By Soren Rivero ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Regarded as "the sparkling jewel of the Cyclades", Mykonos is one of Greece's most well-known tourist destinations.
Often said to be popular for its vibrant nightlife, towering windmills, and postcard-perfect beaches, Mykonos has a reputation as one of the best vacation spots in Greece.
But beyond the world-famous clubs and glowing beaches, Mykonos has so much more to offer than meets the eye. This alternative Mykonos is a place of ancient history, artisanal traditions, rugged landscapes, and quiet corners that many travelers, caught in the main tourist circuit, completely miss.
If you want to escape the crowds and discover the true soul of this mesmerizing Greek island, venturing beyond the well-trodden paths is essential. Here are 10 truly unique things to do in Mykonos so that you can enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences that will show you more of this destination's authentic side.
Explore the Armenistis Lighthouse
Perched precariously on the cliffs of Cape Armenistis on the northwestern tip of Mykonos, this historic lighthouse, built in 1891, is a symbol of the island's maritime history.
The journey here is an experience in itself, taking you through the island's dramatically stark, windswept landscapes, past grazing sheep and ancient stone walls, with the turquoise Aegean stretching endlessly before you. Just gazing up from the lighthouse entrance, you'll feel a sense of solitude that'll prove to be a nice moment of respite from the bustle of Chora. You'll also be enchanted by the views of neighboring islands, such as Tinos and Rhenia (not to mention the vast expansion of the sea).
Want to make it the best possible experience? Visit at sunset when the sky shines with shades of orange and purple, and the only sound you hear is the crashing of waves harmonizing with the call of seabirds
Savor the Tradition — Learn to Make Kopanisti and Louza
Yes, it's true: Mykonos has a chic and gourmet dining scene. Most of the contemporary developments to Mykonos gastronomy have been catered to fit the luxury taste pallette. Yet, you'll not want to leave the island without sinking your teeth into the authentic flavors of food straight from farm-to-fork. The best way to do that? Spend a day in the rural heart at a Mykonian farm. Many of these farms are family-run and offer hands-on workshops that delve into local gastronomy.
You can learn to make the island's most famous cheese, Kopanisti. This spicy, aromatic cheese, fermented with a special culture, is a staple of Mykonian cuisine. The process, involving precise aging in earthenware pots, is a centuries-old art. You might also try your hand at preparing Louza, the traditional sun-dried pork cured with red wine, cinnamon, and spices, often served alongside Kopanisti. Aside from the workshops, the farms typically provide lunch prepared with home-grown ingredients, allowing you to really savor the flavors of the island.
Experience an Outdoor Cinema
Outdoor cinemas are by no means an invention of Mykonos, not even Greece. You'll find them all over Europe, with Greece being no exception. However, there are two particular ones in Mykonos that stand out amongst the others.
Cine Manto, located in a lush, bougainvillea-filled garden in the heart of Chora, is a beautiful, peaceful escape. It offers a selection of first-run and classic films, but the setting, including an on-site restaurant serving excellent Greek food and a small bar under the stars, is what makes it special.
For a different vibe, check out the outdoor cinema at 'Mykonos Theatro' in the hills. The open-air amphitheater setting, with dramatic views over the bay and the distant lights of Chora, provides an unforgettable backdrop for any event. Catching a film in one of these magical Mykonian nights is a simple, locals-favorite way to end a day.
Seek Solitude at Fokos Beach
Mykonos is world-famous for its party beaches, but for those craving peace and solitude, Fokos Beach is a revelation. Located on the northern coast, far from the south's major beach clubs, Fokos is accessible only by a bumpy dirt road. This isolation is precisely its #1 feat.
Fokos is a wild, untamed stretch of sand and pebbles, flanked by dramatic cliffs and kissed by some of the island's clearest waters. The beach is absent of sunbeds, loud speakers, and rowdy crowds. If you want to mix together the natural appeal of Mykonos while still engaging in fun beach activities, Fokos is your place to go!
Embrace Serenity at Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera
Get in touch with your inner peace at Ano Mera, the island's quieter inland capital. While the village itself is charming with its traditional square and local tavernas, its true heart is the magnificent Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Founded in the 16th century, this monastery is a stunning example of Cycladic religious architecture. Its exterior, with its marble belfry and intricately carved stone details, is beautiful, but the interior is truly breathtaking.
