Mykonos travel guide
Mykonos - the island with two faces
Luxurious and exuberant, dreamy and relaxed - Mykonos, the island of contrasts, is one of Greece's most popular holiday destinations. Together with the neighbouring islands and Delos and Rinia as well as a few small islets, it forms a municipality in the southern Aegean and also the regional district of Mykonos. The approximately 105 square kilometre island attracts thousands of tourists all year round who are looking for - and find - beautiful sandy beaches and glamorous parties.
LOCATION
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades and lies between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos in the Aegean Sea.
AREA
85.5 km²
POPULATION
10.134
MAIN CITY
Mykonos Town (Chora)
While you stroll through the narrow, typically Greek alleyways during the day or sunbathe on one of the golden beaches, the countless bars and clubs party until the early hours of the morning. This is because the Cyclades island awakens from its beauty sleep at night - and turns into a world-famous party island that attracts celebrities, DJs and musicians! Whether you're a party animal or a sun worshipper, you'll find everything your heart desires on the "white island".
To make your holiday on Mykonos unforgettable, we have compiled the most important information about the archipelago for you! White houses with blue doors and windows, colourful, ornate balconies overlooking the crystal-clear sea, vine-covered tavernas in narrow alleyways - the Cyclades island is a Greek dream come true, so it's hardly surprising that Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. The sun-seeking, party-loving tourists include celebrities such as Alessandra Ambrosio, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and Kris Jenner. They appreciate the vibrant nightlife in Mykonos Town just as much as the relaxing hours of sunshine on the island's breathtaking sandy beaches.
Weather and climate on Mykonos
In the summer months from June to September, the weather on Mykonos is pleasant and warm with average temperatures of over 30°C and 9.8 hours of sunshine per day. The warmest month is July with 32°C and 14 hours of sunshine a day. With low rainfall and water temperatures of 24°C, Mykonos is a true paradise, especially for summer, bathing and beach holidaymakers!
Mykonos is a special feast for the eyes in winter, late spring and early summer, as the island's flora blossoms with the onset of rainfall and is in full bloom in April and May. Mykonos is also known as the "island of the winds", as the Meltemi winds blow across the Aegean and the Cyclades islands during the summer months for seasonal reasons. This is why Mykonos is also known and loved as a place for water and wind sports! Due to the Pindus Mountains, which dry out the westerly winds, the Meltemi brings only small amounts of rainfall.
The moderate wind keeps the summer days pleasantly warm, dry and sunny. Even in winter, the Meltemi always brings bright weather and a clear, wide view. Only rarely does snow fall in winter, although it rarely lasts long.
Things to see on Mykonos
Beach bars on Paradise Beach, elegant nightclubs with well-known DJs and small, chic bars - Mykonos is the island that never sleeps. However, it's all a question of the time of year you visit the island. Spring and late summer present a different picture of Mykonos, which also has a quiet, dreamy side. During this time, it is worth exploring the sights of Mykonos.
The capital
The capital of the island - the Chora - is also called Mykonos. It is an absolute feast for the eyes: if you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town (Palea Chora), you will find the characteristic whitewashed houses with their colourful wooden balconies and staircases lined up close together. The blooming bougainvilleas, small cafés and boutiques blend picturesquely into the typical Greek picture. From the winding alleyways of the old town, it is a wonderful walk to the harbour and along the promenade. You will pass many picturesque chapels and the landmarks of Mykonos - the windmills and the Panagia Paraportani church.
However, to discover this original, dreamy side, you should travel to Mykonos Town in the early hours of the morning or in the low season. This is because, while many cruise tourists stroll through the town at lunchtime, party animals are drawn to the famous discotheque on Paradise Beach in the evening. If you are not in Mykonos for one of the exclusive, exuberant parties, it is also worth exploring the "Little Venice" district (Mikri Venetia) in the western part of Mykonos Town. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations on Mykonos.
