Mykonos Old Town Guide: 10 Amazing Things to do with Beaches

Welcome to Mykonos! Not only is this tiny island one of the most visited vacation spots in Greece, but it’s becoming a top dream destination of the world. For years the white washed maze of streets and crystal clear Aegean Sea have been drawing travelers in, and it’s only getting more popular by the day. For this reason, the time to visit is now! Our Mykonos travel guide is perfect for any trip, whether you’re going for a day or one week. We breakdown everything from arriving by ferry or plane, getting around on the Mykonos Seabus, all the must see beaches, and exploring old town. 

Greece Travel Inspiration

• Planning a Trip to Greece: 10 Step Easy to Follow Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Greek Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary
• 30 Fun Facts About Greece and its Incredible Ancient History
• The Ultimate Greek Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary
• 11 Best Beaches on Rhodes Greece: Anthony Quinn to St. Paul’s Bay

Mykonos Travel Guide Essential Facts

Celebrity Hot Spot: Mykonos has been catering to celebrities since the 1950’s and that’s only increasing year after year. It’s common to see famous people dining around town, or shopping in the glamorous boutiques. 

Summer Sun: With over 300 days of sun per year it’s easy to see why there are so many happy people in Mykonos!

 Color Coded: The only colors allowed on doors and windows are blue, green and red. This is an old tradition when farmers would paint their doors green, fishermen blue, and everyone else red.

Pirate Life: In medieval times pirates lived in and around Mykonos as they patrolled the Aegean Sea. They would routinely attack old town, or use the colorful coves as a place to hide their boats after looting nearby islands.

Ancient Windmills: The 16 giant windmills seen around Mykonos are an iconic feature of the island. They were built in the 16th century by the Venetians, and primarily used to mill wheat.

Party Time: Mykonos is internationally known for its epic party life. The trendy clubs play loud music into the morning, and the dancing often spills out onto the beaches. The clubs are a Mykonos must see attraction in themselves!

Population Boom: While the population of Mykonos is only around 15,000 in the winter, the island can accommodate up to 250,000 people in peak season.

Greek Gods: Mykonos is home to many Greek legends of the gods. It’s said to be where the infamous battle between Zeus and the Titans took place, and also where Hercules slayed the Giants.

*If you have any more essential facts for our Mykonos guide let us know in the comments!

Arriving at Mykonos Airport

The airport is not far from Mykonos old town or the ferry harbor (new port), but it can be a little tricky to get around when you arrive. There are three ways to get out of the airport and to your accommodation:

Hotel Pickup: You will notice right away that at least 50% of the people arriving have someone from their hotel waiting to pick them up. Some hotels charge a fee, yet many on the island offer this service free as part of your stay. It’s best to get in contact beforehand with your accommodation to find out.

Taxi: There are typically more passengers than taxis outside the airport, so jump in line right away! Taxis run about €10 Euros to Mykonos old town and €15-20 to the New Port Ferry Terminal. Also, note that a lot of taxis aren’t metered. In this case it’s important to set the price before you get in to avoid an unexpected high fare.

Public Bus: The public bus is the cheapest option and picks up right where you exit the arrival halls. It can be problematic that they don’t run regularly, but you can check the posted times outside on the bus pole. Tickets cost €2.50 and the bus goes to the ferry terminal before heading to Mykonos Old Town.

*Mykonos town, Mykonos Old Port, Mykonos Old Town, and Fabrika (Bus Stop) are all the same place! This is just a friendly FYI in our Mykonos travel guide, as we were confused exactly where are bus was going when first arriving.

New Port Ferry Terminal & Mykonos Seabus

From the New Port Ferry Terminal where all the ferries and cruise ships come into is the Mykonos Seabus. This is a small ferry that runs to the center of old town.

The trip only takes a few minutes, and at €1.80 it’s the most economical way to get there. If you’re not feeling the Mykonos Seabus, there’s also a real bus that stops into old town.

However, it will take longer and is only worth using if you plan to head straight to the airport. Be sure to check out our article below to help decide the best option to get to Mykonos for you. 

→ Ferry vs Flights! How to Get From Athens to Mykonos Greece

Must-see Mykonos Attractions 

Whether you’re island hopping through Greece by ferry, on a cruise stopover, or simply taking in Mykonos, don’t leave old town without visiting these five hot spots! These Mykonos must see attractions and activities were a highlight of our time here. We also loved how they can all easily be seen in one afternoon. 

Windmills of Kato Mili

The Windmills of Kato Mili are what most people think of when they picture Mykonos! Situated on a small harbor just to the left of old town, these seven windmills stand in a row beautifully overlooking the ocean. They represent one of the earliest forms of manufacturing in Greece and have long made Mykonos a popular pitstop for ships passing through.

→ Windmills of Kato Mili Location

Little Venice 

You won’t have to travel far to see the “Little Italy” of Mykonos. We actually found this name quite funny because we had just come directly to Mykonos after exploring the real Venice Italy for two days!

Little Venice gets its name from the gorgeous restaurants and bars that sit right on the waters edge. This part of our Mykonos travel guide also has the perfect sunset view, but you’ll have to come early to get a table. You can also bring your own bottle of wine and grab a slice of sand to take in the golden hour.

