Destinations
Mykonos – A Mini Travel Guide
September 2024
PRESENTING MYKONOS
According to Greek mythology Mykonos was named after its first ruler Mykonos, the grandson of God Apollo. The island is also said to have been formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules, and the location of a great battle between Zeus and the Titans. Part of the group of Greek Islands named the Cyclades,
Mykonos is one of the most famous destinations in the world today, and a favourite hotspot for many celebrities, gaining the nickname ‘The Capri of Greece’. Extremely beautiful and well known for its bare hills, amazing sandy beaches, whitewashed country chapels and Cycladic architecture, Mykonos is Greece‘s most famous cosmopolitan island.
HISTORY
The history of Mykonos is one of rich Greek mythology, piracy, and turmoil. The island has been ruled by big empires over the ages, with many historical figures from Alexander the Great to Barbarossa playing their part to shape this small but strategic island. In more recent years, Tourism has come to be its main calling.
HERITAGE & CULTURE
Despite its famed reputation as a party island, Mykonos has an impressive number of historic monuments and heritage sites.
Kato Mili Windmills
The Mykonos windmills are the quintessential trademark of the islands’ landscape, and can be seen from every point of Mykonos Town, frequently called the Chora. The famous “Kato Mili” (Greek for lower mills), in Chora, are four windmills standing majestically in a row, on a hill overlooking the sea and facing the strong northern winds. Capped with wood and straw, the three-story conical windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century and were primarily used to mill wheat. Their use gradually declined over the ages, until they eventually ceased production in the middle of the 20th century.
Tip: The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbour are stunning, particularly at sunset.
Delos
One of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites, the small island of Delos is commonly referred to as the birthplace of Apollo. Under the jurisdiction of Mykonos, the entire island of Delos has been declared a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access to the island has been made readily available through excursions which leave daily from the main harbour of Mykonos Town, and some of the more popular beaches.
Did you Know? The 2001 Greek census reported a population of 14 inhabitants on the island of Delos.
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
The church of Panagia Paraportiani (“Our Lady of the Side Gate” in Greek), is situated in the neighbourhood of Kastro, in Chora, and is among the most photographed sites on the island. The church in itself actually consists of five small churches that were built either on top or next to each other. The church of Agios Efstathios is the centre of this complex, surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon and Agia Anastasia. On top of these four churches, lies the church of Virgin Mary, which looks like a dome. The oldest church is Agios Anargyros, built in the late 14th century. The other churches were built in the 16th and the 17th centuries.
Little Venice
Little Venice or Mikri Venetia, offers one of the most romantic settings on the island. In this peculiar neighbourhood, rows of medieval two and three storey houses line the waterfront with their wooden balconies hanging over the sea. The houses, originally belonging to rich merchants or captains, have little basement doors which provided direct access to the sea and underground storage areas, leading many to believe that its owners might have been pirates. Many have now been converted into bars and cafes, shops and art galleries.
Tip: Sit back and relax while watching the sunset on the seashore, and sipping a cocktail at one of the many quirky bars in the area.
BEACHES
A mecca of cosmopolitan tourism, Mykonos is full of wonderful beaches: from celebrity beaches boasting a 24 hour party atmosphere, to more secluded coves and bays perfect for those looking for peace and quiet under the sun.
Agios Sostis Beach
Best for: Unspoiled nature
Fairly undeveloped, this wonderful little cove is situated on the northern side of the island. There are no umbrellas or sun beds for rent, but if you can live without these (or bring your own), then you have found the perfect spot. Accessible via a somewhat bumpy, pot-holed road, but enroute, the stunning view when looking down makes it so worth it.
Ftelia Beach
Best for: Windsurfing
Sometimes referred to as the Island of the Winds, Mykonos is well known for its water sports. This wild, north beach is one of the favourites among windsurfers. Even as a non-participant you can spend some time watching the spectacle of brave surfers flying across the sea.
Agios Stefanos
Best for: Families
A sandy family- friendly beach, just around the corner from the new port of Tourlos. The water is very clean and clear, making it the ultimate swimming environment. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, but there is also lots of space to lay your own towel. Other facilities include a beach volley court, lots of space to play paddle ball or let your children run free.
