Mykonos is a popular holiday destination renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife that lasts until morning. In the summer months, there’s even more activity with DJs playing music and beach clubs offering champagne lunches.
To avoid the crowds, visit Mykonos town early in the day. With its narrow white-washed streets, bougainvilleas and pedestrian-only sidewalks, it makes for an enchantingly picturesque town that you can explore without too many people around.
1. Mykonos Town
Mykonos is renowned for its party scene, but it also offers plenty of other activities for families with children. From its iconic windmills that grace postcards to a hilltop tour of its charming old town, Mykonos has something special to offer all visitors on this popular vacation island.
Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, is an idyllic Cycladic settlement and one of the best places to visit on the island. With cube-shaped houses and winding labyrinth streets, Chora offers visitors a truly memorable stroll.
There’s so much to explore in this charming town that it can be difficult to fit everything into a single day. For the best experience of it, take a walking tour and be sure to stop at some of its most iconic sites, like the sloping whitewashed Panagia Paraportiani church (more commonly known as Paraportiani).
If culture is your thing, there are plenty of museums and archaeological sites on the island to discover. Mykonos Archaeological Museum in particular is worth a visit – boasting an intriguing collection of ancient artifacts on show.
Another noteworthy attraction is the Aegean Maritime Museum, which highlights Mykonos’ nautical past through an assortment of antique navigation instruments and model ships. If art is more your thing, there are a few galleries to discover as well.
Delos and Rinia, with their many small bays, are worth visiting as well as Tragonisi, Ktapodia and Rinia beaches – known for their crystal-clear water perfect for swimming.
Important to know is that beaches, restaurants and clubs tend to be packed during peak season from June to September. If you want to avoid the crowds, then visiting during shoulder seasons (April-June and late September/October) is recommended. Enjoy the sun on empty beaches without having to worry about finding a table or booking a hotel room.
2. Mykonos Beaches
Mykonos’ beaches are renowned for being some of the most stunning in the Mediterranean, boasting wide sandy stretches perfect for relaxing with a cocktail, getting the party started or enjoying water sports. Families with children will especially find plenty of activities to enjoy during hot and sunny summer days.
If you’re looking to explore more of Mykonos Island, a boat trip is an ideal option. Take a cruise to Delos Island – birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek legend – which is just a short journey away from Mykonos Town.
If you have time to spare, there are plenty of picturesque countryside spots worth exploring. Ano Mera and Panormos, for instance, both boast charming main squares with taverns. Additionally, Panagia Tourliani Monastery can be found in the former; an impressive old building that deserves a visit inside.
Families may want to check out Elia Beach. It’s the last stop on the bus heading towards Fabrika and has frequent taxi boat connections, making it less crowded than other beaches in Mykonos.
You can take a bike ride to Tigani, Mykonos’ easternmost beach. However, be aware that it’s quite remote and wild there so make sure you bring all your essential items.
If you’re in search of something more romantic, Agios Stefanos is a popular destination among couples. Here, you’ll find numerous charming tavernas and restaurants as well as stunning beachfront views to watch the sun set from.
3. Mykonos Archaeological Museum
The Mykonos Archaeological Museum is one of the island’s most beloved attractions and worth visiting if you have an interest in history. Situated atop a prominent position above the old harbor, its treasures are displayed over six grand illuminated exhibition rooms and a lush courtyard.
The museum houses an array of historical artifacts and vestiges from prehistoric times through the Hellenistic period. Notable finds include grave statues, funerary urns from Rheneia and pottery from 25th to 1st century BC.
Other fascinating items include the pithos, an ancient pot that skillfully portrays scenes from Troy’s Capture. Discovered during excavation of a well in 1961, this urn is now on display at the museum.
Another recommended attraction is the Aegean Maritime Museum in Mykonos Town. Here, history buffs can learn about Greek nautical traditions and shipping history.
At Delos and Mykonos, the museum boasts an impressive collection of marble sculptures, jewelry and ceramics from different eras. You can even take a leisurely walk through its gardens to uncover replicas of ancient marble gravestones from sailors lost at sea from Delos or Mykonos.
Finally, the Agricultural Museum of Mykonos, situated in Bonis Windmill, gives visitors a fascinating look into Greece’s traditional rural lifestyle. Here you’ll find tools and machines used for production during previous eras.
Mykonos offers a wealth of attractions for families to explore, such as Lena’s House and the Mykonos Folklore Museum. These are ideal stops for kids who want to learn more about their culture and heritage while having some fun along the way!
4. Mykonos Town Nightlife
Every summer, thousands of tourists flock to Mykonos in search of sun and fun. It’s a picture-perfect destination with idyllic beaches, warm temperatures and exciting nightlife for an unforgettable island holiday.
The island’s bustling town, named after Europe’s most romantic city, has plenty to offer families with children. The charming Little Venice area features numerous waterside bars and restaurants serving Greek appetizers as well as beer.
Caprice is a waterfront bar and restaurant that promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the sunset view as the Mediterranean sea and sky morph into vibrant hues before your very eyes!
Scorpios is a nightclub that transforms from a seafood restaurant into an exciting party spot. It’s popular among young professionals and features world-renowned DJs spinning the decks.
The venue’s two levels and expansive courtyard provide the ideal setting for an all-night party of good times. Hardcore dancefloor ravers will find a haven on level one; here, you’ll find euphoric sets from Guy Gerber, Black Coffee and Nic Fanciulli.
For an unforgettable island experience, head to The Deck for champagne and cocktails while admiring stunning sea views. It’s a popular destination among both tourists and locals alike due to its chic interior and delicious cocktail menu.
An open-air cinema offers a welcome respite from Mykonos Town’s hustle and bustle, featuring palm tree shaded tables in a garden setting. It also screens movies in their original language (usually Hollywood films). Plus, there’s an excellent restaurant on site too!
5. Mykonos Shopping
Shopping in Mykonos is one of the top activities, and it’s no wonder – this island attracts jet setters from around the globe. The cosmopolitan island’s shops are filled with designer boutiques and local stores selling everything from luxury brands to souvenirs and jewelry.
Mykonos Town (known as Chora) offers an upscale shopping experience akin to Paris’ Fifth Avenue. The city’s historic streets are packed with boutiques and shops selling everything from Swarowsky-encrusted shoes to designer clothing.
There are a range of upscale boutiques for men and women that sell items from Balenciaga and other high-end designers. One popular shop for ladies is Soho-Soho on Matogianni Street, which has locations around Greece. Here you’ll find Alice By Temperley products as well as fun tees by Amsterdam-based Zoe Karssen.
If you’re searching for an eye-catching piece of jewelry, Lalaounis on Polikandrioti Street is the place to visit. This family-run store has created stunning combinations of classic designs with contemporary techniques to produce high-quality pieces inspired by Byzantine motifs.
Mykonos offers an array of Greek Goddess jewelry, such as chunky gold necklaces and thick golden cuffs that will make you feel like Aphrodite or Athena. These pieces can easily transform even basic outfits into luxurious ensembles.
On days when there are plenty of shops open from 10 am to midnight, families with children can take advantage of this great opportunity for shopping while their adults explore the town or beach.
Experience a magical memory by taking your kids for a leisurely walk around Chora streets of Mykonos. This idyllic neighborhood is packed with endless restaurants, bars and shops that will keep your little ones engaged for hours!
