The 7 Best Hidden Gems in Mykonos

Mykonos is anything but a sleepy Greek island. Famed for its vibrant nightlife, chic beach clubs, and excellent restaurants, it has earned a reputation as a playground for fun-seekers from around the world. But there's another side to Mykonos – one that's rooted in tradition and slow-paced island life. So, if you want to get a taste of traditional, laid-back Mykonian life, you’re in the right place. Let’s uncover the quiet corners of this 33-square-mile dot in the Aegean Sea. 

Secret sunset spot and Mykonos' viticulture: The island's best-kept secrets

1. Vioma Organic Farm

Drinking wine is part and parcel of visiting Mykonos. The island is known for its swish beach clubs, where day drinking rosé to the background hum of lo-fi beats is the ushe. But swap the Whispering Angel for a local asyrtiko, and the DJs for birdsong in the countryside – and the classical music that is played through the speakers, which grapes are said to respond well to – for a fresh look at Mykonos’ viticulture. 

Vioma Organic Farm is a traditional vineyard and working farm, producing organic, biodynamic wines. The microclimate and rich soil aid the local grapes to grow healthily without intense cultivation, chemicals, or pesticides. The farm also produces delicious local foods like vinegar, vine leaves, molasses, honey, and seasonal vegetables and herbs. Come for the wine, and stay to break bread (which they bake the traditional way, in a wood oven) in a picturesque setting.  

2. Cine Manto

Okay, Cine Manto isn’t exactly a secret. But it’s a place that’s only really known to tourists who do their research. It’s a unique, romantic outdoor cinema, where you can watch films – old and new – under the stars. The setting is pretty special: a blooming botanical garden gathers around rows of chairs, making the space feel cosy despite being outside. This serene oasis is an unexpected juxtaposition to what lies beyond the lush gardens – the hustle and bustle of Chora.

Popcorn is old news here. Cine Manto serves juicy souvlaki (meat skewers) which are smoked on an open grill, alongside salads, dips, bread, and other meze, as well as delicious wine. 

3. Ano Mera 

Mykonos is good fun, but a lot of the traditions, culture, and history are lost in the tourism. It’s easy to forget that people are born and live here, and those that do – well, where do they live? Most locals either live in Chora or Ano Mera, a traditional Cycladic village. It’s all sugar-cube houses, narrow cobbled streets, vibrant bougainvillaea, and touches of lacquered blue. Compared to Chora, Ano Mera has a quieter atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy a slower pace and a glimpse into real Mykonian life. 

Ano Mera is a great place to stay if you’re seeking an authentic Greek experience. There are cute cafes, restaurants with outdoor terraces, and local bakeries, as well as markets selling handmade crafts, vintage items, and local produce. And the two monasteries – 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery and Monastery of Paleokastro – are among the most striking in Greece.

4. Rizes Farmstead

Traditional farms do still exist on hedonistic Mykonos, and Rizes Farmstead is the pinnacle. Somewhere hidden in the rolling hills of the countryside is the Mykonos of yore – a family-run farm, cluttered with Mykonian antiques and old family photographs. Rizes Farmstead thrives with chickens running around, baby goats bleating, and donkeys carrying the load. Ippos, the on-site riding centre, offers horse-riding lessons – both in the fenced paddock and through the countryside. There are family-run cooking classes and bread-making workshops, too. Stick around for a hearty lunch of all the fresh produce, which goes perfectly with a jug of their delicious homemade lemonade.

5. Delos

Few Mykonos visitors make it to Delos, a historic island just a few miles away. The whole island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a colossal archaeological marvel. Hop on a boat from Mykonos, and 40 minutes later, you’ll arrive in Ancient Greece. While that might be a slight stretch, Delos is one of the most important sites in Greece, where visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including an amphitheatre, houses, incredible mosaics and the Terrace of Lions. 

Considered the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the island was deemed sacred, meaning no mortal could be born here. But Delos had a thriving community, so women giving birth had to be taken to Rineia, a nearby island. Today, the uninhabited island lacks any modern development – a stark contrast from its glamorous neighbour, which creates an immersive journey back in time. 

6. Kapari Beach

One of Mykonos’ best-kept secrets, Kapari Beach is an unspoiled haven. The cove is tucked away from the island’s busier beaches, like Agios Ioannis, which is nearby. Most visitors make their way to Agios Ioannis to get to Kapari, which is not signposted. As one of Mykonos’ few uncommercialised beaches, there are no umbrellas, beach bars, shops, or music – just the soothing sounds of the water lapping onto the shore and the unobstructed view of Delos island ahead. The lack of amenities is what makes Kapari special. It’s raw, natural, and beautiful. 

This quiet corner feels like a secret only a few know. Its remoteness keeps most visitors at bay, and finding it is part of the experience. At Agios Ioannis, meander past the white church, down a narrow path, and you’ll see Kapari down the cliff. It’s a steep but short hike to get there – all worth it for the first dip in the turquoise, calm Aegean. Bring enough supplies to stay there all day. Kapari is one of the island’s best and quietest sunset spots.

7. Faros Armenistis

Faros Armenistis, or Armenistis Lighthouse, stands proud overlooking the Aegean. Built in 1891, this Cycladic lighthouse is a reminder of Mykonos’ long maritime history. Today, it’s a secret sunset spot with unobstructed, panoramic views of the sun dipping into the sea. Watch the sky shift between shades of blue, orange, red, pink, and purple, away from the crowds. Most visitors congregate for sunset around the windmills and in bars, like 180 Sunset Bar, but Faros Armenistis is blissfully quiet. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and some drinks for a cosy, intimate experience.