MYKONOS TOWN - CHORA
Mykonos Town (Chora) is the quintessential Cycladic capital, a dazzling labyrinth of whitewashed streets, vibrant bougainvillea, and iconic windmills. It’s the beating heart of the island, balancing sophisticated nightlife with timeless Greek charm.
This harbor town is the island’s cosmopolitan jewel, celebrated globally for its stunning aesthetic, unique architecture, and the beautiful blend of high-fashion boutiques and authentic tavernas found around every corner.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Landmarks & Architectural Gems:
Little Venice: The most picturesque quarter, featuring 18th-century houses with colorful balconies built directly on the sea’s edge.
The Windmills (Kato Mili): An iconic row of historic windmills sitting on a hill overlooking the town, offering one of the best sunset viewing spots.
Panagia Paraportiani: The most photographed church in Greece, a stunning asymmetrical whitewashed structure comprising five smaller churches.
Mykonos Old Port: The historic center of maritime activity, lined with traditional fish tavernas and offering views of the incoming ferries.
Lena’s House Museum: A preserved 19th-century middle-class Mykonian home showcasing antique furniture and period artifacts.
Ágion Giórgi (Saint George) Church: A beautiful Greek Orthodox church often used as a quiet escape from the bustling streets.
The “Yialos” Waterfront: The main harbor-front promenade, perfect for people-watching and enjoying a coffee.
Archaeological Site of Delos (Near Mykonos): The mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-do boat trip.
Cultural Sites & Museums:
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos: Houses findings from the nearby island of Rheneia, including pottery, grave statues, and funerary vessels.
Aegean Maritime Museum: Features models of various ships and nautical instruments, detailing Mykonos’s rich seafaring history.
Folklore Museum (Lafka’s Museum): Located in the Kastro area, it displays a collection of Mykonian furniture, textiles, and historical documents.
Boni’s Windmill: A fully restored 16th-century windmill that serves as a small, seasonal agricultural museum, offering excellent views.
Mykonos Agricultural Museum: Located near Boni’s Windmill, featuring a historical threshing floor and other farming equipment.
House of Cleopatra (on Delos): Ruins of a Roman house on Delos, known for its intricate mosaic floors.
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment:
Matoyianni Street: The main, upscale shopping street in Chora, lined with designer boutiques, jewelry shops, and art galleries.
Caprice Bar (Little Venice): One of the original and most famous bars in Little Venice, known for its cocktails and sunset views.
Galleraki Cocktail Bar: Another iconic Little Venice spot, often cited as one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Ano Mera Village: A short drive from Chora, this is the island’s second-largest settlement, offering a more traditional, quiet atmosphere.
Panagia Tourliani Monastery (Ano Mera): A beautiful 18th-century monastery with a highly decorated bell tower and marble fountain.
Rarity Gallery: A premier modern and contemporary art gallery featuring international and Greek artists.
Manto Mavrogenous Square (Taxi Square): The central hub where the buses and taxis congregate, a lively meeting point.
The Mykonos Post Office: An aesthetically pleasing, small, traditional building often captured by photographers.
Activities & Experiences
Sunset Cocktails in Little Venice: Secure a spot at one of the seaside bars in Little Venice (Alefkandra) to sip a cocktail while watching the sun dip into the Aegean, with waves gently lapping at the foundations of the houses.
Stroll and Shop the Matogianni Street: Wander through the labyrinthine main shopping street, Matogianni, browsing high-end boutiques, local jewelry stores, and art galleries that stay open late into the night.
Visit the Windmills (Kato Mili): Walk up the hill overlooking the town to see the iconic 16th-century Windmills, a prime spot for photography and panoramic views of Chora and the harbor.
Explore the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos: Discover ancient artifacts, including pottery and funerary statues, mostly from the nearby island of Rheneia, providing a glimpse into the region’s history.
Get Lost in the Labyrinthine Alleys: Intentionally wander off the main streets to find hidden chapels, charming squares, and the iconic whitewashed, blue-trimmed Cycladic architecture.
