A Quick Stop in Mykonos: What We Saw in Just a Few Hours

Mykonos and Santorini often top the list of must-see islands in Greece. But our short visit to Mykonos was anything but typical. We didn’t stay overnight, and instead, we booked a 3-hour tour of Mykonos and Delos through Viator, expecting lunch and a guide included.

Spoiler alert: we ended up with no lunch and no guide—just us, some good shoes, and a bit of curiosity.

Starting Off: A Bite Near Manto Mavrogenous Square

Our visit started in the afternoon. After realizing we were on our own, we grabbed a decent lunch by the statue of Manto Mavrogenous, a local heroine we’d soon learn more about. It was a great spot to regroup and take in the energy of the island.

Wandering Through Chora

Though short, our time in Chora (the main town) was packed with color and charm. The narrow winding streets were full of boutiques, stylish cafés, restaurants, and little chapels tucked into corners. The vibe was both lively and upscale, with beautiful people and beautifully curated storefronts around every turn.

The Iconic Sights

Manto Mavrogenous Statue

Manto was a woman of aristocratic heritage who used her wealth to support the Greek War of Independence. Though her life ended in poverty, her contributions have been recognized in recent years. Her statue stands as a quiet tribute to her strength and sacrifice.

The Windmills of Kato Mili

You can’t visit Mykonos without seeing the famous windmills, and we were lucky to stumble upon them while exploring. Once used to grind wheat, these white cylindrical towers with thatched roofs are now purely symbolic—but still absolutely photogenic. From the hilltop, you’ll get a panoramic view of the sea, the town, and the area known as Little Venice.

Little Venice

Just a short walk from the windmills, Little Venice features a row of vibrant houses right on the water, with balconies hanging over the sea. It’s one of the best photo spots on the island—especially near sunset, though we visited earlier in the day.

Final Thoughts

Even though our tour didn’t go as planned, and our time was limited, Mykonos still made an impression. The town is beautiful, full of life, and perfect for wandering—even if you’ve only got a few hours.

If you like the Jason Bourne movies, the last scene of the first movie (Bourne Identity) where Jason meets Marie again was filmed here between the mills and Little Venice.

Would we go back? Absolutely—but next time, we’d plan for a full day or an overnight stay to explore more of what the island has to offer.

Tip: If you’re visiting on a short stop like we did, wear comfy shoes, bring a hat, and don’t stress the schedule—just enjoy the stroll.