Mykonos is well-known for its nightlife, but there is much more to see and do.
Mykonos is the Cycladic islands’ party animal, Greece’s equivalent to Ibiza, with bronzed bodies flocking to its beaches by day and bass rhythms hammering through its superclubs till morning. But Mykonos is more than just glittering sand and voracious revelers.
Spend some time on Mykonos to experience the peaceful appeal of the Cycladic maze of Hora, the joy of traversing the backcountry roads, and a dining scene that rivals the other Greek islands.
Mykonos’ best beaches
Mykonos offers a beach for everyone, whether you want a little, isolated cove lapped by cerulean waters or a large expanse of sugar-white sand filled in sun worshipers. The island has 25 beaches, which are undoubtedly Mykonos’ most popular natural feature. Partygoers should head to Paradise or Super Paradise, which are dominated by namesake beach clubs. Beach parties are also popular in Paraga and Psarou. Elia, Mykonos’ longest stretch of white beach, is popular with families, while Platys Gialos and Kalafatis are particularly ideal for water sports.
Panormos and Agios Sostis on the north coast attract a fraction of the tourists of the southern beaches and feature naturist-friendly parts. The pebbled coves of Myrsine and Fokos, accessible through rutted paths off the northeast coast, provide privacy and sanctuary from the masses. Ornos, in the southwest, has plenty of coastal cafés, while isolated Agios Ioannis is ideal for windsurfing.
Best things to do besides visit Mykonos’ beaches
The small capital Hora (called Mykonos Town) on the west side of the island is Mykonos’ second-largest attraction, after the beaches. You may lose yourself for hours in the charming maze of narrow pedestrian lanes packed with picture-perfect, modest churches, eateries, and stores. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, as well as the instructive Aegean Maritime Museum, are both well worth a visit.
Mykonos has fantastic shopping. Mavrogenous Street is a good place to look for art. Matogliani is lined with Greek designers, while Little Venice is wonderful for casual fashion, jewelry, and kitschy souvenirs. Other attractions in Hora include Cine Manto, an attractive open-air cinema, and a sprinkling of odd art galleries such as Rarity Gallery and Art and Soul.
The steep interior of the island is filled with quaint traditional villages, a stark contrast to the cheerful bustle of the shore. Visit Ano Mera, Mykonos’ only other hamlet of any size, and take in the whitewashed Tourliani Monastery, which is just off the taverna-lined main plaza.
Mykonos’ best nightlife
Mykonos does not sleep during the peak months of July and August. Hora has a number of clubs, including some gay and LGBT-friendly establishments, but it’s the beach superclubs like Cavo Paradiso, Super Paradise, and Paradise Club that attract local and worldwide DJs every night. The famous Mykonos party with beach celebrations begin in the afternoon and continue till morning. Shuttle buses transport revelers between Hora, Paradise Beach, and Super Paradise Beach on a regular basis. Those seeking a more tranquil evening activity may visit Hora’s bars, which offer everything from champagne drinks at the Queen of Mykonos and Galleraki to cheap shots at the Skandinavian Bar.
Mykonos Activities
Diving: Mykonos offers lots of cliffs, caves, and wrecks to captivate both novice and experienced divers. Divers may be found on Paradise Beach, Lia Beach, and Kalafatis Beach. Mykonos Diving Center and GoDive Mykonos are two of the most respected companies.
Mykonos is the entrance to Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Aphrodite, a Unesco World Heritage site and one of Greece’s most significant and well-preserved ancient monuments. Daily boat rides leave from Hora’s dock.
Mountain biking: The island of Mykonos features a steep interior, quiet backcountry roads, peaceful settlements, and some almost empty beaches along its north shore. Yummy Pedals customizes guided mountain biking trips around the island to your ability level.
Sunset viewing: The taverns of Little Venice in Hora, Kato Mili (a magnificent quartet of windmills on a hillside above Little Venice), and Agios Ioannis beach are prime locations for seeing the best free performance on earth.
Swimming: Mykonos has plenty of locations to take a dip, from infinity pools at luxury hotels to private plunge pools on the island’s 25 lovely sandy beaches.
Water sports: For instruction, visit the Windsurf Centre Mykonos on Kalafatis Beach, or try your hand at adrenaline-pumping activities like flyboarding, wakeboarding, and wakeskating with Platys Gialos Watersports on the same beach.
When is the best time to visit Mykonos?
From June to September, Mykonos is at its busiest, therefore hotel costs are at their highest, and the beaches, restaurants, and nightclubs are filled. The shoulder season (April to early June, late September and October) is perhaps a better time to visit. You get the beaches without the crowds, and the lodging fees are reduced. Winter may be too chilly for sunbathing and swimming, but benefits include deserted beaches and cheap lodging. Many Mykonos inhabitants rent out their homes in the summer and return during the low season, therefore many eateries are open all year.
