When planning our trip to Greece we heard that Mykonos had a reputation of being a bit expensive and a party island. However, Mykonos ended up totally surpassing all of our expectations! We fell so in love with the island that after we left we immediately starting talking about when we could come back! Most people don’t think visiting the Greek Islands can be cheap but here are 5 free things to do in Mykonos. Hopefully this will convince you even more that you need to check out this beautiful island!
In some of these places like the Old Port and Little Venice you will find many restaurants and bars to watch the sunset or just sit outside and enjoy being in Greece. However, it is totally possible to explore the areas without buying a drink or expensive meal!
1. Walk through the white walkways of Mykonos Town
Cost: Free
One of the top things we would say to do in Mykonos is walk through the white walkways in Mykonos Town. Honestly it was like nothing we have ever seen before! The ground is white and grey stone with white buildings and colorful accents like blue shutters and red doors. Also you will see bright purple Bougainvillea flowers everywhere!
Travel Truth: Yes, Mykonos is increasing in popularity as more and more people visit it each year. However, we did not find it too crowded. For example, we were able to take the picture above because we were the only ones walking down this walkway and you will see only a few people in the picture below. Little Venice can be more crowded but that’s not all of Mykonos!
There really is no wrong way to go and if you keep walking you are bound to end up out at the water at some point. Take your camera and just enjoy how the architecture of the buildings is so beautiful!
2. Go to one of Mykonos’ many beaches
Cost: A bus ticket will cost 1-2 Euros (depending on destination)
Mykonos has many fantastic beaches that are really easy to get to using the public bus. That makes it so easy because really you don’t want to try driving down some of those tiny Greek streets. We caught the bus right past the Mykonos Windmills (in Mykonos Town) and took it to Platis Gialos Beach, one of the well known beaches on the island.
- We chose to spend most of our time at Platis Gialos Beach because it was very accessible from the bus, it was close and therefore a short ride (no need to sit on the bus all day) and is known for being good for couples and families.
- There is a water taxi that we took to nearby Paradise Beach later in the day. Paradise Beach definitely has a different crowd than Platis Gialos Beach. Paradise Beach is more of a beach club with loud music and almost has a Cancun feel to it. If you’re looking for a more party beach Paradise Beach will be your spot!
Another option that many people do is rent ATV’s (or four-wheelers, depending on what you call them) to visit a couple beaches on the island on your own schedule. Regardless of which beach you go to you should definitely check at least one out during your time in Mykonos!
Travel Truth: We found at Platis Gialos Beach, and maybe more of the beaches, that many places along the beach rented chairs and cabanas which can be a bit pricey. You definitely don’t have to though so walk around to find a spot and don’t feel pressured!
3. See the Mykonos Windmills
Cost: Free
One iconic landmark on the island is the Mykonos Windmills. Walk past the Old Port, continue walking along the water through Little Venice and you will see tall, white windmills with straw roofs. They make for great pictures, especially during sunset!
Because it’s slightly higher it can be pretty windy up at the windmills! There is a small restaurant when you look down from the windmills that looked absolutely beautiful and makes (again) for a great picture!
This is something that is easy to do on your way to catch the bus to go to the beach (#2 on this list) or easily while also exploring nearby Little Venice (#4 on this list). We would definitely recommend checking this spot out around sunset as it’s absolutely beautiful!
4. Explore Little Venice
Cost: Free
Little Venice is an area in Mykonos Town known for its old buildings that were built right on the water giving it a similar feel to Venice, Italy. You will find many bars and restaurants in this part of town and it will become quite popular late at night. However, we had no problem walking around and finding a spot to get a drink or eat dinner! We would definitely recommend checking it out at least once during your trip.
The picture above features tables at a very small restaurant in one of the buildings right on the water of Little Venice. That is one amazing dinner view!
Travel Truth: If the waters are particularly rough that night, the waves can crash onto the walkways and some of the closer tables in Little Venice. The water makes it particularly slippery at points and in some of the narrow points you have to make a run for it. Some of the restaurants have a cover to protect the tables but just beware before you sit!
5. Watch the sunset in Old Port, Mykonos
Cost: Free
Even if you are not staying in town we definitely recommend watching the sunset in the Old Port. You will spot some impressive boats and yachts sitting in the water as the sun sets over the horizon. The Old Port faces West so you will have a great view from any restaurant or seat.
There are many restaurants that sit right along the Old Port with outside tables for you to get a drink and enjoy. Even though it can get crowded we never had to wait more than ten minutes to sit down!
Also, if you don’t want to eat you can easily find a spot to sit right along the water without having to buy dinner!
Did we miss any free (or budget friendly) spots in Mykonos? Let us know!
