Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands and that is mainly due to the popular celebrities who arrive every summer to enjoy its picturesque beauty. The cosmopolitan island combines exceptional beaches with renowned restaurants, endless parties, Cycladic villas, and beautiful people.
Mykonos is in the heart of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea of Greece. It is also called the “Island of the Winds” after the frequent northern wind, the Meltemi, as Greeks call it. Because of these winds, Mykonos is famous for its windmills. It is also worth mentioning the blue doors and windows of the white houses found everywhere on the island and the pelicans, the mascots of Mykonos.
The best season to visit Mykonos
The tourist season in Mykonos usually begins after Greek Easter (April or May) and ends in October. The high season peaks during the summer months, especially in July and August. If you enjoy tranquility, the best time to visit Mykonos is in September, when the big crowds have left and the sun is still warm. One can say the same about spring, namely May and early June, which offer low-season prices and warm but not hot climate.
How to go to Mykonos
The easiest way to get to Mykonos is by airplane from Athens or by ship from Piraeus and Rafina, ports close to Athens, the capital of Greece. There is a high demand for itineraries to and from Mykonos during the summer, so it is easy to find a convenient way to travel. Thankfully, seasonal connections with Mykonos Airport make it easier for tourists to catch a direct flight from certain countries, mostly European ones. For maximum security and comfort book your tranfer from the port or the airport in advance.
What to eat in Mykonos
In case you are worried about what to eat in Mykonos, Greek food will never disappoint you. Just take care of your budget, because Mykonos is considered expensive especially during the high season. When you are on Mykonos, try the spicy cheese kopanisti and the appetizers louza and ksinotira. Don’t miss the famous amygdalota, a sweet delicacy made with almonds, and drink soumada, an aromatic non-alcoholic drink.
Where to party in Mykonos
To be honest, I am not very fond of nightlife in general, but Mykonos is famous for its parties. Consequently, I will give you some recommendations on this subject. Although you will decide once you are there, on Mykonos there are many beach bars and clubs that organize parties almost every night. Some start in the afternoon and finish in the early morning. Below are some suggestions, but be prepared to discover new ones when you visit Mykonos.
Paradise and Super Paradise
Where else would you go but to Paradise and Super Paradise beach where the parties never stop? Cavo Paradiso is one of the most famous formal open-air clubs on Paradise beach, with a pool, famous DJs and thousands of people. There are shuttle buses that transfer club-goers to and from the town. When I visited it, at the beginning of July, the place was uncrowded. Probably the atmosphere would be different if there had been more people.
Moreover, Paradise Beach accommodates the Tropicana Beach Bar, where you can party literally all day and night. That is, young girls and boys dancing in their swimwear from noon until late at night before they hit a club. Paradise Beach Club competes against Cavo Paradiso by hiring famous DJs every summer for thousands of visitors. An outdoor area and a big pool are the features of the most amazing fun night!
On Super Paradise beach you will find the Super Paradise Beach Club. It is famous for the spontaneous parties that might start even in the afternoon and last until early in the morning. Bikinis, dancers, and cocktails will dominate your photos.
Chora, Mykonos Town
In the heart of Chora, you will find the popular Scandinavian Bar where you can be a sexy single, dance until the morning, drink cocktails and have a good time or simply drink casually without too much noise.
Platys Gialos
Kalua Beach Bar in Paraga Beach in Platys Gialos hosts great day parties. From 4 pm you can party in a cool but not overly intense atmosphere and take great photos by the sea.
What to visit in Mykonos
It is well known that Mykonos has a picturesque town and magnificent beaches. A lot of people go there in order to party and enjoy the nightlife and you can read all about it in the above section. Nevertheless, Mykonos is much more than that. Here is a small list of places you should definitely visit when you go to Mykonos:
1) Old harbor
Situated in Chora, the old harbor is a picturesque and quiet place to walk, enjoy a snack, and take photos before entering the town. Small boats, narrow streets, restaurants ,and cafés make it an excellent location for a tranquil time on the otherwise roaring island. It has a beach nearby, but the waters are not very clean. Hence, swimming is not recommended.
