A Detailed Guide to Mykonos Chora: The Best Attractions, Restaurants & Where to Stay
Mykonos Chora is an incredible destination full of charming, rustic cobblestoned streets, stunning sunsets, and ancient history. Whether you're looking for the best things to do, places to stay, or delicious food and drinks, our ultimate guide has got you covered. Don't miss out on this Cycladic gem!
Chora, Mykonos’ labyrinth, port-side capital, is the beating drum of the Island, and the perfect starting point for any visit to Mykonos.
Set on a calm bay on the east of the Island, Chora is stereotypically Cycladic, with its white-washed walls, blue-domed churches, cobblestone streets and bougainvillaea-covered archways.
It is incredibly beautiful, probably the most beautiful ‘old town’ in the Cycladic Islands, if somewhat maddening.
The historical centre is small and centralised, designed to confuse invaders with the endless laneways that seemingly twist and turn in every direction. Historically home to ancient churches, Venetian mansions, and rock archways, the town is now home to exceptional restaurants, trendy bars, shops, art galleries, and clubs.
While you’re likely to spend your days on the beaches and day clubs of the south, Mykonos Chora we definitely recommend spending at least a day exploring, eating, sipping cocktails, and revelling in the famous Little Venice sunset.
If we’ve convinced you to start planning your trip, here’s our guide to the best things to see in Mykonos Chora, Greece.
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MYKONOS
CHORA
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Mykonos, Cyclades
WHAT TO SEE | Chora Old Town, Windmills, Little Venice, Sunset cocktails at Negrita, Panagia Paraportiani, stroll Matogianni street
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK | Baos D’Angelo, Caesar’s, Souvlaki Story
WHERE TO STAY | Cavo Tagoo, or Sunset Paraportiani Rooms
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MYKONOS CHORA
EXPLORE MYKONOS OLD TOWN (CHORA)
An early morning walk getting lost in labyrinth of laneways in the slowly awakening town is an essential thing to do in Mykonos.
There are colourful fruit stalls and fishmongers by the old port, selling the best of Mykonos’ produce, an old woman watching the world below from her window, drying clothes swaying in the ever-present breeze, the clatter of cutlery and the waft of delicious Greek food being prepared, and the ever-present radio relaying the latest news.
We suggest starting your explorations in Little Venice, and working your way north towards Mykonos’ oldest church, Panagia Paraportiani. Follow the laneways towards the old port, before re-entering the laneways and winding your way towards the popular Matogianni St and the Alefkándhra district, which is packed with art galleries, trendy bars, shops and clubs.
Within the old town, there is a myriad of beautiful and historic sights that you must visit:
Aegean Maritime Museum | The extensive history that exists off the coast of Mykonos is explained in this small yet interesting museum
Kastro’s Restaurant | Home to that view, Kastro’s is an essential stop when exploring Mykonos old town
Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary | Located off Little Venice, this church is so quintessentially Cycladic, it hurts. Surrounded by flags, this blue-domed church is small but wonderfully picturesque
Agia Kyriaki Church | Located in the heart of the old town, it’s easy to miss Agia Kyriaki Church. Located on a bougainvillaea-filled town square, the church is a feast for the eyes and showcases the simple yet elegant beauty of Cycladic architecture
It’s worth noting, that much of the town slows down in the mid-summer heat - so come early to appreciate Chora’s charms. By night, it’s overwhelmingly busy, which in itself has its own charms.
If you’d prefer to not get lost, and be guided through this stunning town by a knowledgeable local (this is probably a good thing, take it from us!), we suggest joining this highly-rated Chora walking tour. You’ll visit all the major sights while learning the history of the island.
BOOK | This excellent walking tour of Mykonos town
DISCOVER THE ICONIC PANAGIA PARAPORTIANI CHURCH
An icon of Mykonos’s old town, Paraportiani is unmissable, even if you just witness the quirky, asymmetrical exterior on a stroll through town.
Nestled among the charming white-washed houses and cobblestone streets, the church was built between the 15th - 17th centuries, and is a fusion of four chapels, each constructed in different architectural styles; Byzantine, Western European and Cycladic. The combination of architecture creates a stunningly unique masterpiece, and the white-washed walls of the church provide a dramatic contrast against the ubiquitous Greek blue skies, making it a brilliant place to photograph.
But the church’s appeal goes beyond its architectural beauty, as it is also an important religious site, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Interestingly, the name "Paraportiani" translates to "standing next to the entrance", as the church was built next to the entrance of the castle of Mykonos, which unfortunately no longer exists (although you can still see part of the ruins if you walk around the church).
