Why should you go to Mykonos Island? Mykonos, “the Ibiza of Greece,” has much more to offer than its magnificent beaches. Its whitewashed buildings with blue doors, charming windmills, small domed churches, and multicolored lanes invite you to take a break from the sun. However, it isn’t only about beaches and partying. So, let’s find out the top reasons.
Top Reasons Why should you go to Mykonos Island?
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Its beaches
Mykonos stands out for its long golden shores that lure thousands of visitors and offer outstanding facilities. Alternatively, you can board a water taxi. Its departing point is Platis Gialos Beach. It approaches 7 of the most popular beaches on the island: Ornos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.
Note: The well-known beaches get very crowded in the primary season. We highly advise you to book your sunbeds online in advance!
Here are just a few of those beaches. For more information, please see our guide to Mykonos beaches.
Paradise Beach: The Bay of Paradise has been a tourist hotspot since the 1980s and houses beach bars and clubs. It enriches its partying atmosphere with daily events by A-list DJs. So, the best thing to do is pack your best swimsuit and get ready to dance the evening away!
Super Paradise Beach: Situated next to Paradise Beach, you can reach this beach via a water taxi or bus. It is pretty wild throughout the summer season.
Psarou Beach: One of the most popular beaches on the island lies only 4 km from the Town (Chora). It is famous for its luxury beach bars, restaurants, and resorts. So, if you’d like to meet a celebrity, go to this beach. However, be prepared to spend some dimes there.
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Chora
Chora (also known as Hora and Mykonos Town) is the largest and busiest settlement on the island. The chaos of whitewashed houses up-the-that line the hill is characteristic of Cycladic architecture. Furthermore, narrow, winding streets are free of traffic but prepare yourself for the crowds.
In the morning, you can get a sense of local life and buy seafood delights at bargain prices by visiting the fish market near the Old Port of Mykonos Town. If you want to relax in the sun while enjoying the cool sea breeze, taste some local appetizers and sip a glass of wine by the waterfront – most restaurants have plenty of available seats during the day.
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Little Venice
A row of colorful Venetian-style houses with wooden balconies on the seafront has become a favorite Instagram spot. It’s one of the most romantic sceneries on the island. So after snapping a few photos (especially during the beautiful sunset), many choose to sit on its several café and restaurant terraces. At the same time, others continue towards the charming neighborhood behind it, with its narrow whitewashed streets filled with bars, restaurants, and shops.
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Nightlife
Mykonos is also known for its beach parties, which usually start in the middle of the afternoon and often last until sunrise. The main party beaches are Paradise, Super Paradise, Psarou, and Paraga, especially in the summer, when beach clubs host the world’s hottest DJs. However, the bars in Little Venice and Chora also have a spirited atmosphere with upbeat music and cocktails.
Eat at the best restaurants.
Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do is taste the cuisine. Mykonos has a fascinating and diverse gastronomic scene, from local taverns with a traditional aura to luxurious restaurants for fine dining.
The best traditional places in Mykonos, recommended by food professionals, are Kiki’s Tavern (famous for Taramasalata), Kazarma, Pepper Mykonos (best Souvlaki), and Sakis Grill House (famous for Gyros).
Visit Delos island
No visit to Mykonos is complete without a trip to Delos, a tiny sacred archaeological island. It has no permanent population and is a museum, just a short ferry ride from Mykonos. It’s famous for its iconic stone lions and for many significant archaeological remains that you may also see in the site museum.
Kato Myli Windmills
The iconic Kato Myli grain windmills overlook Little Venice and date back to the 16th century. Six of these windmills can be seen from almost any street in Chora, though if you intend to climb the hill for a closer look, be wary of strong winds. All have a distinctive round shape, are colored white, and have thatched wooden roofs.
Panagia Paraportiani Church in Mykonos. A beautiful old white chapel. ©greekboston.com
Panagia Paraportiani Church
Mykonos locals will tell you the island has 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Still, none are more famous than the whitewashed church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani.
One of the ground-floor chapels is open to tourists and remains a place of worship. Be respectful, especially during prayer time, but take advantage of this stunning icon of Mykonos during your stay.
The pelicans
Mykonos’ mascot is Peter the Pelican, or rather, its replacement. A pelican named Petros (or Peter), who used to roam around the waterfront, became such a beloved resident that locals replaced it with other pelicans when it died. You’ll see them usually close to Paraportiani Church and its surroundings. Most importantly, they are okay with posing for photographs.
Traditional house in the village. ©vacanzegreche.com
Explore the authentic Ano Mera village.
Ano Mera provides a much calmer setting compared to the overwhelmingly busy alleys of the main town. At only 8.3 km from Chora, this relaxing village remains authentic and tranquil since it has become less touristy than other Mykonian locations.
It is the second largest settlement on the island, exhibiting a beautifully paved central square and several landmarks: the church of Panagia Tourliani, the uphill Gyzi Castle, and the Paleokastro Monastery all lie there.
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Shopping therapy
Great fashion stores are a must to renew your summer outfit collection.
You will encounter world-renowned designer brands that fascinate any fashionista by offering a selection of the trendiest clothing and accessories for your wardrobe.
After all, a summer vacation is complete with at least one shopping pilgrimage to the haute couture temples.
Diving
The most reputable outfits include Mykonos Diving Center and GoDive Mykonos. Mykonos has plenty of walls, caves, and wrecks to entice beginners and advanced divers alike. Diving operators are based on Paradise Beach, Lia Beach, and Kalafatis Beach.
Final Thoughts
Did we leave something out of Why should you go to Mykonos Island? We are sure we did. It is a tiny island with so much to do and see. Mykonos is namely much more than just its beaches and parties. What do you think? Please, write your thoughts in the comments below.
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Featured photo: ©greecetravelsecrets.com