See the Panagia Paraportiani Church: Marvel at this stunning and unique complex of five churches, built over centuries, which stands out with its asymmetrical, brilliant-white architecture near the old port.
Take a Boat Trip to Delos Island: Embark on a short ferry ride to the uninhabited UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo, to explore some of the most impressive and well-preserved classical Greek ruins.
Dine at the Old Port Waterfront: Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, especially fresh seafood, at one of the tavernas lining the scenic Old Port, watching the boats come and go.
Visit the Aegean Maritime Museum: Delve into the island’s rich seafaring history, from ancient triremes to 19th-century steamships, housed in a traditional Mykonian mansion.
Have a Late-Night Lounging Session: Experience the town’s famous nightlife by visiting some of the sophisticated bars and clubs, especially around Little Venice, which come alive after midnight.
Meet Petros the Pelican: Keep an eye out for Petros the Pelican, the town’s long-standing, unofficial mascot, who often wanders around the waterfront and is a favorite with tourists.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: Mykonos Town (Chora) is almost entirely pedestrianized and consists of a confusing, but beautiful, maze of alleys. Walking is the only way to navigate the historic center, and all major sights are easily reached on foot.
Buses: The island has a reliable and affordable bus network that connects Chora to the major beaches and other villages. There are two main bus stations just outside the town center:
Fabrika: Serves beaches on the southwest coast like Psarou, Ornos, Platis Gialos, and Paraga.
Old Port (Northern Station): Serves beaches like Elia, Kalafatis, and the Ano Mera village.
Water Taxis: A scenic and practical option, water taxis run frequently from the main beach hubs like Platis Gialos and Ornos, connecting to multiple south-coast beaches, offering a great alternative to buses.
Taxis: Taxis are limited in number on Mykonos and can be hard to find, especially during peak season or late at night. The main taxi square is near the Fabrika bus station. Pre-booking a transfer for airport or port pick-ups is highly recommended.
Scooters/ATVs: Renting a scooter or an ATV is popular for exploring the wider island and reaching more remote beaches. Be aware that the main roads can be busy, and the maze of Chora is not accessible to these vehicles.
Peak Season Crowds: Mykonos is hugely popular, and during the peak summer months of July and August, the town’s small alleys can be extremely crowded. Plan to visit the main sights like the Windmills or Little Venice early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late in the afternoon to avoid the crush.
The Wind: Mykonos is known as the “Island of the Winds” due to the Meltemi (a strong, dry, northern wind) that blows intensely in the summer. Be prepared for strong breezes, especially on the west coast and the hill with the windmills. It’s often a welcome relief from the heat!
Dining & Nightlife Times: Dinner is typically eaten late, often starting around 9:30 PM or 10 PM. The most popular bars in Little Venice fill up before sunset, but the nightclubs don’t truly get going until after midnight.
Dress Code: While Mykonos is known for its glamorous party scene, the atmosphere is generally casual chic. For strolling the town, comfortable but stylish attire is the norm. Keep in mind that for exploring churches, it’s respectful to have shoulders and knees covered.
Hidden Gems:
Mykonos Agricultural Museum: Tucked away behind the windmills, this small outdoor museum complex includes a working flour mill, a dovecote, and a wine press, offering a quiet glimpse into traditional island life.
Yacht Club in the Old Port: Away from the main tourist strip, the small yacht club area offers a quiet spot for coffee or a drink with a perfect view back over the colorful Little Venice houses.
Ano Mera Village: Take a bus to the inland village of Ano Mera, a much quieter and more traditional Mykonian settlement. Visit the historic Panagia Tourliani Monastery and have lunch in the village square for an authentic, non-touristy Greek meal.
Top Restaurants
To Maereio [$25-$45] – A beloved Mykonian taverna tucked away in the heart of Chora, serving traditional, unpretentious Greek cuisine with a loyal local and regular visitor following.
