Mykonos Island Archives - Mykonos Villas & Luxury Properties Specialist

When most people think of Mykonos, what they picture first is its whitewashed houses, crazy nightlife, celebrities and, of course, heavenly sandy beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters. But… is that all? No, definitely not! Let’s have a look at the top attractions in Mykonos that prove that this Greek island is more than just a place to relax on the beach with a cocktail in hand or to have fun at the clubs; it’s also a place to spend some quality time getting to know the local culture, architecture and history and dive into the past centuries and millenniums.

1. Little Venice

One the most beautiful areas of Mykonos town, overlooking the sea and the iconic windmills. Here you will have the opportunity to take amazing photos of both the town and the windmills. The atmosphere is lovely and there are lots of bars, restaurants and shop to choose from. Do yourself a favor and find a table with a great view, order a refreshing cocktail and watch the sun setting into the sea. ‘Little Venice’ is a must if you visit Mykonos!

2. Windmills (Kato Myloi)

The Windmills are the most picturesque landmark of the island, seen from every point of Mykonos Town. The Windmills or ‘Kato Myloi’ are located on a hill overlooking the town and the Aegean Sea. Most of them were built by the Venetians in the 16th century. They were primarily used to mill wheat and were an important source of income for the islanders, until they ceased production in the middle of the 20th century. Taking a photo here is a must-do for any visitor.

3. Church of Panagia Paraportiani

Reportedly the oldest church in Mykonos, Panagia Paraportiani is a wonderful whitewashed monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This special church is an impressive mixture of different architectural styles that were combined in a single structure. The five churches—four at ground level and one at the center above them—were built between the 15th and the 17th century. It’s a church worth visiting to enjoy its beauty and take some beautiful photos.

4. Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos definitely deserves a visit! Its exhibition includes a large number of vases ranging from the prehistoric to the late Hellenistic period (25th-1st century BC), grave statues, pottery discovered on Rhenea (Rineia) island, jewellery and weapons. Perhaps the most important exhibit is the “Mykonos vase”, a pithos that was found in 1961 by a local islander, and it’s the first known depiction of the Trojan Horse (dated to about 670 BC).

5. Archaeological Site and Museum of Delos

The Archaeological Museum of Delos hosts some of the most valuable treasures of Delos island—one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece. The collection of the Museum includes the originals of some of the most significant findings from the excavations on the ancient site, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You won’t regret seeing the stunning lions from the monumental ‘Avenue of the Lions’ and some beautiful mosaics!

6. Aegean Maritime Museum

Take a journey back in history! The Aegean Maritime Museum is housed in a traditional building of the 19th century, located at the centre of the Town of Mykonos. The goal of the Museum is the preservation, promotion and study of the Greek maritime history and tradition in the historic region of the Aegean Sea. Here you will see the evolution of the ships that sailed the Greek seas, you will discover interesting artifacts and navigation tools of the past, and you will admire reproductions of ancient marble gravestones from the islands of Mykonos and Delos.

7. Folklore Museum

Located inside an old captain’s house in Kastro neighborhood of Mykonos Town, the Folklore Museum is a little gem full of history. Here you will explore an eclectic collection of furniture, tools, utensils, paintings and photographs from the 19th century that cover many aspects of Mykonos life. Don’t miss the basement, where there is an old fishing boat and some other pretty interesting exhibits.

8. Agricultural Museum and Boni Windmill

The Agricultural Museum of Mykonos is actually a part of the Folklore Museum, displaying various traditional agricultural tools. A division of its exhibitions is hosted in the Boni Windmill, a perfectly preserved windmill of the 16th century, located above Mykonos Town. Here you will see where past inhabitants weighed and collected the flour. Also, on the first Sunday of September, the grape harvest festival is held here. Tip: This is one of the best places in Mykonos from where to view a magical sunset!

9. Neolithic Settlement of Ftelia

The archaeological site of Ftelia is located at the northern part of Mykonos. The excavations have revealed many interesting findings, like fragments of ceramic vessels, animal bones and arrowheads made of obsidian, that attest to the existence of inhabitants during the Neolithic period. It is believed that here was the tomb of ancient Iliad war hero, Ajax the Locrian.

10. Armenistis Lighthouse

This 19-meter high old lighthouse is located on the northern side of the island, away from all the fuzz of Mykonos Town and other popular tourist areas. Armenistis lighthouse is one of the top attractions in Mykonos and it’s totally worth the visit, as you are rewarded with exceptional panoramic views and great opportunities to take impressive photos of the astounding scenery or even enjoy a really romantic sundowner picnic.

According to Greek mythology, Anius was the king of Delos and priest of Apollo. Anius had three daughters—Oeno, Spermo, and Elais—and three sons: Andros, Mykonos, and Thasos. Mykonos gave his name to this island, that was created from the huge rocks that Hercules threw in the sea, during his fight with the Giants

Excavations have revealed that the first inhabitants of Mykonos, which is located right across Delos, in the center of the Cyclades complex, were Carians; something that is also mentioned by Herodotus. Phoenicians, Egyptians, Minoans and, finally, Ionians followed next.

Not many things are known about Mykonos during the ancient times. It had always been in the shadow of Delos, which was considered a sacred island, being the birthplace of god Apollo and goddess Artemis. Mykonos did become an important place for supplies and transit; however, it remained a poor island with limited agricultural resources.

During the reign of the Roman Empire, Mykonos came under the control of the Romans and later it became part of the Byzantine Empire. At the beginning of the 13th century, Mykonos was occupied by Andrea Ghisi and finally given over to direct Venetian rule, in 1390.

In 1537, Mykonos was attacked by Hayreddin Barbarossa, the infamous admiral of the Ottoman fleet. The Ottomans imposed a system of self-governance and when the nearby island of Tinos fell to the Ottomans in 1718, the Venetians withdrew from the region.

Mykonos prospered as a trading centre until the end of the 18th century.

The inhabitants of Mykonos played an important role during the Greek War of Independence that broke out in 1821. Manto Mavrogenous was a national heroine that invited the leaders of Mykonos to join the revolution and spent all her fortune for the Hellenic cause.

Greece finally became an independent state in 1830. Despite the fact that the economy of Mykonos island was completely destroyed, it managed to reinforce its commercial power later on, thanks to the sailing and merchant activities of the Mykonians. However, the economy declined again during the late 19th century and during the First World War.

Thankfully, the local economy was hugely assisted by tourism. In the 1930s many famous artists, politicians and rich Europeans would spend their vacations in Mykonos, which became a hot spot for travelers from all over the world.

Tourists started coming to Mykonos again after the end of the Second World War, in the 1950s and 1960s—and have not stopped since.

Today, it’ s no wonder that Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!

Top 10 Attractions in Mykonos