Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? 9 Epic Reasons That Make This Greek Island Great

Mykonos is a sizzling hot small Greek island surrounded by the hypnotizing Aegean Sea. Part of the Cyclades archipelago, this hotspot is the Greek answer to Ibiza’s ferocity and St. Tropez’s glamour. But is Mykonos worth visiting? In short, yes! Why thousands of hedonistic tourists fall in love with this island each year is no secret.

Similar to the likes of Santorini and Crete, Mykonos is a popular island destination for holidaymakers. The Greek Islands are considered excellent romantic getaways for couples, and Mykonos is no exception. This alluring island is also well known in the party scene with its vast selection of beach bars and clubs. But there is more to the place than romance and cocktails.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream vacation to Mykonos and discover why this small Greek island is worth the visit.

Breathtaking Beaches

First, let’s start off with the good stuff. The Greek Islands are known to have incredible coastlines and Mykonos certainly doesn’t disappoint. If you are after the best beaches on the island, stick to the south coast to avoid the winds coming from the north.

Paradise Beach is popular with the younger crowd with wild parties right on the sand.

Paraga Beach is another hot-spot for tourists with some phenomenal beach clubs to enjoy a lazy afternoon at. Both of these beaches have a regular bus service direct from Mykonos Town, making them extremely accessible for the masses.

But if you want something completely off the beaten track, head north to Agios Sostis or Fokos Beach. These secluded beaches are a perfect slice of heaven, with almost a completely private swimming experience. Just remember the afternoon winds can get strong, especially in July and August, and you will need your own wheels to get up here.

Most beaches across Mykonos, and the whole of Greece, have sun loungers and umbrellas available to rent. This is normally an affordable price and helps support the local economy. If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can take your own umbrella and towel to the beach but you may not get the best spot of sand.

Mesmerizing Aegean Sea

We can’t talk about Mykonos without mentioning the mesmerizing Aegean Sea that surrounds it. The simply stunning turquoise blues and crystal clear waters alone make Mykonos worth visiting. Beautiful views stretch across to the horizon in every direction around this island. You will be mesmerized by the crystal waters.

The Aegean is full of life and a fantastic place to explore underwater. The island is blessed with some incredible snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive schools to try out scuba diving so you can get up close and personal with the Aegean marine life.

Rather stay above water? No problem. There are plenty of high-octane water sports activities including windsurfing and jet skiing. Or you can live it up large and hire a yacht or catamaran for the day. There are group tours that sail around the island giving you another beautiful view of Mykonos.

Stunning Landscapes and Photo Opportunities

With a hilly interior and rugged coastline, Mykonos provides some stunning landscapes and excellent photo opportunities to boost your Instagram game. The most iconic and photo-worthy feature of Mykonos island is the windmills. These have been part of the landscape since the 16th century and are a beautiful part of the authentic island.

Little Venice is one of many fishing villages and is another part of Mykonos that everyone should visit. This charming seafront on the east coast is packed with lively tavernas and restaurants serving up seafood as fresh as it comes. This is a great alternative to Santorini, perfect for a romantic sunset dinner.

All around the island are beautiful churches. Just like Santorini and other Greek Islands, Mykonos has religion running deep through the culture. The churches are every travel photographer’s dream with stunning clear skies as a backdrop. Just remember to be respectful if you enter any of the churches — women travelers must cover their shoulders to follow local customs.

Hora — Mykonos Town

The small capital is called Hora but is often referred to as Mykonos Town. Here you will discover all the beauty of the island and soon realize why it is worth visiting. Walk the bougainvillea-lined streets and smell the roses — Mykonos will take your breath away.

Artists from all around the world display their work in the many art galleries in Hora, including The Lapiz, Eliza’s Art Gallery, and Dio Horia. There are an equal amount of museums as well showcasing the rich Greek history and mythology for visitors.

For something a little different, check out the open-air cinemas that are dotted throughout the town. These are perfect to enjoy with friends while sampling a carafe of local wine. Hora also has excellent shopping for jewelry and local crafts in the selection of boutique shops.

Delos — UNESCO Hertitage Site

From Mykonos, you can access Delos —one of the most important mythological, archeological, and historical sites in Greece. It is said to be the birthplace of Greek gods, Apollo and Artemis, and is filled with sacred landmarks to visit. Delos was added to the UNESCO list in 1990 for its rich history and cultural significance.

You can only visit Delos for a day trip making Mykonos the perfect gateway island. Naxos and Paros also have access but are further away. There are boats daily during the summer high season from Choro, Mykonos, and the crossing takes between 20 mins to an hour depending on the weather conditions and type of ferry.

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the House of Dionysus and the temples dominating the landscape. Without a doubt, a day trip to Delos makes Mykonos worth the trip.

Traditional Greek Food

The fresh seafood and authentic Greek food make Mykonos worth visiting. Across the island, you will find local tavernas serving up the delicious catch of the day along with other staple dishes of Greece. Moussaka, kofta, gyros, baklava — you name it, Mykonos has got it, which makes Mykonos worth it in our eyes.

Mykonos offers the same sort of menu that you will find in Santorini, Naxos, and other Greek islands. Expect all the rich flavours and hearty dishes that Greece is known and loved for. And what’s more, you have stunning views across the Aegean ocean to accompany.

