Discover Mykonos

Mykonos brings together a landscape shaped by wind and rain, traces from different eras and the lively scene of Chora. Granite rocks, seasonal streams and rare flora define its natural character; in Chora, narrow cobbled streets and small whitewashed houses with blue windows and wooden balconies shape the townscape. When planning your trip, this raises a clear question: should nature, history, a stroll through Chora or the nightlife take centre stage?

A landscape of rocks, beaches and migratory birds

Mykonos’ distinctive landscape is shaped by granite rocks formed by wind and rain. It also includes limited cultivable meadows and seasonal streams. Rare flora and migratory birds are part of this natural scene, too. Mykonos has been designated an area of exceptional natural beauty. Those interested in the island’s nature will find more than a backdrop of rocks here: the landscape brings together geological formations, plant life and bird migration.

The coastline, too, has contrasting characteristics. Elia Beach retains its natural beauty, while the area around Fokos Beach is almost untouched. These descriptions emphasise different things: at Elia, the beach itself takes centre stage; at Fokos, it is the surrounding area. If nature and the coast are among your main interests, you can bear these places in mind when choosing your excursions.

Archaeology and the island’s history

The Mycenaean vaulted tomb of Angelika is the largest and best-preserved example of Mycenaean funerary architecture in the Cyclades. Its circular burial chamber has a diameter of 5.80 metres; the entrance passage is 14 metres long. The two measurements describe different parts of the structure: the interior space and the long entrance. The tomb is therefore a particularly tangible example of the architecture of this era.

At Ftelia, there is an organised settlement dating to Late Neolithic II, from 5000 to 4500 BC. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos houses antiquities from Mykonos as well as finds from excavations on Rheneia. It is one of the oldest museums in Greece.

The island’s more recent past is also part of its history: from the late 18th century to the middle of the 19th century, 28 windmills were in operation on Mykonos. The former Mycobar baryte mines in the northeast of Mykonos comprised houses, workshops, crushing and grinding equipment, and loading platforms. Little Venice, in turn, is a neighbourhood whose houses stand directly by the sea, with colourful wooden balconies. These examples range from historic work and production to distinctive architecture by the water.

Chora, a procession and nightlife

Chora can be explored on a leisurely stroll: its narrow cobbled streets wind between small white houses with blue windows and wooden balconies. If you prefer a quieter island moment to an evening out, you can make this walk a trip in its own right. By contrast, Mykonos nightlife includes dancing at beach bars and clubs. A stroll through the streets and music in the evening offer different sides of a stay.

A distinctive religious tradition is the procession of the miraculous icon of Panagia Tourliani. Since 1542, it has been held on the Saturday of the first week of Lent, from the monastery to Chora, and on Lazarus Saturday, from Chora back to the monastery. The two dates and directions go together: the procession first travels from the monastery to the island’s capital and later returns. The monastery is in Áno Merá; in this tradition, the procession connects it with Chora.

Typical Mykonian specialities

The island’s cuisine also has its own distinctive offerings. Kopanisti is a peppery cheese spread typical of Mykonos. Looza, another typical speciality, is air-dried ham seasoned with herbs. Amygdalota are a Mykonian sweet. The three examples are quite different: a spicy cheese spread, an air-dried meat speciality and a sweet treat to finish. If food is part of how you like to discover a place, these names offer a first taste of the local cuisine.

When choosing a holiday rental in Mykonos, it can help to first decide what you would like to focus on during your trip: nature and the coast, archaeological history, Chora, culinary discoveries or evenings of music and dancing. The flight from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Mykonos Airport takes 45 minutes.

More destination pages

More destination pages: Platys Gialos, Míkonos, Klouvas, Áno Merá, Elia, Agios Stefanos, Psarrou and Kalafatis.

For the overview of destinations: Mikonos.