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We’ve all heard people say it before- Mykonos is the place to be for a dang good party! And to be honest, they aren’t wrong! Mykonos has a long history of attracting party-goers from around the world wanting to live it up on some of the most gorgeous beaches. Although many see that as a main reason to travel to Mykonos, I’ve also heard of it being the sole reason people skip out on it completely. But I’m here to tell you non-partiers that’s a huge mistake! Mykonos is so much more than one big party, and there is plenty to see and do if you aren’t into drinking your way to sunrise.
It’s captivating cobbled streets, authentic Greek eats, and friendly people made Mykonos come alive for me much more than any nightclub could have. So if you aren’t into the party scene, you’ll still fall in love with everything this island has to offer! Don’t believe me? Check out this non-party guide to Mykonos, Greece and see why I think it’s way more than just a party island.
Table of Contents
Non-Party Guide on where to stay in Mykonos:
Alright, so you’re not into partying. But where do you stay to ensure you won’t be in a party hostel that will keep you up into the wee hours of the morning? Here are the best places to stay for non-partiers!
Depending on the time of year, hotels in Mykonos can range drastically in price. May, September and October will be cheaper to stay than during the busy season of June-August. In fact, the same room at can double or even triple in price during this time! Be sure to check prices for the dates you will be going, or plan well in advance to get a better price.
Non-Party Hotels in Mykonos, Greece:
- Vencia Boutique Hotel- I cannot recommend this place enough! We absolutely loved our stay here. Everything was clean, it was super quiet, the staff was friendly and the infinity pool with incredible views of Mykonos Town were the perfect place to relax. I loved this hotel so much, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Mykonos. So check this one out first!
- Aeolos Resort Mykonos– This hotel has a gorgeous pool and bar area and is waking distance to town, but far enough away so you won’t hear the crazy parties.
- Archipelagos Luxury Hotel– If you are looking for a quiet hotel closer to the beaches, this is the place for you!
Here’s what to do in Mykonos if you aren’t partying:
GO ON A CATAMARAN CRUISE
A Catamaran cruise can be a bit of a splurge, but in my opinion it is well worth it. Seeing the island from the water is the best way to take a swim in Mykonos’ crystal clear waters without spending money on a bed at a beach club! Plus, you’ll typically have wine or beer, soft drinks, and authentic Greek food served on board. Most catamaran cruises last a half day or so, which is a great way to relax and even meet some new travel friends.
Book your day time or sunset catamaran cruise here!
GET LOST IN THE STREETS OF MYKONOS TOWN
I’ll admit it. I fell in love with Mykonos Town the second I stepped foot there. It’s hard not to be in awe over the brightly colored doors with hanging pink flowers, and the cobblestone narrow pathways. As you walk along the paths, you’ll almost always catch an incredible scent from a local restaurant or see the cutest cat basking in the sun. I absolutely loved getting lost in the maze that is Mykonos town. You seriously feel like you were transported into a whole different world!
GO ON A DAY TRIP TO THE ANCIENT SITE OF DELOS
The island of Delos is one of the most important mythological sites in the country of Greece. Delos was known to be a holy sanctuary, and eventually the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Even today, there are constant excavations on site since it is such an important part of history!
Book your excursion to the island of Delos with skip the line tickets here!
There is no accommodation on the island of Delos, so it can only be accessed for day trips from the nearby islands of Mykonos, Naxos, or Paros. When you get to Delos, you can visit the on site museum with some of the finest collections in Greece! They have many displays with sculptures and artifacts found in excavations around the island. You can also explore the ruins of the House of Dionysus, and the Temple of Apollo that date back to the 3rd century BCE.
WATCH THE SUNSET
Believe me when I tell you sunsets in Greece are unlike anywhere else in the world. So when in Mykonos, be sure to see it! Don’t forget to look up the time of sunset, and claim a good spot well before. As much as sunset watching is way better without a crowd in my opinion, every other person traveling to Mykonos will also want to see the epic colors in the sky as the sun dips below the water. The entire town really revolves around sunset. Restaurants with beautiful views will become packed a half hour or so before the sun starts to set.
TASTE THE LOCAL CUISINE
Greek cuisine is unmatched in my opinion! Every single thing we ate in Mykonos was so fresh and decadent that it was hard to adjust back to normal food once I returned home. Gyros, baklava, souvlaki, greek salads, cheese pies, the list is seriously never ending!