While it’s small, you can’t miss a quick visit to this icon of Mykonos.
THE DETAILS
Where | Panagia Paraportiani
Cost | Free
EXPLORE LITTLE VENICE, MYKONOS
In the heart of Mykonos Chora lies its most popular, and dare we say it, most beautiful attraction, the stunning Venetian homes that make up Little Venice.
There’s nowhere more romantic or picturesque, especially at sunset, when the marmalade skies light up the sea and illuminate the buildings in a soft, pastel orange hue.
Watching a sunset here is a right of passage for anyone that visits the island, whether you are George Clooney, or George from Brazil - find yourself a spot (a cocktail bar is always the best bet…), and watch nature put on a show.
Set right on the water’s edge, colourful, historic villas jut out from the sea, strongly resembling those in the real Venice, Italy. And that would be because Mykonos fell under Venetian rule for many a year, and these very mansions were constructed by Venetian seafarers as a tribute, in a way, to remind them of home.
The wooden balconies allowed sea traders direct access to the sea, and although the restored mansions now house primarily restaurants, bars and Airbnbs, they are no less beautiful.
Little Venice is also home to the famous viewpoint - the long, table-filled alleyway with views out over the Aegean, which lures the would-be Insta-crowd - if you’re also after a photo here, it’s called Kastro’s Restaurant. We suggest sitting down, ordering a meal and a glass of wine, and enjoying the view.
THE DETAILS
Where | Little Venice, Mykonos
ENJOY A SUNSET COCKTAIL AT NEGRITA BAR
Set amongst the Venetian mansions on the Little Venice waterfront, Negrita is famous worldwide for its outrageously epic sunset views overlooking the Aegean sea, world-class cocktails, and its colourfully styled interior.
As somewhat thrifty travellers, paying anything over €20 for a cocktail is unfathomable. And yet, the lure of an endless Mykonos sunset, accompanied by a fruity cocktail, was something we simply couldn’t avoid. There we sat, the salty sea lapping at our feet, enjoying the most delicious cocktail, overlooking a million-dollar view. €50 later, do we regret it? Not one bit.
The cocktail menu is expansive and expensive - we had the Zombie (passionfruit cocktail) and a Gin and hibiscus Martini, both delicious and well-executed.
If this is on your Mykonos bucket list, we suggest saving your pennies elsewhere to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime view. We recommend booking at least a few days in advance to secure a seaside seat. Alternatively, you can book at one of the many surrounding picturesque bars that line the waterfront, such as the equally famous Bao’s Bar.
THE DETAILS
Where | Negrita Cocktail Bar
Opening Hours | 11 am - late
Cost | Cocktails start from €17
FIND THE FAMOUS MYKONOS TOWN WINDMILLS
The iconic windmills, located just off Little Venice, are the emblem of Mykonos Chora.
Built by the Venetians in the 16th century to harness the power of the summer winds to mill grain, the windmills were an important source of income for local people until they ceased production in the middle of the 20th century. Thankfully, they were preserved, unlike many similar windmills on Paros and Naxos, and live on in infamy. Seven remain to this day, visible from just about everywhere in Chora.
Despite their undoubted beauty, they’re a little bit underwhelming. Sure, they are pretty, but the surrounding area is rather messy, and there’s not much to them - just a souvenir store and an epic view of Little Venice.
That being said, a visit here to watch the sunset over the town is wonderful (if not a little busy), and even better in the morning for sunrise, when you have the whole place to yourself as pastel hues cast over them as the sun slowly rises.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Windmills of Mykonos
Cost | Free
STROLL THE PRETTY MATOGIANNI STREET
There are pretty streets, and then there’s Matogianni (also Matoyianni), located right in the heart of bustling Chora.
Named after the Matoyianni family, one of the most prominent families of Mykonos during the 19th century, this charming wide, cobblestoned street is home to colourful Venetian mansions, brightly coloured bougainvillaea, and the endless picturesque stairways, which give this street a somewhat ethereal feel.
There are a mesmerising array of shopping options, including high-end designer boutiques, art galleries, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops. There are also many cafes, bars and restaurants on the street, where visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while watching the street life.
The tourist/souvenir stores that line the street, which somewhat detract from the overall beauty of the street, but there is no denying that this is the street in the town.
Make it to the end, and you’ll arrive at the pretty Agia Kyriaki church, before ending at the picturesque old port, with sprawling views over the Mykonos coastline.
We also suggest taking a walk around the many surrounding laneways, which are equally picturesque and home to a lot of the authentic beauty of Mykonos Chora.
THE DETAILS
Where | Matogianni Street
EMBRACE MODERN ART AT RARITY GALLERY
We’re fans of art and often find ourselves strolling through galleries in every city we visit. But we absolutely didn’t expect to find a modern art gallery on a Greek Island, so our visit to Rarity Gallery was a wonderful surprise, not just because of the escape from the overwhelming heat.
Rarity Gallery is located in the heart of Mykonos Chora in a beautifully restored 19th-century traditional building. This small gallery showcases ever-changing exhibitions featuring contemporary art from emerging and established artists from around the world and features a diverse range of contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
The gallery is divided into six small exhibition halls, each with polished black concrete floors and white-washed walls (this totally does all things to our interior design senses!).
During our visit, there was a diverse range of pop art, otherworldly sculpture and modern digital art (no, not NFTs), and we were really blown away by the modern sculpture - if we were immensely wealthy, there’s no doubt we’d have bought a few for our sprawling Paris apartment. Alas, we admired each corner of the gallery before getting on our way.
If you’re looking for something alternative to do in Mykonos Chora, we highly suggest a visit to Rarity.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rarity Gallery
Cost | Free
Opening Hours | 10 am - 1 am
WATCH A FAMOUS MYKONOS CHORA SUNSET
In Mykonos, much like the rest of Greece, sunsets are sacred.
Every night, people gather all across the island to watch the sunset. Whether viewed shoulder-to-shoulder at the Little Venice, from the infinity pool of your bougie hotel, from a glitzy bar, or from the deck of your romantic sunset cruise, Mykonos’ sunset is world-famous for a reason: it's pretty bloody spectacular.
The obvious choice for many is in Little Venice, where the world-famous (and TikTok famous) bars hold the prime position for the best sunset you’ll ever see. From here, witness the breathtaking shift from one pastel hue to another, until the skies turn dark and the party really starts.
However, while the island’s most famous sunset drawcard is truly beautiful, it, like many of the world's most famous tourist spots, is also by no means the only beautiful place to watch Santorini's most famous show from.
There are some world-class bars that play host to the best parties in Europe, and from here, music blaring, and sunset is a core memory makers.
How you do sunset is up to you, but we highly recommend Boni’s Windmill for a more sedate, affordable affair.
BOOK | This Mykonos sunset sailing tour
GO SHOPPING IN MYKONOS CHORA
We’re not going to lie, most shops we visited on the island of Mykonos were far outside our budget. As two post-pandemic travel bloggers, finances were lower than usual during our visit, and thus, we admired the array of high-end fashion boutiques, traditional souvenir shops, and artisanal crafts from afar, dreaming of a time we can return and snap up everything in sight.
The best shops can be found amongst the maze-like streets of Chora, where Louis Vuitton sits alongside local designers, and 16th-century mansions are converted into astoundingly beautiful boutiques.
Some of the best places to shop on Mykonos:
MATOGIANNI STREET | As mentioned above, Matoyianni Street is lined with high-end fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, and souvenir shops. It's a great place to find designer clothing, accessories, and traditional Greek souvenirs.
LITTLE VENICE | Little Venice is known for its charming whitewashed houses that are built on the edge of the sea, and it’s also a great place to find unique and locally made clothing, and crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and jewellery.
JARDIN | Selling exclusively Greek brands, expect to find well-made dresses, shirts, kaftans and more. Again, it’s all about the earthy tones and minimal aesthetics.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN MYKONOS CHORA
On first impressions, the food scene in Mykonos left a lot to be desired, especially when compared to other Greek Islands we visited.
We found it hard to find good, authentic Greek food on Mykonos - Chora is overrun with mostly average, expensive restaurants, catering to unaware tourists, while the rest of the island feels a little too ‘beach club’ for our liking.
We wanted yia yia’s homecooked specialities, not mass-produced, overcooked pasta with tasteless seafood.
That said, we met a wonderful Dutch couple who have visited Mykonos yearly for over 30 years, and they provided a number of personal recommendations which were highly appreciated. It turns out, we were looking in all the wrong places, and following their recommendations, we enjoyed a number of quality meals on the island.
WHERE TO EAT IN MYKONOS TOWN
HEALTHYLICIOUS | A cosy laneway cafe serving breakfast and lunch. The perfect place to start your day, we had the Goddess avo toast and yoghurt with honey and fruit, plus Freddo cappuccino. We’d happily visit again and again, mostly to avoid sweet pastries and heavy coffee for breakfast every day
IL FORNO DI GERASIMO | We discovered this hidden gem on a morning walk through the myriad of laneways in Chora and visited every day we remained on the island. This is a proper bakery, serving a huge array of baked goods, pizza slices, sweet treats and coffee. The spanokopita is to die for.
