With its romantic blue domes and Cycladic windmills at the ready, Mykonos is always on the cusp of whirring into action. The beautiful island is perfect for couples seeking a fun holiday in each other’s company. While its quieter neighbours — like Paros — pioneer a quieter type of getaway, Mykonos is unapologetically extroverted. So what are the best things to do in Mykonos for couples?
The island is internationally hailed for its glorious beach club culture. There are high-end restaurants with gorgeous sunset views, a never-ending flow of delicately prepared cocktails, and music that sends goosebumps down your arms. Between the scenery, beaches, and atmosphere, Mykonos really is a pinnacle of fun in the Cyclades. Besides, couples that dance together? Stay together.
Mykonos is evidence that romantic holidays don’t have to be sedentary (or involve back-to-back early nights). This guide will reveal how Mykonos can kick-start your relationship with serious entertainment — just in time for summer.
Why Mykonos is a Top Romantic Destination
Mykonos is a beautiful balancing act. The island’s scenery is stunning, the climate typically Mediterranean, the food is fresh-tasting, and the atmosphere is youthful and fun-forward — despite the abundance of traditional architecture and culture. A Mykonos honeymoon is a chance to laugh in each other’s company while experiencing a genuine side to the Cyclades. Some might call it the best of both worlds.
Extroverted and adventurous couples have plenty of stimulating activities and attractions to experience. There’s the beauty of oceanfront Little Venice, with its grey-flagged streets and dramatic balconies hanging over the crashing sea. You could join the throngs of excited faces hiking up to the Mykonos Windmills or the frivolous scenes at Super Paradise Beach Club. And that’s all without factoring in the possibility of day trips to nearby islands like Santorini. The allure of Mykonos for couples is its suitability for memory-making and embracing the novelty of life.
With that said, Mykonos isn’t totally void of quiet corners and privacy for you and your significant other. The island has a wealth of hiking trails and lesser-trodden beaches; lace the old hiking boots and organize a car rental to get off the beaten track. Mykonos is blessed with peaceful, luxurious accommodation options, too. Cosied up in Mykonos villas watching the sunset, what would you discuss with your partner?
Best Areas in Mykonos for Couples
Truth be told, there’s not one area of Mykonos that couples should avoid. The whole island has incredible romantic potential; it ultimately falls down to you and your preferences. How well do you know your partner? There’s the busier atmosphere of classic Mykonos Town, with its excitable crowds and gorgeous Cycladian architecture (including the famous windmills). Alternatively, cast a towel down at the quieter Panormos Beach, with its limited beach clubs and peaceful atmosphere.
The best area in Mykonos for couples could be right under your nose. Whether you’re hunting for areas for accommodation or just an afternoon out, it helps to know what to expect. Try these spots out for size.
1. Mykonos Town
Why: Architecture and Cuisine
Mykonos Town is the island’s cultural epicentre. Also known as Chora, the town is the island’s capital and home to the picturesque Old Port. For couples who prefer to remain in the thick of it, Mykonos Town has a traditional yet built-up appeal; dine al fresco at plentiful restaurant options and wander grey-tiled Matogianni Street for souvenirs. A picturesque collection of white-washed buildings with blue-painted features, it easily bags a spot as one of the best areas for couples in Mykonos.
Exploring Mykonos Town? Prioritise visiting the Little Venice district and walking to the Mykonos Windmills.
2. Agios Stefanos
Why: Boho Vibes
Agios Stefanos has an irresistible bohemian vibe, with a large sandy beach that offers some of Mykonos’ best sunsets and a smaller village layout. It’s located just above Tourlos (home to New Port and a base for ferries shuttling passengers from other islands) and conveniently situated for day trips. Yet Agios Stefanos remains at a peaceful distance from the day-to-day departures and arrivals, with equally easy access to the island’s peaceful northern headland.
Walk to Armenistis Lighthouse for a gorgeous sunset or laze on Paralia Agios Stefanos.
3. Agios Ioannis
Why: Sunsets
On the other side of Mykonos’ isthmus, a narrow strip near Ornos that connects (what feels like) two separate areas of the island sits Agios Ioannis. The beaches in this area are quieter and more peaceful, with beautiful sunsets and views of Delos. Yet couples don’t sacrifice the quick access to the major hubs of the western coast; Mykonos Town is just a 10-minute drive with its restaurants and windmills.
4. Panormos Beach
Why: Remote
As promised, Panormos Beach delivers one of Mykonos’ elusive quiet corners. Situated on the northern coastline, it has limited beach club crowds and half of its sands are dedicated to nudist sunbathing. The hills stretch right up to the waterfront, creating sweeping scenery and an undulating headland with pockets of wind traps.
For even more remoteness, head to the nearby wild beach, Paralia Agios Sostis, for windswept and beautiful views.
Most Romantic Things to Do in Mykonos for Couples
Everyone advises marrying your best friend, right? Mykonos has such a fun tourism scene that it could be the ultimate compatibility test.
Now that you have a general idea of Mykonos’ geography and optimal areas for couples let’s dive into how to fill your itinerary. These are the most romantic things to do in Mykonos for couples craving a fun time together.
1. Embrace Beach Club Culture
The undercurrent of club culture in Mykonos is just too tempting to shake. Party-loving couples should schedule a few fun date nights (or afternoons) at the island’s most highly-rated venues. Paradise Beach Club has a fierce reputation, with a high-flying crowd and sought-after DJs. On a more luxurious note, SantAnna has multiple pools, bars, sushi, and even a full-service spa.
