Think Mykonos is just for partying? Think again. Clinging to its shoreline are miles of unravelling trails that overlook the ocean, backed by scattered Cycladic churches on rocky vantage points. And stepping away from its beaches and heavily concentrated population in Chora, you’re left with barren hills — the highest of which, Prophet Elias, sits at 370m.
Hiking in Mykonos is a dream for nature lovers. It’s more than possible to dodge the partiers for an active day or afternoon. The island’s trails are so beautiful that even the most luxurious Mykonos villas couldn’t keep an avid hiker from lacing their boots.
With that said, considering the intense heat of the Mykonos summers, you’ll need a solid plan. Don’t just go wandering aimlessly; these are the best hiking routes in Mykonos.
5 Best Hiking Trails in Mykonos
Stick to the coast or head to the rocky inland summits? It’s a tough dice to throw. To decipher the best route for your fitness, experience, and visiting season, here are Mykonos’ top five hiking trail contenders.
1. Armenistis Lighthouse
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Coastal
Perhaps the most famed of the hikes in Mykonos, Armenistis Lighthouse is the dramatic endpoint of a moderate-length trail. At 19m high and dating back to 1891, it’s an impressive backdrop for an ocean viewpoint.
Start at Agios Stefanos to keep the trail to a manageable 5-mile out-and-back stroll. AllTrails has a detailed route available online, but honestly, it’s an easy path to follow. From the centre of Agios Stefanos, simply head north (via the headland or as the crow flies). Eventually, a cul de sac transforms into a tiny sandy trail — with the shape of Armenistis Lighthouse waiting to greet you with expansive sea views.
2. Mykonos Windmills
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Residential
Visiting Mykonos and skipping its windmills would be a crime; in days gone by, the characteristic wind of the island fueled a prolific grain industry. The white-washed and thatched-roof windmills stand testament to both Cycladic architecture and history.
Located on the outskirts of residential Chora, this is one of the easiest hiking trails in Mykonos. Take a peek at this 30-minute AllTrails loop, which incorporates the windmills into a scenic suburban loop of Chora’s Little Venice.
3. Ornos to Paradise Beach
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Sandy tracks
Flitting from beach to beach with leisurely pauses to dip in the Aegean Sea is enough to motivate even the most reluctant hiker. Of the Mykonos coastline, the Ornos to Paradise Beach section is the most scenic. The route skips from Ornos Beach to Psarou Beach, pausing briefly at the white sands of Platys Gialos before continuing past Paranga and finishing at the (iconic) Paradise Beach.
This is what hiking in Mykonos is all about: embracing where nature meets culture and coastal living. Cool off in the sea at regular intervals; the 4-mile stretch is a perfect one-way hike in summer — stagger it over a day for maximum enjoyment.
4. Ano Mera to Fokos Beach
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Road and gravel
With so much coastal action, far too many tourists overlook the quieter inland villages like Ano Mera. The Ano Mera to Fokos Beach does no such thing, starting at the white-washed village with its 16th-century monastery and culminating at the shore. Just over an hour in length, it’s a moderate hike but relatively straightforward for the average walker to complete (for more insights, check the AllTrails route).
Passing the Ano Mera Dam — an artificial lake revered for bird-watching — it traverses through the rocky terrain, heading gradually downhill using a mixture of road and gravel tracks. Keep your eye out for roaming goats, and remember your swimwear.
5. Prophet Elias Summit
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-to-hard
Terrain: Rocky and rough tracks
For ambitious hikers, the allure of a summit hike is impossible to shake. While hardly Kilimanjaro (or Ben Nevis, for that matter), the meek 370-metre Prophet Elias is a beautiful hill to tackle. Starting at the coastal town of Toulos, the route winds gradually inland, gaining elevation before emerging at the gorgeous Prophet Elias Chapel.
The view is outstanding, overlooking the entire island in 360 degrees. Be savvy with hiking times and seasons; as an entirely exposed trail of multiple hours, it’s not suited to midday or summer. Otherwise, take a glance at this trail map to get your bearings.
Guided Hiking Tours in Mykonos
Not everyone has the confidence to emerge onto an unfamiliar trail solo. Equally, others thrive off additional cultural and historical insights; why not immerse yourself further? For either rationales, a Mykonos hiking tour is an excellent solution.
These three guided hiking tours in Mykonos are worth sacrificing a few hours by the pool.
1. Mersini Beach
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Farmland to coast
The Mersini Beach guided tour is a short but sweet 3-mile stint through nearby farmland, stopping to sample seasonal produce en route. Well-refreshed and fuelled throughout, the trail ends with a deserved dip in the ocean. Lunch is optional.
2. Mykonos Old Town
Length: Approx. 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Residential
Don’t overlook the obvious; Mykonos Old Town is residential, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hike-worthy territory. Indulge in a Mykonos Town walking tour. In a two-hour loop, it’s possible to soak in the Old Port, the shops of Matogianni Street, Little Venice, and the windmills.
3. Donkey Trail
Length: 4-mile
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rocky
The historical setting of an old donkey trail provides a serene backdrop for this guided tour. Flanked by traditional drystone walls, you walk to Merchia Beach for a highly-anticipated swim before finishing at the Vioma vineyards. Indulgent and off-the-beaten-track, the appeal is clear.
