the island of the Gods
Mykonos
Mykonos has been known as the island of the Gods and it’s located in the heart of the Cyclades group. Its fame has spread across the world, as a cosmopolitan and luxurious holiday destination. Bathed in the bright sunlight of the Aegean by day, she dresses in charm and mystery by night, beckoning its visitors to dance and have fun in the beach bars, luxury restaurants (Michelin awarded) and clubs, go for a shopping spree in luxury stores, visit its art venues, and -in short- have a truly memorable stay!
It’s the ideal place to stay up all night, to party all day at the numerous beach-bars, or to just party for several days in a row. Clubbing is possible 24/7
MYKONOS NEVER SLEEPS
Why visit Mykonos Island, Greece?
When it comes to Greek islands, there’s some stiff competition as to which is the most beautiful. There’s Santorini, Naxos and Syros just to name a few. When it comes to the most glamorous though, there is no competition at all. It’s Mykonos! This tiny island in the Cyclades of Greece has attracted jet-setters and party seekers for decades. Mykonos island is world-famous for its party scene, visited by A-List celebrities, and has incredible beaches. Some places are so famous, that we all wonder what they are like in reality. Mykonos island is one of these places. It has a reputation of a party island where anything goes, which locals and people who know it well can confirm. What’s less well known though, is that you can also have quiet, relaxed holidays on a beautiful beach if you choose the best time to visit Mykonos in shoulder season. It’s also an open-minded island, and has been since the 60s. Naturists and gay couples have been welcome here for decades, much like hippies, budget travellers and celebrities. Nowadays, we might more associate it with the jetset, money, and glamour, but this beautiful island in the Aegean of Greece has devoted fans, who return again and again.
Here are some reasons to visit Mykonos island:
Like most of the main towns in the Cyclades islands, the port town in Mykonos Greece is called Chora, which literally means “country”. It’s an extended tangle of maze-like of white-washed streets and traditional houses, and it really needs to be seen to be believed. One of the central streets in Mykonos Town is Matogianni street. Check it out, and then wander around the back alleys. Getting lost in the side streets is part of the charm of this attractive Cycladic island, and it happens to everyone. In Chora you will find several shops where you can buy Greek souvenirs or designer’s clothes and jewellery. There are also plenty of restaurants, tavernas, hotels, bars and clubs.
If you are on a cruise and only stopping in Mykonos for a few hours, strolling around Mykonos Town is the best thing to do. You can even take a walking tour if you don’t feel like exploring on your own.
Make sure you walk around to the famous Paraportiani church, another iconic symbol of the island. It is actually a combination of five different churches.
One of the most instantly recognizable parts of Mykonos Town is the picturesque Little Venice. This is a small area where you can sit for a coffee or drink with a beautiful sunset view. Some of the houses here are over 100 years old.
Mykonos never sleeps. It’s the ideal place to stay up all night, to party all day at the numerous beach-bars, or to just party for several days in a row. Clubbing is possible 24/7, and it’s one of the main reasons to visit Mykonos. Many of the nightclubs are located in Mykonos Town. The narrow alleyways and Little Venice start buzzing with people in the evening hours, and then the bustling nightlife begins. Apart from Chora, you will find several beach bars around the island. They suit all tastes, from relaxed all-day café-bars, to bars with loud music and lots of dancing until the early morning hours. Famous DJs fly from all over the planet to play music here. Don’t forget that Mykonos was the first island in Greece with a thriving gay-friendly scene, as well as tolerance towards naturism. Don’t expect partying in Mykonos to be tame!
Mykonos has been popular with the rich and famous since the 1960s. It’s the first of the Greek islands that became famous around the world. Hundreds of flights land in the international Mykonos airport. These days, people go there to see and be seen. If you visit during the tourist season, you are likely to spot several jetsetters from all around the world. Some of them may be spending much of their time in their private villas on yachts. Others can be seen on Super Paradise beach, Ornos, Psarou or Elia beach. Still, don’t be surprised if you see jet-setters walking around the streets in Chora. Thousands of the rich and famous have visited the island in the past decades. Mykonos attracts the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Mick Jagger, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariah Carey, and Lebron James, to name a few. Many politicians and members of royal families also enjoy a few summer days on the island.
Mykonos has about 30 sandy beaches with incredibly crystal clear waters. Which ones to head for depends on what you are after on your Mykonos Holidays!
Some of the most famous Mykonos beaches where you can party all day and night are Ornos beach, Paradise Beach, Super Paradise and Paraga. Other popular beaches, like Elia, are where the VIPs and jet-setters go to see and be seen. Ornos beach, Platis Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Kalo Livadi and Agios Stefanos can also get fairly busy. You will find beach activities and water sports such as jet-skiing on most of the beaches in Mykonos. Kalafatis and Ftelia are popular with windsurfers. Despite its high season wild party reputation, the island also has some quiet, pristine beaches where you can relax and take it easy. Make your way to Loulos, Fragias, Agrari or Agios Sostis, and you will forget everything about beach parties.
Mykonos has a long and rich history, and it has been continuously inhabited since the ancient times. Apart from its nightlife and beaches, there is plenty for visitors to see. To begin with, there are hundreds of churches, which may seem a bit strange for an island with this reputation. Apart from the iconic Panagia Paraportiani in Chora, you will discover many more. Some churches worth visiting are Agia Kyriaki, Agios Nikolaos tou Gialou and Agia Eleni. Apart from churches, Mykonos also has a few monasteries. The most impressive one is the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera. Apart from the beautiful woodwork inside the temple, you can see several religious objects and icons. The Monastery of Paleokastro, which is full of Byzantine icons, is also worth a visit.
