Delos Archaeological Site
The sacred island of Apollo, a short boat ride from Mykonos Town, with the ruins of a whole ancient city, its sanctuaries, theatre, mosaic houses and an excellent site museum.
South Aegean (Greece)
Mykonos
Mykonos is the Cyclades island everyone has heard of, and the reputation is earned: beach clubs, sunset bars and a summer crowd that fills every lane. Underneath it sits an older, prettier island.
Chora, the main town, is a maze of whitewashed lanes, blue shutters and tiny chapels, with the balconies of Little Venice hanging over the sea and a row of Venetian-era windmills on the ridge above. Half an hour away by boat lies Delos, the sacred island where the ancient Greeks believed Apollo and Artemis were born. This guide covers Mykonos and Delos only; Santorini and Athens have their own Twickly guides. It is plain about the calendar, because Mykonos is a seasonal island. From about April to October the beach clubs, cruises, Delos boats and most hotels are at full strength. In winter many hotels and restaurants close, and the Delos site itself is shut from 1 December to 31 March under its published schedule. Each page says what runs when, so you can pick your dates with open eyes.
Don't miss
Delos Archaeological Site
The sacred island of Apollo, a short boat ride from Mykonos Town, with the ruins of a whole ancient city, its sanctuaries, theatre, mosaic houses and an excellent site museum.
Mykonos Town (Chora)
The island’s whitewashed capital, a labyrinth of paved lanes, chapels, painted balconies and small squares between the Old Port, Little Venice and the windmills.
Little Venice and the Windmills
The most photographed corner of Mykonos: painted wooden balconies built right over the waves, with the island’s famous windmills lined up on the ridge just above.
Panagia Paraportiani
Five churches fused into one sculptural white building in the old Kastro quarter, the most admired piece of Cycladic architecture on the island.
Things to do in Mykonos
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeMykonos Town (Chora)
The island’s whitewashed capital, a labyrinth of paved lanes, chapels, painted balconies and small squares between the Old Port, Little Venice and the windmills.
2 to 3 hoursDetails →
FreeLittle Venice and the Windmills
The most photographed corner of Mykonos: painted wooden balconies built right over the waves, with the island’s famous windmills lined up on the ridge just above.
1 to 2 hoursDetails →
FreePanagia Paraportiani
Five churches fused into one sculptural white building in the old Kastro quarter, the most admired piece of Cycladic architecture on the island.
30 minutesDetails →
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
A small state museum by the Old Port, open year-round except Tuesdays, with finds from Delos and Rhenia and the remarkable Mykonos Pithos showing the fall of Troy.
FreeAno Mera and Panagia Tourliani Monastery
The island’s inland village, with a sixteenth-century white monastery on its square and tavernas known for grilled Mykonian meats and local kopanisti cheese.
2 to 3 hoursDetails →
Petros the Pelican and the Old Port
The harbour front of Mykonos Town, with fishing boats, waterfront cafés and the island’s famous pelican mascots, descendants in spirit of the original Petros.
1 hourDetails →
Agios Sostis and the Quiet North Coast Beaches
Unorganised sandy coves on the north coast, such as Agios Sostis and Fokos, with no sunbeds or bars: the quiet alternative to the beach clubs, and empty out of season.
2 to 3 hoursDetails →
Mykonos Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks
A five-hour catamaran cruise from Mykonos with a meal, drinks and transport included, for swimming, sunshine and the island seen from the water.
Mykonos Half-Day Small-Group Island Tour
A half-day minivan tour for up to twelve people with hotel pickup, taking in Chora, Little Venice, the windmills, Ano Mera, the monastery and a beach.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Tagoo, Mykonos Town
A five-star cliffside resort at Tagoo with an infinity pool, spa, private-pool suites and a free shuttle to town, open in the summer season.
Check rates →Semeli Hotel
Rochari, Mykonos Town
A five-star hotel in the upper part of Mykonos Town with Cycladic architecture, a heated garden pool, a spa and two restaurants, open for much of the year.
Check rates →Porto Mykonos Hotel
Mykonos Town (near the Old Port)
A four-class hotel five minutes from the Old Port with sea views, a pool, a restaurant and free parking, open from April to mid-October.
Check rates →Livin Mykonos Hotel
Drafaki, Mykonos Town
An adults-only boutique hotel at Drafaki with a seasonal pool, a poolside bar and sea-view suites, close to the windmills and the airport.
Check rates →Hotel Lefteris
Apollonos Street, Mykonos Town
A small budget hotel on Apollonos street, one minute from Matoyianni Street, with a rooftop terrace and eleven rooms in the heart of Mykonos Town.
Check rates →Mykonos guides
First Time in Mykonos: What to Book, How to Get Around & How Many Days
A practical first-timer primer for Mykonos and Delos: what to book ahead, which months suit which plans, how to reach Delos, getting around the island and how many days you need.
Where to Stay in Mykonos: Neighbourhoods and Hotels by Budget
Where to stay in Mykonos: why Chora is the best base for most visitors, the differences between Tagoo, Rochari, the Old Port and Drafaki, and five hotels from budget to luxury, with their seasons.
