Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands and that is mainly due to the popular celebrities that arrive every summer to enjoy its picturesque beauties. The cosmopolitan island combines exceptional beaches with renowned restaurants, endless parties, Cycladic villas, and beautiful people.
Mykonos is in the middle of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea of Greece. It is, also, called the “Island of the Winds” after the frequent north wind, the Meltemi, as Greeks call it. Because of the winds, Mykonos is famous for its windmills. It is also worth mentioning the blue doors and windows of the white houses 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 season to visit Mykonos is during September, when the big crowds have left and the sun is still warm. One can say the same about spring, that is May and early June, with the low season prices and warm but not hot climate.
How to go to Mykonos
The easiest way to go to Mykonos is by airplane from Athens or boat from Piraeus and Rafina, ports close to Athens, the capital of Greece. There is a high demand for itineraries to and from Mykonos during summer, so it is easy to find a convenient way to travel.
Thankfully, seasonal connections with the Mykonos Airport make it easier for tourists to catch a direct flight from Europe and certain counties like Turkey, Israel, the USA, and Russia.
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 high season.
When on Mykonos, try local seafood from tavernas and restaurants that you can handle financially. You should, also, try the kopanisti spicy cheese 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
Although you will decide it there, on Mykonos there are many beach bars and clubs that organize parties almost every night. Some start in the afternoon and finish early in the morning. Read below some suggestions, but be prepared to discover new ones when you visit Mykonos.
Paradise and Super Paradise
Where else would you go than on 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 were 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. You will also meet Sasa, the club’s MC, who is quite funny. Paradise Beach Club competes against Cavo Paradiso by hiring famous DJs every summer for the thousands of visitors. Outdoor area and a big pool can be 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 the time of your life, or where you can 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 on the cool but not extreme party vibes and have your photo moments near the sea.
What to do in Mykonos
It is well known that Mykonos has a picturesque town and magnificent beaches. A lot of people go 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 this. Here is a small list of places you should definitely visit when you go to Mykonos:
Old harbor
Situated in Chora, the old harbor is a picturesque and quiet place to walk, enjoy your ice cream and take photos before entering the town. Small boats, narrow streets, restaurants ,and cafés make it an excellent location for a tranquil time in the roaring island. It has a beach by it but the waters are not so clean. Hence, swimming is not recommended.
Windmills
When coming to the island, the Windmills rule the hills and can be seen from every corner of Chora. They are the 7 out of the 16 windmills around the island. They used to mill wheat and be a great source of income for the locals. Now, only two of them function as museums and you can visit them at a small price.
Little Venice
During the 14th century, the island was under the rule of 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 photos of the sunset.
Wandering in the alleys
Hidden courtyards, colorful houses, residential lanes, and many photogenic places are the treasure of your discoveries while wandering in the alleys in Chora. The architecture of the blue-white houses creates a maze, which will always lead you to small shopping markets with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The best way to see the town is to get lost in the town as I have done many times!
Church of Panagia 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 in Mykonos. Panagia means Virgin Mary and Paraportiani means “standing next to the entrance door”. “Our Lady of the Side Gate” then is watching the Kastro area which is near. It consists of 5 churches in total which were built in different eras.
Monastery of Panayia Trouliani in Ano Mera
The bell tower and the artistic winged altarpiece in the church are some of the sights that deserve your attention. There is also a small museum that is free to visit inside the monastery.
Faros Armenistis (Armenistis Lighthouse)
A person that considers themselves an adventurer shouldn’t omit to visit Faros Armenistis. The entrance to the Lighthouse is not allowed, 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 can serve all 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 winds.
Platys Gialos
It has beach bars which organize parties every night, but I wouldn’t go there to swim, since it is a too crowded beach.
Psarou
The trendiest beach of Psarou gathers 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 black water of the numerous 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, while we are looking at 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
One of the most famous beaches of the island is Paradise beach where the famous beach bars are located. Beach party experience here: swimming, eating, drinking, shopping, dancing, lying under 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 as a beach where I can enjoy swimming. There are rocks in the sea and a lot of buildings very close to the beach. The place has lost its beauty many years ago. Please notice that some sites provide inaccurate information that this is a nudist-friendly beach. This could be the case many years ago but it is certainly not now. So take my advice and keep your clothes on if you go there.
