About Mykonos

More than 60 years after Jackie Kennedy first visited this small island in the Cyclades and thrust it into the limelight, the pull of glittering Mykonos is still strong. During summer, the jet and yacht set cruise in alongside throngs of travelers eager to party, snap Instagram photos, and see and be seen. And with the island’s sprawling and sandy beaches (a rare find in the rocky Cyclades) it’s not hard to see why. But the island has a long-beloved, quieter side than the beach party scene would lead you to believe.

“Whatever architecture has to say, it is said here”, Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier once said of Mykonos—an artist-community island that has long inspired writers, photographers, and designers. Within seconds of your arrival, Le Corbusier’s musings will become clear: Mykonos knows its architectural style. A Venetian-inspired, cubic design underpins much of the island’s aesthetic, and coordinates everything from the western ports to lively “town,” and the small, sleepy villages in the east. Whitewashed buildings are a given in the Cyclades, and in Mykonos they’re dotted along narrow, warren-like lanes and decorated with wooden balconies in varying shades of red, blue, and yellow.

While the party-centric side of town may steal all the limelight, there’s also a flourishing food scene towards the island’s southwest, beach clubs aplenty along the southern coastline, untouched sands on the east side, and some charming, traditional tavernas in between. Not to mention, ancient ruins and mythology to explore.

If you’re intent on exploring Mykonos’ bustling and waterfront “town” area, start early. It’s a sleep all day, party all night kind of place, but this comes with benefits for early-birds: Head to Little Venice to bag one of the best tables on the island; a waterside seat overlooking the famous windmills—just don’t arrive too early, as nothing opens before 9:00 am. Order a Freddo Cappuccino and bask in the solitude before wandering the empty (ish) streets. Don’t miss Panagia Paraportiani, a complex of churches built on top of each other between the 14th and 17th centuries; they’re the most photographed churches on the island but, if you get your timing right, you may catch them sans crowds.

The streets in Mykonos Town may be small, but hidden within you’ll find Gucci and Louis Vuitton alongside art galleries, souvenir shops, and local boutiques: ‘ergon Mykonos and Anna Maria Mazaraki are two of the best local options. If shopping is high on your agenda, make a beeline for Nammos Village, a beachside destination on the south of the island stocking all the luxury brands, and more.

Where to stay

Depending on your needs you would need to choose whether you want to be staying central or out of town.

For families, the best hotels are Santa Marina, and the Mykonian Collection’s properties.

For bachelors and couples try the Belvedere in Chora, Cavo Tagoo, Cali or the Wild for its stunning beach.

Beach clubs

Nammos is the classic option and you have to go at least once in your life. The left side after entering is more “taverna/dancing on tables” style whereas the right side is more chilled and civilised. Wanna show off? Try sitting on the front row of the beach club on the 15th of August of any year.

Scorpios is famous for their DJ parties (check their residency programme), lunch and sunset drinks.

Alemagou (stands for “finally” in ancient Mykonian) is one of the most chilled places to visit. Their service is impeccable and you’ll meet some of the nicest people on the island.

Eating

Try Kiki’s for a non-nonsense quintessentially Mykonian lunch.  It is a small eatery that doesn’t have a sign, doesn’t have a phone to take reservations, and doesn’t have electricity.

Katrin is an old and classic for Greek dinner in chora with a French twist. Papaioannou, Apaggio or Sea Satin are for fresh fish and Matshuhisa at The Belvedere or Zuma at Cavo Tagoo for sushi.

Noema is an excellent choice if you want to eat like  a contemporary Greek in a beautiful and civilised setting. Book dinner at 9.30pm to enjoy their brilliant live music programme and a special vibe.

Evening entertainment

Try the famous Lio for a fun burlesque show, the old-school Astra bar or Cine Manto’s  film schedule for an open-air cinema experience in Chora.

Having said that, Mykonos can also be a relaxing destination where you and your loved ones can unwind and enjoy the slow life. Beaches like Agios Sostis, Panoramos, Ornos and Megali Ammos are free from loud music and tourists. All you’ll need is your towel and a good book. Morning walks in Chora, participation on the numerous local festivals (Balosia, Koukougeri to name a few) as well as a mandatory visit during the Orthodox Easter (when the island is free of tourists and full of Greeks) will make you feel like a true Mykonian.

Two things are for sure – you will never run out of things to do in Mykonos and you or your successors will never regret having a base on the island.