Hiking in Mykonos vs. Hiking in Santorini
Both diamonds of the Cyclades, Mykonos and Santorini are hailed for their stunning natural geography. The primary difference is Santorini’s volcanic history; the island makes silent nods to its explosive inner centre through its beautiful caldera hikes and black sand scenery. In contrast, Mykonos has beautiful windmills and lighthouse landmarks, with rugged shorelines connecting the splendour of its beaches.
Is hiking better in Santorini or Mykonos? It’s ultimately a personal choice, but here’s a rough breakdown of the two:
Mykonos
- Gentle coastal hikes.
- A smaller summit trail up Prophet Elias.
- The photogenic windmills and flagstone streets of Little Venice.
- Quiet inland villages with wineries and farms selling produce.
Santorini
- Hiking the caldera on the Megalochori Loop.
- Trails traversing the archeological site of Ancient Thera.
- Summiting the volcano, Nea Kameni.
- Catching sunset overlooking the blue domes at Oia.
Essential Hiking Tips for Mykonos
Your hiking shoes are sitting expectantly in your ready-and-waiting suitcase. You’ve selected a route (or three) and are all set to enjoy Mykonos and its hiking trails.
There’s no denying that walking is one of the leading ways to experience Mykonos on a budget. Yet the island’s trails pack more value into its nooks and crannies than many visitors could ever hope to experience. To get the best out of these Mykonos walks, note these three essential hiking tips.
1. Consider Seasons
It goes without saying that shoulder seasons are a hiker’s best friend in Mykonos. However, that doesn’t mean limiting walks to spring and autumn. It’s simply wise to factor the season — and weather forecast — into your timings and route choice.
For instance, the Ornos to Paradise Beach is a savvy allrounder. While adequate refreshments, hats, and sun cream are still essential on this route in summer, the multiple beaches are a bonus. It’s easier to cool off, with better safety in numbers than you’ll find inland. In contrast, setting off at 10 am to hike Prophet Elias in the midday heat? Not a smart call.
Keep walks early in summer, sticking to busier coastal sections if an inexperienced hiker.
2. Watch the Roads
Compared to the ankle-breaker stones of rocky sheep paths and donkey trails, you might look at a fresh tarmac road and breathe a sigh of relief. Don’t celebrate too soon, though. These roads are shared by motor vehicles, farmers with livestock, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Stay aware of your surroundings, be courteous to other road users, and steer clear of absent-mindedly trundling in the middle of the road.
3. Bring a Rucksack — But Not For The Reason You Think
Exposed to the summer heat, your phone is at risk of overheating. A rucksack is a necessity, and not just for long hikes. With your phone tucked away, also ensure water is stored in a sun-safe container. Plastic bottles release harmful compounds when exposed to UV, so avoid this material or keep them stored out of direct light. Throw in a towel, portable charger, sun cream, and swimwear for good measure.
Where to Stay for Easy Hiking Access
With the help of a rental car, public bus, or taxi, there’s nowhere hikers should completely avoid staying in Mykonos. As a small island, it’s relatively easy to navigate, and should you opt for a guided walk, many tour operators offer pick-up and drop-off services anyway.
With that said, the western coast of Mykonos is a hub of trailheads. If hiking in Mykonos is your main aim, this shoreline is dotted with beautiful routes and villages bursting with beaches and attractions. Here are the main contenders:
Tourlos
A hop-off point for ferries arriving on Mykonos by ferry, Tourlos is a white-washed coastal village with connections to Prophet Elias.
It’s a convenient base for those tackling the island’s highest summit but equally well-connected to the West Coast beach culture. Just north of Chora, with its windmills and Little Venice, Tourlos has its own flurry of waterfront bars and nightlife.
Ornos
A little quieter than other bases on Mykonos’ western shoreline, Ornos is a popular starting point for coastal hikes. Paradise Beach, Parailia Panangka, and Paralia Psarou are all accessible on foot.
The village itself sits on an isthmus, sandwiched between two beaches. It’s not completely cut off from the harbour action of other Mykonos spots, though; Ornos has ferry connections to Delos and other beach towns.
Chora
The most obvious choice of all, Chora, is the island’s capital, also known as Hora or Mykonos Town. It’s a living, breathing ode to Cycladic culture and architecture — from its windmills to the sugar-cube houses and grey-flagged shopping streets.
It’s a great base for landmark-chasing hikers; use Chora as a base for the windmills and Armenistis Lighthouse.
Local Culture & Food Post-Hike
Mykonos visitors rarely spend their entire time hiking; there are just too many other sights to see and activities to experience. It’s diverse: the Monastery of Tourliani, scuba diving opportunities, and heritage sites like Lena’s House Folk Museum are all worth adding to an itinerary.
Ready for well-deserved refreshments? Hiking in Mykonos is ravenous work; luckily, its culinary scene is world-renowned. The history of grain production, seafaring, and combined Ottoman, Roman, and Greek influence is fascinating to discover by taste buds.
A smart way to embrace this aspect of Mykonos culture is through a wine, culinary, or cooking tour. Alternatively, sample any of the following dishes:
- Traditional barley bread.
- Kalathakia almond cakes.
- Mostra (tomato, cheese, and herbs on toast).
- Baked amygdalota dessert.
- Crispy kremmadopita.
- Louza (dried pork meat).