Mykonos, Greece is one of the many islands that make up the Cyclades archipelago . Without a doubt, the island of Mykonos remains the most famous of them. Indeed, it welcomes up to around 1 million visitors during the summer period (before the health crisis).
Even if the prices of this islet are not always within everyone’s reach, its 85.5 km² of surface area and its 89 km of coastline offer a breathtaking postcard setting. Enough to motivate tourists from all over the world, who continue to flock to this island located on the edge of the Aegean Sea.
So, if you are looking for an idyllic place for your vacation, check out this Mykonos travel guide.
Mykonos – Greece, practical guide
Some quick facts about Mykonos
- Best time of year to visit: June to September
- Currency: Euro
- Recommended length of visit: 3-5 days (depending on your desires and your means)
- Climate: dry, hot and windy summer months (20 to 24°C)
- What types of travelers is it ideal for: party animals, friends, couples who want action and a party scene, nature lovers.
The Highlights of Mykonos
First of all, the locals are incredibly welcoming. The island has no less than 10,000 inhabitants, shared in a good ten localities (Chora, Kalafati, Ano Mera, Ftelia, Ornos, Tourlos, Panormos, etc.). Then the food is very delicious. The “Little Venice” as it is nicknamed makes you taste the small pleasures of tasty Greek cuisine while contemplating the sunsets. The beaches are exceptional, among the best there are. Finally, partygoers are not harmed, because the nights are extremely lively in the best discos and in the trendiest places on the island.
The weak points of Mykonos
- Mykonos has become very busy, which creates quite a noisy traffic jam every holiday. In these conditions, it is difficult to find calm, tranquility and discretion.
- Unfortunately, the island is quite expensive. Some attractions and tourist sites are not easily accessible by the greatest number, because you have to pay the high price each time. It must be said that the beauties of Mykonos greatly justify such sacrifices.
Transportation in Mykonos
Like most islands, transportation isn’t always the most accessible thing. Fortunately, Mykonos contrasts with this reality, because the island has a road, air and maritime network.
The road network
All localities of Mykonos are interconnected by “2 central bus stops” provided by the municipality. These buses serve most of the villages and beaches on the island. These buses play the role of urban transport, supplemented by taxis which make caiques shuttles. So, to get around by road, you have the choice between taking the bus or taking a taxi. You also have the option of renting a private speedboat for around 100 euros and taking you to any beach club.
The air network
Mykonos has an international airport which receives during the summer, many flights from all over Europe. But permanently, the 1900 meters of airstrip are operated by national flights from all over Greece, mainly from Athens. Mykonos airport is by far the busiest in the Cyclades. And from it you can reach the other islands by air.
The Maritime Network
The Port of Mykonos is one of the main entry points to the island. A plethora of ferries and cruise ships service these coasts daily. Transporting people to beaches, villages, tourist areas or other islands is usually done on board ferries.
Mykonos and its most beautiful (or best) beaches
The beaches are not the same in this beautiful island in the Aegean Sea . Some are too lively, others in the wild, and a good part is intended for completely naked swimming! Our recommendation for the beaches of Mykonos : choose your beaches wisely, but keep an open mind.
- Elia Beach : One of the quietest and most secluded beaches in Mykonos. It is located on the south side of Mykonos, away from the party beaches. This beach is at the foot of the hill of the Myconian resort. This is definitely the beach to visit for practicing beach sports like parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding and jet skiing.
- Super Paradise Beach : Super Paradise Beach is the party hub of Mykonos. The party is always in full swing at Super Paradise, clothing is optional and everyone is welcome.
- Paraga Beach : Paraga Beach is a great beach with sunbeds, swimming pools and beach bars. It is the essential beach to have a good time.
- Psarou Beach : Psarou is one of the “quietest” beaches on the island. Indeed, this beach is a little further from the action, but it’s the perfect place if you want to sip a cocktail and relax on the beach without having a crazy party.
Best Beach Clubs in Mykonos
While Mykonos is a magical island with fabulous beaches, world-class fine dining and interesting art galleries, it’s best known for its lively nightlife. During the summer months, the beaches of Mykonos turn into beach parties. New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Mykonos is the island that never stops partying! Here is a list of the best beach clubs in Mykonos:
Names:
Opulent and sophisticated, Nammos is Mykonos’ ultimate beach club. Located on Psarou Beach, Nammos enjoys a divine location in the Aegean Sea, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and delicious gastronomy. Although this is the place to see and be seen, it costs 150 euros per person per chair. This doesn’t include alcohol or food – it’s just your entry and your beach chair.
