If you’re visiting Mykonos for the first time? Don’t worry there’s plenty to do! Everybody knows Mykonos for its frenzied, night-long parties and the intense nightlife. However, there is much more than just endless opportunities to stay up all night dancing and drinking in Mykonos. In fact, Mykonos is incredibly multi-faceted and one of the most beautiful Greek islands offering culture, gastronomy, spellbinding landscapes, and luxury like nowhere else. Here are some essentials about the Greek version of Ibiza to help enjoy the most of your stay here and leave with a “I want more” thought!
Things to do in Mykonos besides partying
Mykonos has an irresistible duality in everything about it. Refined restaurants and family-run taverns. Celebration and relaxation. Super-luxury mansions and budget B&Bs. As you are about to find out yourself pretty soon, Mykonos wears a different dress in the morning hours than at night; a dress that lets its traditional Cyclades charm shine.
Among the things you can do while in the Island of the Winds is stroll through the towns and villages and immerse yourself in the allure of their appeal. Feel free to get lost between sugar-cubed whitewashed houses, milky-white chapels with blue domes overlooking the Aegean Sea, narrow cobbled alleys, and flower-filled streets.
For the liveliest bite of Mykonos, the capital is a perfect option. Mykonos Town or Chora is dotted with elegant shops, bars, and restaurants of all ranges. If you decide to walk to the Old Port, expect to be mind-blown by the enchanting décor of Little Venice – a scenic neighbourhood on the waterfront featuring colourful houses with terraces hanging above the water. Venture here for a refreshing cocktail or coffee any time of the day or night, and you will be graciously rewarded! And, just a few metres away are the emblematic blue thatched-roof windmills occupying a pristine spot up on a hill, offering heart-stopping sunset views.
Discovering Mykonos Culture
A short visit to the Panagia Tourliani monastery will enable you to dive into Greek culture instantly. The imposing facade, the delightful bell tower, and the pretty fountain demonstrate the use of marble in the Cyclades in the best possible way. As for the icons on the inside, they date from the 17th century and blend harmoniously oriental influences (i.e., the silver dragons that are used as incense holders). And, don’t leave without visiting the ecclesiastical museum adjacent to the monastery. You will figure out why shortly after you step foot in it.
Speaking of monasteries and religious sites, Mykonos boasts more than 400 churches, including the iconic 16th-century Byzantine church of Panagia Paraportiani, which is actually a complex of five chapels built one on top of the other! Walk just a bit further away to the Kastro area to explore the ruins of the Venetian castle and pamper yourself with arresting seascapes!
Discover Delos & Rhenia
Two little Mykonos siblings are basking under the sun, patiently waiting to welcome visitors with their natural beauties and narrate tales of their glorious past. You can consider embarking with a private catamaran or yacht and enjoy island-hopping endeavours that include meals on board, swims in azure blue waters in idyllic settings, and touring remote and isolated coves and pristine shores. So, the island hosting the temples of Apollo and Artemis and the lions’ esplanade is the perfect base for your Aegean trips.
Tasting local cuisine
The Mykonos’ culinary scene is particularly rich. Here, you can taste from refined tastes like squid with vine leaves to traditional local dishes and cheeses. Simply choose your favourite spot and let your taste buds explode with mouth-watering food. And, don’t be surprised if a tavern owner pours a glass of locally made wine or ouzo and toast with you! Or offer you a free slice of onion pie or a plate with local cheeses! It’s part of the hospitality the Greeks are so renowned for!
Best Mykonos beaches
Mykonos is encircled by lovely shores with fine sand, along with more remote beaches for those wanting enhanced privacy. Among the ones with the most cosmopolitan character are:
- Psarou
- Paradise
- Paraga
- Super Paradise
- Elia (also nudism-friendly)
- Ornos
More tranquil options:
- Agios Sostis
- Fokos
- Kalo Livadi
- Panormos
- Agrari
- Kalafatis (perfect for windsurfing)
Where to stay in Mykonos
Again, you are spoilt for choice. From luxury rental villas and beachfront mansions in Mykonos with a private beach to hilltop estates and exclusive resorts, your only concern will be which one to choose! Of course, there are more options for visitors on a budget. However, Mykonos is, in general, one of the most expensive islands in the Mediterranean. That’s a trade-off worth making for thousands of people visiting the island every single year!
Where would you like to travel to next?
*Collaborative post
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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