Armenistis Lighthouse (1891), 180° Sunset Bar and the Best Sunset Viewpoints

Because Mykonos sits in the middle of the central Aegean with a ring of mountainous islands (Tinos, Syros, Delos and Rhenia) on its western and northern horizons, the island delivers sweeping, fiery sunsets from May to October. If you want an memorable golden hour without jostling for elbow room on the narrow seawall of Little Venice, head to one of these five elevated viewpoints 45 minutes before sundown.

1. Armenistis Lighthouse (Faros Armenistis, Built 1891, Free 24/7)

Perched on the wild, windswept north-western cape of Fanari seven kilometres north of Mykonos Town (15 minutes by car, ATV or taxi up the coastal road past Agios Stefanos), the 19-metre octagonal stone tower of Armenistis Lighthouse was built in 1891 after the tragic sinking of the British steamship Volta off the northern rocks in 1887 (its original award-winning Sautter-Lemonnier crystal lens now stands in the garden of the Aegean Maritime Museum in Chora). Today, the gravel terrace around the lighthouse is completely free and open 24/7: sit on the low stone wall as passenger ferries pass through the deep blue channel below and the sun drops straight into the sea between the islands of Tinos and Syros.

2. Boni's Windmill & The Upper Ring Road Above Chora (Free Viewpoint)

If you are staying in Mykonos Town without a car, walk ten minutes uphill from the Old Port or Fabrika to the terrace of 16th-century Boni's Windmill (or the paved roadside pull-offs along the Eparchiaki Ring Road directly above town). From 100 metres above sea level, the entire white cube amphitheatre of Chora, the Kato Mili windmills and the harbour turn warm apricot-gold as the sun sets over the water.

3. Agios Ioannis (Kapari Cove), Kato Mili & 180° Sunset Hill

• The Kato Mili Windmills Lawn: five minutes south of Little Venice, the wide stone headland around the five windmills has plenty of open space to stand and watch the waves crash against Little Venice's colorful balconies in the sunset glow without needing a bar reservation.
• 180° Sunset Bar (Panigirakis Castle above Chora): occupying a whimsical stone castle complex on the hill north of town (pre-booking or arriving in the early evening required in high summer).
• Kapari Beach & Agios Ioannis (4.5 km south-west): the only beaches on the island that face due west, where the sun sinks directly behind the sacred silhouette of Delos Island.