When you see photos of white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise water, sugar-cube shaped buildings, Cycladic architecture and narrow paved streets full of people and relentless party scene, only one destination pops to your mind…Mykonos! Rendered as one the chicest and most cosmopolitan destinations of the world, Mykonos attracts a varied mix of visitors, from hedonistic backpackers and cruise ship passengers to jet setters and celebrities. So, how to experience Mykonos in style? Step number 1, check our Mykonos villas for rent, they are as luxurious as Athenian Riviera villas!
Extending at an area of only 85.5 square kilometers, the famous island with its hip boutique hotels, chic local tavernas, and delightful modern-meets-rustic vibe, is one of the smallest Cycladic Islands yet it has a wealth of activities to immerse yourself in. You’ll find excellent watersports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling etc. priceless archaeological sites on nearby island of Delos, and over 400 unique churches scattered across the countryside. It’s no surprise it attracts such a varied mix of visitors as everyone flocks to the sunny Aegean island to soak up some Greek culture and experience the legendary Mykonian nights.
Also known as Chora, Mykonos town is a Cycladic architectural jewel crisscrossed by narrow marble streets lined with fancy boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes. Its most prominent feature, however, are the glittering whitewashed sugar-cube shapped houses with their vividly painted doors and windows, decked out in bougainvillea flowers. Needless to say, this is where the island’s most exquisite shopping resides.
Where and What to Eat in Mykonos
Based on the Mediterranean diet, the cuisine of Mykonos is a palatable blend of fresh fish and seafood, local ingredients and of course high-quality olive oil. One of the many perks of vacationing in Mykonos is the great variety of tasteful dishes visitors can try. There are many options available regarding to food & restaurants:
- Gourmet restaurant
- Sea food
- Ethnic Food
- Food & Fun
- Italian restaurant
- Traditional Tavern
On the other hand, If you want to taste the local kitchen, we propose you try the following dishes:
- Louza: The louza meat product of Mykonos is made from local pork. The bit that is selected for louza is the best fillet from the back of the animal. The unique way of cooking gives meat an unforgettable taste since not only does the fillet stay for 24 hours in the salt, but also it’s flavored with spices and pepper.
- Kopanisti: Kopanisti is the famous “cream cheese” of Mykonos. It’s taste is very special, spicy and really hot.
- Traditional Sour Cheese or Xinotyro: It’s like the classic sour cheese of Greece but in Mykonos it rests for more time in the sun and gets tougher. It is fruity, fragrant, sour and ideal crumbled into red sauce and pasta.
- Myconian sausages: The Mykonian sausages are among the better. Only made from pork, without fat and seasoned only with plenty of savory, pepper and oregano. Dried in the air are guarantee a great dining experience.
From delightfully rustic tavernas to upmarket gourmet restaurants, this swanky Greek island is brimming with enticing places to eat.
Where and What to Shop in Mykonos
The whitewashed alleys of Chora are full of petites boutiques which sell pretty much everything, from handmade jewelries and colorful souvenirs to distinctive art and eye-catching designer fashion. And the best part is that the stores stay open till late at night, so you do not have to rush mid-day (and interrupt the beach time) to treat yourself to a few hours of shopping therapy.
Walking around the streets you will meet famous brand names such as Christian Dior, Chopard, Roberto Cavalli etc. and countless independent boutiques filled with hand-woven scarves, traditional rugs, and original Byzantine jewelry. Nevertheless, Mykonos is notorious for its high-quality organic goods and handmade leather sandals, perfect for strolling the island’s cobbled streets. Liquor and home deco stores are also in abundance, and so are wonderful art galleries, which open their doors every summer.
A good starting point for your shopping experience in Mykonos is Matoyianni/Matogianni Street, the island’s main commercial strip, but Little Venice is worth checking out, too.
Where to Party of course
Countless beach bars, chic clubs, legendary sunset bars, glamorous venues and world-renowned nightlife institutions – they all find a home in Mykonos, the Aegean’s party island.
Enjoy they Greek Sun and the crystal-clear water of the Aegean in one of the countless beach bar/restaurants of Mykonos. Comfortable loungers, cabanas, cocktails, summer breeze and the sound of waves crashing a few meters away from you…The options are unlimited and can satisfy everyone.
For example, you can visit the famous Psarou Beach for celebrity watching as it is the island’s most cosmopolitan beach, mentioned ardently in foreign magazines.
If this is not your scene, you can visit Panormos, the most bohemian beach of Mykonos which attracts Greeks and foreigners with a preference to tuffets, large cushions and warm fluffy sand rather than sun loungers. Throughout the beach’s long stretch, the sand is fine and the waters shallow and turquoise. Beach volley fans will adore it.
Of course, if you want something more exciting for your day on the beach Super Paradise is the best option for you. This is the most famous with crystal-clear blue waters and fine golden sand. At Super Paradise you will enjoy refreshing daquiris and you will dance to the loud and rhythmic celebrities and wannabe stars. On the far end of the beach you will find the timeless Cavo Paradiso, hosting Greek and foreign DJ’s.
The epic Mykonian nights can be spent either dancing to the hottest DJ’s tunes under the star-filled sky in the island’s impressive open-air clubs, or lingering over champagne in ultra-chic hotel bars with sleek design, soft music, and sophisticated ambiance.
Last, but not least, Mykonos is one of Europe’s most famous gay-friendly destinations, so expect plenty of cool venues hosting live cabaret entertainment and drag shows.
What Not to Miss
- A day trip to nearby Delos is a must when visiting Mykonos, as this small, rocky island is a treasure trove of archaeological finds.
- For a welcoming change of scene, head to Cine Manto, a lovely garden and open-air cinema in the heart of Chora.
- Nestled by the sea, in the Kastro neighbourhood of Chora, Panagia Paraportianis the most famous church in Mykonos, and is worth your time at least for its striking sea views, let alone its gorgeous whitewashed architecture.
- Consisting of three distinct historical houses, including the House of Kastro (Chora), the nearby Lena’s House, and the Agricultural Museum (next to the Windmills), Mykonos Folk Museumoffers a vivid insight into the traditions and culture of the island and its inhabitants.
- Needless to say, a stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos town, a romantic dinner or cocktail in postcard-perfect Little Venice, or watching the sun set over the island from the windmills are what really make a trip to Mykonos complete. But remember, you’re here to enjoy the simpler pleasures of the Aegean way of life, so you’d better make every second count.
