5 Things to Do in Mykonos in Winter

Mykonos is one of the most amazing places in the world to visit, no matter the season or reason. There are plenty of things to do and sights to see on the island, and most are easy to find. Here are some of our top picks for things to do in Mykonos in winter.

What Are Some Things to Do in Mykonos in Winter?

Although this Greek destination is mainly visited in the summer, there are still plenty of winter activities. The mild weather and lack of crowds make it an ideal time to explore its many beaches and hiking trails.

Also, numerous historical sites and churches allow tourists to learn about Greece and its traditions. Despite not being the best time to enjoy the island nightlife, you might find some tavernas open throughout the season. That’s where you’ll be able to eat some traditional Greek dishes.

From the best hidden places to gems off the beaten path, you can find lots of things to do here at one of the most stunning places in the world, even during the colder months.

Travel-Related Facts – How to Get to Mykonos During Winter

Luckily, snow on the island is so rare that it’s almost non-existent. Still, the temperatures are lower and more winter-appropriate during the colder months.

Regarding transport, the place has one airport, JMK, and most direct flights to and from it are connected to the Greek capital, Athens. There’s also a ferry from the same city, specifically the Rafina port, that you can travel to and from any time of the year.

If the flights or ferries from Athens don’t suit your itinerary, contact us, and we can arrange a private jet rental. If possible, other trips could be planned, like Delos or Santorini.

Don’t Bring Beach Clothes if You Visit This Paradise in the Cold

What do you need when you travel here? In summer, you’d mostly need light clothes. Still, wintertime here isn’t too cold, so you won’t need overly warm clothes or shoes. It’d be good to have a raincoat and rain-resistant shoes since colder months tend to be rainy in this part of the world.

The port can be reached from Athens at nearly all times of the year

#1 Check Out the Windmills and Little Venice

Some might say that the island is overrated and not worth a visit during the whole year, but that’s simply untrue. Mykonos Town, or Chora, is a stunning example of Greek culture, tradition, and architecture. It has lovely walkable and sightseeing-friendly areas, out of which Little Venice is the most appealing.

Little Venice is home to breathtaking waterfront views, colorful houses, and narrow streets that make for a picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy Little Venice and take in the town sights before heading to the most famous area – the Windmills.

The Windmills are a popular tourist destination that can be seen all year. They were built in the 16th century to grind flour and can be seen from every corner of the town.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops here, making it the perfect spot to spend the day. You can end it by sitting at one of the best sunset spots and enjoying the view of the Aegean Sea.

The view of the windmills from a seaside bar in Little Venice

Little Venice and the Windmills are a must-see in Chora

#2 Visit the Many Mykonian Churches and Monasteries

Whether religious or not, you can’t deny that the churches here are beautiful. Statistics show that there are over 1200 churches, approximately one church per family. It is said that families built private churches to ensure entry into the afterlife and have personal spots for worship.

Not all churches were made to hold service, but many are popular and significant for Mykonian culture and history, like Panagia Paraportiani. It’s known for its impressive and unique architecture, which has been compared to that of a fortress.

The Monastery of Paleokastro is also famous for its beautiful location on the top of a hill. Other lovely religious sites include the Agios Ioannis Church, Panagia Tourliani, and St. Nikolakis Church. These three religious sites are significant in history and architecture and attract many visitors.

A view of the Paraportiani Church in Mykonos

Panagia Paraportiani also offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea

#3 Rent a Car And Drive Around the Island

If some days are too slow and you realize there isn’t much to do as you’d like, you can lounge in your Mykonos villa or, better yet, rent a car and visit the area at your own pace and leisure. This freedom is especially lovely if you’re visiting the island for the first time and want to explore all of its hidden gems.

You Can’t Take a Trip to Delos, but You Can Enjoy Local Attractions

This destination may be small, but it doesn’t lack attractions. Even if you can’t organize a tour of nearby islands like Delos and Santorini, driving will help you discover more than just a few blocks of white buildings in Chora.

Here are some more benefits of renting a car:

It can save you money – if you like to tour a lot, transportation costs can add up quickly, making renting more affordable,
It’s a great way to meet people – this place is easy to get around, allowing you to chat with locals and learn about their culture and customs,
You can hire a private driver – for anyone that gets tired of driving, we can offer personal chauffeur services.

#4 Travel to Ano Mera Village

Ano Mera is located in the northeast and is one of the most famous villages in the area. It’s known for its nice beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and many restaurants and bars.

This town is lovely for sightseeing and home to many historically significant religious sites in Greece, like Panagia Tourliani and the Paleokastro Monastery.

Visitors to Ano Mera can enjoy traditional food and wine in the many restaurants and cafes in the village. You can go hiking outside of town to discover more views of the Aegean Sea. Whatever you decide to do, Ano Mera is great if you want to experience a traditional village.

A front view of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera, Mykonos

Visit Panagia Tourliani, a historically significant and stunning monastery in Ano Mera

#5 Eat Traditional Food at a Local Taverna

This island is home to some of the best tavernas in Greece. You can find everything from casual eateries serving classic dishes to more upscale establishments with modern twists on traditional recipes.

While the more high-class, upscale restaurants may be closed when it’s not summer, you’ll still be able to try authentic Greek food in at least one taverna in Chora (and broader).

Some of the most iconic Greek dishes include:

Moussaka, a layered dish made with ground beef, eggplant, and potatoes.
Spanakopita, a savory pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese.
Souvlaki, skewered meat cooked on a grill.
Baklava, a dessert made from filo pastry, honey, and nuts.

Stay in One of Our Mykonos Luxury Villas and Have the Best Winter Holiday on the Island

If you’d like to travel to Greece in wintertime, The Ace VIP can help you get settled and find activities to do on your trip. From renting private villas in Mykonos to fully professional concierge services, we can make your stay unforgettable.

You can visit this paradise alone or travel with friends on an organized luxury trip. A Mykonos villa and various yacht rentals will be available in both cases. We’ve ensured that our guests can hire private chefs and throw parties to have the ultimate Mykonian experience, even on cold days.