Explore Mykonos a very famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise and beautiful island in the Aegean Sea. It is a favorite holiday place visited by millions every year.

It combines amazing sandy sun kissed beaches, crystal blue waters, cities in blue and white, bare hills, white country chapels, traditional lifestyle, hospitable people and will give you a lifetime experience.

It’s popularly known for its summer party atmosphere. Beaches have bars that play music and many dance clubs typically stay open well past dawn. Iconic landmarks include a row of 16th-century windmills, which sit on a hill above Mykonos town.

Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations.

During summer Mykonos is one of the most crowded islands in Greece, so be sure to plan your holidays far in advance. To escape the crowds, visit the island during spring or fall.

Chora, the capital town spreads out over a wide area. It is located in a sheltered bay on the west coast. Walk around its narrow, mazelike marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with blue doors and shutters.

Matoyianni Street, glamorous and always colorful and busy, is the heart of the retail scene, with chic, high-end shops, charming cafes and art galleries. The town is filled with waterfront bars, seafood restaurants.

Visit the church of Panayia Paraportiani, the Town hall, the castle situated above the harbor, Folklore and Maritime Museums to take in a little history.

At the lively waterfront admire a fleet of fishing boats casting colorful reflections in the azure waters. This is where you will find the Kazárma building.

There you will come across the official mascot of Mykonos, which is a pelican called Petros that was found by a fisherman after a storm in 1954, and eventually became the locals’ companion.

When he died, the grief for his loss was so deep that a replacement was soon found. In honor of Petros, the locals have established a long tradition of pelicans wandering around the waterfront as an essential part of everyday life. So, whatever you do, don’t forget to take a picture with the successor of the famous pelican Petros.

One of the most scenic corners of the island is Alefkántra or “Little Venice”, a 18th century district, dominated by grand captains’ mansions with colorful balconies and stylish windows. With balconies looking over the sea, pictures of the famous Italian city spring to mind. Relax at a waterfront café and admire the view of the windmills on the hillside above, set against a luminous blue backdrop.

The second traditional settlement of Mykonos is Áno Merá, situated around the historic monastery of Panayia Tourliani (a 16th century church with a brilliant carved wooden iconostasis). To the north, in Fteliá, lies an important Neolithic settlement, and a 14th-13th century BC Mycenaean tomb.

Along the southern coast you will find a great selection of the most cosmopolitan town. Here, wild parties keep the crowds rocking day and night with best known Paradise and Super paradise. 

Órnos and Psaroú are favorite spots for families.

Platis Yalós, has a well-organized beach. However, if you are looking for a quiet serene beach to relax and unwind with a book, pick a less organized one on the northern coast of the island, like Ayia Anna  Houlákia, Kapari, Agrári and Ayios Stéfanos.

The island is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts. It attracts surfers and sailors from all over the world. There is a great choice of beaches for windsurfing; however, the most secluded ones are considered to be the best.

At many of them surfing lessons are also available.

Play tennis or mini golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Anna or try sea parachuting or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis.

Diving fans can do a little exciting exploration of the underwater magic of Mykonos. September is thought to be the best month for diving, as the water is warm and visibility is good down at the seabed.

You can find many well-organized diving centers and stores specializing in diving equipment.

Explore the island on a boat and discover secluded beaches, or take a boat tour around the nearby islets, which are also ideal fishing spots.

Treat yourself to some local specialties. Pepper flavored kopanistí, a soft cheese seasoned with pepper, is the island’s gastronomic trademark. Try it as a topping on a round rusk spread with grated tomato, a favorite local appetizer. Meat eaters can sample “loúzes” (cooked pork filet with spices) and tasty local sausages sprinkled with pepper, and local oregano that has been caressed by the sun and dried in the north wind.

To finish off your meal you can sample two exceptionally good local pastries, “amigdalotá” (small round cakes with ground almond, rosewater and caster sugar) and honey pie.

You can arrive by air from Athens airport or by ferry from Piraeus and Rafina

Cars are not permitted in the town of Mykonos, so you can leave your car in a parking place on the outskirts. Buses, taxis and small passenger boats provide transport around the island.