2)Windmills
When you arrive in the island, the Windmills rule the hills and can be seen from every corner of Chora. They are the seven of the sixteen windmills around the island. They used to mill wheat and were a great source of income for the locals. Now, only two of them function as museums and you can visit them for a small fee.
3)Little Venice
During the 14th century, the island was under the rule of the Venetians, who left a beautiful remnant just below the windmills. Little Venice, as it’s called, is an area in Chora that resembles Venice because of the cafés and bistros, which are very close to the sea. It is a picturesque and breathtaking location for a romantic walk and for taking photos of the sunset.
4)Wandering in the alleys
Hidden courtyards, colorful houses, residential lanes, and many photogenic places are the treasures you will discover while wandering in the alleys of Chora. The architecture of the blue-and-white houses creates a maze, which will always lead you to small shops and boutiques, as well as cafés and restaurants. The best way to see the town is to get lost in it, as I have done many times!
5)Church of Panayia Paraportiani
In Mykonos, as in every part of Greece, you will come across many Greek Orthodox churches. You should definitely visit the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, which is the most famous and most photographed church in Mykonos. Panagia means Virgin Mary, and Paraportiani means “standing next to the entrance door”. “Our Lady of the Side Gate” overlooks the Kastro area, which is nearby. It consists of a total of five churches, which were built in different eras.
6)Monastery of Panayia Trouliani
The Monastery and Church of Panayia Trouliani is located in the village of Ano Mera. The structure, which was built in 1542 and restored between 1757 and 1767, is quite impressive. The bell tower and the ornate winged altarpiece in the church are some of the sights that deserve your attention. There is also a small museum inside the monastery that is free to visit.
7) Faros Armenistis (Armenistis Lighthouse)
A person who considers himself/herself an adventurer shouldn’t miss visiting Faros Armenistis. Entry to the lighthouse is not permitted, but the magnificent view of the wild rocks is not to be missed.
Beaches on Mykonos
One of the most unforgettable features of Mykonos is the beautiful, paradise-like beaches. The beaches cater to the needs of families, couples, explorers, adventurers, and relaxation-seekers. Almost every beach is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, beach bars, and restaurants. Take into consideration that the southern beaches are more protected from the wind.
Platys Gialos Beach
It has beach bars that organize parties every night, but I wouldn’t go there to swim because it’s too crowded a beach.
Psarou Beach
The trendiest beach of Psarou attracts many celebrities and tourists for watersports, food, and sunbathing, supposedly offering everything but at a high cost. It would be a picturesque beach if it was not full of yachts, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Since my idea of having fun doesn’t include swimming among jet skis in the murky water filled with boats while watching brainless gold diggers lying under the sun or enjoying their short-term vanity by taking selfies, I cannot say that I recommend visiting this beach. Nevertheless, if you want to go to one of the most overpriced places on earth, then at least don’t pay for parking. You can park your car on the main road and take the stairs that lead to the beach. On the right side of the beach, as you face the sea, there is a path leading to a place where you can admire the magnificent view. Maybe this view constitutes the sole reason for someone to go there.
Paradise Beach
One of the most famous beaches on the island is Paradise Beach, where the famous beach bars are located. The beach party experience here includes swimming, eating, drinking, dancing, lying in the sun, partying, and listening to loud music. Personally, I would go to Paradise Beach only in order to party, since I don’t consider it a beach where I can truly enjoy swimming. There are rocks in the sea and a lot of buildings very close to the shore. The place lost its beauty many years ago. Please note that some sites provide inaccurate information claiming that this is a nudist-friendly beach. This may have been the case many years ago, but it is certainly not the case now. So take my advice and keep your clothes on if you go there.
Panormos Beach
Although there is a distasteful beach bar on the beach, the right half of the beach is far away from the crowds and the noise. This tranquil beach, ideal for naturists, may appeal to families as well. If you don’t mind walking, you can climb the rocks beyond the nudist section of the beach and you may encounter seagulls and even discover two small beaches. These were not very clean when I visited them, but the entire adventure was amazing. Be ready to walk if you decide to explore this area.
