20 Best Things to Do in Mykonos 2026: Beach Clubs, Delos, Nightlife & Local Secrets

20 Best Things to Do in Mykonos 2026

Last updated: May 17, 2026 · Local expert picks

Mykonos delivers far more than beach clubs and nightlife. From sacred ancient ruins to wild northern coves, here are the 20 best things to do on the Island of the Winds in 2026.

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🏛️ Culture & History

1. Day Trip to Delos (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. A 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos old port. Walk among ancient temples, the Terrace of Lions, stunning mosaics, and a theater overlooking the Aegean. Boats depart at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 daily. Last return 15:00. Book ahead in summer. Entry: €12.

2. Explore Mykonos Town (Chora) at Dawn

Before the crowds, Chora is pure magic, empty whitewashed lanes glowing in morning light, cats stretching on warm stones, bougainvillea cascading over blue doors. The best photography happens between 06:30 and 08:00.

3. Visit the Windmills of Kato Mili

The 16th-century windmills above Little Venice are Mykonos's most iconic landmark. Originally used to mill grain shipped from nearby islands, they now stand as symbols of the island's maritime heritage. Best at sunset.

4. Discover Ano Mera Village

Mykonos's only inland village, centered around the 16th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Traditional tavernas, a quiet central square, and authentic Mykonian life far from the beach club scene. Sunday lunch here's a local tradition.

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🏖️ Beach Experiences

5. Beach Club Day at Psarou (Nammos)

The most famous beach on Mykonos, home to Nammos, where champagne flows and celebrities lounge. Even if you skip the VIP sunbeds (€80–€150+), the crystal-clear sheltered water is free and stunning. Arrive early for prime position.

6. South Coast Beach Hopping by Water Taxi

Take the water taxi circuit from Platis Gialos: Paraga (bohemian) → Paradise (party) → Super Paradise (legendary) → Elia (longest beach, LGBTQ+ friendly). Each beach has its own character. All-day water taxi pass available.

7. Discover Wild Fokos Beach

Escape to the untouched north coast. Fokos is reached by dirt road from Ano Mera, no sunbeds, no music, just raw beauty, crashing waves, and a solitary taverna serving grilled fish. The "anti-Mykonos" beach.

8. Agios Sostis: The Last Natural Beach

A pristine sandy beach with zero commercial development. No sunbeds, no bars, no buildings, just golden sand, clear water, and the chapel of Agios Sostis. Bring everything you need; there's nothing here but beauty.

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🌅 Sunset & Evening

9. Sunset Cocktails at Little Venice

The most romantic spot in the Cyclades. 18th-century captains' houses hang directly over the waves. Grab a table at Galleraki, Caprice, or Scarpa by 17:30 to secure front-row seats to the sunset. Waves splash beneath your cocktail glass.

10. World-Class Nightlife

Mykonos nightlife is legendary and runs until sunrise. Start with cocktails at a Chora rooftop bar (try 180° Sunset Bar), then move to beach clubs or the waterfront scene. Cavo Paradiso hosts international DJs (2026: Alesso, John Summit, Afrojack). Scorpios offers sophisticated sunset-to-sunrise rituals.

→ Mykonos DJ scene 2026 →

11. XLSIOR Festival (August 20–25, 2026)

The largest LGBTQ+ festival in the Mediterranean takes over multiple venues island-wide for 6 days. International DJs, pool parties, beach events, and Cavo Paradiso main events.

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🍽️ Food & Drink

12. Farm-to-Table Cooking Class

Join a cooking workshop at a Mykonian farmhouse. Learn to make kopanisti cheese, local pasta, and traditional pies using garden-fresh ingredients. Feast on your creations with local wine. Half-day, €70–€100.

13. Try Kopanisti & Louza at the Old Port

Mykonos's signature foods: kopanisti (peppery fermented soft cheese, PDO-protected) and louza (air-cured pork loin). Buy them at the old port delis or try them at traditional tavernas in Chora.

14. Seafood at Kounelas

A legendary no-frills fish taverna near the old port. Fresh catch grilled over charcoal, served on the street. Locals and chefs alike consider it the best seafood on Mykonos, at a fraction of beach club prices.

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🚤 Boat & Water Activities

15. Sailing Cruise Around Mykonos

Charter a catamaran or yacht for a half-day circumnavigation. Swim in hidden coves, snorkel over clear reefs, and see the island from perspectives no road can offer. Sunset cruises from €95.

16. Scuba Diving at Paradise Reef

Mykonos's underwater world is surprisingly rich, visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters. Dive centers at Paradise Beach offer PADI-certified dives at reef sites teeming with grouper, barracuda, and octopus.

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🎨 Unique Experiences

17. Photograph the Blue-Domed Churches

Mykonos has over 400 churches. The most photogenic clusters are in Chora's backstreets and along the waterfront path from Little Venice to the Windmills. Early morning light is best, the midday sun washes out the whitewash.

18. Meet Petros the Pelican

The island's beloved mascot since 1958. Several pelicans now roam Chora, you'll likely encounter one waddling along the harbor or posing near the fish market. A Mykonos tradition.

19. Hike to the Lighthouse

A scenic walk to Armenistis Lighthouse on the northern cape. Panoramic views of Tinos, Delos, and the open Aegean. Go at sunset for dramatic light on the wild, windswept landscape. 30-minute walk from the road end.

20. Visit the New Four Seasons & Fouquet's

Even if you're not staying at these 2026 mega-openings, their restaurants and bars will be open to non-guests. Four Seasons at Kalo Livadi (opens June 26) and Fouquet's near Paraga (opens June 27) bring world-class dining and cocktails to the island.

→ New hotels in Mykonos 2026 →

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Practical Info 2026

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