Mykonos: that name almost says it all. Pristine beaches, whitened buildings and nightlife are mainstays from a destination that has charmed travellers for years to date. That is Mykonos, the Greek isle in the midst of the Aegean Sea that emanates just the right blend of repose, culture, and excitement. This guide is for newbies and veterans alike, in terms of getting under the thick layers of experiences one must gain on this enchanting island.
Beach Life and Relaxation
Mykonos is renowned for an overwhelming beach offering with over 25 beaches beckoning one’s eye and taste along its exquisite coastline. From party beaches with a good hustle to couscous beaches, the beaches of the island always enchant visitors from around the planet.
We begin with the famous Psarou Beach, the favorite place of all VIPs and jet-setters. The entire beach twinkles with crystal-clear waters and a golden shore – an ideal setting under the Mediterranean sun. There are countless upscale beach clubs, like the iconic Nammos, where drinks flow and rich and famous people converse.
For a somewhat more relaxed ambiance, Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach present a perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. These two beaches liven up in the afternoons with beach parties that are good-to-go until late at night. Music, energy, and really beautiful people make these spots a must-go for everyone coming to taste Mykonos’ nightlife.
Families and those seeking a quieter beach experience should head to Ornos Beach or Platis Gialos. The beaches include ingredients such as calmer waters and the facilities of sun loungers, parasols, and beachside tavernas serving up fresh seafood and Greek delights. Shallow waters make this point of interest for kids, and picturesque surroundings make a perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation.
Agios Sostis Beach: For those who missed the actual beauty of Mykonos, visit Agios Sostis Beach. The absence of these beach facilities makes it a less crowded beach, giving a very quiet place for people who want a retreat from the agitation of more popular spots.
Lying on the beach isn’t all there is to do: Watersport lovers find a paradise with constant winds that have made this island one of the top destinations for those who like windsurfing and its younger cousin kite-surfing, especially at Ftelia Beach on the north coast. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you will find the right conditions and facilities for rental here.
It has also given enormous opportunities for scuba diving under the sea. The clear waters in Mykonos contain brightly colored marine life and unique water formations. Common diving spots include Paradise Beach and Lia Beach. There are also several dive centers offering courses and guided excursions for any level of diving.
An alternative is a more relaxing time at sea: renting a boat for the day. Most companies have boats up for rent for their leveraged motorboats, which will give you the chance to explore the island’s coastline all by yourself. Discover lost coves, snorkel in hidden bays, or just soak up the sun with nobody else around.
For an absolutely unforgettable time, arrange a sailing tour around Mykonos and beyond, to the surrounding islands. These sailing trips usually offer stops at gorgeous beaches, the chance to swim and snorkel in the sea, and naturally, the opportunity to view a breathtaking Aegean sunset over the water.
Culture and Sights
While the beaches are certainly a draw for Mykonos, one would miss the greater essence of this island without visiting Chora, or Mykonos Town. This pretty settlement is a jumble of streets in which you will easily get lost in the ‘labyrinth,’ full of bright whitewashed buildings with vividly colored doors and windows.
Begin your wandering in Old Port, where the iconic Mykonos windmills oversee the town. These 16th-century structures used to be contributors to the economy of the island, grinding wheat into bread. Nowadays, they are the symbol of Mykonos and a perfect photo opportunity at sunset.
At the same time, you will also make your way to Little Venice, one of the quaintest corners of Mykonos. With its beautiful old houses apparently sprouting straight from the sea, their balconies are a hand’s breadth above the water. This area is chock-full of bars and restaurants where you could easily while away the hours watching the sun sink below the horizon.
Mykonos Town is full of shopping; shopping enthusiasts can long enjoy this space. There are high-end boutiques, local artisan shops, and souvenir stores lining the streets. Pay attention to handmade jewelry, local ceramics, and traditional Greek products like olive oil and honey.
For a little more local culture, you will want to make your way over to the Folklore Museum of Mykonos. Located in an 18th-century building that once was a captain’s house, the museum does a beautiful presentation of traditional Mykonian life, featuring furniture from another time, photographs, and everyday objects.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most photographed churches in Greece. It is actually a complex of five churches, constructed over several centuries, so that the final result presents itself with a unique, asymmetrical structure that is typically Cycladic.