→ Little Venice Location

Boni’s Windmill 

Boni’s Windmill is another landmark of Mykonos, displayed proudly above old town and the white buildings below. You’ll enjoy a quick walk up through the winding streets and traditional Mykonos architecture while looking back for views of the bright blue ocean. This windmill is one of the most preserved on the island, and also makes for a fantastic picture spot!

→ Boni’s Windmill Location

Mykonos Harbor 

On the opposite side of Little Venice, you’ll find the harbor and a small jetty to walk across. This is actually where you’ll start your day if you arrive on the island by ferry and take the Mykonos Seabus to town!

After you’ve worked up an appetite grab, a meal at one of the many seaside restaurants and take a dip in the refreshing ocean. Just passed the boardwalk, there is a small stretch of sand where you can lay down a towel and enjoy your day in the sun.

→ If you prefer you can book a Mykonos walking tour and be guided through the small backstreets. This is a great way to see the Mykonos must see attractions, and visit the famous landmarks of the city. 

180º Sunset Bar 

No Mykonos travel guide would be complete without the best view on the island! From the 180º sunset bar you can see the entire harbor and other Greek islands in the far distance. Honestly, these are the kind of views that you dream about when imagining Greece!

We went up during the day to take photos, but it’s clearly the best for sunset. The bar typically opens 1.5 hours before sunset and this spot will be a highlight of your visit.

→ 180º Sunset Bar Location

Mykonos Beach Breakdown

After taking the Mykonos Seabus and exploring old town it’s time to hit the beach! Now like everything in Mykonos, even the beach is done with a little more glitz and glamour.

Plush beach chairs spill out from every restaurant, bar, and club which overtake the sand. Despite its wild reputation, you can find everything from relaxing to out of this world party beaches. Depending on your mood for the day it’s important to know where to go! 

Buses leave regularly from Mykonos Old Town and there is a small kiosk where you can buy your tickets. Just make sure to check the return times! Also, in the summer months you can take the bus to Platis Gialos and get boat transfers to the beaches from there. 

Ornos: Quick bus from Mykonos old town. Chill bars and relaxing cove. 

Platys Gialos Beach: Wide stretching family orientated beach.

Psarou Beach: One of the most popular and famous beaches with white sand and clear water.

Paraga Beach: Two-part beach! South side is calm, with the north full of taverns serving beach drinks, food, and playing music.

Elia Beach: Longest Beach in Mykonos and also the last stop for Platis Gialos beach boat transfers. 

Paradise: Known as the party beach and full of bars and clubs. There is a saying in Mykonos that when the sun goes down, the music goes up on Paradise beach.

Super Paradise: Hot spots for celebs, VIP’s, and parties. It does however come with a hefty price tag to enjoy your fun in the sun!

→ Explore the island in style and book a beach hopping boat tour with BBQ lunch!

Have any questions on our Mykonos Travel Guide? How about any info on the Mykonos Seabus, or more amazing places we left out? Let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar! 

Where To Stay In Mykonos

Ultra Luxury– Anax Resort and Spa – Stylish and spacious rooms with amazing sea views. You won’t need to leave with your choice of infinity pool, hot tub, or private beach area.

Fun Vacation– Chill Out Studio – Traditional Greek rooms set above the city center, but just a quick 10 minute walk to town. The star of the show is the large outdoor pool where you can enjoy a glass of wine with a view!

Budget Travel – Angela’s Rooms – Our home while in Mykonos. The kindest owner who is happy to answer all your questions, even on the Mykonos Seabus. Quick walk to the town center and cute traditional rooms.

Hostel – MyCocoon Hostel – This hostel will be unlike any you have stayed in before! The small dorm beds are set in little cave like grottos right in the heart of town.

For more places to stay in Mykonos you can check out the latest prices here!

Pin For Later ↓

Greece Travel Planning 

Information: Explore all our articles on Greece, amazing destinations around the world, street food guides, and more travel planning tips!

When island hopping use FerriesinGreece to compare different routes, prices, and companies. 

 Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Crete to Athens for under $50 USD!

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also,  Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

 Rental Car: You can book a rental car for around $20 a day in Greece! We use Discover Cars to explore the larger islands with a vehicle.

 Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities in Greece. You can find everything from visiting the Acropolis in Athens to wine tasting in Santorini, and a boat tour in Milos.

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!

___________________________

Explore Greece

Rhodes: Planning a Trip – Renting a Car – 1 Week Itinerary – 23 Things to Do – Old Town – Elli Beach – Kallithea Springs – Lindos Guide – Lindos Acropolis – Monolithos –  Melenos Art Boutique Hotel – 11 Best Beaches – Anthony Quinn Bay

Karpathos: Fun Things to Do – 1 Week Itinerary – Must Try Food – 6 Best Beaches – Olympos – Saria Island Boat Tour – Sky Express Review

Crete: 10 Day Itinerary – 19 Food & Drinks – Matala Hippie Caves – Elafonisi (Pink Sand) – Renting a Car – Bus Tips – 20 Facts – Vai Beach Palm Trees – Best Things to Do

More Dodecanese: Halki Island – Symi Island Guide – Symi Things to Do 

Cyclades: Moon Beach Milos – Adamas Milos – Ios – Naxos Beaches – Naousa Paros – Galissas Syros – Santorini

Corfu: Old Town Food – Greece to Albania Ferry

___________________________

*We receive a commission for purchases made through links in this post. This allows us to continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! Also, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.