The Greek island of Mykonos has lengthy beckoned vacationers with its whitewashed houses, crystal-clear waters, wealthy tradition, and, in fact, implausible events. And that is just the start.
“It’s a vigorous city that gives an ideal mixture of boutique properties, stunning seashores, native retailers, and a sizzling meals and nightlife scene. Its worldwide airport and proximity to the opposite Greek islands, in addition to to Athens, make it a straightforward vacation spot to entry and a great spot so as to add to an extended itinerary,” Liam Dunch, Abercrombie & Kent’s international group product supervisor for Europe, shared with Journey + Leisure.
Shannon Yates, a rustic specialist for Greece at Audley Journey, agrees, noting that the seashores are the very best within the area, and purpose sufficient to go to.
“Mykonos has a few of the finest seashores within the Cyclades. Because of the form of the island, plenty of seashores are nestled into coves which are comparatively shielded from wind, making for nice seaside days,” Yates says. “The sand can also be prime quality, the water is the quintessential turquoise coloration we consider once we consider a Greek island, and the climate is reliably heat.”
Prepared to start out plotting your journey to the island? Here is all the things you could plan the proper journey to Mykonos.
Finest Resorts and Resorts
Katikies Mykonos
Situated above the Agios Ioannis seaside, Katikies Mykonos presents each implausible views and intimate appeal. Right here, friends can guide outsized, light-filled suites, which open to personal patios with plunge swimming pools. And while you’re prepared for a chew, head proper to Botrini’s Mykonos, the on-site fine-dining restaurant serving scrumptious Greek delicacies.
Cavo Tagoo
Cavo Tagoo, which additionally comes with a privileged location close to Mykonos City, is beloved for its dedication to minimalist, whitewashed decor with splashes of decadent gold hues all through. As for the frequent areas, friends can dive into the property’s gorgeous infinity pool that disappears into the horizon, unwind within the spa, and dine at Meraki Restaurant, which highlights Greek and Mediterranean delicacies.
Kalesma Mykono
Kalesma Mykonos, voted one in every of T+L readers’ favourite motels in Greece within the 2024 World’s Finest Awards, is as gorgeous as a resort can get. The luxurious resort sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views from each nook. The resort embraces a minimalist model that is each soothing and helps put the main target again on the island’s pure magnificence. Every of the spacious, ethereal suites comes with stylish furnishings and opens to a patio with non-public plunge swimming pools, so friends at all times really feel like they’re in full solitude. Kalesma Mykonos additionally has a number of implausible eating venues, too, together with Pere Ubu, which focuses on Greek small plates.
Cali Mykonos
Cali Mykonos, situated on Kalafatis Seashore, completely blends conventional Greek design with a extra modern aesthetic that includes earth-toned partitions, white and cream furnishings, and suites with non-public plunge swimming pools and sea views. The resort additionally has loads of wellness choices, together with common yoga periods, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a brand-new spa opening in 2025.
Finest Issues to Do
Go to the windmills.
No go to to Mykonos is full with out a stroll via the long-lasting windmills of Kato Mili. The windmills, a few of which have been constructed between the fifteenth and Sixteenth centuries, have turn out to be Instagram well-known in their very own proper, because of their picture-perfect look and site. Swing by throughout sundown to see them with the crowds, or head there within the early morning to have them a bit extra to your self.
See Little Venice.
Discover the charming district generally known as Little Venice, an space full of colourful buildings sitting on the water’s edge. The spot is thought for its utter romance and distinct structure, with buildings that includes balconies hovering over the water — these have been utilized by Greeks to load their items immediately onto boats and (hopefully) keep away from pirates.
Stroll and store round Chora.
Spend a while strolling via the primary village of Chora, a.ok.a. Mykonos City, weaving your approach via the slim streets and dipping out and in of shops to seek out the proper memento.
Hit the seaside.
There are 22 official seashores and several other different unofficial choices to spend your days on whereas on Mykonos. There’s Ornos, the perfect spot for these looking for sandy shores and implausible meals, Platis Gialos, which has a bit extra of a scene, and Elia, for anybody eager to sunbathe whereas avoiding tan strains, for those who catch our drift.
Finest Nightlife
Cavo Paradiso
Dance the day and evening away at Cavo Paradiso, a membership that sits on a cliff’s edge, providing implausible views and vibes. Come to catch a DJ efficiency and see if you may make it to its 7 a.m. closing time.
Skandinavian Bar & Disco
Skandinavian Bar & Disco has stored the get together going because the late Seventies. Right here, friends can dance between three rooms, together with an open-air courtyard. E-book a desk, bottle service, or perhaps a particular “final fling earlier than the ring” package deal for an ideal bachelor or bachelorette expertise.
Paradise Membership
Celebration proper on the sand on the open-air Paradise Seashore Membership, which attracts hundreds of revelers who wish to dance all day and evening. You’ll be able to come and go as you please — the get together will nonetheless be going while you come again.
Finest Time to Go to
The finest time to go to Mykonos is throughout its summer season season, between late Could and late September. This when the climate is at its prime, with temperatures averaging between the excessive 70s and mid-80s, in line with Climate Spark. Nevertheless, that is additionally when the island is at its busiest, with vacationers flocking to the seashores, golf equipment, and eating places. So, for those who’re hoping to see the island when it’s kind of calmer, contemplate doing throughout one other time. Based on Yates, “One of the best time to go to Mykonos is outdoors the busy summer season peaks, throughout spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October). Temperatures are heat however not stifling, and locations are open however comparatively quiet.” And coming in mid-September means you might be able to hit the Harvest Pageant, the place you possibly can dine and drink with the locals.
Tips on how to Get There
By Flying
Mykonos is definitely accessible by airplane because of the Mykonos Worldwide Airport, situated only a fast drive from Mykonos City. The airport is serviced by airways like Aegean, Air France, EasyJet, and Lufthansa, with most flights connecting via Athens.
By Ferry
The island can also be serviced by common ferries, which hook up with a number of different islands, in addition to direct ferries to and from Athens. Direct ferries take about 2.5 hours.
Villages to See
Mykonos City
Mykonos City is the guts of the island. Recognized for its vibrant nightlife, eating venues, and picture-perfect cobblestone streets, it is a spot value exploring for no less than a full afternoon throughout your keep.
Ornos
The seaside village of Ornos can also be value a complete day’s tour. Right here, vacationers can lounge on the sand or hire loungers for further consolation earlier than visiting the close by eating places for a few of the finest Greek meals on the island.
Ano Mera
Escape the chaos of the island’s extra touristy areas with a go to to the standard village of Ano Mera. Although it is the second-largest village on Mykonos, it is nonetheless significantly smaller than Mykonos City. And there is tons to do right here, too, like go to the Sixteenth-century monastery, Panagia Tourliani; sip varietals from the wineries; and discover the Gyzi Fort.
Tips on how to Get Round
By Automobile
Renting a automotive is a good selection for anybody seeking to discover extra of the island on their very own schedule. There are many main automotive rental providers out there, together with Hertz, Europcar, and Finances.
By Public Transit
Mykonos has a strong bus system that takes vacationers to and from main cities and seashores.
By Moped
Vacationers can even decide to get round by way of moped, which will be simply rented at a number of retailers on the island. Simply be sure to be further cautious and at all times put on a helmet.