Mykonos, Greece: A Perfect Mix of Culture, Relaxation, and Fun
Are you dreaming of a Greek island getaway that offers pristine beaches, picturesque villages, and vibrant nightlife? Look no further than Mykonos Island! Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, this charming island has something for everyone, from serene sunsets to legendary parties.
Mykonos is famous for its stunning beaches, each with its own unique personality. Whether you prefer quiet coves or lively shores, you’ll find the perfect spot to soak up the sun and splash in the turquoise waters. Be sure to visit Psarou Beach, known for its luxurious lounges and crystal-clear seas, or Paradise Beach, where the party never stops.
Beyond the beaches, Mykonos boasts a rich cultural heritage that can be seen in its famous Mykonos windmills, charming alleys, and striking churches. Take a stroll through the iconic whitewashed streets of Mykonos Town, or explore the quaint villages that dot the island’s interior. And, of course, no visit to Mykonos would be complete without sampling the island’s delicious Greek food, which ranges from fresh seafood to hearty meats and local cheeses.
View of Mykonos Town
Whether you’re a beach bum, culture vulture, or party animal, Mykonos has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! In this article, we’ll guide you through the must-see sights, sounds, and tastes of this beautiful island, so keep reading to learn more.
Situated in the northern part of Greece’s Cycladic island group, it’s located a mere 150 kilometers/90 miles away from Athens. How Big is Mykonos? The isle of Mykonos, Greece, totaling a modest 90 sq km/35 sq. mile in area, boasts an array of distinct landscapes that vary significantly depending on its cardinal direction.
Moving from north to south alongside the coastline reveals rocky and uneven surfaces, which then transition into sandy beaches as you progress toward the southern side. Further inland lies rolling hills covered with verdant vegetation during spring but become barren throughout the summertime.
Mykonos History
Mykonos was named after the son of the King of Delos, and its ancient history is closely tied to that of Delos, which no longer has inhabitants. While the awe-inspiring and divine Delos Island basked in its grandeur, Mykonos remained hidden in its shadows. Ancient history has only faint accounts of what occurred on this small isle when Leto birthed Apollo and Artemis.
Legend says Hercules eliminated a group of Giants during his twelve tasks by throwing them into the sea, where they were transformed into large rocks, forming what would become known as Mykonos island.
The highest peaks are Prophet Elias Vorniotis standing 372 meters high, and Prophet Elias Anomeritis, trailing close behind at 341 meters tall.
View of Matoyianni street.
How Mykonos Got Independence from the Ottomans?
Excavations in the historic Ftelia site have revealed that Carians were among the first people to arrive in Mykonos, Greece. This ancient island blossomed into a vibrant culture and even produced one of the oldest amphorae ever discovered – The Mykonos Vase.
In subsequent years, it was occupied by Romans, Venetians, and Ottoman Turks before finally becoming part of Greece during its War for Independence. The inhabitants of Mykonos demonstrated their amazing naval ability by lending 22 ships, 500 sailors, and 140 canons to the Greek Revolution against Turkey.
Among these heroes was Manto Mavrogenous – a female revolutionary who contributed immensely to the cause; she financed the revolution, helped in organizing battles, joined Filiki Eteria (a secret organization), and even managed to recruit troops for an uprising against Turks in 1822.
How Mykonos Got Famous Worldwide?
Afterwards, Mykonos bolstered its commercial might and drove its economy to new heights through the production of textiles – a primary source of income for households. The quality was so exceptional that it became sought after in Greece and overseas.
However, tourism is what truly made this island famous, with artists flocking here as early as the 1960s which later resulted in hippies taking over the place. Adding to all this charm was an archaeological site at Delos that further added fame to Mykonos today by being an UNESCO world heritage site since 1990, making it one of the most popular tourist spots on Earth!
Main Towns in Mykonos
Located in Mykonos, ‘Chora’, or the main village, is filled with a plethora of restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and hotels. But that’s not all! Notable attractions such as Little Venice (the nightlife and dining hub), Kato Mili Windmills (the landmark), and Old Port provide an enthralling experience to visitors.
