Mykonos: Top 7 tips by an (almost) local

I have to admit that I had always thought Mykonos as little more than a party island destination and a celebrity-magnet. However, the first time I set foot on this Cycladic island, Hora, the capital and main settlement, simply took me by surprise. I remember wandering around the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways, taking pictures of cats napping, or of the blushing bougainvillaeas climbing up the walls of the whitewashed houses, churches and chapels. Even though I am not religious, I was mesmerized by the Church of Panagia Paraportiani and the Life Giving Spring Orthodox Metropolitan Church.

 

Tip 1: Stroll around Hora

 

Start your day with a coffee at Passo Doble, an all-day café-bar; then wander towards the windmills. Perhaps, have another coffee (or even an afternoon cocktail) in Little Venice. If you’re lucky, you may cross paths with the famous pelican of the island.

 

Tip 2: Watch the sunset in Little Venice

 

In the evening, make your way to the waterfront of Little Venice, a great place to watch the sunset. Bao’s, Negrita, Semeli and Galleraki are all charming bars, where you can enjoy fantastic cocktails and views of the sunset, the windmills and the 18th-century fishing houses.

 

Tip 3: Go to the beach (and party)

 

There are a number of beaches on the island, but the famous ones (where the celebrities hang out and the beach parties take place) are on the south-west coast. Having a car and a more-than-average budget to spend will both come handy. Psarou, Paraga, Paradise and Super Paradise are the best-known and most expensive ones and they are all organized. Sunbeds may cost a small fortune, but the combination of crystalline waters, signature summer cocktails and luxurious atmosphere is compensation. Psarou is home to the renowned restaurant Nammos, whereas Super Paradise is home to JackieO’ Beach Club and Restaurant. Enjoy the dazzling turquoise waters, then join the party and dance till late.

 

 

Tip 4: Party more

 

The parties continue in Hora, where there are a number of gay-friendly bars and clubs, such as the waterfront JackieO’ Town Bar and Babylon, overlooking the Old Port, as well as Porta, off a narrow alleyway.

 

Tip 5: Discover Delos

 

Go on a guided tour to the nearby, uninhabited island of Delos. The boat takes only half an hour; yet, it feels like thousand miles away from the buzz of Mykonos. The mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Greece.

 

 

Tip 6: Watch a film

 

Watch a movie under a sky full of stars at the open-air cinema Manto in Hora.

 

Tip 7: Places to eat

 

Have lunch (preferably souvlaki or gyros) at Sakis Grill House.

 

 

The picturesque Goumeniou Square is a must-go place for dinner. I’ve had dinner at Familia, and at the nearby Lucky Fish, both times followed by ice cream at Kayak.

 

How to get to Mykonos

 

In the summer, there are direct flights to Mykonos from Europe (as well as from mainland Greece). There are also daily ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens; the fastest takes about 2 and a half hours (SeaJets; 60 euros). Check out the ferries timetable here.

 

If you’re planning to visit several islands, the Eurail Greek Islands Pass is worth considering.

 

 

When and how long to visit

 

For me, the best time to visit the Greek islands is the summer, as this is when the ferries are at their most frequent, the weather at its warmest and the atmosphere at its best. If you plan to continue your holiday to less popular islands, July and August are the best months for island-hopping. If you only visit Mykonos, you may also wish to consider May, June or September. I would recommend staying there for at least three days.

 

 

Accommodation

 

Mykonos is undoubtedly an expensive island to visit, and accommodation is no exception. If you can afford to treat yourself to a luxurious hotel, why not choose one of the 120 hotels with an infinity pool; these are scattered all over the island, but the majority are either on the west coast (where Hora and the New Port are) or on the south coast (where the beach parties are). Otherwise, stay as close to Hora as your budget allows.

 

Further reading

 

To better prepare for my trip, I used the Lonely Planet Greek Islands Travel Guide

 

If you’d like a book to read whilst on holiday, check out my post ‘Crime & Fjords: 9 Scandinavian writers you should read’.

 

A visit to Mykonos can easily be part of an island-hopping holiday. Read my 2-week itinerary around the Cyclades here.

 

 

To follow my travels around the world, simply subscribe to the Traveling Psychiatrist (just click on the menu on the left-hand side).

 

Have a great journey!

 

Alex

 

(the Traveling Psychiatrist)