Mykonos Island is one of the most famous and most cosmopolitan destinations in Greece. Lying in the heart of the Aegean, yet very close to Athens, Mykonos offers a variety of activities aimed to satisfy your heart's every desire. Although Mykonos is considered one of the more expensive Greek islands, it is actually possible to book a Mykonos tour with The Travel Insiders and have a fab time in Mykonos on a budget with best quality solutions for all.
Stroll around Mykonos Town
Mykonos’ picturesque capital is Chora (aka “Mykonos Town”). Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow winding alleys bedecked with bougainvillea and lined with boutiques, restaurants and café-bars, charming chapels, the quaintest souvenir shops and cubic whitewashed houses and feel the beat of the locals as a true insider! The heart of the town is closed to traffic for most of the day making it ideal for a stroll around Mykonos Town.
“A great way to have a fab time in Mykonos on a budget is on a The Highlights of Mykonos Town, Little Venice & Windmills Tour.”
Enjoy the Morning Calm in Little Venice
Adjacent to the town is Little Venice, one of the most photographed spots in Mykonos! The waterfront in Little Venice is lined with 18th-century fishing houses with balconies looking out to the sea. These colorful houses which originally belonged to shipping merchants now house restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Taking advantage of the beautiful view, these establishments are set up all along the edge of the sea to give visitors a unique experience both day and evening. It’s quite peaceful during the morning and therefore an ideal spot to start of your Mykonos tour by enjoying the view and the morning calm with a sweet and a cup of Greek coffee.
Escape the Crowds at the Old Port
Another area worth walking around is the old port in Mykonos Town. This was once the main port of the island, but ever since the newer port opened it has been left to the fisherman, private yachts and boats that travel daily to the island of Delos. Enjoy the maze of alleys, friendly locals, and family-run shops. It’s a great place to people watch and enjoy a nice stroll for a glimpse of the local life away from the touristy streets.
Another trademark of the island is Petros the Pelican. The superstar of Mykonos is quite the charmer and loves to pose for photos, so be sure to look for him strolling along the old port or hanging out with the fishermen who enjoy treating him to the finest catch of the day!
Relax on the Pristine White Sands of Mykonos
Top on your list of things to do in Mykonos on a budget is to hit the beaches. Relaxing on the pristine white sands of Mykonos is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy the island’s biggest natural attraction while still feeling like a Greek deity. Whether you are on a Mykonos tour in the spring, summer, or fall, Mykonos beaches beckon.
If you’re looking for a tiny, secluded cove lapped at by the azure waters of the Aegean, or a wide stretch of sugar-white sand covered with sun worshippers, Mykonos, the beach paradise of the Cyclades, has just the beach to suit your needs! The island boasts 25 beaches famous for their golden sand and crystal-clear waters. There is a beach for every taste. Make sure to check out the three popular spots of Super Paradise, Paradise and Psarou when beach hopping in Mykonos.
Visit the Mykonos Folklore Museum
Mykonos lays claim to a good handful of interesting historical and cultural museums that make a cheap break from the Mediterranean sun. The Folklore Museum can be found in the 18th-century House of Kastro in Chora. Here, you'll find a great collection of Cycladic costumes, hand-woven tapestries, furniture, traditional musical instruments, historic paintings and old photographs of the island and it’s entirely free. There’s also the Archeological Museum of Mykonos located between the port and the town, housing various sculptures, vases and figurines coming from the islands of Delos and Rhenia and the Aegean Maritime Museum of Mykonos.
Discover the Iconic Windmills in Chora
The Mykonos windmills are the most iconic feature of the Greek island of Mykonos. Head to the southeast part of Chora where the complex of Kato Mili (Lower Windmills) are located. Seven out of the ten windmills, which date back to the early 20th century, are preserved in superb condition. The neighborhood of the Windmills is a popular sunset spot as well as a place to enjoy the views to the Chora and the Aegean Sea. The windmills are among the most recognized landmarks of the island and one of the most famous Mykonos attractions along with Little Venice. For many centuries the mills refined grain with the help of the high winds that blow on the island. With the progress of technology, the use of the mills declined and now those that survive are used as museums or private homes.
Uncover the Church Complex of Panagia Paraportiani
Mykonos locals will tell you the island has 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Discover as many heavenly churches as you can while on your Mykonos tour around the town. However, none are more famous than the whitewashed church of Panagia Paraportiani. Panagia Paraportiani is among the oldest found on the island and a superb representation of Cycladic architecture. It is actually five churches built almost on top of each other across several centuries. This church complex of Panagia Paraportiani, located on the hill of the old Venetian castle (Kastro), has been recognized as a national cultural monument and is one of the most photographed churches in the entire world. One of the ground-floor chapels is open to visitors and remains a place of worship. Be respectful, especially during prayer time, but don’t miss this stunning icon of Mykonos during your tour of Mykonos Town.
The Mecca of Souvenir Shopping
Your tour in Mykonos will be incomplete without enjoying a stroll up and down the stone-paved main street of Matoyiania in Chora. Lined with endless clothes stores, designer boutiques and classy jewelry outlets, it offers a variety of shopping options which range from high-end purchase possibilities to much cheaper alternatives. All of the alleyways in Mykonos Town lead to Matoyiannia - the Mecca of souvenir shopping in the Greek islands! And don’t be surprised if you bump into any celebrities!
Taste of the Best Local Delicacies
The island of Mykonos has a rich gastronomic culture with options combining its traditional past and very tasteful present that will surpass your expectations in every respect. As a result, whatever your palate wishes for, Mykonos is bound to provide it. The gastronomy of the island covers a wide spectrum of tasteful options where gourmet restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine, traditional tavernas, ethnic corners, and Greek fast food joints coexist. The list is really endless! Fresh fish is a must try too. Kick off your Mykonos culinary tour experience with a visit to an old bakery, filled with the aromas of freshly baked bread. On your tour of the highlights of Mykonos town, make sure to stop off at the traditional shops and taverna to have a taste of the best local delicacies the island has to offer!
Take a Boat Trip to the Archaeological Site of Delos
Mykonos is one of the best known and most visited of all Greek islands and the gateway to the sacred island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Aphrodite, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological sites in Greece. Take a boat trip to the Archaeological Site of Delos from the Old Port in Mykonos Town. Along with your local guide, explore the brightest spot in all the Mediterranean, literally! After all, this is why the Cycladic Islands are called so - since they form a circle around Delos. The site of Delos is explored on foot. So, wear comfortable shoes and don't forget your hat and plenty of sunscreen!
When to Visit Mykonos
When contemplating about when to visit Mykonos, consider traveling out of season. Peak travel time is June to September when prices are at a high, and the beaches and restaurants are crowded. Shoulder season (April to early June, late September and October) is a more pleasant time to visit. This way, you get the beaches minus the crowds and prices are lower. In winter, it may be too cold for sunbathing and swimming, but bonuses include empty beaches and plenty of bargains.
Mykonos may be considered the playground of the rich and famous – it’s certainly possible to go there and spend a lot of money, but you don’t have to. There are lots of things to enjoy around the island that won’t cost you a fortune. Book one of the Mykonos tours with The Travel Insiders and have a fab time in Mykonos on a budget!
