Mykonos is famous for its stunning beaches. Sun worshipers can relax on both public and private shorelines while scuba divers explore nearby wrecks.
Nighttime on the island teems with lively entertainment featuring youthful party culture, celebrity glamour, an exciting and active gay scene and high-end shopping – but all around this glittery facade locals are struggling.
Beaches
Mykonos, located in the Aegean Sea, is one of Europe’s premier summer destinations, known for its sandy beaches, clear waters and vibrant party scene. While many beaches on Mykonos have become overrun with parasol rentals and bars playing loud music, others still remain refreshingly unspoiled.
Mykonos’ southern coast offers some of the island’s finest beaches, from family-oriented Platis Gialos and Psarou Beaches to glamorous Ornos Beach with its high-end beach clubs and range of tavernas and clubs. Additionally, these spots are all protected from Meltemi winds which blow across Europe, providing additional shelter and peace.
Agios Sostis Beach in Mykonos’ northern section offers an idyllic beach experience without the crowds. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and soft sand, Agios Sostis’ serenity is a soothing counterbalance to some of Mykonos’ more bustling beaches. Plus, Agios Sostis’ restaurants often host live musicians.
Super Paradise Beach offers an energetic party scene and vibrant dance music. The beach features sunbeds for rental that may prove difficult to secure during peak season; nonetheless, Super Paradise Beach makes for a fun place for partygoers who prefer partying by the water’s edge.
Paraga Beach is another luxurious spot, frequented by celebrities and stunning yachts alike. Renowned for its covetable beach bars and restaurants – like Soho House’s Scorpios designed by their team -, Paraga attracts an elite crowd so be sure to dress accordingly when planning on visiting.
Panormos Beach on Mykonos’ north coast provides an alternative, quieter option with soft sand backed by rocky cliffs, crystal-clear waters, less crowding than other Mykonos beaches, shallow waters for shallow swimming and calm conditions – perfect for families. There are several taverns serving freshly caught seafood as well as Greek-influenced cuisine in this area – it also makes a culinary hotspot!
Nightlife
Mykonos’ bar and club scene is legendary, offering something for every partygoer in town. Offering a vibrant cosmopolitan environment with music of various genres playing until dawn – some of the world’s most acclaimed clubs can be found here as frequented by world-famous DJs!
Mykonos clubbing season runs from May through August when temperatures are both warm and dry. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the night to stay hydrated, keep energy up, dress comfortably, and be considerate of locals and tourists alike when clubbing.
Mykonos offers several beach clubs renowned for hosting parties and DJ performances. Paradise Club and Cavo Paradiso are two such spots; both can be found directly on the beach with beautiful ocean views. Here, some of the world’s renowned DJs can be seen spinning out there music to get people dancing all night long!
Mykonos offers more than beach clubs; it also has numerous smaller venues that specialize in electro, house, and techno music – most are small enough for only a handful of guests at any one time! Some even provide intimate settings, allowing visitors to have an exclusive experience.
For a romantic evening, head to one of Mykonos’ many rooftop bars. With stunning views, these venues provide the ideal spot to admire a gorgeous sunset or gaze upon stars overhead while sipping cocktails or having dinner there.
Another great way to spend an evening in Mykonos is visiting a piano bar. These venues typically attract a young, trendy crowd and serve up cocktails and wine from all over the world – often complete with outdoor patio seating areas for enjoying the scenery while enjoying dancing and drinking! There may even be venues hosting events specifically targeted towards LGBT community members!
Shopping
Mykonos is world renowned for its perfect party atmosphere and exceptional accommodation facilities; but its shopping opportunities also rank highly. From internationally acclaimed boutiques to charming street markets, this vibrant Island provides ample shopping opportunities that cater to every taste and budget.
Matogianni and its surrounding alleys are home to some of the most well-known shops on Mykonos, often frequented by international celebrities looking for designer fashion wear or jewellery. With such beautiful surroundings and luxurious stores to browse through, this location should not be missed when planning on spending big!
Luxury brands with flagship boutiques on the island can be found here, alongside popular stores offering everything from hand-woven baskets and other traditional souvenirs to designer collections from leading fashion houses. Jewellery shops are known around the globe for their precious pieces, while art galleries feature an impressive collection of paintings and sculpture pieces.
Beyond these offerings, there are other shopping experiences to enjoy in Chora. One such option is Mytho concept store founded by two friends with distinct styles; here, you will find incredible jewelry, shoes and clothing all under one roof; making Mytho an essential stop if you care about supporting local businesses and artists.
Mykonos Gallery is another highly coveted spot on the island for picking up stunning art pieces. Run by an exceptional and experienced team of artists who have been creating amazing pieces over many years now. Their collection boasts everything from contemporary paintings to traditional Greek sculptures – so whatever your taste, this store has something beautiful waiting for you!
For something truly captivating and unique, check out Mykonos Museum of Contemporary Art housed within an iconic old windmill. Inside are plenty of exhibits that are sure to excite children as well as adults, while its store stays open even late into the evening so visitors can visit even after sundown!
Food
Mykonos isn’t just a party island – it’s also a culinary haven! From delicious souvlaki and Amygdalota treats to gourmet restaurants in Mykonos Town or tranquil cafes on its coast, here are a few delicious bites you should definitely experience while visiting Mykonos.
Amygdalota are traditional almond cookies characterized by their distinct rose aroma and almond flavor, making them popular across Mykonos’ many bakeries. You can find these treats scented with rose or orange blossom water for an unforgettable taste experience, making them the perfect treat to pair with coffee!
Mykonian melopita, or its Mykonian counterpart baklava, is another delightful treat that you must try while in Mykonos. Made with honey, butter and cinnamon for an irresistibly crunchy treat paired perfectly with wine – you’ll find melopita served at local tavernas as well as family gatherings and wedding receptions alike!
Mykonos Vioma farm and vineyard offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. This historic, family-run property provides tours and tastings of its wines, offering tours on how winemaking works as well as sampling other products like grape molasses, vinegar and syrup from their vineyard.
Whoever loves cheese will surely relish sampling Mykonian delicacy louza. This delectable pork loin dish, marinated with spices and dried in the Aegean winds for maximum smokiness is a staple dish on Mykonos that can be enjoyed at restaurants such as To Maereio or Captain’s.
Onion pies are an essential taste of Mykonos! Although popular throughout Greece, in Mykonos they’re typically baked using local aromatics such as dill and trivolia cheese made exclusively in Mykonos – often served at family gatherings and taking centre stage during culinary tours of Mykonos. You may even get offered one when visiting someone’s home! Sharing is part of Greek culture!