It owes its name to the row of houses on the coast, whose colourfully painted wooden balconies rise above the surface of the sea. They are reminiscent of the Venetians who ruled Mykonos in the 13th century, even though the tradition of house design dates back to the Ottoman occupation of the 16th century. Today, the historic houses house private flats, exclusive flats and some of the most expensive restaurants on the island.
Kato Mili
Mykonos' landmarks include the sixteen windmills on the island. Even those who have never been to the island will recognise the mills in the typical Cycladic style with their white facades, conical roofs and very small windows. As soon as you arrive by ferry, you can see five of the windmills, the Kato Mili. They stand on the Ano Mili hill in Mykonos Town at the entrance to the harbour in Alefkandra and offer an unbeatable view over the Mediterranean and the island's capital.
Although the mills have long since stopped grinding, they are still preserved and also house the agricultural museum, which exhibits a water reservoir and a stone wine press, among other things. You can't leave Mykonos without seeing the island's most photographed sights for yourself!
Panagia Paraportani church
Another attraction on Mykonos is the Panagia Paraportani church - the largest sacred building on the island in the Kastro neighbourhood of Mykonos Town. Originally, there were four churches - Saint Estathios, Saint Sozon, Saint Anargyroi and Saint Anastasia - the first of which was built in 1425. Over the course of time, the individual chapels became more and more of a complex - most recently when another church was added in the 17th century. This gave rise to the unusual shape, which is a popular photo motif. The unique St Mary's Church is now in danger of collapsing and can no longer be visited from the inside. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the imposing church on a walk from the town!
Panagia Tourliani Monastery
Every year, on 15 August on the Feast of the Assumption, believers make a pilgrimage to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera. The monastery, built in 1542, was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. But the monastery is also worth a visit in other respects: while it has a simple Cycladic marble exterior, the interior boasts a magnificent iconostasis of the Virgin Mary, many ornate images of saints and an imposing pulpit.
There is also a small museum in the monastery, which exhibits icons from the Byzantine period and the first church bells. Also in Ano Mera, on a hill, is another typical monastery of Cycladic architecture - the Paleokastro Monastery. When exploring the churches and monasteries on Mykonos, you should also visit the tiny monastery in the idyllic, dreamlike surroundings!
Tours, excursions and activities
Two things are typical of Mykonos: exuberant parties with world-famous DJs on Paradise Beach in Mykonos Town and relaxed sunbathing on the beautiful beaches in the east of the island. But cultural excursions - to the neighbouring islands of Delos and Tinos or to the island's museums - are also part of a holiday on Mykonos!
On Mykonos, there is more than one opportunity to soak up the sun on beautiful sandy beaches. On Mykonos, you always have the choice of relaxing in quiet, secluded surroundings with a view over golden beaches and turquoise waters, or mingling with party animals and water sports enthusiasts. We have found the most beautiful beaches on Mykonos for every type of holiday.
For sun worshippers
Sun-seeking holidaymakers have it the easiest on Mykonos: with up to 14 hours of sunshine in midsummer, every beach on the island is the perfect beach for relaxing, extensive sunbathing. Agios Stefanos Beach or Megali Ammos Beach on the west coast are ideal for a marvellous day on a golden beach in turquoise waters. In the south-west is Psarou Beach, where the odd well-heeled or prominent Mykonos holidaymaker can be spotted. Accordingly, there is plenty of expensive accommodation and high-priced restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity.
For active holidaymakers
Water sports enthusiasts will love the beaches of Mykonos! Most of the beaches offer countless opportunities for tourists, whether for diving and snorkelling, windsurfing and kitesurfing or kayaking and jet skiing. In the east, sports enthusiasts and adventurers will find the always lively Kalafati Beach, which is also known as the island's sports beach. The usually somewhat stronger wind makes windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing on Kalafati Beach and Korfos Beach particularly fun!
