North America’s anyways. Elia is a clothing optional beach, so why not let the freak flag fly?
Elia has a gay area and a straight area, so you can walk along the longest stretch of beach in Mykonos until you find a place you are comfortable. Bare as much or little skin as you’re comfortable with and enjoy the freeing vibes that Elia Beach brings.
18. Go Snorkelling or Diving on Paradise Reef
Snorkelling and diving are a must on your list of things to do in Mykonos. So grab your snorkelling gear, suit up, and head to Paradise Beach where you will find Mykonos Diving Center. They have a great team of instructors who will teach you how to snorkel or dive correctly.
Head out to the famous paradise reef to see some of the coolest marine wildlife you have ever laid eyes on. Don’t forget a GoPro so you can get some awesome underwater videos.
This GoPro Session is brand name and there’s a cheap deal on it right now so grab it here before it sells out!
19. Try Your Hand At A Water Sport
While you are trying out things to do in Mykonos, why not try your hand at a water sport? Water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, surfing, and paddleboarding are all offered throughout the island.
Make it a fun day excursion! Many boats will come with a driver and they will show you some sweet spots around the island!
20. Get A Massage
I am putting this under the beach section because that is where I got my massages. At first, the people going around offering and selling you things can be both annoying and overwhelming. Then a woman came by and offered me an in-chair massage which was seriously heaven on earth. You don’t even have to get up to get a massage!
We got to talking and I learned that she travels to Mykonos during peak season each year and leaves her children home in Africa. She comes here to try and earn money so her children can eat for the rest of the year. Her story really hit my heartstrings and I ended up tipping her very well.
Long story short, learn about people. Whether they are local or not, you’re seeing the world. Make the effort to learn about the people in it too. Their stories will inspire you and change your life, which is what traveling should do. If you come home the same person, you haven’t done it right!