MYKONOS: THE ISLAND OF FUN AND ELEGANCE

One of the most famous & beautiful Greek islands: Mykonos.

Well known worldwide for the vibrant nightlife, the amazing summer parties, the extraordinary waters and the speechless views. I love the architecture of the island and the great food!

I dare to say that Mykonos is one of my absolutely favourite islands in Greece which I have visited more than 20 times and I totally recommend you to visit whether you are single, married, with your family or just a party lover! Angel’s tip: Many will say that Mykonos is the ultimate party destination. Although this statement is true, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the island and not just party! I am sure you will find anything to accommodate your needs.

BEFORE YOU GO:  The island is super expensive. Be prepared to spend much more for food, for the beach, for sunbeds, for drinks compared to other countries or islands. Of course there are also affordable ways to have fun and dine in Mykonos, however the majority of the things to do is expensive.

HOW YOU TO GET TO MYKONOS:

• There are many direct flights, mainly from European Cities, to Mykonos Airport.
• Airplane from Athens International airport to Mykonos International Airport (JMK) – duration 30-40 minutes.
• Ferry from the port of Rafina or Piraeus in Athens to Mykonos port, duration 2-5 hrs depending on the type of ferry. You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com

Angel’s tip: From port of Rafina, depending on the type of ferry, the sailing time may be half than from Piraeus.

ACCOMMODATION: Angel’s tip: If you are going to be out at nights and drink, my recommendation would be to stay in the Mykonos town. Especially since roads are not ideal in the island. If you don’t belong to this category though, you can pick another hotel/apartment outside the town, since distances are small. There are plenty of options & incredible houses & apartments for every budget and appetite. Last time I visited the island during summer 2022, I stayed in some modern beautiful apartments (on foot for the town) called “EPIC Mykonos”.

TRANSPORTATION: You should ideally rent a car, especially if you have not chosen to stay downtown. With a car you have the comfort to discover the island that despite its small size it has some distances among the beaches and the villages. Also, during peak season, the number of taxis available in the island is not enough to serve the demand.

Companies to rent a car or scooter: Avis – IGo Rentals – Avance – Hertz – Auto Power – Anemos Mykonos – Auto Union – Enterprise rent a car -M.R Royal Travel

KNOWN AS: “Island of the winds” // GLBTQ friendly island, party island.

VILLAGES:

1. Mykonos or Chora : the town
2. Ornos
3. Agios Stefanos
4. Ftelia
5. Ano Mera
6. Kalafati
7. Psarrou
8. Platys Gialos
9. Tourlos
10. Agios Ioannis

LOCAL SPECIALTIES you should try:

1. Kopanisti – local spicy cheese
2. Kremmydopita – onion pie
3. Louza – spicy cured pork

MASCOT OF THE ISLAND: Petros the Pelican! Such a proud pelican, mascot of the island for over 60 years after a storm in 1954, that made him permanent resident. After his death, another pelican took his place, carrying on his legacy.

ATTENTION: Tap water is not drinkable in the island. You can brush your teeth & have shower but bottled water is suggested for drinking!

BEACHES : Although many of them are crowded and organized with beach bars, the waters are really stunning, cold and the beaches are sooo beautiful. You can go with your own towel in almost all of them but if you plan to visit the beach bars and make use of their sunbeds on high season you need to go early (or have a reservation in advance). You  can check the weather here: Wind direction  / Mykonos forecast.

THE MOST POPULAR BEACHES:

1. PSARROU: beach with golden sand and valet parking. Dominated by “Nammos beach bar” which offers a bar, restaurant, beach cabanas, luxurious sunbeds and a glamorous party scene! TOO expensive. In August there is a waiting list. Known to attract local & international celebrities. ($$$$) – 4 km from Mykonos town.
2. PARAGA: fine sand, restaurants, beach bars. ($$$) – 6 km from Mykonos town.
   

   Kalua beach bar in Paraga beach

3. FTELIA: ideal for surfing (wind or kite surfing primarily), north oriented beach so it is affected a lot by the strong northern winds – it is very windy most of the times. Such a pity, since it is gorgeous and with a beautiful beach bar in boho style called “Alemagou”. ($$$$) – 7 km from Mykonos town.
4. ORNOS: Full of restaurants, bars, hotels. Not easily reached by winds so it is always crowded. Parking can be an issue, especially during high season. – 3 km from Mykonos town. ($$$) Angel’s tip: From the famous beaches and beach bars, Ornos has the most normal prices.
   

   Ornos beach

5. PLATIS GYALOS: Relatively long, touristy and sandy. Surrounded by hotels but I don’t like a lot the seabed. – 5 km from Mykonos town. ($$$)
6. KALO LIVADI: large, amazing, sandy beach with 2 beach bars (lots of distance between them) – 11 km from Mykonos town. ($$$$)
   

   Kalo Livadi Beach

7. PARADISE: the beach where the famous Tropicana beach bar is located and where many tourists visit. Summer parties, music and popular DJs during high season with long parties – 6 km from Mykonos town. ($$). Angel’s tip: I don’t recommend it if you search for Greek / more local vibes. Imagine I never visit this beach when I visit the island.
8. SUPER PARADISE: without a shadow of a doubt, it is one of the most famous beaches in the island, well known worldwide for the parties and events till morning hours. The most frequent destination for young people and especially tourists. ($$$) – 8 km from Mykonos town. Angel’s tip: I don’t recommend it if you search for Greek / local vibes. Whle the waters are crystal clear, I don’t visit it either.
9. PANORMOS: In the past mainly locals were visiting but now it has become so popular and beach bar “Principote” dominates. ($$$$) – 7 km from Mykonos town.
10. AGIOS IOANNIS: Glorious sunset overlooking Delos Island. Expensive restaurant.

 

THE MOST FAMOUS BEACH BARS with wild selection of drinks, exotic cocktails, great service, international and local dishes but too expensive. Some of them were mentioned above :

• “Nammos” in Psarrou beach since 2003
• “Kalua” in Paraga beach
• “Santanna” in Paraga beach: combines both sea and pool lovers.
• “Scorpios” in Paraga beach: bohemian style party celebration, one of the most vivid and outstanding places in the heart of Mykonos. Nice parties with stunning sunsets.
• “Principote” in Panormos beach: gastronomic delights, excellent beach with rich wine list and shisha. {closed for 2023}
• “Solymar” in Kalo Livadi beach: great cuisine with fresh seasonal products and nice sunbeds.
• “Alemagou” in Ftelia: exceptional set up with nice parties, beautiful beach but often affected by the winds.
• “Branco” in Platys Gyalos: better prices in sunbeds than other beach bars, nice snacks & beautiful beach bar. I didn’t like the seabed though.

BEAUTIFUL LESS FAMOUS BEACHES:

1. Agrari beach: more isolated for those who prefer a more secluded environment, difficult route in order to get there.
2. Kalafatis beach: large, beautiful, less developed, sandy with watersports. It has sunbeds and umbrellas to rent.
3. Agia Anna beach: close to Kalafatis, a tiny, sandy, beautiful beach. Angel’s tip: visit the restaurant “Spilia” there.($$$)
4. Elia beach: fine sand, easily accessible & relaxing atmosphere. Angel’s tip: check the rainbow flag at the right side is the GLBTQ section.

THE MOST UNKNOWN BEACHES: Of course most of them not organized (have water and food with you), free and a spot for everyone who seeks a bit of peace to enjoy the pure beautiful mother nature. All of them are accessible by car (a jeep is ideal) but by boat as well. (from beaches like Ornos for example often or Mykonos town)

• Tigani beach: Magnificent but you have to drive a very stony road.
• Merchias beach: Beautiful rocky beach with crystal clear waters. A jeep is recommended .
• Fragkias beach: beautiful beach, unspoiled by human touch.
• Mersini beach: fantastic one, accessible through an easy dirt road, sheltered from the wind.
• Fokos beach: Beautiful sandy beach with a nice tavern/restaurant to eat.

Angel’s tip: VERY IMPORTANT -> Check always the weather and the direction of the wind before you visit a specific beach. Island is windy very often – try to avoid them . Mykonos forecast

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS:

MOST ROMANTIC SPOTS for sunset : Little Venice and Windmills in Mykonos town.

BARS:

• 180º Sunset Bar for insane sunset views on the top of a hill & delicious cocktails. Angel’s tip: Reservation is essential through their site, minimum spend per person is 70 euros.
• Opia for early drinks & sunset
• Galleraki for wonderful sea & Little Venice view
• Caprice in Little Venice
• Scarpa in Little Venice
• Queen
• Semeli
• Lotus Resto bar
• Rhapsody
• Guzel garden
• Astra  : Greek music as well
• Jackie O’ : Gay friendly

My recommendations for FOOD: (reservations imperative)

• Greek casual restaurants  in Mykonos town: Nikos, Vegera, Mamalouka
• Greek restaurants in the island: “Limnios” in Agios Stefanos $$/ ‘Thalassa” in Kalafatis $$/ “Spilia” in Agia Anna $$$ / “Tasos” & “Nikolas tavern” for delicious seafood in Paraga with reasonable prices. $ / “Compass” in Tourlos $$
• Buddha bar:  in Santa Marina in Ornos, great Asian food & sushi – amazing spot and cocktails.$$$$
  

  I loved Buddha Bar

• La Cantine du Faubourg Mykonos in Ornos. Exquisite combination of French and Greek cuisine, beautiful,with a captivating ambiance, lovely music and breathtaking sunset views. $$$$
• Zuma: contemporary Japanese cuisine.$$$$
• Nobu: sushi in Belvedere hotel.$$$$
• Koursaros: trendy patio featuring upscale seafood dishes & sushi. $$$$
• M-eating: contempοrary mediterranean cuisine downtown- loved the cocktails as well. $$$
  

  M-eating in Mykonos town

• Kouzina: in Ornos beach, sushi & Mediterranean cuisine. $$$
• Pere UBU in Aleomandra close to Ornos for Mediterranean cuisine and great drinks with seaview and a beautiful set up in Kalesma hotel. $$$
• Nammos in Psarrou & Principote beach bar in Panormos have exceptional food, either seafood or meat. $$$$ Angel’s food: to take an example of the prices, I paid a Greek salad 24 euros.

• Nice n easy: Organic bistro restaurant downtown, exclusively Greek producers  offering proudly traditional recipes. $$$
• Baos: fine dining downtown with sea view $$$$
• Remezzo: fine dining with great presentation, idyllic location. $$$
  

  The popular Remezzo with great cocktails & service

• Interni & Noema: ideal destination for dinner and drinks downtown,  Mediterranean with flavors around the world and great service. $$$$
• Coya & Nikkei: Peruvian food, beautiful restaurants. – $$$$.
• Nusret: steakhouse. $$$$
• D’Angelo restaurant: Italian. $$ Angel’s tip: To compare the prices, I paid a Greek salad 10 euros and a dish with ghocchi 14 euros.
• Casa di Giorgio: Italian, centrally located in little Venice, reasonable prices. $$ Angel’s tip: Average price for a pizza 15 euros fyi.
• Appaloosa Bar: if you look for a Mexican one with decent prices and nice environment! $$
  

  Buddha bar

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOUVLAKI – the most famous Greek cheap fast food: Souvlaki is usually consisting of small pieces of meat, pita bread, fried potatoes, vegetables and sauces like tzatziki, mustard sauce or yogurt. The meat usually used is pork gyros, although chicken, beef, and lamb may also be used.

• “Kalammmakia” in Ano mera : Kebab, Gyros, zucchini sticks, salads. $
• “To klassiko tis Mykonou” & “Sakis” in Mykonos town: good portion. $
• “Local Mykonos” in Mykonos town: big portions, plenty of meat dishes and value for money. $
• “Jimmy’s gyros” in Mykonos town: in the heart of Mykonos in the alleys, no space to sit usually but tasty gyros. Service quick and friendly. $
• “Lefteris” in Ornos: traditional Greek dishes and reasonable prices, popular dish is the “kontosouvli”. $

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BREAKFAST/BRUNCH:

• “The liberty breakfast room”: breakfast, smoothie bowls and sea view. Outdoors terrace.
• “El Burro”: Great coffee – delicious pancakes.
• “I-Frati” : great variety of breakfast/brunch – beautiful view of the port and the town. Angel’s tip: there is parking outside the restaurant. 

NEARBY ISLANDS BY FERRY:

1. Tinos & Naxos islands: 30 minutes
2. Syros & Paros islands: 1 hour and 15minutes
3. Santorini island: 2 hours

Mykonos, i will come back soon!

 

*For more pictures check my highlights in Instagram*