Ornos Beach, not far from Mykonos Town, also has a diving school and a windsurfing centre, which is why this somewhat quieter beach is not only popular with families, but also with water sports enthusiasts.
For party people
As Greece's party island, there is more than just one beach on Mykonos, which is lined with beach bars, clubs and discos. The best known - and most popular - are Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos Town. This is where thousands of party-loving island visitors flock, waiting to turn night into day. There's always something going on on these beaches, where you'll find the island's most famous clubs!
One of the longest beaches - Kalo Livadi Beach - is also home to the longest party nights on the island. You can also drink cocktails, dance in beach bars or enjoy the view on sun loungers at Elia Beach, where the LGQBT+ community is particularly active. In addition to Elia Beach, Agrari Beach and Mini Lia Beach are also popular spots for nudists.
For families
Families will find a sandy beach and shallow, clear water at Ornos Beach, which can be reached on foot or by bus from Mykonos Town. Families who want to try their hand at water sports will find diving and windsurfing schools here. Small wooden boats also leave for day trips to the island chains in the Aegean Sea. If you are looking for quiet, secluded beaches without bars, clubs and parasol hire, you will find them in all directions on Mykonos: To the south-east is Kalo Livaldi Beach - a kilometre-long sandy beach where you can sunbathe, relax or let off steam in the shallow waters.
Further east is Mini Lia Beach: a small, unspoilt beach with crystal-clear, calm waters, which is also advertised as a nudist beach. Quiet, sandy paradises are also Agia Anna Beach on the south coast and Agios Ioannis Beach on the south-west coast. Slightly more remote, the beaches offer a quiet, relaxed environment that is also popular with locals. You will find even smaller, undisturbed bays if you take a longer journey and explore the island in a hire car or scooter!
Armenisti's lighthouse
The Armenistis lighthouse is located in the north-west of the island. To be more precise, it towers over Cape Armenistis. If you like the countless small chapels in Mykonos Town, the Armenistis lighthouse will be a special highlight for you! The lighthouse was built in the 19th century after an English ship rammed into a nearby shore and sank along with eleven crew members. Since then, the 19 metre high tower has emitted a white light signal every 10 seconds.
Due to its special location, at the outer, north-western tip of Mykonos, you have a unique view of the strait between the island of Tinos and Mykonos. After a somewhat bumpy drive from Mykonos Town via Tourlos and Agios Stefanos, you can enjoy the view over the Aegean - ideally at sunset, when the sky is bathed in breathtakingly beautiful colours.
Delos Museum Island
Three times a day (except Mondays) you can take an excursion boat from the old harbour of Chora in Mykonos Town to the island of Delos, which is only 6.8 square metres in size. A 30-minute journey takes you to the island, which was considered a sacred place in ancient Greece, where Apollo, god of daylight, and Artemis, goddess of night light, are said to have been born. As one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Delos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
You can discover the famous Lion Terraces, numerous ruins and temple foundations in the Doric style - including the 4th century Temple of Apollo. The return journey to Delos costs 20 euros for adults and 10 euros for children (6-12 years). For a group of 8 people, it is worth booking a boat tour, which also includes entry to the island and the guided tour. On some days - including Sundays from 1 November to 31 March - admission to the archaeological sites is free.
Neighbouring island of Tinos
Ten kilometres from Mykonos, to the north-west, lies the island of Tinos, which is well worth a day trip. There are several sights to discover on the island where the wind god Aiolos is said to have been born. The island is criss-crossed by mountains along its entire length, the highest of which is Tsiknias at 727 metres.
However, you should make a trip to Exomvourgo. While you can visit the Ieras Kardiadis monastery at the foot of the mountain, the highest castle in the Aegean awaits you at the summit. From there you have a fabulous view over the Aegean Sea and the islands of Samos, Naxos, Delos and Ikaria. You can hike further through the rocky landscape on the hiking trails around the Exomvourgo Mountains.
