Book a Flight to Mykonos from €39

Little Venice and Kato Myloi: In Little Venice or Skarpa, the houses of the old ship's captains are right on the water. The doorway to the sea was meant to facilitate the exchange between the captains and pirates, so that goods could be moved directly into the basements of the houses. The windmills that dominate the southern edge of Chora, the main town of Mykonos, present one of the most recognisable spectacles of the island. Up until the early 20th century, the Aegean winds turned their sails as they milled the grains cultivated on the island that were then used to make the famous Mykonos rusks.

Paraportiani: A unique conglomeration of five churches (Agioi Anargyroi, Agios Efstathios, Agios Sozon, Agia Anastasia, Panagia) and an impressive remnant of the medieval architecture of Cycladic castles, Paraportiani gleams dazzlingly white in the sun. The result is not just a human creation; it was sculpted by the natural elements to give it its particularly organic appearance with the smooth curves. It took its name from its location next to a small gate, the postern door - the "paraporti" - through the medieval walls of the town. Built in the 16th century, it includes five small churches combined into a two-storey structure to create a cluster that has known a variety of uses through the centuries.

Delos: A stone's throw from Mykonos, the island of Delos - the Mecca of antiquity - is a must for every visitor. Though only 6.85 km2 in size, the island is home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This renowned ancient state, inhabited from the 3rd millennium BC, attracts crowds of visitors from all over the world. Boats set off daily from the old pier in Chora and after a 20-minute boat ride, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a walk or a guided tour of the "Greek Pompeii" and the archaeological museum there. In the north section of the island, you can see the porticoes and colonnades, the Agora, the Synagogue and a number of sanctuaries, including the Artemision, the Hieropoion, the Porinos Temple, the ancient theatre and the famous Terrace of Lions.  

Mykonos Archaeological Museum: Its collection includes a wealth of findings from the "Pit of Purification" and other graves discovered on the little island of Rheneia. The Cycladic pottery decorated with scenes from Greek mythology, the Fall of Troy and others are particularly impressive.
Address: Kamnaki, Mykonos Harbour, Tel.: +30 22890 22325

Aegean Maritime Museum: An elegant house in Tria Pigadia welcomes visitors with an old canon. The museum collection includes replicas of oarsmen, and wind- and steam-powered ships from the prehistoric to the modern age. In the back garden, the old lighthouse "Armenistis" stands with all of its glass lenses intact.
Address: Enoplon Dynameon 10, Tel.: +30 22890 22700

Mykonos tradition: Right next to the Maritime Museum is "Lena's House," a typical example of a late 19th century Mykonos home, complete with period furniture, cooking utensils, embroidery and other decorative and utilitarian items.
Tel.: +30 22890 22390

Ano Mera: A sample of the traditional Aegean, with farmhouses and rustic construction, Ano Mera is an alternative for visitors to this cosmopolitan island. Ideal for a relaxed stroll and coffee on the square, or for a visit to the ancient settlement of Paleokastro where one can admire the ruins of the medieval castle, foundations of dwellings and graves. You can see the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, founded in 1542, near the village. It is worth a visit to admire the beautiful templon, the bishop's throne, the pulpit, which is said to have been made in Florence, and the austere marble interior courtyard.

Beaches: The dozens of beaches on Mykonos compete with each other in natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and sophistication. Nevertheless, even if you are looking for a quiet beach and a little isolation, you can rest assured Mykonos will have something for you. Some of the organised beaches include Platys Gialos, Ornos and Ai-Giannis, and some of the more trendy ones are Psarou, Kalo Livadi or Elia. Some of the livelier ones with daily parties are Paradise, Paranga or famous Super Paradise, while Panormos and Agios Sostis are more low-profile. The island's more peaceful aspect may be experience at Fokos, Kappari, Lia and Agrari. At Kalafati beach, you can take windsurfing and water skiing lessons.

It is a shopper's paradise here, and specifically in Matogiannia, considered one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe. In Chora, you will find a number of shops with name-brand clothing, shoes and original accessories, while you can also find tasteful handmade mosaics, weavings and jewellery made by the artisans of Mykonos. The island is not just synonymous with gourmet flavours and luxury restaurants: Mykonos is rich in local products that are worth taking home with you. Don't leave without trying the traditional almond sweets and soumada orgeat syrup. Buy some Mykonos pork louza appetiser, and the sharp kopanisti cheese that is a great accompaniment for ouzo and any other strong Greek aperitif.

Mykonos' famed cuisine is well-known for louza, a charcuterie product made from smoked pork, and kopanisti, the creamy cheese with a kick. You should also try the local aubergine pilaf and the famous onion pie, fennel patties and garlic pasta. The gourmet tradition of Mykonos is highlighted by many of the best restaurants in Greece located right here and which have added Michelin stars to their credentials. As for entertainment, one might say the entire Chora of Mykonos is one giant club. Filled with countless bars, clubs, restaurants and cafés, there is a reason it is No. 1 in entertainment on an international level. Nevertheless, you can also find funky options for a good time outside Chora at settlements like Ornos, Ai-Giannis, Platys Gialos, and beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise.

• Activities: In Chora, you will see many galleries, while the Municipal Gallery also hosts exhibits. In summer, you can attend cultural events or concerts at the Grypareio Cultural Centre, 1 km outside Chora (Τel. +30 22890 28636, www.grypario.gr) or at Lakka Theatre (Τel. +30 22890 27791) or even see a film at the summer outdoor cinema "Cine Manto". (Τel. +30 22890 26165, www.cinemanto.gr).
• Saint's day celebrations: Like any Cycladic island, Mykonos has its own traditions, secret customs and festivals. The biggest one is on 15 August in Ano Mera, celebrating the Virgin Mary at the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, while traditional celebrations are also held for the harvest in September, and in honour of fishermen on 29 June and 6 December. The pig slaughter is also observed in a unique way every October after the grape harvest. This celebration consists of three parts: the sacrifice of a domestic pig, the gastronomy of pork and the celebration that takes place at this time. You have a chance to try some choice delicacies here, such as louza, bouboules and pork tenderloin. Note that Easter is celebrated with particular solemnity, while the custom of making small human forms with bread dough on Lazarus Saturday, a week before Easter Sunday, is also impressive.

Transport from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands at Mykonos National Airport. A small though comfortable airport, it features duty-free shops, restaurants and a café, as well as ATMs. The airport is located 4 km from the main town of Chora. To get from the airport to town, you can use the buses that depart regularly. You can also go by taxi. The journey from the airport to Chora takes about 10 minutes.