Delos: A Day Trip to Ancient Ruins
Delos is the small island of the majority of archaeological significance belonging to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, close to Mykonos. According to the myth, this sacred isle was a birthplace of the god Apollo and his sister, Artemis.
Here, today, visitors are able to roam vast areas in ruins of the past city’s existence. You’ll walk along ancient streets and run into astonishing sights like the Terrace of Lions, the House of Dionysus, and the Theatre Quarter. An on-site museum hosts a collection of artifacts found during the excavations, which includes statues, mosaics, and everyday objects that give visitors a sense of everyday life within classical Greece.
To see Delos you must travel by boat from the old quay at Mykonos. Boats run over every morning and back in the early afternoon. It is wise to book ahead in the very high season. Remember to wear adequate footgear, bring along some drinking water, and a sunblock; there is very little shade on the island.
Mykonos After Dark: The Nightlife
As dusk descends, Mykonos becomes one of the most sizzling nightlife venues on the planet. The nightlife on the island is legendary and caters to everyone with its casual beach bars, exclusive cafe-bars, and clubs that turn nonstop music until the daybreak.
Kick off your evening by sipping a cocktail in one of the several bars in Little Venice. A long-standing classic is Skandinavian Bar and Disco, where the atmosphere is lively and brings a mix of tourists and locals. For something a bit more stylish and trendy, hit up Queen of Mykonos, where the drinks are of the world-famous variety à la fashion, and there’s an international DJ in the house.
As the night goes on, the activity moves to the island’s other big guns: perched on a clifftop looking out onto Paradise Beach, Cavo Paradiso is one of the island’s original landmarks, with superstar DJs appearing throughout the summer on the fantastic open-air dance floor.
For those who would like to party by the beach the whole night, The Paradise Club Mykonos and Super Paradise Club pump up the summer nights with non-stop entertainment by a cocktail of international and Greek hit music. Not rarely, their programs include original and colorful performances or theme parties built on the playful effervescence of summer.
The best way to feel the real taste of the Greek nightlife is through a bouzoukia. In the live music clubs, Greek performers sing favorite and traditional songs, while most probably the audience spontaneously dances along.
Do, however, bear in mind that Mykonos nightlife only really gets started far past midnight, and many of these clubs remain open until people leave, which is often just before the sun comes up. Therefore, please pace yourself and be prepared to have a long night if you want to see everything the island has about the nightlife.
Mykonos Cuisine and Styles in Cuisine
The nightlife in Mykonos is as diverse and invigorating as the culinary scene is. There are experiences that range from the traditional Greek tavernas to higher-profile international dining operations on the island.
We recommend local tavernas for an authentic Greek dining: Near Agios Sostis Beach is Kiki’s Tavern, an all-time locals’ favorite for grilled meats with beautiful sea views. Mind you, you have to be ready to wait, as it doesn’t take reservations.
Seafood lovers cannot afford to miss eating at Sea Satin Market, which is located right under the famous Kato-Mili windmills of Little Venice. Here, you can pick your fish from the daily catch and have the option for an amazing grill while witnessing the sunset.
For a more upscale dining experience, one needs to consider heading to Interni, the beautiful garden restaurant in Mykonos Town where the plates hail from Mediterranean and international cuisines. Alternatively, Scorpios, located on Paraga Beach, offers unique dining with a bohemian atmosphere and farm-to-table philosophy.
And do not forget to try some of the local Mykonian specialties: More prominent are kopanisti (a spicy cheese spread), louza (sun-dried, salted pork fillet), and certainly fresh seafood, to be appreciated with a glass of ouzo or a local wine, to get the fullness of the Greek culinary culture.
To sum up, Mykonos is ideal for every type of traveler. One can never get enough of those beautiful beaches, water sports, high cultural heritage, and an amazing nightlife. Be it relaxation or adventure—the island has it all. So pack your bags, come with your sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with this enchanting Greek island.
