• Home ‣ 
  • Journal ‣ 
  • Guides ‣ 
  • Explore the charm of the Cyclades: our guide to Mykonos

Explore the charm of the Cyclades: our guide to Mykonos

Published

7 February, 2022

Edited

29 December, 2022

Characterised by its pretty white stone villages, silky soft beaches and balmy Mediterranean clime, there are endless reasons why Mykonos should feature at the top of your summer holiday list.

Boasting what has been described as a ‘Saint-Tropez-meets-Ibiza’ atmosphere, the island fuses all the class of the French Riviera with the buzz of the Balearics, creating an ambience entirely of its own. Add this to the array of spectacular private villas scattered across this stunning Greek island and you’ve discovered the formula for an unforgettable summer holiday. Curious to find out more? Take a look at our exclusive Mykonos travel guide…

Mykonos Island activities

Our travel guide to Mykonos wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the island’s incredible outdoor activities. Explore the great swathes of rugged coastline and bustling port towns, stumbling across thatched roof windmills and cosy Greek tavernas as you go. From guided hiking and biking adventures to olive oil and wine tastings, there’s plenty on the island to keep every member of the group happy and entertained - from thrill-seekers to gourmands and everyone in between.

One of the best ways to really appreciate the beauty of the Cyclades is by chartering a private yacht and taking a tour of the islands by sea. Back on land, a private jeep tour through Mykonos’ rugged, rock-filled landscape will enable you to access some of the island’s harder to reach beauty spots. Get under the island’s skin with a trip to the market accompanied by a local fisherman who will guide you to the very best places for seafood, before teaching you how to prepare your catch like a local back at home.

For those who wish to immerse themselves in the island’s thriving party scene, Platis Gialos is the perfect place to start. Filled with lively local tavernas, you can enjoy delicious and expertly-crafted cocktails until sunset -all before catching a taxi boat to the iconic Paradise Beach where you can dance the night away.

Your exclusive travel guide to Mykonos’ most beautiful beaches

Encircled by endless stretches of windswept cliffs, soft sand and glistening azure waters, it should come as little surprise to hear that the island of Mykonos is home to some of the world’s best beaches. Swim, sail, or simply bask under the glorious Mykonian sunshine - the choice is all yours.

Kalafatis Beach

One of these is the gorgeous Kalafatis Beach. Located 12 km away from Mykonos Town, here the stretching golden sands, crystalline waters and lovely views combine to guarantee a blissful day out. Whilst the offshore breeze makes this a popular spot with surfers and watersports enthusiasts, the rest of Mykonos is yet to catch onto the secret, meaning Kalafatis is also a great spot for those seeking serenity and space.

Psarou Beach

If it’s glamour you’re after, then look no further than Psarou Beach. Cocooned by breathtaking scenery, this is one of the island’s trendiest stretches of sand and is frequented by many a celebrity, swimming in the glittering emerald green water and sunning themselves from the deck of their gleaming white superyachts. Those yearning for silence and seclusion will fall head over heels for Fragia Beach. Only accessible by boat, this is one of the most peaceful spots on the whole island. Simply charter a yacht for the day and set off on your way.

Ornos Beach

A trendy, family-friendly beach on the southern coast of the island, Ornos Beach is a wonderful spot to enjoy a good swim or to soak up the sunshine on its soft, golden sands. It boasts a good selection of bustling beach bars, but you’ll easily find a quiet corner on this expansive stretch of coastline. Those who plan on hitting the water will find plenty of opportunities; there’s a host of windsurfing and sea-skiing schools right on the beach.

Agios Stefanos Beach

Agios Stefanos is a tranquil bay, just a short walk from the main port in Mykonos. A peaceful location to sit and watch the yachts saily by, it’s perfect for sunbathing and basking in the island’s glorious temperatures.

What to see in Mykonos

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Mykonos regular, the island’s distinctive sights will never cease to enchant. From historic landmarks to bustling shopping streets, this small yet mighty island certainly offers plenty to discover.

Matogianni Street

Any keen shoppers in the group will want to pay the famous Matogianni Street in Chora a visit. Thronged with designer boutiques, jewellery shops and leatherworkers selling the island’s distinctive colourful hand-crafted sandals, this is the perfect spot for a fun-filled afternoon out in town.

The Windmills of Chora

First up is the seven white 16th-century windmills perched on the rocky cape overlooking the bustling capital of Chora. You’ve probably seen these splashed all over postcards and the front cover of Mykonos Greece travel guides, but, trust us, they are even more magical in real life.

Delos

Those hungry for history and culture should set sail for the ancient island of Delos, just a 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos. The birthplace of the sun god Apollo, this isle is considered to be one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in the whole of Greece. What’s more, the on-site museum boasts one of the finest collections of ancient Greek sculpture you’ll find. You could even get a personal Mykonos tourist guide to show you all the best spots on this gorgeous isle.

Where to eat in Mykonos

Bursting with everything from cosy Greek tavernas and casual souvlaki cafes to fine-dining extravaganzas and exquisitely elegant bars, the dining scene in Mykonos is sure to satisfy even the most voracious of appetites.

Noa

If you’re searching for fresh fish, charming sea views and a lively atmosphere, then a trip to Little Venice should be on the cards. Quaint little restaurants, shops, bars and art galleries line the streets of this picturesque part of town, artisanal ware and tempting aromas beckoning you inside as you pass by. One of our favourites in this area is Noa, where you can enjoy a delicious journey through Greek gastronomy, perfectly paired with some of the best views on Mykonos - utter bliss.

m-eating

For those looking to treat their other half (or the whole family) to a much-needed date night, it doesn’t get much more romantic than the enchanting outdoor patio at m-eating. Relax under a ceiling of vines, enjoying the scent of fragrant herbs and fresh flowers floating on the balmy breeze. There’s an extensive menu of traditional Cyclades cuisine for you to delve into (the grilled squid starter is a showstopper) and an equally-as-wonderful local wine menu for you to explore.

Pavilion

Tuck into delectable fresh lobster while overlooking the shimmering Aegean Sea at Pavilion, a fabulous restaurant sitting beside the golden sands of Elia. Its executive chef, Nikos Moroglou, prides himself on presenting authentically Greek flavours, with a big emphasis on locally sourced produce. The wine list itself is enough to make you want to book a table right away; a comprehensive, yet carefully selected array of international vintages and exclusive bottles from smallscale Greek wineries - all picked by the restaurant’s own expert sommelier.

Kensho Ornos

A wonderful choice for evenings out with friends and family, Kensho Ornos blends traditional Cycladian flavours with modern culinary techniques to produce an array of delicious meze-style dishes. From crispy gyozas to buttery shrimp saganaki, each dish is beautifully presented and cooked to utter perfection. The restaurant’s setting is lovely, too - with delightful views across the coast and with ample outdoor seating to make the most of the gorgeous weather while staying in Mykonos.

The onefinestay experience

Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure or pure foodie indulgence, here at onefinestay we know exactly what it takes to make your Mykonos getaway special. With our incredible range of exclusive concierge services, you’ll have a host of sumptuous experiences at your very fingertips. Relax with your very own in-home spa experience, feast in the comfort of your home with your own personal chef or else explore the oceans in style in a gleaming private yacht. What’s more, it can all be booked pre-stay, meaning all you have to do when you get there is relax. Pure bliss.

Tempted by marvellous Mykonos?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR MYKONOS GETAWAY TODAY. WE’LL FIND THE PERFECT VILLA FOR YOU AND CRAFT THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME.