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Mykonos: More Than Just a Party Island

Mykonos island, Greece

You’ve read about it, you’ve seen spectacular photos on Instagram and sexy videos on TikTok, you’ve even heard about the lavish night-to-dawn parties, but Mykonos is much more than its reputation.

Whether you’re seeking to get away from it all, want to pamper yourself in luxury or even do extreme sports until you drop, Mykonos is the place to be offering a special something for every taste and every pocket.

The ”Island of the Winds” has been winning over the crowds for decades serving as a playground for the world’s rich and famous. Jet-setters and gay icons, movie stars and tycoons have all spent endless days and restless nights on Mykonos’ heavenly beaches, strolling through the maze-like white-washed walkways of its picture-perfect Chora, shopping at some of the world’s finest couture shops, dining at internationally acclaimed eateries, and partying at some of the world’s hottest dance venues. 

©Maria Theofanopoulou

Photo ©Maria Theofanopoulou

Just a few hours away from Athens, Mykonos’ 85.5 square meters are home to some of Greece’s best beaches, it’s where thousands of people flock each year to party to chill out, swim, relax, see and be seen.

And what’s more, getting to Mykonos is easy thanks to the wide range of transportation options, including 25-30-minute flights daily from Athens airport, direct flights from many European and other cities, and regular ferry routes from the ports of Piraeus or Rafina. 

Getting the Mykonos beach experience

What makes Mykonos the perfect Greek getaway? Its diversity of course! This island may be small to the eye, but it can satisfy the needs of every single visitor.

Start your very own Mykonos experience with some swimming and sunbathing. Every single beach on the island is postcard material. Crystal clear turquoise waters, ultra-fine gold sand, and happy people are the ingredients of the Mykonos’ secret.

Catch the LGBTQ/nudist crowds at Super Paradise and Elia, the sports lovers at Kalafatis, families at Platys Gyalos, see and be seen at Psarou, and for peace of mind check out Agios Sostis, Ftelia, Fokos, and Mersini. And if you want any one of these beaches to yourself? Wake up early and choose the one.

Yachting & sailing

Thanks to its strong “meltemi” winds particularly in the summer, Mykonos is ideal for sailing and sea sports.

Ιf windsurfing and kite surfing is your thing head on to Kalafatis, Elia, and Ftelia where you get the best sport conditions and the finest facilities.

Sailing lovers are also in the right place. Mykonos is among the Cyclades network of islands. So rent a boat or a catamaran at the main port in Tourlos, and start touring the nearby isles, such as Syros, Tinos, Milos, Paros and Naxos. Or why not take a romantic sunset cruise around the island.

Instagram ops

Once you make it to Mykonos you’ll want the world to know. So get out your camera and start shooting!

Everyone’s favorite is of course a sunset drink by the waterside at Little Venice known as Alefkandra by the locals. Why not catch a shot during your stroll in the narrow backstreets or a by the beautifully minimal Panagia Paraportiani Church in the Castro area. Or even during your jeep safari and lunch by the beach. 

Enjoying the world’s most famous parties 

It’s not by chance that the world’s best DJs have all played or wanted to spin discs on Mykonos. In short: Mykonos means party: party all day or all night, party till you drop, party your blues away.

Whether you’re on the beach, sipping coffee at a café, drinking with friends at a Chora bar, eating at a seaside taverna there is always the promise of a party in the making. What starts off as a day on the beach ends up a full-blown bash into the wee hours of the next day in a matter of minutes. 

Luxury 

Together with Santorini, Mykonos hosts some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and boutique hotels, many members of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. Not to mention the ultra luxury villas.

Let’s not forget this island caters to billionaires with big demands. It should be added that hotels and resorts on the island have been repeatedly awarded for their infinity pools, opulent amenities, spectacular sea vistas, and exclusivity. Which explains why Hollywood, Bollywood, and the world’s wealthiest celebrate their birthday parties here, marry here, or just come to have fun here.

Tasting 

Besides international gastronomy greats who always win over the discerning crowds visiting Mykonos, foodies also have a wide range of fine dining options thanks to dozens of innovative chefs who’ve made their way to the island whipping up the finest fusion delights.

What’s more, Mykonos also boasts its own products including traditional kopanisti cheese, louza ham, and sausages, onion pie (kremmydopita), and amygdalota (almond-based sweets).

Delos: The divine island

A trip to Mykonos wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the nearby islet of Delos, a few kilometers away.

Once a holy sanctuary and in Greek mythology the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis, the islet of Delos is a unique archaeological site. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage site and very much worth visiting as is its expanded archaeological museum showcasing artefacts that date back to 3,500 years ago.

Mykonos for the art & culture lover

Life is complete when you add some fine art to it and Mykonos is ideal to catch the latest trends with an excellent choice of art galleries.

Make it also a point to visit the island’s Folklore Museum housed in an 18th-century captain’s mansion in the Castro area and Lena’s House, a folk museum situated in part of home belonging to a Greek war hero in the Tria Pigadia area. To learn more about the island’s seafaring traditions visit the Aegean Maritime Museum and don’t forget to drop by the Archeological Museum of Mykonos.

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About the Author
Chicago-born and raised, Maria Paravantes has over two decades of journalistic experience covering tourism and travel, gastronomy, arts, music and culture, economy and finance, politics, health and social issues for international press and media. She has worked for Reuters, The Telegraph, Huffington Post, Billboard Magazine, Time Out Athens, the Athens News, Odyssey Magazine and SETimes.com, among others. She has also served as Special Advisor to Greece’s minister of Foreign Affairs, and to the mayor of Athens on international press and media issues. Maria is currently a reporter, content and features writer for GTP Headlines.

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