Elia Beach
Best for: LGBTQ+ tourism
A magnificent stretch of coastline, Elia is one of the longest beaches in Mykonos, but also one of the busiest. Particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd, there are several places to eat, drink or relax out of the summer sun, and amenities such as umbrellas and sun beds for rent can be easily found. The left side of the beach is more of a mix of people, whereas the right side is mostly clothing-optional and preferred by LGBTQ+ tourists.
NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
Said to be the Capri of Greece, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan island of the Cyclades and is well known for its party scene.
Top Spots
Paradise Beach
Paradise is one of the ten most well-known beaches in the world. Originally made famous by the hippie generation in the late 60s and early 70s, nowadays, this is still the place to go if you are looking for a beach where “anything goes”. Paradise is known for special events, such as Full Moon parties and Bubble parties, as well as a famous end of summer closing party in early September. Its popularity also comes down to its easy accessibility, with frequent bus services from Mykonos town and additional shuttle buses during special events.
Skybar & 54 Cocktail Lounge
Who doesn’t want 2 amazing spots in one incredible location at The Townhouse Mykonos?
The Skybar has a spacious rooftop overlooking the Old Town and the Aegean Sea, where you can sit back have a cocktail and soak in those amazing Mykonos sunsets. 54 Cocktail Bar and Sunset lounge hose many memorable nights with symbolic classic disco and pop tunes from decades past and present. It is vibrant, dazzling, and full of good times waiting to happen.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Mykonos is synonymous with wild parties and lively atmosphere. Due to its setting and warm Mediterranean climate, the island has the unique privilege to be able to organise a set of exciting events including open-air concerts, theatrical performances and various art exhibitions.
Main Events
Xlsior Festival
The most exclusive International Summer LGBTQ+ Festival, Xlsior takes place every year and thanks to a well-designed program, great artists of the LGBTQ+ scene, breath-taking open-air venues, and a friendly and enjoyable holiday environment, this festival has now become one of the most popular events in the island.
Harvest Festival
Every second Sunday of September, the Agricultural Museum holds the annual Harvest Festival. On this occasion farmers and winemakers from across the island gather for this great celebration of food, dancing and singing, keeping alive a centuries’ old tradition.
Religious Feasts and Festivals
Summer is also the time when many of the island’s villages celebrate and honour their patron saints in traditional religious feasts. These events are called “panigiria” and famous dates include June 30th, a feast dedicated to Agioi Apostoloi (the fishermen’s festival); July 26th, a celebration of Agia Paraskevi; or August 15th, when the village of Ano Mera holds a great feast at the church of Panagia Tourliani.
WHERE TO STAY
When planning a trip to Mykonos, choosing the right place to stay is essential if you are to truly experience a blend of vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches and charming Cycladic architecture. Whether you are looking for a luxurious retreat with breath-taking views or a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of it all, we have a fantastic selection perfect for everyone.
The TownHouse Mykonos
Once an 18th-century aristocratic manor house and home to the first Mayor of Mykonos, this stunning building has been lovingly renovated to play host to a beautifully decadent boutique hotel. Offering indulgent, discreet luxury, the TownHouse complex is in the heart of the picturesque and vibrant cosmopolitan town of Mykonos.
Grace Mykonos
A beautiful, beachside boutique hotel on the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands, Grace Mykonos is an intimate spa hotel that offers comfort and pampering, boasts stunning ocean views, and is dedicated to spoiling its guests.
FACTS
Capital: Mykonos (town) aka Chora (Greek)
Population: 10,134
Area: 105.2 km2 (40.6 sq mi)
Trademarks: Windmills, pelicans, whitewashed houses with colourful doors, gay-friendly
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Timezone: EET (UTC+2)/EEST (UTC+3)
Language: Greek
Average temperature: January Max. 12°C/54°F – Min. 6°C/43°F July Max. 30°C/86°F – Min. 21°C/70°F
Best months to visit: from mid-May through mid-October is usually sunny and warm enough to enjoy the beaches
Visa: Citizens from EU member states do not require a visa. Furthermore countries such as USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Canada do NOT require a travel visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days
Communications: Country Code Greece +30. Area Code 22890. Internet access is widely available, and the majority of hotels provide a free Wi- Fi connection
Drives on the: Left
