Check Out These 6 Beautiful Mykonos Attractions When Visiting Greece
An idyllic island in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is among the most popular travel destinations in Greece for honeymooners, partygoers, and those simply looking to enjoy the Greek island atmosphere. The island, which the ancient Greeks believed was created out of the bodies of giants slayed by Hercules, receives about 300 days of sunshine each year and is known for its abundance of sandy beaches, whitewashed buildings, and sparkling blue waters. Mykonos Town, meanwhile, is a quaint and charming town with maze-like streets crammed with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. After the sun sets, the town’s bars and nightclubs come alive.
Below are six must-see attractions when visiting this beautiful Greek island.
Sandy Beaches
You can't miss the beaches on Mykonos—the island is ringed with white-sand hideaways for people who want to relax in the sun or swim and surf in the water. Those who prefer relative peace and quiet as opposed to the busy, party-atmosphere beaches should check out Agios Sostis beach, which is among the most remote of the island's many beaches. There are no beach bars, umbrellas, deck chairs, or any other amenities, however, so bring your own comforts. The beach is also only accessible via taxi and private vehicles. Many people surf here because of the strong north-westerly winds. Panormos Beach is another relatively quiet beach, but with more recreational offerings, including a space for beach volleyball and a shaded tavern.
Those looking to experience the quintessential Mykonos party scene are better off visiting Paradise Beach or Super Paradise Beach, the latter of which is aptly named as it takes the open-air party vibes at Paradise Beach to another level. Several beach bars liven the atmosphere at Super Paradise Beach and it's almost never quiet, with loud music playing throughout the day and night. There are also opportunities for wakeboarding and jet skiing.
Platys Gialos and Elia Beach aren't as quiet as Agios Sostis, nor as loud as Super Paradise Beach. They're great options for families.
Ano Mera
Ano Mera is a hidden gem of a village that is less frequented by tourists but, as one of the island's oldest villages, boasts a rich history with several ancient buildings and sites. It's also relatively remote, meaning it offers a quiet getaway from the crowded beaches and busy downtown Mykonos Town streets. There's also plenty of great lookout points from which to appreciate the island and the surrounding sea.
The Panagia Tourliani is one of the must-visit buildings in Ano Mera. Founded in 1542, the monastery is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and has an on-site museum with sacred vestments and rare Byzantine artifacts. The Castle of Gyzi ruins and Paleokastro Monastery, constructed in the 1700s, are also worth checking out.
Little Venice Quarter
The Little Venice Quarter is a charming seaside area and one of Europe's most photographed destinations. Believed to have been constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, when the island was under Venetian rule, its colorful and elegant seaside houses were once owned by wealthy individuals, including captains and merchants. Today, the area is known for its nightlife and bar scene. It also has several restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops located just steps away from the sea.
Kato Mili
Located south of Mykonos Town, the Mykonos windmills, known as Kato Mili, are among the most iconic attractions on the island. Several windmills sit atop a hill overlooking the Little Venice area. Many of them were built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Back then, some belonged to the island's monasteries, while wealthy families used others to mill wheat. The wood-and-straw capped relics are now museums and serve as great lookout points.
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
Designed by renowned architect Alexandros Lykakis in 1902, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos houses many rare and beautiful ancient artifacts and works of art. The Archaeological Society of Athens and the Ministry of Education came up with the idea to construct the museum to house the findings of scholar D. Stravropoulos, who unearthed urns and other items from an underground enclosure known as the Purification Pit. These items date back to 425 B.C.
The Archaic Hydria is among the museum's best-known artifacts. Found in the Purification Pit, the red-figure hydria—a type of ceramic jug—features floral patterns and pictures of horses. Other notable items include the statue of Hercules from Rheneia, which depicts a naked Hercules clutching a lion skin and a club in his left hand, and the grave steles (gravestones) of Tertia Horaria and Glykon. There's also a collection of Hellenistic period vases.
Delos Island
While it's not part of Mykonos, Delos Island is a must-visit destination easily accessible via boat from the port of Mykonos Town. The goddess Artemis and god Apollo, according to ancient Greek mythology, were born on Delos Island. Tourists can visit the remains of an ancient sanctuary and theater on the small, uninhabited island. Other notable attractions include the Terrace of the Lions, House of Dionysus, and Cleopatra's House. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological treasures in the Mediterranean, Delos is a must-visit for history buffs and offers a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos Town.