1. Kato Mili Windmills & Little Venice

The windmills of Kato Mili (the “Lower Mills”) are the most photographed landmark in Mykonos. Seven whitewashed stone windmills stand on a hill overlooking the harbour, their thatched conical roofs and white sails catching the brilliant Cycladic light. They were built in the 16th century to grind wheat and operated until the 1950s. The view from the windmills across the rooftops of Little Venice — the row of 18th-century houses and cafés built right on the waterfront — is the classic Mykonos postcard. Little Venice was built so close to the sea that the waves splash against the lower walls of the houses. It’s the best spot for sunset drinks, though expect to pay €10–15 for a cocktail with the view.

Windmill access: Free to view and walk around (not open to enter)

Little Venice: The most expensive sunset spot on the island

Best photo time: Sunset from the windmill hill

2. Mykonos Beaches

Mykonos has some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, each with its own personality. Paradise and Super Paradise are the famous party beaches — music thumping, cocktails flowing, sunbeds packed (€30–50 for two sunbeds). Paraga Beach is slightly mellower with a beautiful shoreline. Platys Gialos is the best family beach, with calm water, lots of tavernas, and sunbeds at reasonable prices (€15–20). Agios Sostis, on the northern coast, is the anti-Mykonos beach — completely undeveloped, no sunbeds, no music, no facilities. It requires a 20-minute walk from the road but rewards with the most natural swimming experience on the island. Fokos Beach is another wild option on the western coast.

Best for partying: Paradise, Super Paradise

Best for families: Platys Gialos, Ornos

Best for solitude: Agios Sostis, Fokos, Kapari

3. Delos — The Sacred Island

A 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos port takes you to Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. According to mythology, this small barren island was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, making it sacred — no one was allowed to be born or die here. From the 3rd century BC, Delos was a wealthy trading centre, a free port that attracted merchants from across the Mediterranean. The ruins are extensive — the Terrace of the Lions, the Sacred Way, the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre District with magnificent mosaics, and the stunning House of the Dolphins. The museum houses extraordinary statues and artefacts. No one is allowed to stay overnight on Delos — it’s a half-day trip only, and you must leave by the last ferry (usually 15:00).

Ferry cost: €20–25 return from Mykonos (multiple operators, same price)

Site entrance: €12 (€8 reduced)

Time needed: 3–4 hours (first ferry at 9:00, last departures at 14:00)

4. Chora (Mykonos Town) Wandering

Mykonos Town (also called Chora) is a labyrinth of whitewashed streets designed to confuse — historically, this was intentional, to disorient pirates and invaders. Today, getting lost is the best way to explore. The streets are a delight: narrow alleys between blindingly white walls, doorways painted blue, emerald, and red, bougainvillea cascading from rooftops, tiny domed churches (the island has over 800), and chic boutiques tucked into every corner. The Paraportiani Church, a cluster of five churches built over time, is one of the most photographed in Greece. The old harbour (Palia Limani) is where the fishing boats still dock, and the row of seafood tavernas here is the best place to eat on the island.

Best walking areas: The area around Paraportiani Church, the streets between the windmills and the old harbour, the neighbourhood of Anefani

Best free activity: Getting lost in the back streets — allow 2 hours minimum

5. Mykonos Food & Nightlife

Mykonos dining ranges from simple gyros to Michelin-starred extravagance, but the best meals are found at the traditional tavernas away from the main tourist drag. Kiki’s Tavern at Agios Sostis beach is legendary — no sign, no menu, no phone, just grilled meats and salads served on a shaded terrace, with queues that start forming by 1 PM. For seafood, the tavernas around the old harbour serve excellent grilled fish and octopus. The Mykonian specialty is kopanisti — a spicy, creamy cheese spread that’s incredible on fresh bread — and louza, a cured pork fillet with herbs. Nightlife is legendary, centred on the beach clubs (Paradise, Scorpios, Nammos) and the bars of Matoyianni Street in the old town.

Best budget meal: Gyros at Petalo on Mitropoleos Street — €4.50

Best casual taverna: Kiki’s Tavern (no reservations, queue by 1 PM)

Best splurge: Scorpios for sunset cocktails and world-class DJs

6. Ano Mera Monastery & Island Interior

Most Mykonos visitors never leave the Chora-beach-club triangle, but the island’s interior is worth exploring. Ano Mera, the island’s second village, sits in the centre of Mykonos around a large central square. The Panagia Tourliani Monastery (founded 1542) dominates the square — its white bell tower and marble-paved courtyard are beautiful, and the interior is decorated with a carved wood iconostasis and icons from the 16th–18th centuries. The monastery is free to enter. The square is ringed with tavernas that are significantly cheaper than Chora (mains €8–12). It’s a genuine slice of everyday Mykonian life, far from the glamour of Little Venice.

Getting there: Bus from Fabrika station (€2.50, 20 minutes, hourly)

Monastery hours: Daily 8:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00

Cost: Free