Mykonos has photo-worthy spots at every turn thanks to its rugged coastline, cute whitewashed buildings, and mesmerizingly blue ocean – there are so many different shades of blue!

But it’s the combination of ancient and modern that makes Mykonos a unique island for photographers, even among the many picture-perfect places found across the Greek archipelago. You can get stunning shots of fishermen hauling in their catch at the port, a cute selfie at Mykonos’ historic windmills and a group shot of you and your crew living it up at one of the island’s many beach clubs all in one day. Read on to find the most Instagrammable spots in Mykonos.

  • 1

    Mykonos windmills

    Best time for photos: All-day

    Mykonos windmills
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    The iconic Mykonos windmills are set on top of a hill just outside the town and are the iconic symbol of the island. All have a distinctive round shape, are coloured white and have thatched wooden roofs. It’s fair to say most visitors to Mykonos will grab a photo in front of the windmills.

    These ancient grain mills are a popular selfie spot. Even so, expect strong winds at the top of the hill. They overlook Little Venice so you can stay awhile and soak up the views. Dating back to the 16th century, a look around here adds a bit of history to your photoshoot.

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  • 2

    Along the waterfront in Little Venice

    Best time for photos: Afternoon

    Along the waterfront in Little Venice
    • Photo

    Little Venice is famous for its 18th-century fishing houses that overhang the sea, though most of the houses are now occupied by restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. You will find plenty of trendy fashion boutiques here, along with souvenir shops.

    The early morning is the best time to explore Little Venice when you’ll have the streets largely to yourself, but be prepared to jostle with eager visitors during afternoons and evenings. Ask the waiter to grab a photo of you and your crew seated at your table with the shoreline in view.

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  • 3

    The Neolithic settlement above Ftelia Beach

    Best time for photos: All-day

    The Neolithic settlement above Ftelia Beach
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo
    • Unusual

    The ancient ruins above Ftelia Beach is a unique spot to take photos on Mykonos, combining thousands of years of history with a classic Greek island vista. The ruins are still being excavated so some of the areas aren’t open to the public, but you can see some walls in front of the beach which you can reach via dusty paths on the northern coast of the island.

    The beach itself has some great waves that are fun to splash around in. This windy, secluded spot is also popular with kite surfers.

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    photo by Zde (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    The alleyways of Mykonos Town

    Best time for photos: Morning

    The alleyways of Mykonos Town
    • Photo

    The whitewashed alleyways of Mykonos Town (also known as Chania) make for a readymade backdrop for photographers and IG models. Head from Little Venice up the hill into the Old Town, with delightful whitewashed houses that are spruced up with beautiful, pink bougainvillaea flowers in the summer.

    The narrow alleyways are mostly closed to traffic, meaning you can pose without the worry of passing cars. It does get packed with foot traffic in the afternoons, though. We recommend planning your photoshoot in the morning before most of your rival models are up and about. 

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  • 5

    180° Sunset Bar Mykonos

    Best time for photos: Sunset and evening

    180° Sunset Bar Mykonos
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    180° Sunset Bar Mykonos is a trendy bar with classic Greek stylings. It’s one of the best spots on the island for a sundowner cocktail and some cool panoramic photos overlooking Mykonos Town and the port.

    There is an entry fee to the bar, but you can redeem the cost against your food and drinks. The best seats have a minimum spend of €50. To get to 180° Sunset Bar Mykonos, you will need transport to get into the hills above the Chania.

    Location: Epar.Od. Mikonou, Mikonos 846 00, Greece

    Open: April–October: daily from 5.30 pm to 10 pm

    Phone: +30 699 360 1424

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  • 6

    Chilling on Platis Gialos Beach

    Best time for photos: Daytime

    Chilling on Platis Gialos Beach
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Platis Gialos Beach, on the southern coast of Mykonos, is a great spot for photographers because the narrow coast is backed by sugar-cube houses and tavernas that add some interesting elements to any picture.

    Most of the beach is lined with sun loungers but the parasols are topped with foliage which gives them a natural look. Stand on the headland on the west side of the beach for the best panoramic photo. Platis Gialos Beach is a family-friendly beach so be sure to pack your bucket and spade.

    Location: Platis Gialos Beach, Mykonos 846 00, Greece

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  • 7

    Mykonos Old Port

    Best time for photos: Early morning

    Mykonos Old Port
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Head to Mykonos Old Port in the early morning for some authentic photos of fishermen pulling into the port. With the golden sun hanging low in the sky, casting long shadows across the coast, you can snap some timeless shots for your IG feed.

    Throughout the summer months, the port area can get clogged with cruise ships which ruin the façade of a sleepy fishing town, but the crowds dissipate after October, making it more fun for photographers.

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  • 8

    Partying at Super Paradise Beach

    Best time for photos: Evening

    Partying at Super Paradise Beach
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Super Paradise Beach is home to a raucous party atmosphere throughout the summer months. The fun really kicks off in earnest in the afternoon and runs until after sunset. It usually winds down relatively early in the night as fun-seekers disperse to the area’s late-night party spots. Wear your best beachwear and grab your buddies for some fun photos under the lasers.

    Located just 6 km to the southeast of Mykonos Town, public transport runs from Fabrika and the Old Port out to Super Paradise and back every half an hour throughout the day.

    Location: Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos 84600, Greece

    Phone: +30 698 591 9002

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  • 9

    Posing with Petros the Pelican

    Best time for photos: Whenever you find him

    Posing with Petros the Pelican
    • Budget
    • Photo
    • Unusual

    Petros the Pelican is the island’s most famous resident and can be found wandering around the Old Town or down along the coast. In fact, the original Petros passed away years ago and has been replaced with not 1 but 3 pelicans, so you have more of a chance to bump into ‘the’ famous bird.

    Your best chance of grabbing a photo with Petros is by heading to the port in the early morning when the fishermen are bringing in fresh, tasty fish – a favourite of great white pelicans. 

  • 10

    Paraportiani Church

    Best time for photos: Daytime

    Paraportiani Church
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    Mykonos locals will tell you the island has 365 churches, one for each day of the year, but none are more famous than the whitewashed church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani. The complex actually contains 5 churches, the Panagia being the only one to occupy the second level.

    This church is a popular photo spot but, remember, this is a functioning place of worship so be conscious of how you dress and act. Be respectful, especially during prayer time, but don’t miss this stunning icon of Mykonos.

    Location: Mykonos 846 00, Greece

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm

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Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveller