10 Best Family Things to Do in Mykonos

Start your engines and head out for some family portraits on quad bikes. ATVs are safe enough for older children and teenagers, even if they’re too young to drive. It’s usually the quickest way to access any corner of Mykonos, on- or off-road.

Quality Rentals is a great spot to rent an ATV – they will even deliver to your hotel free of charge. Hit the road and find that there are few places that you can’t venture. Grab a selfie in front of Little Venice or Panachra Church and let the helmet-hair speak for itself.

Kalo Livadi Beach, located 10 km from the main town, is the longest beach in Mykonos, which is blessed with some of the softest sand on the island. The crystal clear, shallow waters and small waves makes this beach an ideal area to lay in shaded, waterfront cabanas and watch the children paddle in the sea.

It's a great spot to play volleyball or listen to music, and when it’s time to recharge, walk a few steps to Solymar Restaurant where you can choose from a full selection of wines and tasty Greek food.

If the kids are a bit older, a kayaking expedition is a perfect way to get some exercise and also see the turquoise coastline, rocky beaches, and secret caverns first-hand. Bring a group of 6 or more and the tour guide at Mykonos Kayak will organize a full session with their family package.

The tour includes some interesting historical information to add context to the wonderful shoreline and forests you paddle past. Once you are back to shore, you can harness your inner Apollo and take aim at the archery range located at the facility. There are many tour operators to help you book a day of kayaking in Mykonos.

Windsurfing in Mykonos is one of the most fun activities for families. The teachers at Pezi Huber will have you on the board in no time. Young beginners will start in the calm waters of Kalafatis Beach and if you are up for the challenge, you can hit the Ftelia shoreline for the high wind and monster waves.

You can rent the full equipment, for 1 hour, 1 day, or 3 weeks, and if you have finished your time on the board before the rest, gear up with a snorkel and fins to explore what lies beneath the surface of the warm waters.

Mountain biking in Mykonos is so popular because of the undulating hills that occupy the middle of the island. Practically every beach town on the island has bikes for rent, but you can savour the local cheese and wine while exploring the natural habitat of Mykonos on a Yummy Pedals tour.

Yummy Pedals is a family-operated tour on 2 wheels, which begins at the home vineyard, and takes the journey through the grassy hills to the hidden Fokos beach, before making a starlit ride to a table filled with traditional Greek cuisine. Of course, the island is full of bike trails from beach to beach, but for the family on a short stay, this tour will leave you speechless, likely breathless, and fully satisfied. Tours last around 4 hours.

Scuba diving and snorkelling offer hours of fun off the coast of Mykonos. Looking out to sea from Lia beach, you will see a smooth horizon, but 10 km out and 25 meters deep lies the sunken treasure, Anna 2 – a 62-metre cruise ship that has rested on the seafloor for more than 20 years. The magnificent coral eco-system that has consumed this sleeping giant makes for a rare and adventurous SCUBA destination.

If you’re a first-time diver, feel the freedom of breathing underwater while in the watchful care of the dive instructors at W-Diving, who will train you on several shallow dives, another unforgettable moment that the team photographer will gladly capture.

Is there an angler in the family? If so, Captain Nikolas is at your service and is fully prepared with the long-line and net fishing equipment you might need. You can fish for plenty of mullet and tuna fish off the coast of Mykonos.  

There are a range of fishing trips available and the crew know the best fishing holes around Mykonos, and at the day’s end, you can reward yourself with the freshest seafood on the island. From the net to your plate, the days catch is prepared and served in style as dusk reflects hues of pink and red over the calming Aegean Sea. Departures are from Platis Yialos or New Port piers.

Island hopping from Mykonos is a popular activity for families. Set sail across the Aegean Sea onboard a luxurious Catamaran, sailing from island to island, or simply head out of the harbour to catch the sunset hour while you’re catered for with fine dining in absolute privacy.

You will hit premier snorkelling spots, sunbathe on the open deck, and, if it gets too warm, make a splash overboard before exploring the neighbouring islands of Delos and Rhenia. Family time is the key item on the menu when booking your catamaran, whether it is the 5- to 8-hour full-day cruise or an overnight trip. To book a catamaran tour, enquire at tour agents in Mykonos Town and at the port.