Long before Mykonos became a magnet for yachts and selfie sticks, its Old Port-also known as the Venetian Port-was the island’s lifeline to the rest of the world. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, this crescent-shaped harbor was one of the busiest stops in the Mediterranean, hosting merchant ships sailing between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. If crates could talk, they'd have stories in at least five languages.

The port itself dates to the 16th century, built under Venetian rule with some strategic thinking. Set into the island’s western side, it stayed protected from Mykonos’s famously unruly winds-a practical feature when your cargo includes silk, spices, and maybe a barrel or two of wine. The semi-circular layout made docking and unloading a breeze, and the place quickly earned its reputation as a merchant’s paradise.

These days, the Old Port has swapped goods for good vibes. The heavy maritime traffic has moved to the New Port, leaving this historic harbor in a much calmer state-more sailboats and strolling than shipping and shouting. It’s an ideal place to wander, with the Aegean on one side and whitewashed buildings on the other. The waterfront is lined with small shops, cozy restaurants, and boutique hotels-each with just enough charm to make you think about canceling tomorrow’s plans.

The area isn’t just for admiring the view. Scattered around the neighborhood are a few gems, like the Church of Saint Nicholas, the Church of Saint Basil, and the beautifully named Holy Temple of the Unwithering Rose. For a deep dive into Mykonos’s past, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos offers a fascinating collection of ancient Cycladic artifacts, some dating all the way back to the 25th century BCE.

Step just beyond the pier, and you’ll find narrow alleys winding quietly through the old quarter. It’s here that the island slows down-less buzz, more breeze. Locals go about their day, cats sunbathe with purpose, and visitors get a glimpse of Mykonos before the beach clubs and champagne buckets.

The Old Port isn’t flashy. That’s exactly the point. It’s a slice of Mykonos that still breathes in time with the tides.

Mykonos Brewing Company is the island’s first and only craft brewery, founded in 2017 by a group of local hobby brewers who turned their passion into a full-scale operation. Producing beer under the brand name Mikonu, the brewery crafts a range of styles-using select Greek and Belgian malts.

The space itself is as unconventional as the brews: set underground in a former bowling alley, the industrial setting now houses a working brewery, a cozy taproom, and a welcoming bar area.

Visitors can book a guided tour to see how the beer is made and enjoy a tasting of five different brews. The taproom doubles as a laid-back hangout, with snacks, board games, and seating for all ages-including kids and furry companions.

While Greece has centuries-old beer-making roots and its first official brewery dates to the 19th century, Mykonos Brewing Company brings a modern twist to the island’s drinking culture. It’s an ideal stop for anyone looking to cool off from the beach and sample a fresh, local pour.

Paradise Beach is where Mykonos turns the volume up. Known as the island’s original party beach, it has earned legendary status among travelers seeking both sun and sound. Established in 1969, Paradise quickly became a hub for free spirits, beach lovers, and later, world-famous DJs. The soft golden sand and vibrant turquoise waters may look serene in the morning, but by mid-afternoon, the tempo shifts-music starts pulsing, drinks begin flowing, and the beach transforms into one of Europe’s most famous party spots.

The beach offers all the essentials for a long day (and night) of celebration: daybeds, sun loungers, and shaded areas for early arrivals; bars and clubs that keep the rhythm alive well past midnight; and restaurants and shops that fuel the fun. While nudity is less common than it once was, Paradise still nods to its carefree, clothing-optional past-making it one of the island’s more open-minded beaches.

Despite the crowds and constant energy, Paradise remains undeniably beautiful. Mornings here are quieter, offering a chance to appreciate the natural setting before the festivities begin. For many, the appeal lies in the contrast-peaceful surf by day, thumping bass by night. It’s a place that doesn’t just promise a party, it delivers one every single day.

For visitors chasing the classic Mykonos experience, Paradise Beach offers both sides of the coin: idyllic scenery and unapologetic celebration.

The Mykonos Windmills, or Kato Mili, aren’t just part of the skyline-they are the skyline. Perched on a breezy hill above Alefkandra Harbor, these whitewashed towers have been keeping an eye on Chora for centuries. Their round shapes, tiny windows, and pointed wooden roofs make them look like something out of a Cycladic fairytale-minus the dragons, plus a lot of wind.

Back in the day, Mykonos had 28 windmills scattered across the island. Today, only 16 remain, and seven of those stand proudly on this iconic hill overlooking the sea. You’ll spot them from just about anywhere in town. And no, that’s not your camera lens playing tricks-most of them really do face north to catch the island’s famously strong winds.

The Venetians kicked off windmill construction in the 16th century, using them to grind wheat and keep the local economy spinning-literally. These three-story stone structures were workhorses of island life until the mid-20th century, when electricity made flour-making a whole lot less impressive.

These days, the windmills have traded wheat for nostalgia. Some have been transformed into cozy homes, others into storage, and a couple have taken on new lives as museums. But all of them remain powerful symbols of Mykonos’s past-proof that function and beauty can, in fact, coexist.

