Mykonos in the Aegean Sea. One of the most famous islands in the Cyclades. At the airport, planes and private jets land on the tarmac and set the scene. In the streets, celebrities, clubbers and tourists share the same terraces. Mykonos is visited by no less than 2 million tourists during the season. Visit Greece’s most cosmopolitan and festive island.
For the other Mykonos, away from the bars and nightclubs and on a reasonable budget, you can also read our article What to see and do in Mykonos?
Mykonos, the island of parties and all things possible…
Let’s be clear, even if the island is sublime, you don’t come to Mykonos just for its landscapes, its ancient windmills, its folklore museum or even for the holy church of Paraportiani in the island’s central-western part. We come for the unique binge-watching, the no-holds-barred parties, the wild beach parties, the sunsets and sunrises as intoxicating and colorful as our favorite cocktails! Mykonos is all about a few days or a few weeks of excess and total exaggeration. And the best thing about Mykonos is that you can do absolutely anything you want, whenever you want.
But beware… excess has a price, and it can be high ! Here, we’re more in line with the budgetary standards of European capitals. Farewell to the €10 tavern.
What to do in Mykonos?
Sport, boating, parties, bars, nightclubs, shopping… the range of possibilities is immeasurable on “the windy island“ as it is also known. The houses on the heights of the island, with their breathtaking sea views, are so sumptuous that the sunsets leave us speechless, and all this just three hours from Paris. Mykonos, the island paradise, is still THE trendiest vacation destination today.
Beaches for partying: beach bars, night clubs
There are over twenty beaches along the island, all of them renowned for their electric, eclectic atmosphere. Billionaires’ yachts, demonic parties, the whole world comes to the island to have fun, especially on Psarou beach, at Nammos, certainly the most exclusive and renowned beach bar-restaurant on the island and beyond. You can choose your fish right on the beach, with a glass of wine in hand, or the other way round.
Super Paradise Beach in the south-east of the island is home to the Paradise Beach Club and Super Paradise Beach Club, two must-see spots with very evocative names, and a must for superheroes, daytime revellers and night owls. Internationally renowned, these two clubs are renowned for their, shall we say… indulgent state of mind. And if you like to party, this late afternoon excursion is for you: Try out the best beach clubs on Mykonos! You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the 4 most popular beach clubs on the island.
Calmer beaches of Mykonos
Less blinged-out and therefore more suitable for families, Principote beach and Panormos beach in the north-west of the island, in the village of the same name, are two great spots to take a break from the whirlwind of Mykonos City.
We also appreciate the wild, unorganized side of Kapari Beach, to the south-west, and the charm of Megali Amos, the beach behind the famous 16th century windmills.
As for the beach at Chora, just a stone’s throw from the port, it’s a practical, no-fuss and relatively pleasant place to cool off in the middle of the town center.
In the streets of Chora, the luxury of Mykonos
The typical narrow streets invite you to take a stroll, and the sublime shops… to shop! Just a few kilometers from the hills, the streets of the old town are home to every high-end brand the world has ever seen. Gucci, Versace, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Elena Makri, Zeus et Dione… every brand has opened a boutique on Mykonos, and even offers limited editions made especially for the island.
The little fishing village and its Mattheou Andronikou street are definitely not what they used to be! In fact, it was in the 50s that the jet-set discovered the island’s charms and overturned its codes. Aristotle Onassis, one of Greece’s richest and most famous shipowners and husband of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, among others, brings all his friends from the four corners of the globe here, and throws the most extravagant, iconic parties. Mykonos immediately became a symbol of luxury, but above all of freedom– in short, the place to be. In the early 70’s, Europe’s very first gay bar opened its doors, and the island became a meeting place for the LGBT community.
What makes Mykonos so special today is the refreshing and healthy cultural and individual diversity it brings together every summer. Everyone is welcome on Mykonos!
Little Venice, the romantic district of Mykonos
Last but not least, this ultra-romantic district is brimming with colorful old houses. They used to be fishermen’s dwellings, which explains the direct access from the sea. Built literally over the water, this small village is reminiscent of the city of Venice and its influences, hence the name. Cafés, restaurants and bars have now taken over these small dwellings. We’re particularly fond of the sunset terraces, undoubtedly the best views on the island. Afterwards, we dine at Nice n’ Easy for its organic and local cuisine (already a well-known name in Athens). We hang out at the Veranda Bar, which is simply top-notch. Or the 180° Sunset Bar, where the view is so beautiful it gives you the shivers.
Water sports and outdoor activities
During the day, you can enjoy water sports on the island. There are plenty of them on Mykonos:
- sailing (windsurfing, kiteboarding…),
- diving,
- jet-ski, canoe and SUP rental,
- sea kayaking,
- water-ski,
- or flyboard…
And why not take a more leisurely trip on a glass-bottomed boat to enjoy the beauty of the seabed.
To enjoy the beaches and visit Mykonos and its neighboring islands, renting a sailboat or catamaran with or without a skipper can also bring a festive spirit to your discovery of the island. We recommend Click & Boat who propose sailboats and catamarans for charter, with or without skipper.
Another outdoor activity in a different style: you can also take a guided guided bike tour to discover the island’s beaches and vineyards. It’s a great way to discover a different, more authentic Mykonos! Or how about a jeep safari?
For cruisers stopping off for 1 day in Mykonos, we’ve spotted these excursions, in English, where you can be picked up directly at your ferry terminal:
- Private tour of the town and island of Mykonos – 4 hours
- Small group tour (max. 8 people) – 4 hours
- Mykonos must-see tour by bus and on foot – 4 hours
- Tour of the island’s highlights with the Panagia Tourliani monastery – 4.5 hours
Finally, you’ll find plenty of accommodation on Booking, and to rent a car, we recommend Rentalcars.
Julie-Anne A.
