Little Venice
Μικρή Βενετία
A row of 18th-century captains’ mansions built right at the water’s edge, with colorful wooden balconies hanging over the sea, a famous spot for watching the sunset and sipping cocktails.
Little Venice lies in the Alefkandra district on the west side of Chora. In the 18th century, wealthy captains and merchants built a row of mansions along the sea. The ground floors sit directly on the water, while the upper floors project red, blue, green, and other colorful wooden balconies out over the water. The area takes its name from how closely the houses resemble those along the canals of Venice. Most of them have now been converted into seaside bars and restaurants, making this the most sought-after sunset spot on the island. When the waves are high, seawater splashes onto the terraces, which adds to the fun. The best plan is to sit down an hour before sunset, order a cocktail, and watch the sun sink into the sea in the direction of the windmills. In peak season, popular bars require reservations or early queuing, and prices are high. You can also watch the sunset for free from the windmill hillside across from Little Venice, framing the whole row of houses against the setting sun.
Opening hours
Open all day; bars usually open until late night
Nearby sights
- Kastro (Gyzi Castle)
- Church of Panagia Paraportiani
- Kato Mili Windmills
- Folklore Museum of Mykonos
- Matoyianni Street
- Aegean Maritime Museum
- Mykonos Town (Chora)
- Boni Windmill