SOUVLAKI STORY | Souvlaki Story can be found in a few places on the island and is good for a quick meal as their portions are huge, providing great value for money. They also have a full vegetarian menu.
HOMECOOKED BY LEONIDAS | Cheap and somewhat cheerful (the service that is, the food is actually really good!), these were some of the cheaper gyros we found around Mykonos Chora. Even better for our fellow veggies — they have good vegetarian gyros here too!
CAESAR’S | Our favourite meal in Chora, Caesar’s serves traditional Mediterranean and Greek flavours in a modern way. We had the orzo pasta with shrimp, and the mushroom risotto, both excellent and balanced. The range of appetisers was amazing, and we highly suggest the calamari and zucchini balls. Affordable by Mykonos standards.
THE BEST BARS IN MYKONOS CHORA
There are plenty of amazing bars with epic sunset views on Mykonos
NEGRITA OR BAO’S BAR - LITTLE VENICE | These bars are known for their unique location, situated right on the water's edge, offering beautiful views of the sea. Both bars are laid-back, serving an amazing array of world-class cocktails. Come for the drinks, stay for the view, and don’t forget to film it all on your phone so you can go viral (jokes, keen the phone away and enjoy the sunset with your own eyes)
SUNSET BEERS AT BONI’S WINDMILL | Boni’s Windmill is a hidden gem for backpackers or those on a budget Simply grab a few drinks in town, walk out of Chora and up towards the windmills, and enjoy an epic sunset overlooking Mykonos without the price tag.
180 BAR | Situated just above Mykonos, 180 Bar is chic and upscale, offering beautiful views of the town and the sea. The bar offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine, but the sunset view is the selling point here
MYKONOS CHORA TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS CHORA
There is a huge range of incredible accommodation options located in or around Mykonos Chora, ranging from Budget to luxury.
Below are our recommendations:
LUXURY | Incredible 5* luxury at Cavo Tagoo, or the aesthetically chic Asty Hotel & Spa
MID-RANGE | Stunning Little Venice views at Bluetopia Suites
BUDGET | The underrated Mama’s Pension, or Sunset Paraportiani Suites
We recommend booking well in advance, especially during the peak season.
WHERE IS MYKONOS CHORA
Mykonos is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island complex. It is situated about 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of the Greek mainland, near the island of Delos.
Its charming capital town, Mykonos Chora (sometimes known as Mykonos Town, or simply Chora) is located in the southwest of the Island, about 2 km from the Aiport and main ferry terminal.
READ MORE | How to get from Athens to Mykonos
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MYKONOS CHORA?
We found late Spring (May-early June) to be the best time to visit Mykonos Chora, as the weather was warm, the crowds manageable, and the water wonderfully refreshing.
However, the party season hasn’t really started at this point, so if you’re keen to revel in the Island’s nightlife, you might want to visit during the more conventional summer season.
The late season, between mid-September to October, is also a good time to visit if you're looking for milder weather and fewer crowds.
HOW TO GET FROM MYKONOS AIPORT TO CHORA (OLD TOWN)
There are several ways to get from Mykonos Airport to Fabrika (on the edge of Mykonos Chora), however, we found the private bus to be the easiest and best option for those on a budget (€2 per person and takes about 10 minutes.).
Alternative options include:
TAXI | Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Taxis are metered, and the fare will depend on the destination. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes
PRIVATE TRANSFER | You can also book a private transfer, which can be arranged in advance through a travel agency or online.
RENTAL CAR/SCOOTER | This option is suitable for those who want to explore the island on their own. There are several car rental agencies and scooter rental agencies at the airport
HOW TO GET FROM MYKONOS PORT TO CHORA (OLD TOWN)
We found the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient way to get from Mykonos Chora (old port), to the New Port is via the Sea Bus, which takes around 10 minutes and costs an affordable €2.
There are several ways to get from Mykonos Port to Chora (Old Town):
BUS | The local bus service, KTEL, operates a regular service between the port and Chora (Old Town). The bus stop is located just outside the port, and buses run regularly throughout the day.
TAXI | Taxis are available outside the port. Taxis are metered, and the fare will depend on the destination.
PRIVATE TRANSFER | You can also book a private transfer, which can be arranged in advance through a travel agency or online.
WALKING | The distance from the port to Chora (Old Town) is around 1.5km and it's a flat walk, it's possible to walk, but it's not recommended during hot summer days or with heavy luggage.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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