Panormos
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. A tranquil beach, ideal for naturists, will excite families, as well. If you don’t mind walking, you can climb the rocks after the nudist section of the beach and maybe you will encounter seagulls and for sure 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.
Elia
It is the longest beach in Mykonos, so there is a place for everyone. It is known as a “gay” and nudist beach in some parts, but you will see that there is a variety of people visiting. On the right side lies the gay part of the beach. The biggest part of the beach is covered by umbrellas and sunbeds, which makes it not so desirable for me. There is a small nudist beach under the rocks on the way to the much more beautiful Agrari.
Super Paradise
Super Paradise, which is not to be confused with Paradise Beach, is also not one of my favorite beaches of the island as far as swimming is concerned. Usually crowded, Super Paradise beach has nice views and is party attractive. One of the two main party beaches of the island. The other is Paradise Beach.
Paraga
Paraga beach is famous for the rocks in the shallow part of the coast where you can take photos looking like walking on the water.
Ornos
It is a bay with a narrow entrance where umbrellas and sunbeds cover almost the entire beach. There is absolutely no reason for someone to visit this place.
Ayios Ioannis
A narrow and secluded beach, Aghios Ioannis, is one of the best choices for your family, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Ayios Stefanos
Aghios Stefanos beach is the closest to the port, with shallow waters and fantastic sunset views. That’s why it is often crowded. I have never swum there so far, though.
Ayios Sostis
Aghios Sostis is a noteworthy beach that still retains its beauty, without a beach bar, while the road is thankfully quite far from the beach. On this road you are going to park your car.
Agrari
Agrari is a wonderful beach with magnificent waters and a sense of comfort that cannot be found on the nearby Elia. It has a small chapel and a picturesque look. Its right side is the most beautiful part.
Kalafatis
Kalafatis belongs to the beautiful beaches of the island and is ideal for windsurfers and families. It lies near an old fishing village, is less populated by 20-year-old tourists, and feels more traditional.
Lia
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
Fokos beach is only accessed by car. With only one tavern, it is very quiet, far from the parties. It has a beautiful nature, but it is often very windy, which makes swimming difficult. You can climb on the nearby hill and enjoy the gorgeous view.
Ayia Anna
Ayia Anna beach is close to Paraga beach. It is small and cute, with umbrellas and restaurants with local fish.
Meghali Ammos
Meghali 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 allows many windsurfers to visit it without having loads of crowds around. I have never tried to swim there so far.
Ftelia
The beach is quite good but on the right side of it there is a despicable beach bar that thinks that 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
Myrsini is unspoiled and hard to approach, but when you do, you’ll visit 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
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
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
Merchia is a cute windy bay with strong currents on the left side. Although there are a few places that offer accommodation there, the beach itself is seldom busy. A small chapel can be seen on the horizon.
Choulakia
A rocky beach of exceptional beauty, where the wind never stops. It is not suitable for swimming, though.
Small Lia Beach
The beach might have another name, but I will call it Small Lia Beach. It is a beautiful and unorganized beach. You can easily find it if you follow the path on the left side of Lia Beach.
Tigani Beach
In order to reach this magnificent beach, you have to drive through a quite difficult dirt road. Two wind generators lie nearby. When you arrive, you will be compensated by the spectacular small bay. There is a possibility of encountering some fishermen on this secluded beach.
Mykonos warnings
There are some minor warnings to consider before your trip to Mykonos. Just for your protection, read below:
Pickpockets
Mykonos is expensive. That means that you will have money on you all the time and, more specifically, money ready to be spent. Be careful of the pickpockets and the thieves. The percentage of break-ins rises with wealthy tourists. Hide your money in your room in a safe place and hold your backpack in front of you. Be also aware that many thieves and burglars are not local. Indeed, there are gangs coming from Italy, Algeria, Albania, Morocco, France, and other places, ready to break in villas and steal money and valuable things, like watches, jewelry, clothes, and electronic devices. The police are near, but the burglaries are so usual that it is difficult to catch them all. I have never had a similar experience on the island but it is on the news, so I had to mention it.
Stairs and streets
Be, also, careful of the stairs and the streets. Sometimes, you may not see the stairs that lead down to houses or cafés and you might hurt yourself. The same happens with bikers who do not see the pedestrians in steep turns.
