Armenistis Lighthouse stands on a bare headland on the north-west coast of Mykonos, far from the clubs and the crowds, and it is one of the island’s most photogenic landmarks. It was built in 1891 by the French Lighthouse Company, after the steamship Volta was wrecked in these waters in 1887 with heavy loss of life. The tower is about nineteen metres high and still guides ships through a stretch of sea known for strong currents and the meltemi wind. It remains in service under the Lighthouse Service of the Hellenic Navy, although the light stopped for a time during the Second World War before it was restored. From the headland you see open sea in every direction and, on a clear day, the outline of Delos and the island of Tinos. The setting is the attraction: stone walls, wild thyme, wind and a sky that turns gold and pink at the end of the day. It is free to see from the outside, and it is a popular place to watch the sunset away from the busier spots in town.
How it works
The lighthouse is on the north-west side of the island and is reached by road, usually from Mykonos Town or from the area around Ano Mera, followed by a short walk from where you park. Because it is an operating navigation light, you normally admire it from outside rather than going in, and you should not expect a ticket office, café or visitor centre, so bring what you need.
Check a map before you set out, because roads on this side of the island are narrow and some stretches are unpaved. A taxi, a rental car or a scooter is the easiest way, and some organised tours include a sunset stop here.
History
The lighthouse was a response to a tragedy. The steamship Volta sank off this coast in 1887, and the loss of life led the authorities to light the dangerous waters. The French Lighthouse Company, which built many Greek lights in the nineteenth century, designed and built the tower, and its large Fresnel lens, a ring of glass prisms that focuses a lamp into a powerful beam, projected light a long way out to sea.
The original lens and parts of the mechanism have been preserved and can be seen at the Aegean Maritime Museum in Mykonos Town, which makes a good companion visit.
Season and weather
You can visit all year, and the headland is open to the sea, so the weather matters. In summer the meltemi blows hard here, and strong gusts make the cliff edges unpleasant, so hold on to hats and keep children close. Sunset is the favourite time because the lighthouse faces the open sea, and the best light is often from May to September, when the sun sets over the water.
In winter the island is quiet, the sea is dramatic and the sunset comes early, so go in the afternoon and bring a warm, windproof jacket.
Making the most of it
Arrive an hour before sunset to explore, take photographs from different angles and walk along the cliff paths, taking care on loose stones. Bring water, a layer for the wind and a torch or your phone light for the walk back. If you want to eat nearby afterwards, plan dinner in advance, since there is little on the headland itself. Combine the visit with Ano Mera and the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, and finish at the Old Port or Little Venice if you want more sunset views.
What to expect
The experience
A free visit to a working lighthouse on a wild headland, with walks around the grounds, sea views toward Delos and Tinos and sunset photography.
Best time
The hour before sunset from May to September, or a bright, calm afternoon in winter.
How long
One to two hours, including the drive from town.
Tips
Bring a windproof layer, water and a light for the walk back, take care near cliff edges and hold on to hats in the wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sunset seekers, photographers and anyone who wants a quiet, windswept corner of Mykonos with a story.
- Families
- Children enjoy the lighthouse and the open space, but keep them close because the headland is windy and has cliff edges.
- Couples
- A quieter sunset than the town offers, with sea views, wind and wild scenery.
- Pair with
- The Aegean Maritime Museum, where the original lens is kept, and Ano Mera with its monastery.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, plus travel time.
Good questions
When was Armenistis Lighthouse built?+
It was built in 1891 by the French Lighthouse Company, after the steamship Volta was wrecked off the coast in 1887.
Can you go inside the lighthouse?+
It is still a working lighthouse under the Hellenic Navy’s Lighthouse Service, so you normally view it from outside. Check locally for any special openings.
Is there an entry fee?+
No. The headland and the view are free, but do not expect a café or visitor centre, so bring water and anything else you need.
What is the best time to visit?+
The hour before sunset is the favourite, especially from May to September. In summer it can be very windy, so bring a layer.
How do you get there?+
It is on the north-west side of the island, reached by road from Mykonos Town or Ano Mera, with a short walk at the end. A taxi, rental car or scooter is easiest, and some tours stop here at sunset.