There is a lot to see: 750 churches and chapels, 34 settlements and villages and over 600 dovecotes. The square towers constructed from slate, stone and limestone with geometric patterns and colourful lithographs are typical of the Tinos landscape. The Temple of Poseidon, the Volax lunar landscape and the pilgrimage basilica are also waiting to be discovered!
Museums
Those interested in culture will also find several museums on Mykonos itself that tell a lot about the cultural and national history of Greece. In the centrally located Tria Pigada neighbourhood in Mykonos Town is the Aegean Maritime Museum, where historical, reconstructed ships are on display. George M. Drakopulos even received an award for the curatorship of the museum, which is one of the first of its kind in Greece.
If you are interested in culture, you should also visit the Archaeological Museum near the port of Mykonos Town. The museum exhibits finds dating from the 25th to the 1st century BC, including ancient amphorae, gravestones and ceramics, as well as artefacts from the necropolis. In the Folklore Museum on the Venetian Hill, on the other hand, you can marvel at everyday objects and utensils, ship models and cannons - and immerse yourself in the world of the Greeks in the 19th century.
Food and drink
Mykonos has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Award-winning chefs cook in some of the best kitchens in the Mediterranean, so that only fresh regional ingredients end up in sophisticated dishes. Inspired by the famous guests who have been coming to Mykonos from all over the world since the 1950s, gourmets will find traditional and international cuisine. There are many tavernas, especially in the immediate vicinity of the harbour, where you can enjoy excellent food and drink. However, they are also some of the most expensive restaurants in Greece.
If you want to go easy on your wallet and dine in less busy surroundings, you should visit places outside Mykonos Town. Greek specialities are also available here - but at much lower prices. One highlight, off the beaten tourist track, is Ano Mera. In the small pedestrianised area of this inland settlement, there are several traditional tavernas, cafés and bakeries offering inexpensive but no less tasty dishes.
Local specialities on Mykonos
Kopanisti Mykonou: The Greek soft cheese Kopanisti Mykonou is produced on the islands of Mykonos, Syros and Tinos. The cheese is made from sheep's milk, goat's milk or a mixture of both types of milk. Depending on the type, the cheese is sometimes sweeter, sometimes sour or sometimes more buttery.Xinotyri: Xinotyri is also a sour cheese made from sheep's milk. On Mykonos, it is dried for a few weeks and used as grated cheese. In contrast to Xinomysithra, which remains a soft cheese and must be eaten within a few days.
Kremmydopita: Kremmydopita is one of the oldest, most traditional dishes on Mykonos - a savoury pie filled with feta (or alternatively ricotta or Greek yoghurt) and onions.
Louza: Louza is a typical pork sausage. On Mykonos, the fillets are cured for 24 hours after being seasoned with plenty of allspice, pepper and oregano. They are then hung out to dry in the open air for 10-15 days.
Louza are often eaten as a mezze, together with kountoures, a wine made from black grapes.
Dolmadakia: For dolmadakia, vine leaves are filled with meat (lamb or beef) and rice. Dolmadakia are the perfect snack, especially in the warm midday hours when you are looking for light food!
Baklava: As in the rest of Greece, baklava is a typical and popular dessert on Mykonos. The puff pastry with honey, nuts and butter is the sweetest thing you'll ever try!
Amygdalota: Almond biscuits are also popular throughout Greece and are eaten as a dessert at every meal. However, amygdalota are best enjoyed in the morning, with a first sip of Greek coffee!
Galaktoboureko: Galaktoboureko is a dessert that was a favourite of the ancient Greeks. Similar to bougatsa, the filo pastries are soaked in syrup and often flavoured with citrus fruits.
Nightlife
Famous DJs on Paradise Beach, expensive champagne in exclusive clubs and exuberant dancing at beach parties: Mykonos is the party island of the Greek Cyclades! While it's quiet until lunchtime, Mykonos comes to life in the evening. Party animals flock to the tavernas and bars in Mykonos Town for an aperitif before heading to the town's many clubs and beach bars to party until the early hours of the morning. The two beaches Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are particularly well known as party meccas. In some of the hippest, most famous clubs, internationally renowned DJs, stars, starlets and tourists party until the sun rises again over the Aegean.
