Unless you’re living off-grid, you’ve probably seen the famous white and blue idyllic Greek buildings on Instagram – and if you haven’t, you’ll have likely heard someone mention a recent trip to Mykonos.
Whether you visit the island due to fear of missing out, to tick a destination from the bucket list or have been put off visiting to boycott the tourists; is Mykonos really worth the hype?
The answer is. . . yes!
No destination is going to meet everyone’s specific needs or tastes, but Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek island destinations for visitors across the globe. It’s famous for its shopping, nightlight, and picturesque landscape, with Mykonos Town being the hotspot for all travelers to wander the narrow streets and posing in front of colorful doorways.
If beaches are your thing, Mykonos has 25 of them to pick from including small secluded coves or wide sandy shores. There’s a beach for catching some rays or taking pics for the gram. Partygoers aren’t left out either, Paraga and Psarou are island favorites for beach parties whilst Elia is popular with families.
The Northern coast of Panormos and Agios is quieter than the southern beaches, with Myosin and Fokos boasting pebbled coves on the northeast side of the island. Ornos is best for seafront restaurants, and Agios Ioannis for windsurfing; both are located on the southwest coast.
Things to do in Mykonos
Those wanting to shop have an abundance of choice on the island, as Mykonos is dotted with small villages boasting traditional Greek wares, art, and taverna-style restaurants. Mavrogenous Street is famous for its art, Little Venice for fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs, with Greek designer labels located on Mataoglinani.
If you’re into architecture and Greek history and want to learn more about the island’s backstory beyond just roaming the streets, The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and Aegean Maritime Museum are also worth the pit stop.
You can also explore off the island by taking a day boat trip to the small island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is an important location in archaeological and Greek mythology.
Extra activities on the island
For those into diving and water sports, Mykonos also delivers its fair share of activities. There are plenty of caves and caverns for divers to explore, based out of Paradise Beach, Lia Beach, and Kalafatis Beach. For those wanting to windsurf, Kalafatis Beach is home to the Windsurfing Centre.
Everyone loves a good sunset and whilst this can be viewed anywhere on this island, the prime locations for watching are within the bars of Little Venice in Hora (aka Mykonos Town), Kato Mili, and the Agios Ioannis Beach.
Best time to visit Mykonos?
If you’re looking to visit Mykonos, the peak travel season runs from June to September which is when prices are highest, and restaurants and nightclubs are busy.
The recommended time to travel is ‘shoulder season’ aka April to early June, or September to October, with fewer crowds and weather still warm enough to sunbathe and swim. Temperatures in September usually range from 20 degrees (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to 28 degrees (82F), with late-night shopping still open, cheaper accommodation, and the party atmosphere still alive in the Autumn months.
