When most people picture Mykonos, they see beaches, cocktails, and summer crowds dressed for the perfect photo. That side of the island is real, and for many, it is exactly what they came for. But there is also another side: quieter, wind-swept, a little rough around the edges. If you are searching for things to do in Mykonos that go beyond sunbeds and champagne, there are plenty of hidden gems that offer something more grounded. You will not need a guide or a luxury booking. Just curiosity, a bit of time, and a willingness to wander.
This list of three unconventional things to do in Mykonos is all about slowing down, stepping off the usual path, and seeing the island from a fresh perspective. Whether you are into abandoned places, peaceful views, or a touch of history, there is something here that might just surprise you.
Old Mining Barytes and Abandoned Houses
Tucked away in the hills of Profitis Ilias Park is one of the more unexpected things to do in Mykonos. It is an old mining area, once used to extract barytes, now completely abandoned and left to crumble in the sun.
The ruins include derelict buildings, forgotten houses, and rusted metal scattered across the rocky ground. Some of the structures are now marked with graffiti art, adding an odd touch of colour to the otherwise faded scene.
Getting there takes a bit of effort. The road is beautiful though, and the area is peaceful, eerie in a good way, and totally different from the polished world of beach bars.
It is a spot that invites you to pause and look around. No tickets, no tour guides, just a strange, beautiful quiet. Bring water, good shoes, and maybe a camera if you like photographing forgotten places. It is not your typical Mykonos experience, and that is what makes it special.
Ano Mera Village
If the rest of Mykonos is all movement and music, Ano Mera is the opposite. Set in the centre of the island, it is one of the few places where the pace of daily life still feels local. Visiting this village is one of the most overlooked things to do in Mykonos, and yet it offers something rare: quiet charm that does not try to impress.
The main square is lined with cafés and simple tavernas. Locals sip coffee, children cycle by, and the noise is more birdsong than bassline. It is a good place to stop, take a breath, and remember you are on an island with more to it than the coastline.
Wander a little and you will find the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, with its calm courtyard and peaceful chapel. Even a short visit is grounding. It is not a grand tourist spot, but that is what makes it feel real.
Come for lunch, stay for a stroll, and maybe take home some local cheese or sweets from the shops nearby. If you are searching for things to do in Mykonos that feel genuine, Ano Mera is worth the detour.
Lighthouse Faro Armenistis
Faros Armenistis is a place where time seems to stretch. Located on the north-western tip of the island, this old lighthouse offers wide open outlook on the Aegean and a front row seat to the kind of sunset views that stays with you. It is one of those things to do in Mykonos that hardly anyone talks about, which makes it all the better.
The drive is easy, and once you arrive, there is nothing to do except look out, breathe in the salty air, and watch the light shift across the sea. You will not find cafés or souvenir stands here, just big stones, lots of wind, and endless sky.
Bring a snack, a big jumper (we had to leave because we were cold), and maybe someone you enjoy being quiet with. It is the kind of place that feels like it belongs to you, even just for a little while. No big crowds, no soundtrack, just the slow beauty of an island winding down for the night.
There is nothing wrong with beach parties and summer buzz, but sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments. Exploring the old barytes mining site, watching the sun dip below the sea at Faros Armenistis, and stepping into the stillness of Ano Mera, these are things to do in Mykonos that offer a deeper kind of experience.
They do not cost much. They do not need much planning. And they will leave you with stories that feel more personal. Mykonos has always had layers, even if the loudest ones get the most attention. All it takes is a bit of curiosity to find them.
So next time you are here, skip the queues for a day. Go for a quiet drive, take a wrong turn, and see what else this island has to offer. Chances are, it will surprise you in the best way.
The Ultimate Guide to Mykonos
I wanted to gather tips and experiences after staying in Mykonos for a month, so I made this travel guide with information about when to go to Mykonos, how to get there, and what to do on this beautiful island