If you’re up for a closer look, two of the windmills near the harbor are open to visitors. Geronymos Mill is the oldest of the bunch, with original grinding gear still intact-and still impressive. Then there’s Bonis Mill, which is part of the Mykonos Agricultural Museum. It opens from 4 to 8 PM during summer and hosts a lively festival each September, complete with dancing, storytelling, food, and local wine. Think of it as a love letter to simpler times-with better snacks.

So if you’re wandering Mykonos and see white towers catching the wind, don’t just snap a photo and move on. Climb the hill, take in the view, and let these gentle giants remind you of the island’s quieter, wheatier past.

Right in the heart of Chora, tucked between boutiques, cafés, and selfie spots, you’ll stumble upon one of Mykonos’s more charming curiosities: the Three Wells, or Tria Pigadia if you want to sound like a local.

Built back in 1722, these three identical wells were the town’s main water source for over two centuries-until 1956, when plumbing finally showed up and made things easier (and less sandy). Carved into shallow ground, they’re only about 20 feet deep-which makes them more “scoop” than “draw,” especially when compared to traditional wells that plunge over 100 feet.

Each well looks just like the next: short, simple, and surprisingly elegant. They’re set in a quiet little courtyard in the center of town-no ticket booth, no velvet ropes, just three stone circles that once kept Mykonos hydrated. And while they’re no longer in use, they’re definitely not forgotten.

Now, of course, it wouldn’t be Greece without a bit of legend. Some say anyone who drinks from the wells will marry soon-so maybe think twice before taking a sip on a casual trip. Others claim that drinking from the wells guarantees you’ll fall in love with Mykonos and never want to leave. Which, honestly, sounds like something the island cooked up on purpose-and judging by return visits, it might not be far off.

Just a few steps away, you’ll spot the "I Love Mykonos" staircase, which-true to its name-offers both a great photo chance and a perfect summary of how people feel once they’ve wandered these streets.

Small as they are, the Three Wells still pour plenty of charm into the island’s story-and, if the legends are true, maybe into yours as well.

If Mykonos had a runway, it would be Matoyianni Street. Nestled right in the heart of town, this narrow little thoroughfare knows how to make a scene-with cobblestones underfoot, stylish windows at every turn, and a crowd that mixes sun-kissed tourists with locals on a mission.

Often called a shopper’s paradise, Matoyianni is where credit cards and curiosity go hand in hand. Think designer boutiques next to souvenir stalls, high fashion next to handcrafted sandals, and a steady stream of browsers until midnight during the summer months. If you’ve ever wanted to buy a replica of Byzantine-style jewelry, neon beachwear, and olive soap in one stroll-this is your place.

The street itself is short, winding its way between Kalogera Street and Enoplon Dinameon Street, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in personality. Along the way, you’ll pass cafés, craft shops, and perhaps even a few cats acting like they own the place. Don’t miss Pantopoleion, a 300-year-old gem of a store that’s part grocery, part apothecary, and part time machine. It stocks everything from Greek organic foods to natural cosmetics and handmade local goods-ideal for souvenirs that don’t scream “airport gift shop.”

Foodies, fear not-Matoyianni doesn’t disappoint. Ice cream spots and restaurants serving up fresh local dishes keep the energy high and the bellies full. Skaropoulos Bakery, a favorite with locals, has been firing up fresh bread and pastries for over a century. It’s the kind of place where even the crumbs taste like history.

When the sun goes down, Matoyianni flips the switch. Cocktail bars and nightclubs take over, spilling music and laughter into the street. Whether you’re chasing a quiet drink or dancing into the early hours, you’ll find a spot that suits your mood-just follow the beat.

Matoyianni Street condenses the best of Mykonos into one stylish stretch-shops, bites, and nightlife all packed into a lane that never really sleeps.

Little Venice isn’t just a nickname-it’s one of Mykonos’s most photogenic corners and one of the island’s top draws. Perched right on the edge of the Aegean in Chora, this waterfront neighborhood has waves lapping at its foundations and balconies that lean just far enough to flirt with the sea breeze.

Originally called Alefkandra, after the nearby beach, the area earned its current name thanks to its colorful houses and distinctive architecture-more Venetian flair than Cycladic minimalism. Think wooden balconies, arched windows, and bold colors that break from the island’s usual white-and-blue palette. This style didn’t appear by accident: back in the 13th century, Mykonos sat on a major Venetian trade route, and for centuries, this spot was a popular pit stop for sailors looking for food, rest, and likely a bit of fun.

Rolling a few hundred years, and Little Venice still knows how to welcome a crowd. By day, the cafés and boutique shops hum with energy, and by night, the area transforms into a lively stretch of bars and clubs-complete with music, cocktails, and a glow that bounces right off the sea. If you're here for the party, you’ve found your place.

Prefer a quieter visit? Come in the morning, when the sun’s low and the crowds are still recovering. It’s the perfect time to explore the area’s history. You’ll find landmarks like the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, Saint Nicholas Church, the Folklore Museum, and what remains of Mykonos Castle resting among the narrow lanes.

Before you leave, head just north of the Mykonos Windmills for a picture-perfect view looking back at Little Venice.

Be it for the colors, the history, or the hum of daily life, this is a shoreline that leaves its mark without saying a word.