Explore the Best of Mykonos, Including Iconic Windmills, Stunning Beaches, Delicious Cuisine, and More – Your Guide to a Memorable Greek Holiday
Mykonos, is a pretty island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea, and a popular vacation destination for travelers worldwide–known for its stunning beaches, picturesque whitewashed buildings, and vibrant nightlife.
If you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or dance the night away, there’s no shortage of things to do and see on this enchanting island.
Here are eight great things to do in Greece’s Island:
- Explore the town of Mykonos: The islands’s main town is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful bougainvillea. It’s a great place to explore and get lost in the winding alleys.
- Visit the Windmills: The Windmills are an iconic island symbol. You can walk up the hill briefly to get a great view of the Windmills and the sea.
- Relax on the beaches: The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The most popular ones are Paradise, Super Paradise, and Psarou, but many secluded beaches are worth exploring.
- Go on a day trip to Delos: Delos is a small island just off Mykonos’s coast. It is an important archaeological site and was once the center of the Cycladic civilization. You can take a boat from Mykonos to Delos and explore the ruins.
- Visit the Panagia Paraportiani Church: This beautiful church is one of the most photographed buildings. It is a complex of five small churches built over several centuries.
- Enjoy the nightlife: The island is famous for its nightlife that goes until dawn, with various clubs and bars catering to every taste. You can dance the night away at clubs like Cavo Paradiso or enjoy a cocktail at one of the many beach bars.
- Take a sunset cruise: Watching the sunset from the deck of a boat is a truly magical experience when visiting Greece. Many companies offer sunset cruises around the island.
- Try the local cuisine: It has a rich culinary tradition with many delicious dishes. Some regional specialties include seafood, louza (a type of smoked pork), and kopanisti (a spicy cheese spread).
Did you know?
Mykonos has a long history of being a hub for artists and creative types. In the 1950s and 60s, and became a popular destination for writers, painters, and other artists drawn to the island’s beauty and laid-back lifestyle.
Many artists, including Pablo Picasso and Tennessee Williams, stayed at the iconic Hotel Belvedere, a popular destination for creatives today.
A little history:
Mykonos’ history dates back thousands of years. The island was first inhabited by the Carians, an ancient tribe from Asia Minor, and later by the Ionians. In ancient times, it was an important center for shipping and commerce, with a thriving economy based on trade. The island was also home to several important religious sites, including the Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus.
During the Byzantine era, the island was an essential center for producing textiles and was known for its high-quality wool. The island was also a popular destination for pilgrims, who visited the many churches and religious sites.
In the 1200s, it was conquered by the Venetians, who established a trading post on the island. The Venetians built several fortifications on the island, including the iconic Windmills, which were used to grind wheat into flour.
In the 1500s, the island came under Ottoman rule and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until the early 19th century, when the Greeks liberated it.
Now, it is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and vibrant nightlife.
