Mykonos may be known as a glamorous party island, but beyond this dazzling façade is a quieter side waiting to be explored. This Cycladic slab of rock also has a few secrets up its sleeve: avant-garde art galleries, icy-white monasteries, picturesque windmills, and one of the greatest mythological islands is just a short boat trip away.
Spend days wandering through white-washed towns draped in bougainvillaea, or scoping out hidden bays where the water is unfathomably blue. At night you can enjoy the island’s unbeatable collection of clubs and bars, or simply retire to the comfort of your accommodation after watching spectacular sunsets from one of many beautiful beaches.
Tempted to book a trip to this iconic Greek destination? Read on to discover our Mykonos travel guide.
Why Go to Mykonos?
When you look at the photos, it’s hard not to start falling in love with the island right away. But if you’re looking for a little more evidence for why you should travel to Mykonos, we’ve outlined some highlights below.
Why Go?
When you look at the photos, it’s hard not to start falling in love with the island right away. But if you’re looking for a little more evidence for why you should travel to Mykonos, we’ve outlined some highlights below.
Picture-Perfect Towns
From big-hitter Mykonos Town, with its picturesque port and sugar-cube architecture, to quieter sibling Ano Mera, home to a smattering of historic sites – there are plenty of places to visit in Mykonos. Stay in Ornos if you’d like a quieter atmosphere but a great base for all kinds of activities, whilst Kalafati is a small seaside village that is great for watersports over the summer.
Nightlife
Mykonos is Greece’s answer to Ibiza. A-listers flock to the island’s stylish bars and swanky clubs, while all-day boat parties take the heady hedonism offshore.
In summer, when the crowd swells and celebrity-spotting skyrockets, Mykonos Town is at the heart of the action, while Paradise Beach is a platform for local and international DJs. One of the best things to do in Mykonos is enjoy a night out, no matter what kind of music you like, and if you visit during the peak season you’ll discover a wide range of events to choose from.
Beaches
From well-trodden Kalafatis to family-friendly Ornos, the best beaches in Mykonos include, well, all of them. There’s something for everyone: partygoers should hotfoot it to Paradise’s raucous beach clubs; snorkellers can glide along the cerulean waters of Agios Ioannis; and introverts can escape the crowds at Mirsini or Fokos.
The Best Time to Visit Mykonos
If you’re planning to travel to Mykonos on holiday then one of the first things you’ll need to decide is when to visit.
Peak season for the island is when the Mykonos climate is at its hottest, between June and September. You can expect plenty of sunshine but also plenty of crowds, so it’s a good time to visit if you’re seeking exceptional weather and don’t mind a busy atmosphere in the popular towns and resorts.
If you’d rather not rub shoulders with too many other tourists, the best time to go to Mykonos is during shoulder season. April to early June or late September and October are the best times to visit Mykonos for warm days without the vast crowds and sky-high hotel prices.
How to Get to Mykonos
There are several options for how to get to Mykonos. A few airlines fly direct between UK airports and Mykonos, including easyJet and British Airways. Frequent ferries also connect Mykonos with Athens, Tinos and Andros throughout the year, while high-speed catamarans run between Mykonos and several other Cycladic islands, including Santorini and Paros, in high season. Domestic flights also run between Mykonos and Athens, Thessaloniki and various European airports.
How to Get Around Mykonos
You can spend all of your time in Mykonos in the same area, but with so much of the beautiful island to explore, we highly recommend that you travel around and enjoy the different towns and beaches. One of the best ways to get around Mykonos is by using the public bus system, which isn’t too tricky to navigate once you’ve got hold of a timetable.
Other options for how to get around Mykonos include renting a scooter or a bike to travel between locations. There is also the option to make use of local taxi services, especially if you’re travelling in a group and can split the cost between you.
Mykonos’ popularity with travellers means that there are a range of tour operators on the island who offer day trips to different beaches and towns. A great way to see more of Mykonos is to book a sailing trip along the island’s coast, offering incredible views and plenty of chances to swim or snorkel.
Mykonos Hidden Gems
One of the best things about travelling somewhere new is discovering something about the destination that feels far from the typical tourist attractions. Here are some of the top things to do in Mykonos if you’re looking for hidden gems.
Mykonos Town’s Outdoor Cinema
For a break from partying, watch a film under the stars at Mykonos Town’s outdoor cinema, hidden away in a peaceful square. Late-night screenings – 9pm or 11pm – run throughout the summer so you can enjoy the last of the evening’s warmth whilst enjoying all kinds of cinematic entertainment. Arrive early for dinner at the terrace restaurant in a cactus-lined garden to make the experience even more special.
