Known as the glamour island of the Cyclades Islands, Mykonos is one of Greece’s gems. It has all the glitz and style of Ibiza and St Tropez, along with a reputation as a party place. However, there’s more to this gorgeous Greek island than meets the eye. It might have a reputation as a party place with hip hotels, beach parties until all hours, and quirky eateries, but there’s another more luxurious and cultural side to Mykonos. So whether you want to spend your summer holiday partying hard or relaxing and enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, Mykonos could just be the perfect place to head to. To make the most of your trip, below are some useful tips to take note of.
Let’s start with the basics – choosing your accommodation. Like with any popular travel destination, there are a lot of choices when it comes to where you should stay. It’s not just a case of picking the accommodation type, but also the location. Where you stay will depend on two things: your budget and the type of trip that you want. The cheapest options tend to be hostels, guesthouses, and all-inclusive budget-friendly hotels. These also tend to be the places that are closer to the centre of towns and used by travellers who are on the island to party. For a more relaxed stay, choosing somewhere outside of town could be a better (and potentially cheaper) option. That being said, if you are hoping to spend your trip living in luxury (and have the budget to do so), then it could be worth looking into luxury Mykonos villas, instead of hotels and guesthouses. You’ll get a villa all to yourself, your own pool, and all the home comforts that you have grown accustomed to – what more could you want?
What are the best ways to get around?
This depends on where you stay and what you plan on doing. If you plan on spending most of your trip in the town where you are staying, then you shouldn’t need to hire a car or scooter – a popular transport choice here. However, if you want to get out and see the sights, or you are staying in a more rural area, it could be worth booking a car or scooter in advance. Of course, there is public transport and excursions that you can use to get around if you would prefer to travel via bus, that is.
Where’s best to drink & dine?
Greece as a country is famous for its food, and the island of Mykonos is no exception – the food here is incredible. While you’re are visiting, the foods you have to try include Moussaka, Souvlaki, Gyros, as well as the specialities of the island like louza and ksinotira, and of course, ouzo is a must. As for the best places to drink and dine, Jimmy’s Gyros is a must-visit, as are Nautilus – a small, authentic Greek restaurant that you will need a reservation to get into – Fato a Mano, and Matsuhisa at The Belvedere, a Japanese fusion restaurant.
What can’t you miss?
If you don’t love the beach, don’t visit Mykonos – it’s a beach break island. Packed full of some incredible beaches – think golden sands and azure blue seas – from the popular Paradise Beach to more tranquil spots like Agios Sostis, Mykonos is home to some of the world’s most beautiful seaside spots. Aside from its beaches and nightlife, Mykonos also has some incredible scenery and historical sights to explore, such as The Windmills, Little Venice, Aegean Museum, Panagia Paraportiani – the island’s most famous church, and Cine Manto – a beautiful open air cinema. Mykonos is much more than its party scene; it’s just a case of taking the time to explore the island, that’s all.
There you have it, everything that you need to begin planning the most amazing trip to Mykonos this summer.