Perfect for the more extroverted duos, what could be more romantic than donning your fanciest attire and embodying your most confident self? The music, atmosphere, and free-flowing refreshments are just an added bonus.
2. Take a Scenic Yacht Cruise
When in the Cyclades, take that scenic yacht cruise. There’s a wealth of private yacht hire itineraries, from circumnavigating Mykonos and its most stunning coves to peaceful shuttles to nearby islands. Curled up on the bow of a glitzy vessel with your significant other, embrace the beauty of Mykonos by water.
Snorkelling and swimming are often negotiable en route; discuss with captains and companies when reserving experiences.
3. Catch Sunset at the Windmills
How gorgeous are the Mykonos Windmills? Catch them at sunset, and prepare to be stunned even more with a romantic experience for you and your partner. The landmarks are beautiful in these magical golden hours — a real priority to experience first-hand.
As an extra tip, early birds could set their alarms for the crack of dawn and visit the windmills at sunrise instead. You’ll get the same orange glow but beat most of the crowds. It’s not everyone’s idea of fun. However, if you and your partner are early risers, it’s an exciting adventure and a savvy hack to see Mykonos in a different light (literally).
4. People Watch Al Fresco in Little Venice
The grey tiles and jumbled assortment of overhanging balconies offer a heavily cultural aesthetic in Little Venice. The heritage-rich environment is the ideal spot for people-watching, and who better to do so with than your partner?
Dine at Kastro’s Restaurant, right in the thick of the neighbourhood, with striking sea views. Or alternatively, book an al fresco table (in advance) at Nice n Easy, set in the Square of Alefkandra, on the outskirts of Little Venice. This venue has beautiful views of both the windmills and the balconies of Little Venice — what more could you want?
5. Day Trip to Delos
Delos isn’t technically part of Mykonos. Yet the self-contained island is so nearby that it’s often clumped into the same bracket. From April until October, it’s all too easy to hop on a ferry and reach the Delos shores in under 30 minutes.
The uninhabited island is a much-loved UNESCO Heritage Site and preserves the ruins of valuable Ancient Greek architecture. Embracing history — hand-in-hand — is a fun yet insightful activity for intellectually-minded couples.
6. Learn to Scuba-Dive
Pushing the boat far out, how about learning to scuba dive together? The most compatible couples inspire each other to venture out of their comfort zones and achieve new things. If you and your significant other love the underwater world, why not unlock access to beautiful scenery and marine life encounters together?
Mykonos Diving Centre offers PADI certification. Once certified, there are countless reefs around the island: get up close to octopus and barracuda on Paradise Reef, or pinch yourself exploring dramatic shipwrecks like Anna II.
7. More Actively Embrace the Food Scene
Yes, Mykonos is fantastic for dining out. However, a fun approach to the island’s foodie culture involves more active participation. Let your tastebuds guide you. Is Greek wine tasting on the beach or at a traditional vineyard your idea of heaven? Or perhaps your love language is rooted in the kitchen, whipping up dishes together? In that case, a private cooking class could perfectly balance quality time and cultural immersion. Get creative with active food experience in Mykonos.
8. Take a Hike
Fitness-conscious or nature-loving couples won’t be able to resist the hiking trails that zig-zag and loop the coastlines of Mykonos. Timing is everything (aside from the most hardcore duos, the midday heat takes a great deal of fun out of hiking). However, nothing captures a sense of connection like joint achievement and the excitement of reaching new scenery.
Armenistis Lighthouse or Ornos to Paradise Beach are some of the prettiest Mykonos trails. For the most ambitious of walkers, Prophet Elias is a rewarding summit climb, too.
Tips for Couples Visiting Mykonos
Couples quickly discover a whole array of romantic things to do in Mykonos. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and the island’s balanced, versatile, yet extroverted atmosphere creates an option-rich selection of activities and attractions.
Excited to experience the most fun things to do in Mykonos for couples? To share the most memorable experience, remember these top tips.
- Booking in advance is the golden rule to remember in peak season — especially with restaurants and accommodation. The best tables and rooms go fast, as Mykonos is one of the most sought-after islands in the Cyclades. When visiting in July and August, reserve as far in advance as possible.
- Rely on time-keeping, not reservations. With that said, don’t expect restaurants to hold highly desirable tables. It’s a popular point of contention that visitors will reserve a waterfront table only to arrive late and be seated a few rows back instead. Be punctual.
- If you want privacy, go private. Mykonos is popular (a dream for crowd-loving extroverts), so book private experiences like yacht excursions for that guaranteed one-on-one time.
- Choose accommodation areas carefully. A hotel in Mykonos Town will have a completely different vibe than choosing a base in Agios Stefanos. A property in Agios Stefanos will be equally different from a hotel in Panormos. Mykonos is a fairly compact island, but if you research its areas, you will see its neighbourhoods are quite diverse.
- Pack outfits with care. Those gorgeous stilettos? While an aesthetic match for a sunset dinner at Nice N Easy, overlooking the ocean, they’ll be a more controversial choice to scale the hill to Armenistis Lighthouse or wander to Mykonos Windmills. Research what to wear in Greece and communicate plans ahead of time to enable appropriate attire (your partner will thank you later). Keep modest clothing requirements in mind when visiting religious landmarks and attractions, as well.
Planning a romantic trip to Mykonos? Whether you seek luxury, tranquility or nightlife, we’ve got the perfect romantic spots for you.