The Greek island of Mykonos has lengthy beckoned vacationers with its whitewashed properties, crystal-clear waters, wealthy tradition, and, after all, incredible events. And that is just the start.
“It’s a vigorous city that gives an ideal mixture of boutique properties, lovely seashores, native retailers, and a scorching 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 world 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 one of the best within the area, and purpose sufficient to go to.
“Mykonos has among the greatest seashores within the Cyclades. As a result of form of the island, numerous seashores are nestled into coves which can be comparatively protected against wind, making for nice seaside days,” Yates says. “The sand can also be top quality, the water is the quintessential turquoise colour we consider after we consider a Greek island, and the climate is reliably heat.”
Prepared to start out plotting your journey to the island? This is all the things it’s good to plan the right journey to Mykonos.
Greatest Lodges and Resorts
Katikies Mykonos
Positioned above the Agios Ioannis seaside, Katikies Mykonos presents each incredible views and intimate appeal. Right here, company can ebook outsized, light-filled suites, which open to non-public patios with plunge swimming pools. And while you’re prepared for a chunk, 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, company can dive into the property’s beautiful 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 among T+L readers’ favourite inns in Greece within the 2024 World’s Greatest Awards, is as beautiful as a lodge 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 personal plunge swimming pools, so company at all times really feel like they’re in full solitude. Kalesma Mykonos additionally has a number of incredible eating venues, too, together with Pere Ubu, which makes a speciality of Greek small plates.
Cali Mykonos
Cali Mykonos, positioned 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 personal plunge swimming pools and sea views. The lodge additionally has loads of wellness choices, together with common yoga periods, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and a brand-new spa opening in 2025.
Greatest Issues to Do
Go to the windmills.
No go to to Mykonos is full with out a stroll by the enduring 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 placement. 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 crammed with colourful buildings sitting on the water’s edge. The spot is understood 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 straight onto boats and (hopefully) keep away from pirates.
Stroll and store round Chora.
Spend a while strolling by the principle village of Chora, a.okay.a. Mykonos City, weaving your means by the slender streets and dipping out and in of shops to seek out the right 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 in search of sandy shores and incredible meals, Platis Gialos, which has a bit extra of a scene, and Elia, for anybody desirous to sunbathe whereas avoiding tan strains, if you happen to catch our drift.
Greatest Nightlife
Cavo Paradiso
Dance the day and evening away at Cavo Paradiso, a membership that sits on a cliff’s edge, providing incredible views and vibes. Come to catch a DJ efficiency and see if you can also make it to its 7 a.m. closing time.
Skandinavian Bar & Disco
Skandinavian Bar & Disco has saved the social gathering going because the late Nineteen Seventies. Right here, company 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” bundle for an ideal bachelor or bachelorette expertise.
Paradise Membership
Occasion proper on the sand on the open-air Paradise Seashore Membership, which attracts hundreds of revelers who need to dance all day and evening. You may come and go as you please — the social gathering will nonetheless be going while you come again.
Greatest Time to Go to
The greatest time to go to Mykonos is throughout its summer time 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 response to Climate Spark. Nonetheless, that is additionally when the island is at its busiest, with vacationers flocking to the seashores, golf equipment, and eating places. So, if you happen to’re hoping to see the island when it is a bit calmer, contemplate doing throughout one other time. In response to Yates, “The perfect time to go to Mykonos is outdoors the busy summer time 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 Competition, the place you may dine and drink with the locals.
The best way to Get There
By Flying
Mykonos is definitely accessible by airplane because of the Mykonos Worldwide Airport, positioned only a fast drive from Mykonos City. The airport is serviced by airways like Aegean, Air France, EasyJet, and Lufthansa, with most flights connecting by 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 price exploring for not less than a full afternoon throughout your keep.
Ornos
The seaside village of Ornos can also be price a whole 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 among the greatest Greek meals on the island.
Ano Mera
Escape the chaos of the island’s extra touristy areas with a go to to the normal village of Ano Mera. Although it is the second-largest village on Mykonos, it is nonetheless significantly smaller than Mykonos City. And there is heaps to do right here, too, like go to the Sixteenth-century monastery, Panagia Tourliani; sip varietals from the wineries; and discover the Gyzi Fortress.
The best way to Get Round
By Automotive
Renting a automobile is a good selection for anybody seeking to discover extra of the island on their very own schedule. There are many main automobile rental companies obtainable, 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 through moped, which will be simply rented at a number of retailers on the island. Simply ensure to be further cautious and at all times put on a helmet.