Embrace the Magical Mykonos, The Island of the Winds
Mykonos is the 2nd most popular Greek island(after Santorini), belonging to the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea just south of the Mainland. It is renowned as the Ibiza of Greece for its beautiful beaches and the “spring break forever” party vibe. The highlights of the relatively small island can be explored in 2 to 3 days but the charming architecture and vibrant nightlife are sure to leave a lasting impression. Here’s a guide of what to expect while visiting Mykonos and the top 8 best sights to experience on your trip!
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
The best time to explore Mykonos is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early October). The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable compared to the peak summer months. We went at the end of May and the average temperature was in the mid 70s but the water was freezing. The later months like September will have much warmer waters.
Accommodations
Mykonos offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious beach resorts to charming guesthouses in traditional villages. We stayed at the Paradise View Hotel and had an amazing experience, The staff and the owner George was super friendly and embodied the charismatic Greek hospitality. The hotel is a 7 minute walk to Paradise Beach, has free breakfast & airport shuttle drop off, plus a bus stop directly in front of the complex that will take you straight downtown.
Transportation to Mykonos
The island is very close to Athens and accessible by either plane or ferry. Ferry rides are around 3hrs from the capital but you can also ride it directly between islands like Santorini. Flights to Athens are about 50mins and extremely cheap (around $20-$50 USD!).
Getting around the Island
The best way to explore the island is by renting a car, ATV, or scooter. Local buses and taxis are also available, but they might not cover all the remote areas. The KTEL bus service is extremely cheap (less than $2 USD) but doesn’t run that frequently. There are no Ubers but you can hire private transports to get around. However, they can be super expensive so use it as a last resort.
Mykonos Top 8
8. Panagia Paraportiani
Despite being a tiny island, Mykonos is littered with over 1,200 churches! The most photographed is Panagia Paraportiani, in the heart of downtown. This iconic whitewashed church stands at an idyllic location overlooking the sea. Its name literally translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate” in Greek.
7. Mykonos Beaches
If you came to Mykonos for a relaxing vacation, head to the plethora of beautiful beaches scattered across the island. From lounging on sunbeds, to thrilling water sports, to swimming in the azure crystaline waters of the Aegean Sea, there are options for everyone’s desired experience. Paraga beach is a calm and quiet golden pebbled beach while Paradise Beach is a vibrant beach club with bars and music bumping all day long. Other notable beaches on the island include the secluded Kalafati, the family-friendly Psarou, the nude-friendly Elia, and the gay-friendly Super Paradise Beach.
6. Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, tavernas, boutiques, restaurants, and jewelry shops encompassing the capital and the largest city on the island. Also colloquially known as Chora, this old town is a great place for souvenir shopping. Even just meandering around the charming cobble stoned alleys and picturesque passageways can be a fun afternoon.
5. Kato Milli Windmills
These iconic windmills have become the symbolic image of Mykonos island. Kato Milli is located on a small hill South of Mykonos Town overlooking Little Venice and the cerulean Aegean Sea below. Although not operational today, these constructs were once used to grind agricultural yields like wheat or barely.
4. Little Venice
Another district inspired by the aesthetic of Venice, this area has an array of quality restaurants resting on the edge of the island with the waves splashing directly beneath you. Little Venice creates the perfect scenic backdrop for watching the radiant sunsets Greece is so famous for. Restaurants with the best view sell out quickly and require certain spending limits (around $40-$100 USD per table), so be sure to reserve it in advance. For more details on the most iconic meals to try in Greece, check out our food tour vlog!
3. Experience the Epic Mykonos Party Scene
The nightlife in Mykonos is top tier and no trip is complete without experiencing it. Head downtown after dark for one of the most epic party scenes in Greece, with tons of bars & clubs to dance the night away. Like mentioned before, Paradise Beach Club offers an electric beach side disco with 2 for 1 drink specials, dancers, and DJs spinning the top hits until dawn. Cavo Paradiso and Scorpios are renowned hotspots for dancing and mingling. They also play an unsurprisingly amount of ABBA.
2. Delos Island
The Acropolis in Athens isn’t the only world class ruined city in the country. Just a short 30min boat ride away lies Delos Island; one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece. The entire island is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and boasts well preserved mythological ruins from a distant past. Temples and monuments on the island depict how Delos was the birthplace of the the Greek twin deities Apollo & Artemis. The sanctuaries and relics across the island illustrate the unbelievable history of this sacred place. Sign up for this half day tour departing from Mykonos town for transportation and added insight from expert guides.
1. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Aegean Sea than on a boat ride around the stunning Mykonos coastline. The celestial light of the radiant sun is even more inspiring as it dips below the horizon where the sky meets the sea. We signed up for an awesome sunset cruise with an unlimited open bar and had a fantastic time. Enjoying the marvelous views amongst new friends is the best way to end an unforgettable trip to Mykonos!
Mykonos is a destination that captivates travelers with its beautiful beaches, scenic architecture, and insane nightlife. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or unforgettable parties, this Greek island has something to offer for everyone. Just keep in mind the party crowds are a bit on the younger side and it can get pretty rowdy. But if you’re looking for a memorable night out its 100% worth the experience. For more tips to prepare for the prefect Greece trip, check out this post. For our recommendations on the best signature food to try in Greece, check out this post. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Join us as we explore the top sights to see in Mykonos plus the most beautiful beaches and epic nightlife around!
Check out our review of the Delos island tour from Mykonos for our entire experience!
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