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Mykonos is one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lively nightlife. If you’re planning a trip there, our Mykonos travel guide for 2023, includes everything you need to know!
Where is Mykonos located?
Mykonos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea that is part of the Cycladic group. Mykonos is located around 150 kilometers southeast of Athens, 150 kilometers north of Santorini, and 230 kilometers north of Crete. Flights to Mykonos take four hours from London, three and a half hours from Paris, two hours from Rome, and forty minutes from Athens.
A brief history of Mykonos:
Mykonos was established during the Gigantomachy, the conflict between Zeus and the Giants, according to myth. Hercules, Zeus’ son, ultimately slaughtered the Giants and flung them into the sea; the giants turned to stone and formed what is now Mykonos.
The Carians from southwest Anatolia were the first to settle on Mykonos, followed by the Ionians, Romans, Byzantines, Catalans, Venetians, and Ottomans. Mykonos was previously a poor island based on sailing, fishing, and textiles, and it was nearly entirely abandoned after WWI. Tourism eventually started to dominate the economy in the mid-twentieth century, thanks to the excavation of Delos. Mykonos is today one of the most prosperous islands in Greece and the globe.
Getting There:
The easiest way to get to Mykonos is by flying into Mykonos Airport (JMK). The airport is served by many major airlines, including Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. You can also take a ferry from Athens or another nearby island.
Where to Stay in Mykonos:
There are plenty of great places to stay in Mykonos, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly apartments. For something truly special, book a room at the San Giorgio Mykonos. This boutique hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea and has its own private beach.
What to Do in Mykonos:
Mykonos is all about relaxing on the beach, enjoying the nightlife, and exploring the island’s charming villages. Some of the most popular beaches include Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. For a night out, head to Little Venice, where you’ll find dozens of bars and clubs. And be sure to visit at least one of Mykonos’ traditional villages, like Ano Mera or Pyrgos.
Mykonos travel guide for food:
There are plenty of great places to eat in Mykonos, from upscale restaurants to tavernas and casual cafés. For a special treat, try the lobster pasta at Kounelas 1796. This restaurant is located in one of Mykonos’ most beautiful buildings and has an outdoor terrace with stunning views.
Mykonos Food Tours Experiences
Mykonos food tours offer a delightful culinary experience that takes visitors on a gastronomic journey through the island’s traditional cuisine. The tours allow participants to sample a wide range of dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and homemade cheeses, all prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The tours are led by expert guides who provide insights into the history and culture of the island and its food, making for a rich and immersive experience. Whether it’s exploring the bustling markets or dining in cozy tavernas overlooking the Aegean Sea, Mykonos food tours offer a unique and authentic taste of the island’s vibrant culinary scene.
Explore all Mykonos food experiences!
Mykonos travel guide for beaches:
Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos Beach are two of our favorite beaches on Mykonos. Both are excellent for families, with several restaurants, motels, and beach clubs. Both of these beaches are easily accessible by bus from Mykonos Town. However, staying on the beach is a wonderful choice for people who want to avoid the crowded Mykonos Town nightlife scene.
Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Elia, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi, Kalafati, Panormos, and Agios Sostis are among the other prominent Mykonos beaches.
What can you do in Mykonos?
Photo by Johnny Africa from Unsplash
Dining, shopping, drinking, and dancing in cosmopolitan Mykonos Town, swimming and sunbathing at world-renowned beaches, exploring the archaeological ruins of Delos Island, visiting traditional Ano Mera village, and catching the sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse, Boni’s Windmill, Little Venice, or the bluffs above Mykonos Town that look over the Old Port are among the best things to do in Mykonos.
And no vacation to Mykonos would be complete without a selfie stop at the famed Kato Mili – the windmills that flank the southern edge of Mykonos Town.
Mykonos is one of the many amazing food destinations of Greece that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a wild night out, you’ll find it on this Greek island.