It’s worth checking out Kiki’s Taverna at Agios Sostis Beach in the north for some legendary service and equally tasty food. La Luna taverna on Lia Beach is another fantastic spot away from the main tourist areas that serves up a fusion of Greek and Italian dishes.

Accommodation For Backpackers, Island Hoppers, and Luxury Lovers

It’s a common misconception that Mykonos is only for luxurious travelers. You will be pleasantly surprised to find a whole range of hotels and accommodations suitable for any type of holidaymakers. This makes Mykonos worth a trip for pretty much everyone.

Premium hotels and resorts are abundant across Mykonos. These are perfect for honeymooners and couples who want that extra razzle-dazzle to their stay. The Palladium Hotel is one of the most highly rated luxury hotels in Mykonos. You can expect this premium haven to set you back around 500-600 euros per night.

If budget is more your thing, don’t panic. There are plenty of amazing hostels and cheaper hotels in Mykonos. MyCocoon Hostel has customer ratings that are as good as, if not better than most luxurious options. This clean and budget friendly hostel only costs 70-80 euros per night, ideal for backpackers and young groups.

Maybe you are looking for something a little more quirky? Mykonos has got it. Check out the Private Yacht Hostel. This unusual stay costs around 80-100 euros per night and will satisfy swash-buckling island hopper tourists.

Ease and Accessibility

Unlike Santorini, Mykonos has fantastic accessibility for wheelchair users and more elderly tourists. The streets around Mykonos town are less steep than other islands. This is a stand-out feature from the other islands of the Cyclades archipelago and makes Mykonos worth visiting if you are older or struggle with steep, cobbled streets.

Mykonos also has a fantastic public transport system. You can access most of the beaches on the south coast with direct buses or water taxis from Mykonos Town. If you wanted to visit the northern side of the island, you do need your own wheels or a taxi to get around.

There is an international airport on Mykonos, connecting the island to the rest of Europe. However, there is also speedboat access from Athens that can take anything from 2 hours to 5 hours, depending on the company you go with. There is also a regular ferry service between Mykonos and Santorini and other islands, perfect to make your vacation into an island hopping trip.

Exciting Nightlife

And of course, we have to mention it — the nightlife. Mykonos is renowned for its wild nightlife scene that is almost a right of passage for Brits and European young adults and teens. However, it’s not all vodka shots at Paradise Beach bars.

There are plenty of more exclusive beach clubs around the south of Mykonos. And if the quaint authentic taverna is more your touch, then you will be spoilt for choice. That being said, Mykonos is the island of choice for anyone looking for a more sociable experience.

Mykonos Quick Fact Sheet

• High Season: July and August
• Best Season to Escape Crowds: May-June or September-October
• Currency: Euro
• Language: Greek (but you will get by with English, Dutch, Italian, and French in the tourist areas)

Mykonos Beach List

Beach	Location	Key Features
Agios Ioannis	West	Secluded and quiet, narrow beach with two tavernas. Direct buses run to Mykonos Town in high season. Good for sunset viewing.
Ornos	West	Kid-friendly with calm water and beautiful views. Good restaurants and access to Mykonos Town.
Megali Ammos	West	Good sand and swimming but can get windy. A short walk from Chora, however, the road can be busy and has no sidewalk.
Agios Stefanos	North / West	Small beach, good swimming and protected from the wind. A handful of restaurants and beach clubs. Close to the ferry port, New Port/Tourlos.
Old Port	West	Narrow beach with shallow waters and nice sand. Usually has a lifeguard on duty. No facilities at the beach, but there are restaurants nearby.
Agios Sostis	North	The prettiest beach of Mykonos. Long and wide sand with calm waters. No public transport access. Steep roads to navigate so be careful on scooters.
Fokos	North	Extremely quiet and secluded. No tourist facilities but there is a fantastic local taverna next to the beach. No public transport access.
Lia	East	Quiet with fantastic swimming and snorkeling. No public transport access.
Kalafati	East	Long, sandy/pebbly beach that is not too crowded. Water sports central; snorkelling, swimming, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Public buses from Mykonos Town and Ano Mera.
Agia Anna 2	South / East	Uncrowded with excellent sand, good swimming, and views of Naxos Island. Excellent seafood tavernas right on the beach. No public transport access.
Kalo Livadi	South / East	Long and wide beach with sand and pebble mix. Good to avoid summer crowds with small clusters of sunbeds. Seafront restaurants and buses from Mykonos Town via Ano Mera.
Elia	South	The longest beach on Mykonos. Loads of parking with plenty of buses from Mykonos Town in high season and water taxi’s from Onos and Platis Gialos. There is a nudist area at the east end of the beach.
Agrari	South	Quiet and secluded with nice sand and only one restaurant. Bus access from Elia.
Super Paradise	South	Mykonos’ gay-friendly beach. Small but packed with activity. Regular bus and water taxi service.
Paradise	South	Lively and draws a young crowd. Loads of bars and regular bus service.
Paraga	South	Busy but classy with beach clubs. Regular bus service.
Platis Gialos	South	Loads of restaurants and local markets. Good access with buses and boats.
Psarou	South	The most upscale beach on Mykonos with a luxury mall and swanky beach club.

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