If you are looking for your party people, you’ll find them Mykonos, Greece. A part of the Cyclades group of islands, this particular island is unlike any of the others you’ll see in Greece. It is known all over the world for its enormous dance clubs, its big party vibes, and its celebrations that last through the night and into the next day. You can even party on the beach, accompanied by music pumped out by nearby bars at all hours (or, well, many hours).
If that sounds like the summer destination for you, let’s take a closer look at Mykonos so you can get your party on.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Mykonos, Greece?
For those who love a good time, the best time to visit Mykonos is during the summer months, when every day is literally a party. For those who prefer a bit more calm (or at least smaller crowds), September and October are best because in these months, the water is still warm enough to swim in, but everything in the area becomes a lot less expensive and packed.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Mykonos, Greece
Party
There are loads of places to party in Mykonos, and you will often find them very crowded (it’s highly recommended to book a table in advance if you plan to get a drink at a bar in the island’s famous Little Venice, for instance, so you’ll have a spot to sit). Some of the best places to enjoy the exciting nightlife are Mykonos’ capital city of Chora, where parties go on until dawn, and Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach which, as their names imply, are like heaven for those looking for a good time thanks to music queued up by world-renowned DJs.
Learn the Myths
Okay, we’ve talked a lot about partying, but Mykonos wouldn’t be a Greek island if it didn’t also have a deep, rich history closely tied to myths and legends. In fact, those myths say that this island was built from the now-petrified remains of the giants that Hercules killed. Even the name of the island is rooted in myth: Mykonos was the grandson of the Greek god Apollo.
Sample the Aegean Cuisine
Aegean cuisine is slightly different from the Mediterranean fare you may be used to seeing in the Greek Isles. On Mykonos, you can get a taste of its famous kopanistÃ, a pepper-seasoned soft cheese that can be used as a topping on various appetizers such as “round rusk,” hard biscuits sometimes topped with grated tomatoes. You can also taste-test some loúzes, pork filet seasoned with various local spices, and sausages seasoned with locally grown oregano and pepper.
Some of the Best Attractions in Mykonos, Greece
Windmills of Chora
Visible from every part of the village of Mykonos, these windmills are the signature sight of this island and one of the top sights in Greece. The enormous structures were built by the Venetians in the 16th century, but islanders continued to perfect them up until the more recent 20th century. Their original purpose was to mill wheat, but now they stand as a tall, majestic reminder of the past. For the history buffs out there, you can learn more about that past by visiting a museum located inside one of these giants.
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani
One of the most-photographed churches in the world, the The Church of Panagia Paraportiani was built to honor the Virgin Mary and is actually made up of five smaller churches. These churches were all built either next to or on top of one another, making for a unique architecture whose construction spanned from the 14th century to the early 1900s. At the center is Agios Efstathios, with Agios Sozon, Agios Anargyros, and Agia Anastasia circled around it. At the top of this cluster sits the church of the Virgin Mary, whose dome-like roof you may recognize from famous photos of Greece.
Psarou Beach
For those looking for a luxurious island escape, Psarou Beach is a fantastic place to spend your vacation. Located around four kilometers away from the Town of Mykonos, it is known for its resorts, restaurants, and luxury beachfront bars — but wait, there’s more! The beach itself is incredible too, with calm waters of a sparkling turquoise hue and lovely soft sand to lie out on and relax to your heart’s content.
Other Sights Worth a Visit in Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos’ mainland is amazing enough, but if you want to get an even richer experience, you can take a boat to nearby Delos, an uninhabited island with multiple archeological hotspots and ties to the ancient world. Legend has it that this is also the birthplace of the twin Greek gods Apollo and Artemis.
If you are longing for a good time, Mykonos should definitely make it onto your summer holiday itinerary. But even if the nightlife isn’t for you, Mykonos is still full of ancient history and natural beauty to explore.
