The best things to do in Mykonos pair the old town with the coastline: sunset at the windmills of Mykonos Town, a day trip to the archaeological site of Delos, swimming at Rhenia, and lunch at a south coast beach club. Boat Trips Club runs private yachts from Ornos Bay in Mykonos, each a 4-hour charter with open bar, snorkeling gear, and captain and crew included.
Where to Focus: The Best Things to Do in Mykonos
Mykonos rewards travelers who leave room in the day for water, food, and one long walk after sunset. The island is compact enough that you can cover the main sights in three to four days without rushing. Most top things to do in Mykonos, Greece happen at the edges: the harbor at Little Venice, the beach clubs on the south coast, and the boat channel between Delos and Rhenia.
The interior holds the town of Ano Mera and a working monastery, while the eastern coast holds the sea caves at Tragonisi. Booking a private yacht day early in your trip ties the island’s separate corners into one seamless route. Start browsing options on our Mykonos tours hub once you know your dates.
Mykonos Town and the Windmills at Golden Hour
Mykonos Town is the island’s whitewashed capital and the ideal starting point for every visit. Kato Mili is the iconic row of round stone windmills above the harbor. The site is a standout landmark of the Cyclades on Wikipedia and easily the most photographed spot on the island. Walk the marble-paved lanes for local shops, small museums, and the cathedral square before working your way west to the mills for sunset. The lanes were originally laid out to confuse pirates, so getting lost is part of the experience. Try to eat late, the way locals do, and save the harbor promenade for after dinner.
Beyond the shopping streets, the Archaeological Museum holds pottery pulled from the Delos and Rhenia necropolises. This context proves exceptionally useful if you plan a boat day to those nearby islands. The Aegean Maritime Museum and Lena’s House folk museum both sit near the same block and take roughly 30 to 45 minutes each. A short walk south of the port brings you to Panagia Paraportiani, the famous five-chapel white church sitting right at the edge of the sea. Exploring these historic alleys is one of the most rewarding things to do in Mykonos.
Delos, the Sacred Island and UNESCO Site
Delos is the single most important archaeological site in the Cyclades and one of the most complete ancient cities in the Mediterranean. The entire island is a protected sanctuary, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Greek myth places the birth of Apollo and Artemis here, which is why classical pilgrims traveled across the Aegean to visit. Walk the marble avenue past the House of Cleopatra, the Terrace of the Lions, and the ancient theater carved into the hillside. Be sure to wear a hat and bring water, as Delos offers no shade and no cafes.
You can reach Delos on the scheduled public ferry from the old port of Mykonos Town, which takes roughly 30 minutes each way. A private charter handles the same crossing on your personal schedule, then continues to Rhenia for swimming, which public ferries cannot do. To explore this route, review the Private Mykonos Yacht: Delos, Rhenia & South Coast. This charter accommodates up to 10 guests and departs directly from Ornos Bay. Finding seamless ways to experience these ancient sites is essential when planning what to do in Mykonos, Greece.
Rhenia and Its Swim-Only Coves
Rhenia sits directly west of Delos and is one of the quietest swim spots in the central Aegean. The island is uninhabited, protected, and reachable exclusively by sea. Deep bays cut into the coast on the south side, each featuring pale sand, pristine water, and zero road access. The absence of buildings, sunbeds, and jet skis creates a remarkably peaceful atmosphere. Every Boat Trips Club yacht drops anchor here on the private route between Delos and the Mykonos south coast. Snorkeling gear is provided on board, and the seabed near the rocky headlands holds vibrant marine life and the occasional octopus. Exploring these secluded anchorages is easily among the top things to do in Mykonos, Greece.
The South Coast Beach Clubs: Psarou, Paraga, and Super Paradise
The south coast of Mykonos is where the famous beach club culture thrives, protected from the strong summer winds. Psarou is the most polished option, attracting a stylish blend of international visitors and Athenian regulars. Nammos, located on Psarou, is the venue that frequently garners international headlines. Paraga is a shorter beach split into a laid-back north end and a lively south end. Super Paradise sits over the next headland, known widely for its music running from lunch through late afternoon.
All three beaches are reachable by taxi, bus, or boat. Arriving by sea lets you bypass heavy island traffic and crowded parking lots. The Private Mykonos Yacht: Delos, Rhenia & Beach Clubs provides a private charter for up to 10 guests. The route pairs ancient history with a relaxed lunch stop at one of these iconic beach venues, standing out as one of the most popular things to do in Mykonos.
Sunset Drinks at Little Venice
Little Venice is a striking row of eighteenth-century sea-captain houses on the western edge of Mykonos Town, featuring vibrant balconies hanging directly over the water. The entire strip has been converted into bars and intimate restaurants, making almost every ground floor an ideal spot for a evening drink. Arrive about an hour before sunset to secure a table on a balcony, as front-row seating fills quickly. The view faces directly west, letting you watch the sun drop into the sea with the famous windmills sitting just to your left. Order a local raki or a Mythos beer, and enjoy the transition into blue hour. Planning a sunset evening here is a staple among essential things to do in Mykonos.
Ano Mera and the Panagia Tourliani Monastery
Ano Mera is the second largest town on Mykonos and offers a calm counterweight to the bustling energy of Chora. The Panagia Tourliani Monastery sits on the main square, featuring an intricately carved wooden altar screen that is well worth the inland trip. Buses run from the main port to Ano Mera throughout the day, with a drive time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Several traditional tavernas line the monastery square, serving authentic Cycladic dishes that travelers love: spicy kopanisti cheese, louza cured pork, and slow-cooked lamb. Heading inland for a relaxed afternoon lunch here remains one of the classic things to do in Mykonos.
Tragonisi and the Sea Caves on the East Coast
Tragonisi is a small uninhabited islet off the eastern tip of Mykonos, defined by a dramatic network of sea caves and swim-through stone arches. Rare Mediterranean monk seals are occasionally spotted here, though sightings remain a matter of chance. The channel between Tragonisi and the Mykonos mainland stays well sheltered from northern winds, resulting in smooth conditions for swimming.
The eastern coastline is the island’s wilder side, seeing significantly fewer visitors than the busy southern beaches. The Private Mykonos Yacht: Delos, Rhenia & Tragonisi pairs an archaeological tour in the morning with cave exploration in the afternoon. Adding a coastal cave excursion to your itinerary is one of the most adventurous things to do in mykonos .
A Private Yacht Day The Most Efficient Way to See Mykonos
A private yacht charter is the most efficient way to combine the island’s premier attractions into a single day. The standard Boat Trips Club itinerary runs from Ornos Bay to Delos, across to Rhenia, and along the south coast beach clubs. All yachts in our Mykonos fleet operate this route on a 4-hour charter, complete with open bar, light snacks, snorkeling gear, and a professional captain and crew.
Capacity ranges from intimate vessels for 8 up to larger yachts for 24, making it ideal for couples, families, or larger groups. You skip the public ferry lines for Delos, select your own swim coves on Rhenia, and cruise past packed beach clubs from the water. For a longer voyage, the Private Mykonos Superyacht: Delos, Rhenia & Beyond extends the journey across open waters for up to 14 guests. Booking a private charter remains one of the ultimate things to do in Mykonos.
Booking a Boat Trip in Mykonos
Arranging a private yacht in Mykonos is straightforward with Boat Trips Club. For groups organizing a special gathering, consider the Private Mykonos Yacht for Celebrations: Delos & Rhenia. This charter accommodates up to 24 guests and includes an open bar and snorkeling equipment on a 4-hour private route. You can check availability directly on our tour page before finalizing your plans. Every charter departs smoothly from Ornos Bay with an experienced captain and crew managing all logistics, providing one of the most memorable things to do in Mykonos.
Planning Your Mykonos Day on the Water
Mykonos works best when you divide your time between vibrant town evenings and relaxing coastal afternoons. Anchor your itinerary around a boat trip early in your stay, as a yacht seamlessly connects Delos, Rhenia, and the south coast beaches in one trip. These same locations require significantly more effort to cover by land. Save the windmills and Little Venice for your final evening, ensuring the island’s most iconic views are the lasting memories you carry home. Organizing your time this way ensures you experience all the best things to do in Mykonos.
Final Thoughts
Mykonos offers a rare blend of ancient history, world-class beach culture, and vibrant island nightlife. By balancing structured day trips on the water with unhurried evenings exploring whitewashed alleys, you get to experience the absolute best of the Cyclades without feeling rushed. Whether you are swimming in secluded coves or enjoying dinner in Chora, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. When you are ready to explore the coastline, our team at Boat Trips Club is always here to help you select the ideal charter for your group.
Chat with us on WhatsApp. Message Boat Trips Club at +1 888-832-4893 with questions or to lock in your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Mykonos for first-time visitors?
On a first trip, the essential things to do in Mykonos include watching the sunset at the Kato Mili windmills, exploring the marble lanes of Mykonos Town, taking a private boat trip to Delos and Rhenia, and having lunch at a south coast beach club like Psarou or Super Paradise. Adding Little Venice for evening drinks and Ano Mera for a quiet lunch completes the ideal itinerary.
How many days do you need in Mykonos?
Three to four days is the ideal duration for a visit. Two days allows you to explore Mykonos Town and visit a beach club, while four days gives you enough time to include a Delos boat trip, a south coast cruise, an evening in Little Venice, and an authentic lunch in Ano Mera.
Is Delos worth visiting from Mykonos?
Yes, Delos is exceptionally worthwhile for anyone interested in ancient history or archaeology. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. You can reach it via public ferry from the old port or on a private yacht charter that continues to Rhenia for swimming afterward.
What are the best beach clubs to visit on the south coast of Mykonos?
Psarou, Paraga, and Super Paradise are the premier beach clubs on the south coast. Psarou offers a sophisticated, high-end atmosphere. Paraga features a balanced mix of relaxed and energetic beach sections. Super Paradise is famous for its music program running from lunch through late afternoon.
Can you visit Delos and Rhenia in one day?
Yes, you can easily visit both islands in a single day, but only by private boat. Public ferries travel exclusively to Delos. A private yacht charter from Ornos Bay reaches Delos in roughly 30 minutes, allowing you to explore the ruins before crossing to Rhenia for a swim stop and continuing along the south coast.
What are the best things to see and do in Mykonos beyond the beaches?
Beyond the beaches, top highlights include visiting the Kato Mili windmills, exploring the Archaeological Museum, viewing the Panagia Paraportiani church, enjoying sunset drinks at Little Venice, and visiting the Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera.