Mykonos

The Mykonos of the islands is one of the most beautiful in Greece, an island of luxury mingled with lively charm. Whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and blue-domed churches make it a haven for rest and adventure. It is better known for places to party all night long at glamorous bars, chic beach clubs, and open-air clubs on the beach. By day, people soak in the sun, and by night, they let loose with a party. But beneath the vivacious atmosphere of Mykonos lies a few stories. With its quaint villages, old windmills, and peaceful nooks, Mykonos offers several opportunities for solitude and quiet.For beaches, nightlife, scenery, or everything combined, Mykonos is a valuable and unforgettable experience on a Greek travel package.

Top Beaches in Mykonos: 

Paradise Beach 

One of Mykonos's most popular beaches, celebrated for its party ambiance. Shore beach clubs and bars come alive with music, drinks, and dancing during the day and night. It is the perfect spot for sunbathing and energy-filled parties.

Super Paradise Beach: 

Seeking a higher dose of partying spirit? Head to Super Paradise, where calm waters and beach bar excitement meet. Almost equally famous for its very LGBT-friendly atmosphere. 

Elia Beach:

One of the largest, more serene beaches of Mykonos-Elia Beach offers less raucous surroundings with sunbeds, umbrellas, and clear water. Ideal for those who want to escape the constant city life without compromising on fun activities offered by beachside bars and restaurants. 

Psarou Beach:

A grand and elegant beach, Psarou is where luxury meets the Aegean. Frequented by celebrities and the jet-set crowd, it boasts crystal-clear waters, stunning beach clubs, and high-end restaurants.

Ornos Beach:

The true kid-friendly beach, Ornos, is tranquil and great for swimming, with a slower pace. Taverna and cafe life thrives nearby, making it an ideal family beach or one for anyone wanting a peaceful day at the sea.

Agios Ioannis Beach:

With breathtaking views of Delos Island, Agios Ioannis presents a contrast to Mykonos's celebrity beaches with the peacefulness of quietness. The beach offers shallow waters, with some great hotels and restaurants right on the beach.

Kalo Livadi Beach: 

Kalo Livadi is a long stretch of golden sand and gentle water, perfect for relaxation and water sports. Less frequent than some of the others, it provides a peaceful setting with a few beach clubs and taverns to enjoy.

Ftelia Beach:

Found in the northern part of Mykonos, Ftelia Beach is a surfer's paradise with its rough winds and serene deep waters. The beach is for those who would fancy a low-key environment, away from the general crowding usually associated with some beaches.

Agrari Beach:

Agrari Beach is perfect for those seeking a serene place. Other than that, the beach boasts crystal-clear waters for swimming and relaxing, and there are a few tavernas nearby serving delectable Greek cuisine.

Panormos Beach:

With a picturesque name, Panormos Beach is well suited to those searching for an easy-going and relaxed ambience. Soft sand, turquoise water, and a few laid-back beach bars are just what you need for a quiet day by the sea.

Historic Sites of Mykonos: A Journey into Island Culture

Delos Island: Delos, another significant archaeological site in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set at a stone's throw away from Mykonos. This formerly flourishing ancient town was the birthplace of the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis. Visitors can view the remains of ancient temples, mosaics, statues, houses, and the marketplace. The island's immense historical significance coupled with beautiful ruins makes Delos a place-to-go for history lovers. 

Mykonos Archaeological Museum: The Mykonos Archaeological Museum features the artifacts from Mykonos history, ranging from sculpture, pottery, and inscriptions from ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times, and constitutes the very soul of the historical arc. Highlights are a collection of marble statues and artifacts from Delos.

Panagia Paraportiani Church: The Panagia Paraportiani Church is one of Mykonos' most famous sites located in the Mykonos town. It is a very charming crystallized whitewashed structure made of five chapels, interconnected and built over various periods spanning a few centuries. This is an architectural wonder and a symbol of the religious character of Mykonos, seen as having historic relevance and spiritual significance.

The Windmills of Mykonos: These well-known windmills above Chora date back to the 16th century, when they were used for grinding wheat. Although they are no longer in operation, the windmills are perhaps the most important symbol of the island and yield an awe-inspiring view of both the town and the Aegean Sea. Exploring this area offers an insight into the island's agrarian past and a wonderful setting for pictures.

Armenistis Lighthouse: Built sometime in the 19th century, the Armenistis Lighthouse is situated on the northern tip of Mykonos, with sweeping views extending to the Aegean Sea. The lighthouse is itself a historical monument, and the area surrounding it offers a chance to escape the more hectic spots of the island. It is a nice place to spend some time learning about the maritime history of the island.

Panagia Tourliani Monastery: In Ano Mera village, the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in the 16th century. The magnificent architecture of the monastery, along with its beautiful interior with exquisitely carved woodwork and religious icons, speaks volumes about the religious history of the island.

Ano Mera Village: While Mykonos Town is famous for its nightlife, the quieter village of Ano Mera offers a quaint step back in time. The island's heart, with traditional stone houses and the lovely Panagia Tourliani Monastery, offers visitors an insight into the rural heritage of the island. Hence, it is a cozy spot for experiencing Mykonos' real peaceful side and learning about its history.

The Folklore Museum: Situated in Mykonos Town, the Folklore Museum allows visitors some insight into the traditional lifestyle of the island. It exhibits a rich collection of local costumes and dresses, tools, photos, and household items that represent the island's history; this, in turn, allows visitors to appreciate how life used to be for Myconians in centuries past.

Church of Agios Nikolaos: Situated at the old harbor of Mykonos Town, this delightful church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is a fine example of Cycladic architecture. The church itself may be small, but standing by the sea, it represents a significant chapter in the religious mountain history of the island in its simple beauty.

Lena's House: This well-preserved traditional Mykonian house now serves as a museum exhibiting the lifestyle of these islanders in the 19th century. The house contains furniture, clothing, and items used in daily life that are informative in the context of the island's domestic history.

Outdoor Activities in Mykonos: Hiking, Watersports, and Adventure

1. Hiking Around Mykonos
Mykonos has an array of hiking routes that meander through different patches of the rugged terrain of the island, presenting a striking view of the Aegean Sea and its spotless coastline. The Tourlos to Mykonos Town trail is the most popular, offering an easy trail with picturesque sea and town views. For the more adventurous, the Agios Ioannis to Ornos Beach hike offers a more difficult and challenging trek over the winding paths with stunning views. Those out hiking in Mykonos get to discover the hidden corners of the island far from the tourist crowd and appreciate the island's natural beauty. 

2. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Wind and waves make Mykonos windsurfing and kitesurfing paradise, especially at Kalafatis Beach, one of the main areas for water sports on the island. Either way, there are schools that cater for the novice and the experienced surfers, offering lessons, rental gear, and guidance. Clear waters and perfect winds make Mykonos watersport heaven.

3. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The azure waters surrounding Mykonos offer fantastic spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the popular diving spots such as Tavros, Rhenia Island, and Dragonisi Island entail diving in underwater caves, vibrant marine life, and shipwrecks. Regardless of whether you are just beginning or are an experienced diver, Mykonos provides a range of different experiences to explore the underwater world.

4. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Another low-key way to enjoy the Mykonos waters is by practicing stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The calm waters around beaches like Agios Ioannis, Ornos, and Elia Beach are ideal for SUP, allowing one to paddle away across the sea with awe-inspiring views of the island's coastline. SUP provides a great mix of fitness and exploration in a chilled atmosphere.

5. Mountain Biking
If you want rougher and more adventurous, mountain biking is a nice way to enjoy the natural landscape of Mykonos. The diverse terrain of the island offers trails through rocky paths, hills, and coastal scenery. You may rent a bike and wander at your own pace, or join guided bike tours that will take you to hidden villages, beaches, and ancient sites.

6. Horseback riding 
Explore the island of Mykonos out of the ordinary with horseback riding tours. There are a few stables on the island that offer horseback rides along the coastline or through traditional villages. It is a fabulous way of exploring Mykonos' countryside and enjoying the rural ambience and scenic views as you ride through hills, fields, and beaches.

7. Paragliding
For a pulsing and electrifying experience, paragliding presents the ultimate adventure above Mykonos. Gliding through the air above the island's stunning coastline with dramatic views over the crystal-clear waters, beaches, and quaint villages below. Paragliding in Myconos will give you an exciting and unforgettable experience to view the island that most of the visitors never get to enjoy.

8. Jeep Safari Tours
If you enjoy going off-road and into the rough lands of Mykonos, jeep safari tours are a perfect way to see the lesser-explored parts of the island. These guided tours will lead you on rocky paths, hills, and secluded beaches that promise thrilling adventures and an exploration of the offbeat parts of Mykonos.

9. Sailing and Boat Trips
Explore the waters surrounding Mykonos on a sailing tour or boat trip! Rent a boat with or without a skipper and sail the island's beautiful coastline while stopping at secret coves, beaches, and nearby islands such as Delos and Rhenia. Those who prefer guided tours can find ample options for group or private sailing trips involving swimming, snorkeling, and basking under the sun. 

10. Rock Climbing
For advanced climbers, rock climbing on Mykonos offers an incredible feat set against breathtaking surroundings. The cliffs circling the island, especially near beaches such as Agios Stefanos, are the best climbing and bouldering locations. Guided tours are available for those intending to explore the climbing spots safely.

The island of Mykonos is famous for its unique nightlife; world-class clubs, beach bars, and extravagant parties may offer you unforgettable nights. Cavo Paradiso, the open-air club set against unparalleled cliffside views, is a must, as is Scorpios, a trendsetting beach club with its mix of music, sunsets, and beautiful design. If that's a bit too much, head over to Katerina's Bar in Mykonos Town for cool cocktails and an intimate atmosphere. Super Paradise Beach and Paradise Beach are also popular beach party spots that keep the music pumping through the night and attract partygoers from all corners of the globe. Mykonos nightlife thus welcomes both adrenaline-fueled partygoers and the ones who simply want to sip a cocktail down by the seaside. With historical places to visit, cultural experiences to enjoy, astonishing landscapes, and balls of nighttime fun, Mykonos accommodates all types of travelers, making it a treasure to visit in Greece tours.