Best places to eat in Mykonos, Greece:
- Jimmy’s- for gyros
- Kavos Fish Taverna- for seafood & greek eats
- Macarena- for gelato
- Kastros- for upscale Mediterranean & cocktails
- Attica Bakeries- for baklava & pastries
- Eva’s Garden- for authentic Greek cuisine
TAKE A GREEK COOKING CLASS
In Mykonos, there are lots of cultural experiences you can book through Get Your Guide or Viator that have nothing to do with partying! Greek food sets a standard throughout the world as some of the most fresh and delicious. So why not learn how to cook from the best? These half day to full day cooking excursions allow you to meet locals and learn how to cook some of Greek’s most famous dishes.
GRAB A MID AFTERNOON DRINK IN LITTLE VENICE
Little Venice is one of the most picturesque parts of Mykonos. Right next to the water, it’s known to be the best place to eat, drink, and watch the sunset in all of Mykonos. The colorful balconies and buildings literally hang right over the sea and were built with the inspiration of Venice, Italy. (Hence, how it got it’s name!)
Although this is a non-party guide to Mykonos, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a casual drink! My favorite place to have a low key drink was at Negritas. Although they come alive with the party scene after sunset, it was the perfect spot for an early afternoon glass of wine or cappuccino. We sat outside so we could take in the gorgeous Mykonos landscapes and the staff was super friendly!
EXPLORE THE MYKONOS WINDMILLS
One of Mykonos’ biggest attractions is the Mykonos windmills! There are 16 windmills throughout the entire island, but the most famous are the seven windmills on landmark hill in Chora. (Part of Mykonos Town.) The windmills face north where the winds are the strongest for the majority of the year. The construction of these iconic windmills were started by the Venetians in the 16th century with the primary use to mill wheat.
Their round shape, white color and pointed rooflines are a site to see when visiting Mykonos. In fact, they really are a symbol of the island these days!
SOAK UP THE MYKONOS SUN
Whether you want to catch some rays at your hotel pool, or go somewhere a little more upbeat like Paradise Beach, you should absolutely get some sun in Mykonos! The island of Mykonos is filled with sandy beaches with bright blue waters! Although many of the beaches gear towards that party vibe, there are also some that are much more relaxing.
Non-Party Guide to Mykonos’ beaches- Here are the most quiet & relaxing beaches in Mykonos, Greece:
- Megali Ammos
- Kapari
- Agios Stefanos Beach
- Lia
- Agios Sosis
- Fokos
GO SHOPPING
There are so many adorable shops lining the streets throughout Mykonos Town. And there really is something for everyone! You’ll find anything from cheesy souvenir shops to high end designer boutiques. If you want clothes, wine, shoes, or a new purse, you can find it here!
FIND ALL THE CHURCHES
Mykonos has no shortage of some of the cutest little churches I’ve ever seen in my life. Wandering around Mykonos town, you’ll often find churches with brightly colored doors or domes.
One of the most well known churches in Mykonos is Panagia Paraporiani, which is located in the Kastro neighborhood of Mykonos. Translating to “our lady of the side gate,” this church got it’s name since it’s entrance was found in the side gate of the Kastro area of town. Construction of this church began in 1425, and it’s built in the Greek whitewashed style you often find throughout the country. This gorgeous church actually joins 5 separate churches together.
GO ON A MYKONOS WALKING TOUR
If you are looking to learn more about the history of Mykonos, while seeing some of it’s beautiful scenes, I recommend taking a walking tour. The local guides have lots of knowledge about the area and will know some of the best places to take you. This is also a great option if you have limited time and don’t want to get lost. The guides know exactly where to go, and when booking your walking tour you’ll know exactly how long the tour will last.
If you want to explore even more of the island, book this full island tour that will also bring you to other parts of Mykonos that you can’t get to on foot.
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As you can see from this non-party Guide to Mykonos, there is so much to do in this charming island in the Cyclades. If you’re contemplating skipping out on Mykonos purely because of its reputation, you better think again! Mykonos has so much to offer other than dancing all night at a club.
I kept my distance from the party scene and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time in Mykonos. And I’m not going to lie, it far exceeded my expectations! In my opinion, there’s nothing better than leaving Mykonos actually being able to remember just how incredible it is.
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I’m glad to hear you had a good time and what sounds like a relaxing honeymoon. What does the inside of that church look like? The outside looks so pretty with it’s white walls and how “plain” it appears. Is the inside similar or is it more decorated? I’m not too familiar with Greek Orthodox churches; I think they contain Byzantine style art, but not sure.
Also, I LOVE that photo of the windmills!
Hi Paul! This specific church you aren’t allowed to go in, and it’s very hard to find any pictures of the inside online! From ones that I did see though it seems pretty simple on the inside with Byzantine art, just as you said. Other churches we went into were very Byzantine influenced.