Inside the monastery, you'll find a giant gilded wooden iconostasis (altar screen) from Florence. Originally a baroque masterpiece dating back to 1767, this intricately-carved work of art is now displayed inside. Among other unique objects are rare vestments, holy vessels, and religious artifacts.
Tour the Historic 'Yiannis the Baker' Wood-Fired Bakery
In the heart of Ano Mera village, another hidden gem awaits: 'Yiannis the Baker' (or 'O Fournos tou Yianni'). This bakery is more than just a place to indulge in warm atmospheres, it's quite literally a living museum of traditional Mykonian baking. Yiannis uses one of the few remaining massive, traditional wood-fired ovens on the island, a centuries-old structure made of special refractory brick.
Visitors can tour the bakery and see how the bread and pastries are made. Yiannis himself often greets guests and is happy to show you how he prepares the wood, feeds the fire, and monitors the oven's perfect temperature. The specialty is, of course, the wood-fired bread, with its thick, smoky crust. While you're here, definitely try other treats, such as kalitsounia (sweet and/or savory cheese pastries), amigdalota (almond cookies), and various kinds of savory pies. You'll not only get a sweet treat here that will warm your heart and soul, but a whole experience that is truly one of the most unique things to do in Mykonos.
Stroll the Prehistoric Settlement of Ftelia
Before the windmills and beach bars, Mykonos was home to ancient civilizations. Perched on a hill overlooking the northern bay of Ftelia is one of the island's most significant and lesser-known historical sites: a Neolithic settlement dating back over 6,000 years.
A visit here is a journey into the deep past, with sightings of dwellings, workshops, and a massive monumental structure believed to be a palace all discovered by archaeologists. Standing among the excavated stone foundations, you can imagine what life was like for the people who first called Mykonos home. Ftelia itself is a long, windswept beach famous among windsurfers, but taking the short hike up to the ruins presents you with some insight into the island's history.
Kayak to the Caves of Rhenia
Although some travelers visit the sacred island of Delos, even fewer actually venture into the nearby uninhabited twin, Rhenia. If you're really itching for something truly unique to do in Mykonos, you'll want to join a sea kayaking tour to explore Rhenia and its dramatic coastline.
The rugged, cliff-lined coast of Rhenia is indented with secret coves and, most excitingly, magnificent sea caves accessible only by water. Paddling into these turquoise-filled grottoes, where sunlight dances on the cave walls, is a magical experience. Many tours include stops at Rhenia's pristine, golden beaches, where you can swim and snorkel in perfectly clear waters with ancient ruins (Rhenia was once the necropolis for Delos) visible just beneath the surface.
Photo courtesy: Vivi Chanioti
The Kastro Private Home Museum
For those who want a more grounded perspective of Mykonos' soulful past, head on over to the Kastro Private Home Museum. Synonymous with the main branch of the Folklore Museum, this essential detour is housed in an 18th century sea captain's mansion, right near the Paraportiani Church. This "living museum" bypasses the typical gallery feel in favor of a preserved family home. Its seven rooms are filled with authentic heirlooms, from hand-woven textiles and Byzantine icons to a fully equipped 19th-century kitchen and maritime tools. Museums in Mykonos are abundant, though the Kastro Private Home Museum has its own charm that you don't want to miss out on.
The architecture itself tells a story of survival and status. Shelved into the remains of a medieval Venetian fortress, this house is made of thick stone walls and also contains a hidden "shipyard" on the lower level, once used to protect vessels from pirates.
Hike the Hidden Trails from Ano Mera to the Coast
Want even more peace and quiet? The hills of Mykonos provide the perfect spot for a peaceful walk out in nature. Intertwined in a web of walking trails and ancient donkey paths are stunning, untouched landscapes that are ideal for a retreat from Mykonos' bustling streets. One of the most rewarding hikes leads from the central village of Ano Mera to the wild eastern coast.
You'll be treated to panoramic views that are a world away from the crowded coastal roads. The hike will land you at one of several less-visited beaches, like Lia or Frangias, providing a perfect, refreshing end to the journey.
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