Pelicans
Mykonos’ three most treasured residents are of the feathered variety: pelicans. The original was found, wounded, by a fisherman in 1958, who nursed him back to health. The bird, named “Petros” by locals, stayed on the island until he died in 1984.
Jackie Onassis, who loved Mykonos, then donated “Irene”, since joined by two other pelicans. Look out for the trio hovering for scraps by the Old Port fish market, or at the Windmills of Kato Mili – a favoured spot for an evening constitutional.
Traditional Weaving
Traditional weaving has been a dying trade on Mykonos since the advent of technology, but a handful of weavers still use looms. Head to Nikoleta, a small shop and workshop in Little Venice, named after the mamá of the mother-and-daughter team who can be seen making scarves and shawls by loom. They make an excellent souvenir of your time in Mykonos and can be very useful when it gets cooler in the evenings on the island.
Dio Horia Contemporary Art Gallery
One of our favourite places to visit in Mykonos is the Dio Horia Contemporary Art Gallery. If you head up to the rooftop bar after browsing the works, you can often talk to the current artist-in-residence over a drink.
Best Things to Do in Mykonos
Explore Mykonos’ Capital
Mykonos Town, AKA Chora, is the poster child for charming Cycladic towns. A labyrinthine core of cobblestoned pavements is lined with chalk-white buildings, punctuated with blue shuttered windows and doors.
Not just an exclusive enclave of bars and clubs, the capital’s Old Port is lined with waterfront cafés, where locals linger over espresso freddo, and Little Venice is home to the prettiest houses, with colourful balconies and hanging baskets. Art galleries and museums jostle for attention alongside clothing and jewellery boutiques clustered mainly around Matoyianni Street, one of our top places to visit in Mykonos for shopping.
Discover the Historic Sites of Ano Mera
The quieter and smaller sibling of Chora, the charming town of Ano Mera is a 30-minute drive inland. Swing by Paleokastro Monastery and the ruins of the 13th-century Venetian castle, Gyzi, which are among the best places in Mykonos for glorious views. Save time to linger in the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery, whose noteworthy features include an altar screen painted by Florentine artists and a well-preserved bell tower.
Party, Party, Party
Join the island’s denizens after dark, when locals and visitors come out to play. From cabaret to cocktails, the island does nightlife in style; some of the best bars in Mykonos are the Queen of Mykonos, Jackie O’s, Lola and, not one for the fainthearted, Skandinavian Bar.
For stylish Mykonos beach clubs, try Scorpios, a hip hangout on Paraga Beach; Paradise, with its increasingly raucous crowd. If you’re looking for unforgettable Mykonos nightlife, Cavo Paradiso is a huge clifftop club that attracts international DJ talent.
Take a Trip to Delos
Away from the party scene, history and culture abound on nearby Delos, an island steeped in Greek mythology. Believed to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis, this tiny speck was inhabited as far back as 3000 BC.
The 5,000-year-old archaeological site is scattered with the remains of temples, amphitheatres, houses and public squares, many adorned with statues. If you’re a history buff or a fan of Greek mythology, visiting Delos is one of the best things to do in Mykonos. For a unique photo opportunity, look out for a sculpture that is half a phallus – the remnants of the symbol of the wine god Dionysus.
Food in Mykonos
Mykonos’ thriving food scene features everything from traditional taverns to creative fusion dining. No matter how long you’re on the island, you must sample the local flavours at least once.
Top of the list of food in Mykonos is kopanisti, a traditional aromatic and spicy cheese which is left to mature for over two months before it’s served. Ksipnitiri is another type of cheese that the island is well-loved for, notable for its strong, sour taste which develops when it is left out in the sun.
Alongside cheese, Mykonos is also famous for its pork sausage. If you’re a meat lover you can also try louza, a speciality of dried pork which is dried and matured.
A standout option for dining is Kiki’s, a tiny taverna above Agios Sostis beach, which is often cited as one of the best restaurants in Mykonos. Long-standing favourites for Mykonos visitors and locals alike include Niko’s Taverna and Pasta Fresca Barkia which continue to stand the test of time, paving the way for emerging newcomers like Scorpios.
It’s easy to understand why Mykonos has become such a popular European destination. Don’t be put off by its reputation as a party island – the beaches here are truly spectacular and there are plenty of cultural attractions that are great for families or visitors who’d rather not stay out too late in the evenings.
Thoughts on our Mykonos Travel Guide? Yeah, we thought so. Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos for an idyllic island break! If you need a helping hand with booking any additional services to make your holiday extra special, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly concierge team!
10 best restaurants in Mykonos
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