Niko’s Taverna [$25-$45] – A cornerstone of Mykonos Town since 1976, this classic spot is known for its lively, authentic atmosphere, fresh seafood, and traditional Greek dishes like moussaka.
Eva’s Garden [$25-$40] – A charming, family-run taverna located in a quiet garden setting, offering traditional Greek and Mediterranean delicacies for over 40 years.
Lefteris [$20-$35] – Highly regarded by locals as one of Mykonos’ top grill houses, this spot is perfect for meat lovers looking for delicious, simple grilled chicken, pork, and souvlaki.
Sakis [$15-$25] – Quite possibly the best souvlaki and gyro spot in Mykonos Town, offering quick, delicious, and fresh Greek street food that’s a must-try for a casual meal.
Captain’s – Food for Sharing [$20-$40] – A small seaside restaurant in the Old Port of Mykonos where guests can enjoy delicious Greek meze, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean dishes.
Bakalo Greek Eatery [$30-$50] – Located in a beautifully decorated courtyard of a traditional house, it’s a great place to try authentic Greek cuisine inspired by family recipes and made with fresh ingredients.
Limnios Tavern [$30-$50] – While slightly outside Chora, this traditional tavern is known for its spectacular sea view, especially at sunset, and its focus on fresh, delicious, and affordable typical Greek dishes.
To Apomero [$20-$40] – A hidden gem known for its traditional Greek food, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere, offering a feeling of stepping back into Old Mykonos.
Nice n Easy [$30-$50] – Situated on Alefkandra Square, this restaurant focuses on traditional Mediterranean dishes using fresh, organic, local products, with great views of Little Venice and the windmills.
M-eating [$50-$80] – Widely considered one of the best restaurants on the island, it offers high-class contemporary Greek cuisine with an emphasis on transforming local ingredients into exquisite, artfully-prepared dishes.
Krama Mykonos [$50-$90] – Located in the Semeli Hotel, this restaurant offers excellent and sophisticated Greek fine dining, blending traditional Greek flavors with a modern, creative approach.
Kalita Restaurant [$50-$80] – Housed in a lush courtyard, this spot offers an elevated dining experience with a modern fusion of Greek cuisine, featuring local ingredients in contemporary Cycladic dishes.
La Petite Maison [$60-$100] – While part of a hotel, this restaurant brings a taste of the French Riviera to Mykonos, featuring stylish French-Mediterranean food, often with a classy and lively atmosphere.
Koursaros [$60-$100] – An elegant restaurant in Mykonos Town focusing on high-quality seafood and sushi, offering a unique blend of modern Greek seafood cuisine and innovative Japanese recipes.
Interni Restaurant [$60-$90] – A renowned dining spot in the heart of Mykonos with a glamorous open-air garden setting and a cosmopolitan menu that blends Mediterranean and Asian influences.
Bistrot de Nicolas [$50-$90] – Though located in Ano Mera (outside of Chora, but close enough to be considered for its quality), this spot is warm, charming, and caters more to locals with a creative, top-notch French-Mediterranean menu.
Nōema [$70-$110] – A sleek, sophisticated venue in Chora that re-imagines Greek dining with bold, shareable dishes rooted in Cycladic tradition, set in a courtyard that transitions from dinner to a lively evening scene.
D’Angelo [$30-$50] – A popular and well-regarded Italian restaurant offering a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, known for its friendly staff and relaxed ambiance.
Pepper Souvlaki & More [$20-$35] – More than just a simple souvlaki joint, this charming eatery in the narrow streets offers a delicious menu with creative twists on classic Greek favorites.
Matsuhisa Mykonos (at Belvedere Hotel) [$100-$200] – The Mykonos outpost of the world-famous Nobu, offering high-end Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in an elegant and stylish setting with a cosmopolitan crowd.
Kastro’s Restaurant [$50-$90] – A charming spot in Little Venice offering Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist, famous for its romantic waterside terrace and stunning sunset views.