Mykonos Windmills
If you’re looking for a more local experience on Mykonos, then Ano Mera is the perfect village. Here there’s an enchanting main square filled with tavernas serving up traditional cuisine and several 16th-century monasteries to explore. With few budget hotels but no luxury resorts in sight, this is the place to enjoy a truly authentic Greek island vacation.
Main Beaches in Mykonos
Enter Ornos and Platis Gialos Beaches. These beaches are teeming with restaurants, beach clubs, and resorts. Mykonos Town has frequent buses running to Ornos and Platis Gialos Beaches.
There is also a water taxi route that connects Ornos and Platis Gialos to each other, as well as most of the beaches on the south side of the island.
From Megali Ammos (the beach nearest Mykonos Town) to Agios Sostis, you’ll find a plethora of stunningly beautiful beaches perfect for your next getaway.
View of Megali Ammos Mykonos
Popular destinations with plenty of accommodations and restaurants include Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, and Panormos.
Sip cocktails and dance the night away at one of its many clubs.
Swim and sunbathe at picturesque beaches.
Explore the archaeological ruins of Delos Island
Visit the traditional Ano Mera village
Catching the sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse or Boni’s Windmill.
Take in panoramic views of Little Venice and Old Port from above.
Take a selfie stop at the iconic Kato Mili – the windmills that stand guard at Mykonos Town’s southern end.Panagia Paraportiani
How do I get to Mykonos?
Via Ferry
Ferries from Athens to Mykonos have a travel time of anywhere between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the type of boat. Piraeus and Rafina ports in Athens and numerous islands of the Aegean (Santorini, Paros, Naxos) host ferries that depart for Mykonos. Connecting ferries from Mykonos to other Greek islands such as Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, or Santorini and Crete can take up to five hours.
By Air
If you’re looking for an even quicker journey, then why not opt for a flight? A direct 40-minute flight will get you to Mykonos International Airport faster than any ferry! For those traveling further afield in western Europe (London/Paris/Amsterdam etc.), flights will take anywhere between two and four hours – still much quicker than taking the ferry route!
If you’re seeking sunshine, swimming, sailing, and nightlife galore, the months of late June to early September are your best bet for visiting Mykonos. However, if sightseeing is more on your itinerary, then April, May, or October may also be a good option.
The majority of people who visit Mykonos book their vacation during its hot and vibrant peak season which runs from June to August.
What are the Best Beaches in Mykonos?
Mykonos offers some of the most exquisite beaches for those seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Two particular favorites are Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos Beach, both easily accessible via bus from Mykonos Town.
View of Psarou Beach in Mykonose
Each beach is perfect for families with a host of restaurants, resorts, and clubs at their disposal, therefore providing ample activities to keep everyone entertained during your stay.
Other famous Mykonos beaches are:
Megali Ammos Beach
Agios Stefanos Beach
Psarou Beach
Elia Beach
Paradise Beach
Super Paradise Beach
Paraga Beach
Agios Ioannis Beach
Kalo Livadi Beach
Kalafatis Beach
Panormos Beach
Agios Sostis Beach
Lia Beach
An effortless way to explore these sites is by hopping on a water taxi from Agios Ioannis Beach – it will bring you down the island’s south side while stopping at nearly all of its sandy shores.
The ideal accommodation for tourists in Mykonos is located either within the lively Mykonos Town or by the picturesque beaches of Platis Gialos and Ornos. Conveniently connected to each other through bus routes or water taxi services, these areas provide visitors with ease when getting around; everything is just a few steps away.
Travelers looking to break away from overcrowded tourist spots can find solace at Agios Ioannis, Agios Sostis, Elia Psarou Beaches, as well as Kalo Livadi Beach. On the contrary, if you’re eager to immerse in beach parties galore then Paradise Super Paradise & Paraga are definitely your best bets.
Going to the Greek Islands is made easy with regular ferry services from Piraeus and Rafina in Eastern Attica, traveling to several islands including Cyclades (Santorini, Ios, Milos, Syros, etc.), Dodecanese (Rhodes & Kos) and Crete. High-speed ferries can bring you to Santorini in 2.5 hours only! For Mykonos, there are two ports – The Old Port, closer to Hora town, serves smaller vessels, while the New Port, which goes by Tourlos, greets most of the ferries arriving from Piraeus, both being 1.5 km/1mile away from each other.
