MYKONOS TRAVEL GUIDE.
One of the biggest tourist destinations in Greece, Mykonos attracts cruises, families, and honeymooning couples. It is the most expensive island in the Cyclades, but it’s tough to resist with its quiet winding streets, small alleys lined with whitewashed houses overlooking a beautiful harbor, beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and out of control nightlife.
If you visit Mykonos in the summer, be prepared for heavy crowds and sky high prices. I love the island, but while this travel guide can help lower your costs, prices are so high during the peak season that I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here if you want to stick to a budget.
Come during the shoulder season, enjoy the island, and skip the crowds!This travel guide to Mykonos will give you the low down on everything you need to know to plan your visit!
Hang out at Elia Beach
The longest stretch of white sands in Mykonos, this beach also has clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It’s about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Mykonos Town, which makes for an ideal day trip away from the bustling tourist spots. It’s lined with restaurants and bars, as well as watersports kiosks advertising water-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.
Go scuba diving
There’s great scuba diving around Mykonos. You won’t find a lot of coral, but you’ll see lots of fish and a few wrecks. Paradise Reef has a large variety of marine life, including sponges, barracuda, octopus, and starfish. There’s also Dragonisi with its unique underwater rock formations.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
This museum won’t take you long to visit as it’s very small, but it contains some treasures, like the headless statue of Hercules from the 2nd-century BC, carved beautifully out of Parian marble. There are also a lot of artifacts from nearby Delos, including pottery and funerary monuments.
Explore Lena’s House
This is a traditional 19th-century Mykonian house turned folk museum. It contains all of the original owner’s antique furnishings as well as artwork like paintings, tapestries, and woodcarvings all laid out to resemble how the house would have looked in the 1800s. Be sure to also check out the display case of 18th-century Mykonian women’s clothing, as well as two courtyards and dovecote.
Watch the sunset at the windmills
The 16 windmills on the hills around Mykonos Town are a symbol of the island and happen to be the most popular place to catch the sunset. Be prepared for crowds so head over there early to get a good spot.
Go snorkeling
If you’re not a diver, you can still check out some of the underwater activity by renting some snorkeling equipment. Paranga Beach has the island’s best snorkeling conditions with calm weather and clear waters, but you can also hop on a boat tour for some deep-water snorkeling.
Take a boat tour
Although this may not be a budget-friendly option, it’s a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can consider a variety of prices and options, from party cruises to more scenic-themed trips. Many cruises will take you to Delos or the Rhenia Islands (with lots of time for swimming), or you’ll hang out at Paradise Beach for a bit before having a BBQ back on the boat.
Visit the Aegean Maritime Museum
The Aegean Maritime Museum covers everything from ancient times to modern-day. Its exhibits include amphorae, old nautical maps, navigational instruments, and incredibly detailed models of sailing ships and steamers. Don’t forget to see the giant Fresnel lighthouse in the courtyard before you leave