Avra Restaurant [$50-$80] – A lovely hidden gem tucked away in a lush, secret garden courtyard, offering an enchanting ambiance and a refined Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Bill & Coo Gastronomy Project (Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge) [$120-$250] – A top fine dining experience with spectacular sea views, featuring creative Greek cuisine from a Michelin-awarded chef.
Cabbanes (Bill & Coo Coast Suites) [$100-$180] – Offers a serene, high-end dining experience with open-air terrace views, serving meticulously crafted tasting menus of contemporary Greek cuisine.
Baos (Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge) [$90-$150] – Focused on the flavors of the sea, this sophisticated restaurant near the center of Chora serves refined seafood dishes with a serious commitment to culinary excellence.
M-eating [$50-$80] – Deserves a mention here for its high-class service and exceptional quality that borders on fine dining without the highest price tags.
Lyo Restaurant (at Lyo Boutique Hotel) [$70-$120] – Located just outside of Chora, this upscale spot is known for its excellent Japanese and sushi menu in a stylish, sophisticated setting.
Zuma Mykonos (at Cavo Tagoo Mykonos) [$100-$200] – Offers modern Japanese cuisine, including sushi and robata grill items, in a stunning setting with an energetic vibe and infinity pool views (located just outside Chora).
Beefbar Mykonos (at Bill & Coo Coast Suites) [$80-$150] – A luxurious steakhouse experience focused on premium meats from around the globe, with a sleek, all-day setting right on Agios Ioannis Beach (just outside Chora).
Kounelas Fish Tavern [$40-$70] – A family-owned tavern in Mykonos Town known for its traditional atmosphere, local dishes, and especially fresh fish, which you can often select yourself.
Vegera [$25-$45] – A welcoming restaurant with a traditional feel, offering classic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a quieter corner of Mykonos Town.
D’Angelo [$30-$50] – An excellent option for Italian cuisine in a town dominated by Greek and high-end fusion, offering a nice change of pace.
Casa di Giorgio [$35-$60] – Another popular Italian spot in Chora, known for its authentic flavors and warm, inviting atmosphere, a favorite among those looking for classic Mediterranean dishes.
Mr. Pug (at Koukoumi Vegan Hotel, Ano Mera) [$40-$70] – While a short drive from Chora, this award-winning Asian Fusion restaurant is worth the trip for its unique take on Thai food and high-quality gastronomy.
Koukoumi (at Koukoumi Vegan Hotel, Ano Mera) [$40-$70] – Located a short drive from Chora, this is Mykonos’ first all-vegan hotel restaurant, offering a high-quality, plant-based menu with Mediterranean and Japanese influences.
La Cantina [$15-$25] – A good option for a quick, cheap, and local meal, offering traditional Greek snacks and small bites, perfect for a budget-friendly find.
Scorpios (Paraga Beach) [$70-$120] – While a beach club and a distance from Chora, its seaside restaurant is highly regarded for its sophisticated, bohemian setting and menu of creative Greek and local cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Scarpa Bar: A fixture in Little Venice for over 40 years, this spot offers spectacular cocktails, like their fresh fruit signature drinks, with great views of the sea and the famous windmills. It’s popular for sunset drinks and turns into a lively party spot late at night.
Negrita Mykonos: Located right on the waterfront in the scenic Little Venice, this popular bar is known for its exceptional cocktails and stunning sunset views. With a bohemian aesthetic, it becomes a cozy little club with DJs playing late into the night.
Queen of Mykonos: Situated in the bustling center of Chora, particularly on Matoyianni Street, this glam cocktail bar attracts a stylish crowd. It’s known for its handcrafted signature cocktails, particularly those involving champagne, and is often a lively pre-party venue.
180º Sunset Bar: Set on the grounds of a stone castle above the Old Port, this chic open-air bar boasts multi-tiered terraces with boho seating, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the sunset over the Aegean Sea. Reservations are highly recommended for the best seats.