Brilliant tip : If you want to save money, go to lunch so you don’t have to pay the high cost of chairs.
Scorpios:
Since its opening in 2015, Scorpios has become a staple of beach club and nightlife on the island of Mykonos. While guests can marinate in the sun on sun loungers during the day, Scorpios really comes alive at sunset. As the sun sets over Mykonos, free-spirited travelers descend on the dance floor and dance the night away until sunrise. We recommend you to go there after a day in Nammos.
Additional recommendations:
Paradise Beach : If you want to play sports on the beaches of the island, then Paradise Beach is for you. Things get rowdy here!
Jackie O’s : Located east of Super Paradise Beach, Jackie O’s is an elegant oasis close to the chaos of Super Paradise. The crowd here is upscale and glam.
The best hotels in Mykonos
The Myconian Collection : This collection of family-run hotels owns nine luxury hotels on the island, including Relais & Châteaux properties and Leading Hotels of the World properties. We recommend Myconian Utopia, a chic establishment at the top of Elia Beach. Their other properties are in the Elia Beach area, Mykonos Town and Platis Gialos.
The Grace Mykonos : The Grace Mykonos is a luxury hotel located on the west coast of the island. Their bespoke adventures, wellness amenities and personalized touches create a bespoke boutique hotel experience.
Bill & Coo Coast Suites : This Grand Hotel du Monde is a romantic respite on the rugged island of Mykonos. This boutique hotel has an infinity pool that overlooks the Aegean Sea and even has a few rooms with private outdoor pools!
Mykonos is an island among others in the Cyclades archipelago
Located in the very south of the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades Archipelago is a heavenly agglomeration of 250 islands, 24 of which are inhabited. Its particularity is that it has a circular shape all around the mythical islet of Delos. Who, according to the history of Greek antiquity, saw the birth of the god Apollo. This historical mystery is not the only reason for the angelism of the Cyclades.
Indeed, the islands that make up this archipelago are representations of its natural and magical beauty. Thanks to the steep and fabulous scenery offered by these islands, the Greek Archipelago is a real wonder to be visited absolutely. Its villages with white-tinted huts and their beaches with crystal clear blue waters are the very expression of the charm hidden in this Greek “paradise”.
How to get to the Cyclades?
Access to the Cyclades is quite simple, from Athens. Most of its islands are connected by sea access to the Caldera of Santorini . In addition, some of these islands have airports for access by plane.
Access by plane
The biggest difficulty for some islands is their accessibility by plane. A problem that does not exist in the Cyclades, because in the archipelago, some islands have an airport. This greatly facilitates access and travel in the archipelago. Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros and Milos are the islands with airstrips. With direct flights from France to Mykonos (Transavia and EasyJet), and flights with stopovers in Athens for Santorini.
For the others (Paros, Naxos Syros and Milos), you will first have to land in Athens before taking a national flight (Olympic Airways) to reach them. As far as ticket prices are concerned, it all depends on the travel agencies and companies that serve the area. You can also compare prices to get the best value.
ferry
While airports provide a more convenient gateway, ferry connections are the most common in the Cyclades, mainly in high season. It is unlikely to go there and avoid boat trips. All the islands being connected, departures are from the Ports of Piraeus and Rafina located in the locality of Athens.
Here again, the choice between several companies is offered to you. Naturally, you can compare the rates according to the quality of the boats and their speed of crossing. Ferriesingreece is a site that allows you to optimize your comparisons and make wise ferry choices. However, in high season, beware of going to the ports of the Cyclades without booking your tickets in advance. At the risk of no longer finding places available.
The weather in the Cyclades
The Cyclades are available to tourists at all times of the year. Whether during mild winters or during a hot summer (27° maximum in Naxos in August), the weather of the Cyclades islands remains welcoming. Some temperatures can even drop to minus 2° at altitude (Mount Zas 1004m). However, there is some caution to be had in the face of the Meltem, a very strong wind that originates from the Aegean Sea. From June to August it can reach its most dangerous strength, anything that complicates navigation. The most impacted beaches are those of the islands of Tinos, Naxos, Paros or Mykonos.
The best islands to visit in the Cyclades
The Cyclades are full of many natural riches. These places are utopian projections of any tourist trip to the Greek city. Their houses and medieval streets contribute to the undeniable beauty of the decor. In addition, the climate offers you very beautiful sunsets at the edge of the beaches for walks and hikes. Above all, the Cyclades archipelago brings together sublime islands, discover a selection of the best of them.
