M
ykonos, a picturesque island located off the Aegean Sea and located between Tinos and Naxos is full of charming Greek gems. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in its azure waters, vibrant culture, and rich history.
I am thrilled to share with you what I did with my 10 hours at port as a stop when myself and my mum did a 7-night Greek Cruise. I will share how to make the most of one day at Mykonos uncovering iconic spots so that when you go, you will know which areas are worth visiting for an incredible trip.
Wondering the Streets
When we arrived at port we hopped onto a water taxi which the locals use to get around from the old port to the new port (4 euros pp). At the new port it is very easy and accessible to wonder around and get lost through the alleys. You will definitely find small quaint shops, cats lazying on a step, idyllic waterfront cafes and picturesque white washed walls.
Stumbling upon the enchanting streets of Little Venice, a district characterised by its elegant venetian-inspired architecture. The houses stand just a stone throw away from the sea, creating a magical ambiance. For a romanic setting Alefkandra restaurant offers stunning views whilst indulging in fine cuisine.
Windmills of Mykonos
A short 7 min walk from the New port you will find the iconic Windmills of Mykonos. These age-old structures are perched on a hill overlooking the town of Chora, offering a breathtaking view of the island’s white-washed buildings and the sparkling sea. When I walked up to them I was shocked at the size of them and how large they are but when at sea not so much. The windmills of Mykonos is a great location to witness an epic sunset. As the sun sets over the horizon, the golden hues dance on the water, creating a breathtaking atmosphere that is great for any photographer.
In front of the windmills, there was a photoshoot with the popular flying dresses. Some photographers work out there solely to capture those moments for you so it’s worth checking out if you are interested in creating those type of memories.
Head back to the Windmills of Mykonos to witness a spellbinding sunset. As the sun sets over the horizon, the golden hues dance on the water, creating a magical atmosphere. This breathtaking spectacle is a must-capture moment for any photographer.
Matoyianni Street
Taking a leisurely stroll along Matoyianni Street you will find Mykonos’ vibrant shopping district. Explore the eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops, where you can find unique gifts to bring back home. There are many local handmade jewellery and textile shops. The street was narrow at some points and can get very crowded in peak times but that is all part of the experience. You will find taverns and restaurants which serve amazing souvlaki and gyros. The bars are quiet in the day but late until the early hours you will be sure to find a good selection.
Greek Food in Mykonos
In Mykonos you will find the prices for food higher than other Greek Island due to its high popularity with tourists. However, with that in mind, you should sample authentic Greek dishes at local taverns. I would recommend a Gyros that tastes even better when in Greece.
Roaming the streets on a scorching day with limited shade meant we welcomed the first ice cream we saw and that happened to be “I Scream” homemade ice-cream cafe. We sat inside and after deciding on flavours, there was so many to pick from, we cooled content with our ice-creams.
Picturesque Beaches
Unwinding at one of the island’s famous beaches is a must and something we did for most of the day. Psarou Beach and Super Paradise Beach are perfect spots to soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and indulge in beachside cocktails. We walked to Paralia Megali Ammos Beach which was a leisurely 20 minute walk away from the old port. At this beach you could just lay on your own beach towel or hire the sun loungers from the Mykonos Bay hotel for 25 euros per day. With this cost we had access to their private pool, beach bar and sun loungers in their grounds. We spent time on both the public beach and private pool and the vibes were 100%! We enjoyed snacks whilst enjoying the crystal blue and very cold water.
At most of the beaches, you’ll find local tavernas and beach bars, perfect for a drink and snack while you enjoy the crystal blue water.
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos in Chora has antiques gathered from since the 1st century BC. You will see a display of black vases from Ionian islands that have been preserved. There is also a statue of Heracles wielding a club from Rheneia.