Alley Cocktail Bar: Found on one of Mykonos Town’s busiest streets, this bar has a chilled-out vibe and friendly atmosphere. The ever-changing cocktail menu features locally sourced fruits and Greek spirits, often with a soul and jazz soundtrack.
Galleraki: The first bar on the Little Venice waterfront, this spot is a casual and funky cafe bar by day, which attracts a crowd to watch the magnificent sunset before ramping up the music and fun into the evening.
Katerina’s Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Located in one of the picturesque Little Venice houses literally hanging above the water, this bar offers a lovely balcony view for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset.
Bao’s Cocktail Bar: Deriving inspiration from the mythic Pirate Bao, this stylish bar in Little Venice offers fantastic cocktails and divine sunset views, often transitioning into an all-night dancing venue.
54 Cocktail Lounge: Situated in the TownHouse Hotel in the heart of Mykonos Town, this chic lounge is symbolic of classic disco and pop tunes, featuring weekly live shows and skilled mixologists creating refreshing cocktails.
SKYBAR (TownHouse Hotel): Located on the rooftop of the TownHouse Hotel, this is a recent addition to the nightlife scene, offering breathtaking views over Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea, perfect for a sunset cocktail experience.
Semeli the Bar: A long-standing, iconic fixture on the vibrant Little Venice seafront, this venue is renowned for its wild parties, tantalizing cocktails, and prime sunset views, playing a mix of RnB, Hip Hop, and Deep House.
Rhapsody Bar: Another beautiful bar located in Little Venice, offering a relaxed ambiance and classic cocktails with an amazing view over the Mediterranean Sea, popular with a younger crowd.
Lola Mykonos: Located in the back streets of Mykonos Town, this gay bar offers a unique, eclectic atmosphere with retro vibes. It’s a great option for a change of pace, offering classic cocktails and a relaxed positive environment.
Vicolo Bar Mykonos: A smaller, cozy bar located in the center of Mykonos Town, perfect for a relaxed drink while people-watching in the charming alleys.
Skandinavian Bar & Club: A legendary fixture for almost 40 years in the heart of Mykonos Town. It has two downstairs bars and an upstairs dance floor, plus an open-air courtyard. It’s known for its great value drinks, fun parties, and attracting a lively, young crowd.
Astra: A renowned venue at the town’s entrance from the old harbor (Tria Pigadia area). It blends a sophisticated lounge bar feel in the early evening with a hip dance club after midnight, attracting a classy clientele with its famous fibre-optic ceiling that mimics the night sky.
VOID Mykonos: A major club located behind Mykonos’s main port. This multi-level concrete venue features a vast dance floor with a hypnotic light installation and attracts international DJ talents, focusing on electronic, house, and techno music.
Moni: One of the hippest and most cosmopolitan hotspots in Mykonos Town, offering a sophisticated and opulent nightlife experience. It is known for its modern and avant-garde stage music with trendy DJs playing until sunrise.
Tabu: Located on the waterfront, this club is inspired by Japanese culture and is known for its wild nights. It brings in DJs from all over the world to play EDM music and provides a high-energy clubbing experience in Mykonos Town.
Porta Bar: A fun, smaller gay-friendly club located near the waterfront in Mykonos Town. It is a popular spot that gets busy after dinner time, featuring a small dance floor and a lively atmosphere.
Paloma: A simple, popular bar somewhat near Skandinavian Bar, known for its great music and friendly bartenders. It has a great party vibe for those looking for a local dance spot that isn’t one of the larger clubs.
Blu Blu Lounge: While primarily an all-day cafe bar, its central location and open-air porch make it a very lively spot in the evenings, offering refreshing summer cocktails and a dedicated sports area, which adds to the town’s pre-club atmosphere.
Cosi: Located in the center of Mykonos Town, this popular spot has a unique ambiance with bohemian lampshades and a large windowed facade. It serves as a lively lounge bar with a good music selection that draws a crowd for late-night socializing.