- Paradise Beach: Paradise Club Mykonos is not only the most famous club on Mykonos, but also the 14th most popular club in the world. As a beach bar and open-air club, Paradise attracts partygoers day and night from April to October - including some of the most influential DJs such as Nervo, Tiesto and Afrojack. And those who can no longer dance can make themselves comfortable on the sun loungers on the beach - and watch the sunrise with one last cocktail.
- Super Paradise Beach: Over the years, Super Paradise Beach has also made a name for itself as a party location. Located around 6 kilometres south-east of Mykonos Town, clubbers, jetsetters and VIPs meet up to party in the unique atmosphere. The beach is also popular with the LGQBT+ community, who can party the night away on the alternative and anti-conformist beach!
- Skandinavian Bar: The Skandinavian Bar & Disco in Mykonos Town has been a hot spot for party fans since the 1970s. In three rooms and in the courtyard of the classic nightclub, the unique energy of the holidaymakers from all over the world who meet here makes for an unforgettable time.
- The Queen of Mykonos: Those who like to party a little more luxuriously will feel right at home in the queen of bars: the Queen of Mykonos in the centre of Chora. The champagne and cocktail bar invites you to mingle with exotic, handmade cocktails and enjoy the international island atmosphere.
Mykonos is known worldwide as a favourite destination for the LGQBT+ community. The liberal, non-conformist and alternative party scene has been attracting gays, lesbians and transsexuals from all over the world since the 1980s. The open, open-minded Mykonos offers the perfect opportunity to stay in chic boutique hotels, dance in exciting nightclubs and meet like-minded, glamorous people.
The Mecca of the gay party scene is Mykonos Town, where there are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs for hours of carefree partying! Don't miss the Jackie O' Beach Club on Super Paradise Beach, where drag shows take place every night.
Basically, "Little Venice" in Mykonos Town is a hotspot: in this always-bustling neighbourhood, there's a party on every corner until the early hours! After a long night of partying, you can relax on the many dream beaches: The most popular beaches include Super Paradise Beach, which has its own stretch of beach, and Elia Beach, which can be reached by bus from Mykonos Town.
Insider tips:
Get up early: Unless you're pulling an all-nighter in one of the trendy clubs, it's worth getting up early on your Mykonos holiday. In the early morning and until midday, the island is pleasantly quiet - the calm before the storm, so to speak. Walk along the harbour promenade of Mykonos Town and enjoy the sunrise and the unique view of the vastness of the Aegean Sea.
Excursions by car or scooter:
Hire a car or scooter to explore more remote areas of Mykonos. Many tourists travel by bus to the most popular beaches, sights and party locations. With a car or scooter you are more flexible and mobile - and one step ahead of the other tourists! You can also explore the beaches, churches, monasteries and landscapes in the north or south-west of Mykonos.
Áno Méra:
The village of Áno Méra is located inland and couldn't be more opposite to the image you have of the rest of Mykonos. The tranquil village is not only home to the restored 16th-century monastery of Panagia Tourliani, but also to several bakeries, tavernas and cafés with outdoor terraces offering traditional cuisine at reasonable prices. Hiking trails lead through the surrounding landscape of rocky hills to beaches such as Kalafati Beach or Paralia Kalo Livadi, where things get busier again.
Agois Sostis:
In the north of the island lies Agois Sostis Beach, which boasts empty bays with crystal-clear water. It is generally worth taking a trip to the north of the island, where there are more secluded beaches - far away from the typical tourist hustle and bustle in the capital.
Bestsellers Mykonos
Maybe you are interested in the following activities and tours:
from 2,000.-€
Exciting helicopter sightseeing flight Mykonos (Tourlos)
from 95.-€
