7 Activities
The Authentic Side of Mykonos Island
Starts from
Mykonos
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
10 hrs 45 min
Length
19 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Mykonos
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 45 min
Length
19 mi
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
- Animals and Farms
Katerina Xirouchaki
Travel Expert
- Explore the off-the-beaten-path beaches of Mykonos.
- Experience a wine tasting at the historic monastery vineyard of Maou.
- Wander around Ano Mera, a traditional village in the centre of the island.
- Enjoy the sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse.
Although the island's party scene and luxury lifestyle are the main reasons people flock to Mykonos, there is a more traditional and less explored side of the island that addresses to those who like to call themselves travellers. Beyond the glamorous facade of the island, visitors can discover untouched beaches and wild natural landscapes while getting a glimpse at the island's culture and traditions.
This 1-day route will introduce you to the less-travelled roads of Mykonos. It will take you from the vibrant Mykonos Town to the authentic side of the island. You will laze on pristine beaches, you will visit a historic monastery in a traditional village, you will experience a wine tasting in an organic vineyard and you will take in the views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands from the gorgeous Armenistis Lighthouse.
This 1-day route will introduce you to the less-travelled roads of Mykonos. It will take you from the vibrant Mykonos Town to the authentic side of the island. You will laze on pristine beaches, you will visit a historic monastery in a traditional village, you will experience a wine tasting in an organic vineyard and you will take in the views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands from the gorgeous Armenistis Lighthouse.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
- Animals and Farms
Although the island's party scene and luxury lifestyle are the main reasons people flock to Mykonos, there is a more traditional and less explored side of the island that addresses to those who like to call themselves travellers. Beyond the glamorous facade of the island, visitors can discover untouched beaches and wild natural landscapes while getting a glimpse at the island's culture and traditions.
This 1-day route will introduce you to the less-travelled roads of Mykonos. It will take you from the vibrant Mykonos Town to the authentic side of the island. You will laze on pristine beaches, you will visit a historic monastery in a traditional village, you will experience a wine tasting in an organic vineyard and you will take in the views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands from the gorgeous Armenistis Lighthouse.
This 1-day route will introduce you to the less-travelled roads of Mykonos. It will take you from the vibrant Mykonos Town to the authentic side of the island. You will laze on pristine beaches, you will visit a historic monastery in a traditional village, you will experience a wine tasting in an organic vineyard and you will take in the views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands from the gorgeous Armenistis Lighthouse.
Katerina Xirouchaki
Travel Expert
- Explore the off-the-beaten-path beaches of Mykonos.
- Experience a wine tasting at the historic monastery vineyard of Maou.
- Wander around Ano Mera, a traditional village in the centre of the island.
- Enjoy the sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
19 mi
Explore Off-the-beaten-path Mykonos
Start your 1-day road trip from the Old Port of Mykonos and get ready to leave the party scene of the island behind for a while. Relax on Agios Sostis Beach, away from loud beach bars. A few steps from the beach, you will enjoy a Greek lunch in an authentic restaurant, where everything is cooked without electricity.
Then you will drive to the centre of the island where you will visit an organic vineyard and farm for a wine tasting. A short distance from there, lies Ano Mera Village, a traditional whitewashed village, popular for the gorgeous Monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Your next stop is the unspoilt Ftelia Beach, ideal for water sports or just a relaxing evening on the beach. End your exploration by visiting Armenistis Lighthouse for a fantastic sunset with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Before you end up back to Mykonos Old Port to enjoy dinner in a beautiful setting in Agios Stefanos.
Then you will drive to the centre of the island where you will visit an organic vineyard and farm for a wine tasting. A short distance from there, lies Ano Mera Village, a traditional whitewashed village, popular for the gorgeous Monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Your next stop is the unspoilt Ftelia Beach, ideal for water sports or just a relaxing evening on the beach. End your exploration by visiting Armenistis Lighthouse for a fantastic sunset with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Before you end up back to Mykonos Old Port to enjoy dinner in a beautiful setting in Agios Stefanos.
10:152 hrs
Παραλία Άγιος Σώστης
Agios Sostis Beach is one of the unspoilt beaches of Mykonos. Its name comes from the small church up on the hill overlooking the beach.
It's a sandy beach and there aren't any trees for shade. Water shoes are not needed. Bring with you some water, a hat and an umbrella as this is a beach where sunbeds and beach bars have no place.
It's a sandy beach and there aren't any trees for shade. Water shoes are not needed. Bring with you some water, a hat and an umbrella as this is a beach where sunbeds and beach bars have no place.
0.3 mi
5 min
12:301 hr
Kiki's Tavern
A few steps away from Agios Sostis Beach, you can enjoy a traditional Greek lunch at Kiki's Tavern. Don't get discouraged by the queues. The host will offer you some free wine while waiting to be seated, whereas a tiny sandy beach down the small hill is worth a quick swim.
