Placed near the edge of the Old Port, Saint Nicholas Church might be small in size, but it carries centuries of maritime faith on its blue-domed shoulders. Also known as the Chapel of Saint Nicholas, or Agios Nikolaos if you want to impress the locals, this modest Greek Orthodox church is dedicated to the beloved patron saint of sailors, fishermen, and travelers-the kind of company Mykonos has always kept close.

Legend has it that Saint Nicholas first visited the island around 500 AD to celebrate his name day, and according to local belief, he’s never really stopped returning. Every December 6th, the faithful carry his icon along the coastline in a solemn litany, followed by a celebration that’s anything but quiet-think feasting, music, and a community gathering that stretches long after sunset. Sailors still share stories of feeling his protection on rough seas, and for an island like Mykonos, that kind of guardian is worth honoring year after year.

The church itself dates to the 4th century and checks all the boxes for classic Cycladic architecture-bright whitewashed walls, a sky-blue dome, matching blue doors and shutters, and a few weathered benches to complete the postcard. It fits seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, which may be why so many visitors pause here-some to pray, others to snap a photo, and many just to enjoy the calm.

Step inside, and you’ll find a quiet, candle-lit interior with simple icons of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles. There’s no grand altar, no gilded ceiling-just a place of reflection, where people have come for generations to light a candle, say a prayer, or seek a moment of peace before heading back into the bustle outside.

While Saint Nicholas Church might not draw crowds like the beaches or windmills, it speaks to a different rhythm of Mykonos-one rooted in faith, tradition, and the deep relationship between islanders and the sea. If you're wandering the Old Port, it's well worth a pause. Light a candle, take in the view, and-who knows-maybe Saint Nicholas is still keeping an eye out.

Standing watch over the Aegean in the old Kastro neighborhood-the Church of Panagia Paraportiani is one of the island’s most iconic sights. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. With its stark white curves, sea views, and time-worn edges, this structure quietly steals the show.

The name Panagia Paraportiani translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate,” and yes, that’s exactly where you'll find it- near the old entrance to the neighborhood. But what really sets this church apart is its structure. At first glance, it might look like one building with some architectural personality. In truth, it’s five churches in one-four built at ground level over different centuries, forming the base for a fifth that crowns the entire cluster like a sculpted hat.

The earliest part, dedicated to Saint Anargyros, likely dates to around 1425-though some say even earlier. Over time, more chapels were added: Saint Efstathios, Saint Sozon, and Saint Anastasia all took their place in this holy puzzle. The finishing touch, the upper church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was completed sometime in the 17th century. It took centuries to come together-but somehow, the result looks effortless.

Architecturally, Panagia Paraportiani is a pure expression of Cycladic style-whitewashed, weather-smoothed, and strikingly asymmetrical. There are no decorative frills, no carved facades-just clean lines, rounded corners, and a dome that blends into the sky. It’s bold in its simplicity and famous precisely because it doesn’t try too hard.

Today, the church is more than a place of worship-it’s a national monument and a favorite subject of artists, photographers, and postcard designers. Visit at golden hour, and you’ll likely find a small crowd gazing up, cameras in hand, trying to capture its quiet power.

Part holy site, part accidental sculpture, Panagia Paraportiani is proof that sometimes the best designs come together slowly-and look like they were always meant to stand by the waves.

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.

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.

In the heart of the Old Port, where cobblestones meet café tables and souvenir bags swing from every other wrist, you’ll find Manto Mavrogenous Square-a lively patch of Mykonos with a serious backstory.

This bustling square is named after one of Greece’s boldest heroines: Manto Mavrogenous. Born into wealth and aristocracy, she could have lived a life of comfort and parties. Instead, she emptied her fortune funding Greece’s War of Independence in 1821-and then rolled up her sleeves and joined the fight. That’s right: she wasn’t just writing checks; she was leading troops and helping drive Ottoman forces off the island.

At the center of the square stands a marble monument in her honor-a larger-than-life bust perched on a seven-foot pedestal, reminding visitors that Greek history isn’t just about statues of bearded men in gowns. Manto’s likeness gazes steadily across the square, surrounded by a low stone fence that says, “Feel free to admire-but maybe keep your coffee cup at a distance.”

The square itself is rarely quiet. It’s ringed with shops, cafés, and curious wanderers, making it a natural stop whether you’re searching for gelato or a bit of patriotic inspiration. Locals gather here, tourists pass through, and the ghost of Manto probably raises an eyebrow at the occasional dance party or impromptu Instagram shoot happening just below her pedestal.

So next time you’re weaving through the Old Port, pause in Manto Mavrogenous Square. Make sure to Raise an invisible glass to the woman who turned Mykonos from island to battlefield-and left a legacy taller than any pedestal could hold.