If you’ve ever seen a photo of Mykonos and wondered where exactly that was — the colorful houses hanging over the sea, balconies practically dipping into the waves — that’s Little Venice. It’s the most photographed corner of the island, the most romantic spot for a sundowner, and one of those places that looks even better in person than it does on screen. But that’s quite normal for…Greece.

What is Little Venice?

Officially known as Alefkandra, the neighborhood stretches along the waterfront between the old Kastro district and the iconic windmills, on the western edge of Mykonos Town. The houses, two and three-storey, painted in warm colors, with wooden balconies built right at the water’s edge, date back to the 18th century, though the area’s history goes considerably further back than that.

Mykonos was once one of the main stops on the trade route between Venice and Asia, and in the 13th century it came under Venetian rule. The wealthy merchants and sea captains who settled here built their homes in the Venetian style they knew, hence the name that eventually stuck. The resemblance to the Italian city is , therefore, not accidental.

Did you know that those large storage spaces on the lower floors of the houses weren’t just for merchant goods? it is said that Little Venice was used to load ships with pirate loot, and that some of these houses belonged to pirates rather than merchants or sea captains. Mykonos had a well-documented pirate history, and the neighborhood’s position right on the waterfront made it suspiciously convenient for that kind of activity. Whether you believe it or not, it adds a certain edge to what looks, on the surface, like a very pretty row of houses.

The iconic sunset viewed from Little Venice

The main reason most people come to Little Venice is the sunset, and it delivers every single time, weather permitting, of course. The sun drops into the Aegean directly in front of you, the light turns everything gold, and the windmills on the hill behind you complete the picture. It’s one of the best sunsets in Greece. And, yes, Greece has some serious competition in that department, with some of them right in the nearby Cycladic islands of Santorini and Ios.

The bars and restaurants along the waterfront fill up fast as the sun gets lower, so if you want a terrace seat facing the sea, arrive at least an hour before sunset. Yes, it’ll be early. Yes, it’s worth it. Order something, settle in, and let Mykonos do its thing.

What else to do here

By day, Little Venice has a different, quieter character. The narrow streets that wind through the neighborhood were, according to local legend, deliberately designed to confuse pirates navigating the town. Whether that’s true or not, they’ll certainly confuse you, which is part of the charm. Get lost in them. You’ll find art galleries, small boutiques, and the occasional cat who looks like it owns the place.

The windmills of Kato Mili are a two-minute walk away and make a good pairing, especially at sunset when they’re lit up against the sky. The Kastro district, the oldest part of Mykonos Town, is equally close and worth exploring for its atmosphere and the views from the old fortification walls.

Where to eat and drink

Little Venice is not the place to come if you’re watching your budget. The location commands a premium, and everything from a glass of wine to a plate of grilled octopus will cost more here than it would two streets back. That said, for a sunset dinner with your feet practically over the water, most people find it hard to complain.

For a more wallet-friendly approach, grab a drink at one of the waterfront bars. But you’re paying for the view rather than a full meal. And save the serious eating for somewhere in the backstreets of Chora where the prices make more sense.

Visiting Little Venice as part of a Tour

If you’d rather have someone else handle the logistics, a guided tour of Mykonos Town that includes Little Venice is a good option, especially on a first visit when you’d otherwise spend half the afternoon figuring out which alley leads where. Most walking tours of Chora cover Little Venice, the windmills, and the Kastro district as a natural circuit, with a local guide adding the kind of historical context that doesn’t make it onto most travel blogs. Sunset tours are also available and predictably popular, so, if that’s on your list, book early. They sell out.

Where to stay

Staying in Mykonos Town — Chora — puts you within walking distance of Little Venice, the windmills, and pretty much everything else worth seeing on the island. It’s the most convenient base, though convenience in Mykonos comes at a price.

For something a little quieter without straying too far, the areas around Ornos and Agios Ioannis on the south coast are a good middle ground — easy beach access and a calmer vibe, with Chora close enough for an evening out. If budget genuinely isn’t a concern, the clifftop hotels around Psarou are where Mykonos does luxury properly, and the views justify every euro.

>> book your accommodation in Mykonos

A few practical notes

Little Venice gets extremely busy between June and September, particularly in the evenings. If you’re visiting in peak season and want to experience it without the crowds, early morning is genuinely lovely: the light is soft, the streets are quiet, and the sea is right there. It’s a different experience from the sunset crowds but an equally good one.

Wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestones are pretty but uneven, and the steps between levels catch people out. And if you’re thinking about staying in one of the houses right on the waterfront — they exist, and yes, they’re magical — just know that the price tag tends to reflect the address.

Note: this page includes links that may qualify as affiliate links; if you book through them, I may earn a small commission.