As there is no electricity in this restaurant, the menu consists only of delicious grilled meat, fish or seafood, paired with fresh salads.
Reservations are not accepted. Opening Hours: Everyday from 12.30 to 7.00pm
As there is no electricity in this restaurant, the menu consists only of delicious grilled meat, fish or seafood, paired with fresh salads.
Reservations are not accepted. Opening Hours: Everyday from 12.30 to 7.00pm
7.3 mi
25 min
14:001 hr 30 min
Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm
A historic vineyard where traditional Aegean-Sea grape varieties are planted organically awaits near Ano Mera Village. The plots where the vineyard and the farm are located belong to Ano Mera's Monastery, Panagia of Tourliani. The Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm, a family-run business, leases the plots from the Monastery.
The vineyard and farm offer a wine tasting and farm-to-table experience. You can book a guided wine tour during which you will learn about wine making and the traditions of Mykonos and you will meet the animal-family of the farm.
Book online your guided wine and farm tour in advance here.
Visiting Hours: During April and the 2nd half of October you can visit from 13:30 to 16.30. From May to mid-October you can visit from 12:00 to 18:00. From November till end-March: Closed
The vineyard and farm offer a wine tasting and farm-to-table experience. You can book a guided wine tour during which you will learn about wine making and the traditions of Mykonos and you will meet the animal-family of the farm.
Book online your guided wine and farm tour in advance here.
Visiting Hours: During April and the 2nd half of October you can visit from 13:30 to 16.30. From May to mid-October you can visit from 12:00 to 18:00. From November till end-March: Closed
1.7 mi
10 min
15:4545 min
Monastery of Tourliani
The monastery of Panagia Tourliani is the ultimate highlight of Ano Mera Village. It was founded in 1542 when escaping monks from Paros Island came to Mykonos to be rescued and they found a small church. In 1767, the monastery was restored, taking the form it has today. Its name comes from a picture of Virgin Mary that was found in the region of Tourlos.
After crossing the little entrance door, you will be impressed by the monastery's architecture. A gorgeous marble fountain in the yard and a wooden baroque altarpiece made in Florence are a few of the charming architecture details of the monastery.
The monastery's entrance is in the central square of the village. You have to be properly dressed to enter the monastery. That means that for men, shorts are not allowed and women should wear long skirts and have their arms covered. If you don't have any of those with you, the people of the monastery will provide you with the necessary clothing.
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10.00-13.00 and 15.30-19.00.
After crossing the little entrance door, you will be impressed by the monastery's architecture. A gorgeous marble fountain in the yard and a wooden baroque altarpiece made in Florence are a few of the charming architecture details of the monastery.
The monastery's entrance is in the central square of the village. You have to be properly dressed to enter the monastery. That means that for men, shorts are not allowed and women should wear long skirts and have their arms covered. If you don't have any of those with you, the people of the monastery will provide you with the necessary clothing.
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10.00-13.00 and 15.30-19.00.
1.6 mi
10 min
16:452 hrs
Παραλία Φτελιάς
Ftelia Beach offers a unique sandy lanscape with crystal clear waters. The largest part of the beach is free of sunbeds and umbrellas. When it's wavy due to the northern winds, Ftelia Beach offers a wild scenery ideal for those who seek adventure in water sports.
6.2 mi
25 min
19:1530 min
Armenistis Lighthouse (Fanari) (Φάρος Αρμενιστής (Φανάρι))
Armenistis Lighthouse is one of the typical landmarks of Mykonos. It was built in 1891 in the aftermath of a terrible shipwreck that happened in 1877 due to the non-existing lighting conditions of the sea passage between Mykonos and Tinos.
Armenistis Lighthouse is located in the northwestern part of the island. The last part of the route before arriving at the lighthouse is a short dirt road, but it is in excellent condition. Armenistis Lighthouse is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, with superb views of Tinos Island and the Aegean Sea.
Armenistis Lighthouse is located in the northwestern part of the island. The last part of the route before arriving at the lighthouse is a short dirt road, but it is in excellent condition. Armenistis Lighthouse is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, with superb views of Tinos Island and the Aegean Sea.
2.6 mi
15 min
20:001 hr 30 min
Limnios Tavern
On your way back to Mykonos Old Port, you can taste quality homemade Greek and Mykonian cuisine at Limnios Tavern in Agios Stefanos. Apart from meat and fish, there are a lot of vegetarian and vegan options there. The restaurant offers splendid views of the sunset and Delos Island.
It is recommended to make a reservation in advance via their website.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 12am. Sunday from 12pm to 12am.
It is recommended to make a reservation in advance via their website.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 12am. Sunday from 12pm to 12am.