A secret beach close to Panormos Beach
Elia Beach
It is the longest beach in Mykonos, so there is space for everyone. It is known as a “gay” and nudist beach in some parts, but you will see that there is a wide variety of people visiting. On the right side lies the gay section of the beach. The largest part of the beach is covered with umbrellas and sunbeds, which makes it less desirable for me. There is a small nudist beach under the rocks on the way to the much more beautiful Agrari Beach.
Super Paradise Beach
Super Paradise Beach, which is not to be confused with Paradise Beach, is also not one of my favorite beaches on the island as far as swimming is concerned. Usually crowded, Super Paradise Beach has nice views and is attractive for partygoers. It is one of the two main party beaches on the island. The other is Paradise Beach.
Ornos Beach
It is a bay with a narrow entrance, where umbrellas and sunbeds cover almost the entire beach. There is absolutely no reason to visit this place.
Agios Stefanos Beach
Agios Stefanos Beach is the closest beach to the port, with shallow waters and fantastic sunset views. That’s why it is often crowded. I have never swum there, though.
Agios Sostis Beach
Agios Sostis Beach is a noteworthy beach that still retains its natural beauty, without a beach bar, while the road is thankfully quite far from it. On this road you are going to park your car.
Agrari Beach
Agrari Beach is a wonderful beach with magnificent waters and a sense of comfort that cannot be found on the nearby Elia. It features a small chapel and a picturesque setting. Its right side is the most beautiful part of the beach.
Kalafatis Beach
Kalafatis Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is ideal for windsurfers and families. It lies near an old fishing village, is less frequented by 20-year-old tourists, and feels more traditional.
Lia Beach
Lia Beach is a beautiful, relaxing, and quiet beach, although there are a few umbrellas and sunbeds. On the left side, you can follow a path that leads to the nearby Small Lia Beach.
Fokos Beach
Fokos Beach is only accessible by car. With only one tavern, it is very quiet, far from the parties. It has beautiful natural surroundings, but it is often very windy, which makes swimming difficult. You can climb the nearby hill and enjoy the gorgeous view.
Agia Anna Beach
Agia Anna Beach is close to Paraga Beach. It is small and cute, with umbrellas, sunbeds, and restaurants.
Megali Ammos Beach
Megali Ammos Beach was the first beach to be developed. It is very close to the town and so you can go there on foot. It’s windy, so it attracts many windsurfers without large crowds. I have never tried to swim there so far.
Ftelia Beach
The beach is nice, but on the right side of it there is a despicable beach bar that acts as though it owns the area and claims that the road is a private one, while it is obviously not true. If the employees of the bar tell you not to park there, just call the police. The right side of the beach is usually empty due to the strong wind.
Myrsini Beach
Myrsini Beach is unspoiled and hard to access, but when you do, you’ll feel like you have entered paradise. I enjoy walking farther along the bay when I go there. I am fond of the rocky formations on the right side of the beach. It lies very close to Fokos beach.
Kalo Livadi Beach
A busy but beautiful bay with space for everyone and clean waters. It is one of the best beaches of the island, ideal for families, as well.
Loulos Beach
It is a small beach that lies very close to Kalo Livadi. Although the water is clean there, it is not one of my favourite beaches, since it is quite busy.
Merchia Beach
Merchia is a cute windy bay with strong currents on the left side. Although there are a few places that offer accommodation nearby, the beach itself is seldom busy. A small chapel can be seen on the horizon line.
Choulakia Beach
A rocky beach of exceptional beauty, where the wind always blows. It is not suitable for swimming, though.
Tsangari Beach
It is a beautiful and unspoiled beach. You can easily find it if you follow the path on the left side of Lia Beach. From the small hill you can admire the view of both Lia and Tsangari Beach.
Tigani Beach
In order to reach this magnificent beach, you have to drive along a rather difficult dirt road. Two wind turbines are located nearby. When you arrive, you will be rewarded with the spectacular small bay. There is a possibility of encountering some fishermen on this secluded beach.