Tinos
On the island of Tinos , the church of Panagia Megalochari or Evangelistria is one of the most visited places, because for the Greek Orthodox it is a shrine of pilgrimage. Thousands of devotees meet there regularly. Indeed, Tinos is populated by several hundred chapels and churches. Which makes it a high place of meditation.
Must-see places
If your trip to this island is not motivated by religious reasons, Tinos has no shortage of tourist attractions ready to take your breath away:
- Kechrovouni Monastery
- Hora : the main town which also houses the church, with its centers of relaxation and attraction
- Volax : a small camp surrounded by large boulders
- Kardiani :
- Pyrgos : the largest settlement on the island, very popular thanks to its marble
- Panormos : this port is a real place of life, it is full of many places to eat
- Tarambados : this is the place where the dovecotes of the island are hidden
- Kolimbithra : you will find two pretty beaches there, with a magnificent sandy setting
- The villages very close to Mount Exombourgo : the sixty villages that surround Mount Exombourgo are an exaltation of geographical riches. With quite dizzying mountains and peaks (640 meters above sea level for Mount Exombourgo)
The island of Tinos offers its guests a postcard setting, with spectacular countryside adorned with rather lunar granitic rocks.
Syros
The island of Syros represents the administrative center of the Cyclades archipelago, considered the capital. It is a city that passes for being the smallest but also the most populated, paradoxically. Moreover, its city center Ermoupolis is one of the most visited places on the island, with the very famous place Miaoulis. Other buildings litter the arteries of this seaside resort, like the municipal theater similar to La Scala in Milan.
Must-see places
- The Vaporia district : an ideal city for your walks, with neoclassical houses representing cultural heritage. A true architectural masterpiece.
- The village of Ano Syros : you will discover monasteries and churches there, a high place of contemplation
- Azolimnos beach
- Galissas : one of the best views of the island, you can admire with breathtaking views of the countryside.
- Foinikas : with its magnificent sandy beach
- Kini, Aetos, Lia and Delfini : pretty sunny beaches.
Syros is home to one of the most important ports in the archipelago, naturally many ferries dock there permanently, coming from the Greek capital Athens. But, it also connects all the other ports of the islands all around.
paros
The island of Paros is above all atypical villages with sublime scenery, wonderful landscapes and pretty sandy beaches. It is an island that has built its reputation for years around its marbles, the centerpieces of great architectural achievements, like the Venus de Milo .
Must-see places
- Naoussa : it is a countryside that is home to quite chic shops and entertainment venues. But it is also a fishing village.
- Parikia : the administrative center of the island, place par excellence of churches and very mythical Kastro
- Lefkes : this countryside perched on several mountains, guarantees a panoramic view of the whole island. It is also the starting point for the Byzantine trail
- The Piso Livadi : with its coastal areas and its culinary specialties, particularly grilled fish
- Paros Park : you will find a magnificent beach with very pleasant water.
Less than 10 minutes from Pounta, you have access to the small island of Antiparos . The crossing is done by ferry or by car, and because of the proximity of the two islands, they are very often confused.
Naxos
Naxos is undoubtedly one of the largest islands in the Cyclades archipelago, lined with beaches and beautiful mountain villages. It is the perfect place for your swimming and family outings.
Must-see places
- Chora of Naxos : capital of the island. Here you can visit the narrow streets of the Old Market and discover the wonders of the Portara. The capital of Naxos is known for its walkways.
- Filoti : an immense mountainous countryside
- Halki : Most hiking adventures find their anchor in this quite mountainous village. One of the tourist spots in the area is undoubtedly the church.
- Apiranthos : exceptional village for tourist walks, with small museums to visit.
- The Kouros of Apollonas : with more than 10 meters in height, this statue is the representation of Dionysus or Apollo
- Mount Zeus : Mecca for hiking
- The best beaches on the island : Agiassos (with parking and tavern), Pirgaki (sandy beach), Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Agia Anna, Paralia Agiou Prokopiou (one of the most popular beaches.
Naxos is the island that offers a certain tranquility, regardless of the seasons. It is highly appreciated thanks in particular to the fact that it is easy to access and especially for its shimmering landscape.
In conclusion
The Cyclades Archipelago is a tourist mecca, increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world. Its many islands offer fabulous natural architecture, thanks in particular to its beaches, the paradisiacal glimpses of its coasts, its mountainous and typical villages. If you want to enjoy the best sunsets, the beaches of Mykonos, Naxos, Tinos, Syros and Paros islands are the perfect places. You benefit from an invigorating calm and a purity that you cannot find anywhere else.
