Chora, the main town and the island's capital, is an impressive and picturesque Cycladic settlement. Wander through its narrow backstreets, admire the little whitewashed houses with blue-colored window frames and small wooden balconies, and enjoy the pots of colorful fragrant flowers, the little churches, and the museums. Here, you'll find top hotels and resorts, designer boutiques, goldsmith shops, art galleries, and some of the most renowned restaurants and bars in Greece. For a dose of culture and history, take a boat trip to the nearby Delos Island, a significant and impressive archaeological site.
Visit Panagia Paraportiani Church, the Town Hall, and the Castle on the hill overlooking the harbor. Also, explore the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Collection of Mykonos, and the Aegean Maritime Museum. The Archaeological Museum, established in 1905, houses finds from the nearby Rineia Island.
During the warm months, the pedestrian streets of Mykonos, especially Matogianni, buzz with life, featuring designer clothes and jewelry boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to all needs day and night. Take a stroll in the picturesque harbor area and see the multi-colored fishing boats moored side by side.
Among the most popular and beautiful neighborhoods of the town is Alefkandra, or Little Venice. Built in the 18th century, this quarter features the stately homes of wealthy sea captains and traders of that time, lining the waterfront. The houses, with their bright-colored balconies and wooden galleries, are washed by the sea, earning this neighborhood its name, reminiscent of the famous Italian city. Upon arriving at Little Venice, you will see the island’s landmark, the imposing windmills overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Ano Mera
This is Mykonos’ second traditional town, extending inland around the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a three-aisled 16th-century church with an icon screen that is a masterpiece of wood-carving art. This picturesque little town, built in the local island style, is located near the center of the island, along the road towards the northeastern beaches. You’ll find a wide range of traditional tavernas to choose from. North of Ano Mera, in the Ftelia location, you will see the ruins of a Neolithic Age village and a Mycenaean Period tomb dating to the 14th - 13th centuries BC. Visit St. George’s Church, the Gyzi medieval castle (13th century), and the Holy Trinity Church. In the castle dominating the hill, you can see archaeological remains dating from the 12th century BC to the 1st century BC. Enjoy your coffee or meal at the town square.
Agios Stefanos
This seaside village boasts a beautiful beach. Visit Agios Stefanos chapel, the Armenistis lighthouse in the Fanari area, and Choulakia, a cove with an impressive pebble beach.
Ornos
This picturesque village features a sheltered little harbor and a lovely beach washed by crystal-clear waters.
Psarou
This seaside village is particularly popular with the rich and famous. Visit nearby Platys Gialos, where you will see the ruins of ancient towers dating to the Hellenistic Period (late 4th - 1st centuries BC). At a 1 km distance, there are two beautiful sandy beaches, Agia Anna and Paraga.
Kalafatis
This seaside village has a small wharf where fishing boats are moored. Its beach is a favorite spot for water sports fans. Visit the archaeological site at Divounia area and the chapel in Agia Anna location by the sandy beach.
Make sure to plan a trip to nearby Delos Island. This small island holds huge religious significance for the ancient Greeks, as it was the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. It’s an impressive large archaeological site you should definitely include in your list of must-visit places!
