Mykonos is on every traveler’s bucket list and not without a reason. Cosmopolitan, extravagant, and filled with one-of-a-kind experiences, the island offers an incomparable combination of luxury, energetic atmosphere, and landscape grace that is second to none.
Whether you are searching for the non-stop thrill that only watersports can offer, the blend of a vivacious party and exquisite dining right by the shore, or a quiet beach where you can be all by yourself, Mykonos simply has it all.
Crystal clear water with a characteristic turquoise tint, fine golden sand and a broad selection of restaurants and bars surrounding it. Platis Gialos is ideal for families as the waters are shallow and protected from the winds, making it ideal for the little ones!
One of the most popular beaches of the island, Ornos, is yet another favorite amongst families due to the easily accessible shallow water. Lined with sunbeds for rentals, make sure to make your reservation early. Naturally, you will find a broad selection of bars and restaurants so you can spend the whole day at the beach, while your host can provide more detailed information according to your needs.
A hotspot for celebrities and socialites, Psarou is world-renowned for its natural beauty and of course the famous Nammos restaurant. When a party is organized here, prepare to dance from dusk till dawn!
The place to be for partygoers. Paraga is located within walking distance of the hard-partying Paradise Club, the Mecca of all beach bars on the island.
Surfer’s Paradise. Mykonos is called the island of the winds and it offers a unique setting for all sorts of seaside thrills.
The list goes on and indeed it’s very hard to opt for one beach over the other, as they all have a characteristic grace and ambience. One thing to remember is that exploration will truly reward you as the world-renowned Myconian lifestyle is only equaled by the grace of the island’s natural beauty.
The maze-like capital of Mykonos brings together all the unique reasons that established the island as an unmissable destination and a jetsetters’ paradise. Essentially a typical Cycladic village with all the characteristic charming elements and the iconic blue-white aesthetic, Chora introduces the unique characteristic of being the home of luxurious boutique shops, high-end art galleries, and exclusive restaurants. The best way to see the most out of Chora is on foot. Wander around the cobblestone streets and take in the energetic mosaic of people and experiences that solidified the cosmopolitan nature of the island.
You will simply find everything your heart desires tucked away in one of these scenic alleys. Traditional “tavernas” where you can enjoy local fish of the day in a postcard-perfect setting and, a few steps away, the most upscale gastronomy restaurants presenting experimental gastronomy. Nightlife is equally multifaceted, from easygoing cafes where the locals leisurely enjoy their ouzo, all the way to non-stop party spots, drenched in champagne, where you can dance and enjoy yourself all night.
Explore the rich heritage and culture of the island and visit the marvelous Panagia Paraportiani Church and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. Do not omit a day-trip tour to Delos, one of the most perfectly preserved archaeological sites in Greece; its transcendent energy will take you on a trip back in time. And if you happen to be an art enthusiast, Chora has a broad variety of galleries showcasing both local and international art as well as beautiful workshops of artists and Myconian craftsmen presenting their unique creations.
Above all, Mykonos Town retains a distinctive laid-back way of life embracing the visitor and making them feel welcome right upon arrival. Impeccably connected, this is the starting point for many of the island’s attractions, while some of the most renowned beaches such as Platis Gialos and Ornos are very easily accessible from here.
Eager to break free from the crowds and dive into an atmosphere that is original, relaxing, and utterly Myconian? Ano Mera is what you are looking for. A short drive away from the cosmopolitan Chora, this little village is peaceful even during peak season and can offer you a true glimpse into the island’s true way of life.
Get a taste of what’s truly local, after all gastronomy is the most delightful way to explore a destination. You will find “tavernas” and restaurants serving typical Myconian dishes, cooked in a traditional manner. Make sure to try the “mostra”, an appetizer made of barley rusks and kopanisti cheese as well as the traditional “melopita”; a local pastry delight.
Intensely cultural, Ano Mera is the epicenter of artistic creation during the summer months as it is here that the Mykonos Art Festival holds the majority of their shows and concerts, inviting artists from all over Europe. If you’re eager to dive into the local heritage, arrange a visit to Panagia Tourliani Monastery, an 18th century religious site renowned for its intricate architecture and extraordinary iconography.
Ano Mera is simply ideal for those who wish to experience the world-renowned Myconian lifestyle and the non-stop cosmopolitan energy of the island but would prefer to do it at their own pace, from a place of comfort, without being exposed constantly to the bustle of the coastal areas. After all, while Ano Mera is inland, it’s very advantageously located near some of the most sought-after beaches of the island like Kalo Livadi and Fokos Beach.
Mykonos might be world renowned for its ultra-fashionable atmosphere and the cosmopolitan exclusive hotspots for the rich and famous, yet the most widely visited and photographed locations are in fact the ones that still bear signs of an old, authentic, traditional way of life.
Little Venice received its distinctive 18th century Venetian style architecture. Once the homes of the wealthiest merchants and sea captains of the island, this tiny neighborhood is instantly recognizable and it is one of the most romantic places that you will see on the island. The beautifully preserved buildings seem to be almost floating precariously at the one end of Mykonos Chora, granting a sight that is simply postcard-perfect.
Right across Little Venice you will come to perhaps the most iconic landmark of the Island. Standing tall, the five windmills of Mykonos grace the rocky landscape creating a beautiful halo overlooking Mykonos Chora. While currently serving as the most popular background for tourist photos, the windmills signify a past where the local economy was based in grain production and the precious flour of the year was produced right here.
A little further down, tucked in a square, you will find three beautiful wells. Almost lost in the backdrop of the fashionable shops and strolling tourists, they bear witness to a time long gone. It's fascinating to know that these were actually the main water supply for the whole of Mykonos Chora from the 18th century until as recently as 1956 when Chora was of course only a small fishing village, a fraction of what it is today.
The fishing past is mostly prevalent on the utterly scenic Old Port of Mykonos. You can stroll around gazing at the colorful boats, enjoy a coffee in the traditional cafes around its rocky dock, and gaze at the sun diving in the Aegean. If you come really early you will see the fishermen docking and selling the catch of the day. It’s from here that you can hop on a tour or a cruise and visit “the most sacred of all islands”, Delos.