Delos is a small, uninhabited island close to Mykonos. It might come as a surprise to some people, but it was the most important island in the Cyclades in Ancient Greece. According to Greek mythology, Delos island is where Apollo and Artemis were born. It is estimated that, around 90BC, almost 30,000 people lived on this tiny island. They came from different places and had different religious backgrounds.
Alternatively, you can go on a trip that combines a guided tour of Delos with a few hours on Rineia.
Armenistis Lighthouse can be found towards the north-west of the island of Mykonos. It is a popular viewing spot for sunsets, and in the summer months can be crowded. When we visited we were fortunate as there were only a handful of other people there.
Any list of the top things to do in Mykonos would be incomplete without a short mention! You will find all sort of expensive stores in the Old Town, and many well-known brands are represented. Not many of the shops will be open outside the high season, but all the shops will be waiting for you in the summer! You’ll find several well-known logos, brands, and upmarket products here.
Greek food doesn’t really need an introduction. While budget eating in Mykonos isn’t exactly easy, it is possible to find local tavernas, cafe-restaurants and souvlaki places that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Self-catering will definitely save you a few dozens of euros. At the same time, if you are willing to splurge, the island has several top-rated restaurants. If you’re a foody with a full wallet, the sky is the limit!
Bathed in the bright sunlight of the Aegean by day, she dresses in charm and mystery by night, beckoning its visitors to dance and have fun in the beach bars, luxury restaurants (Michelin awarded) and clubs, go for a shopping spree in luxury stores, visit its art venues, and -in short- have a truly memorable stay!
There are, however, two faces to this island that not many people know of. The first one is the obviously intense, shiny and cosmopolitan aspect of it, and the other one is particularly picturesque, with stone-paved alleys, whitewashed houses, country chapels and windmills, that ooze calm and peace. What makes this island special is that it can cover a variety of demands: you can visit it for its archaeological sites; get to know the local traditions in its picture-perfect villages; and you can explore its amazing beaches, considered by many as the top ones in the Aegean Sea. Chora is quite an impressive and picturesque Cycladic town. You will find top hotels and resorts, designer clothes and goldsmiths boutiques, art galleries, and some of the most famous restaurants and bars in Greece. For a taste of culture and history, take a boat trip to nearby Delos Island; it’s a big and impressive archaeological site.
Photos of Mykonos:
Ornos – The best place to stay!
Ornos comprises one of the most lively areas of Mykonos and is a top seaside destination. A plethora of accommodation options is available, ranging from luxurious hotels and opulent suites to family-owned rooms and more simple apartments. Many of the seafront restaurants serve some of the best dishes in Mykonos, while you can also find excellent establishments for coffee and cocktails. Ornos in Mykonos is situated in front of a small fishing village, 3.5 km south of the Main Town (Chora). It boasts fine sand, azure waters, and sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
Ornos is one of Mykonos’ trendiest, most popular and crowded places to stay. The beach is one of the most beautiful someone can visit in the Greek Islands. It offers lots of restaurants and places to stay, and is a frequent stop of many boats and yachts.
A diving school, as well as schools for sea skiing, are available on the beach behind the main one. Small vessels such as boats and yachts also make a stop at the area. The view from the beach is lovely, facing houses perched precariously on the cliff.
Our most recommended things to do in Ornos, Mykonos:
You will be picked up by complimentary shuttle transportation to reach the embarkation point. One of the cruise representatives will greet you and give you an overview of the cruise itinerary and important safety information. Then, set sail towards the southern coastline to see the stunning beaches protected from the strong winds known as meltemi. Cruise past the golden sands of Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga and Paradise Beach. Drop anchor for an hour to swim off a selected beach. Continue to the uninhabited islet of Rhenia, only accessible by yacht. Dive into the turquoise waters for a relaxing swim. Make use of the provided snorkeling gear to explore the underwater world, or relax on the boat and top up your tan on the comfortable deck cushions. On board lunch will be ready with a variety of traditional Greek flavors served with a Mediterranean-style buffet, and a selection of complimentary wine, beers, and soft drinks. After approximately 2 hours spent in the untouched islet of Rhenia, at 3:00 PM you sail back to Mykonos. On the way you will cross Delos island and admire from the water the famous archaeological site. You arrive back at approximately 4:00 PM where complimentary shuttle transportation will be waiting for you. Your guides will say goodbye in the Greek way with a farewell drink toast.
Start your journey at 10:00 from Ornos Beach in the small fishing village of Ornos, and head out into the open water. Cruise all along the south coast of the island to discover where the best beaches are located from the sea. Cross over to beautiful, uninhabited Dragonissi Island (if possible) in the Aegean Sea and discover its caves and beautiful colors. Stop to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the protected bay of Frangias, where you will also get the chance to sip some authentic ouzo, Greek wine or water. Next, go to Kalafatis Beach to enjoy lunch at a seaside taverna. Sail on to lively Super Paradise Beach towards the end of a fun day at sea. Return to Ornos Beach at 18:00, and get dropped off at your hotel to conclude your tour.
After being collected from your accommodation, you will depart on your adventure around the island. Your experience will be hosted on a modern fleet, by trained professionals who will cover all your needs and desires throughout your experience. Whether you are in search of private tours across the island or you wish to hop on and off the most popular beaches of Mykonos, your guides will provide fully-personalized services which match your criteria. Safety and punctuality, comfort and style, and luxury and convenience are the cornerstones of your guide’s transfer services in Mykonos. They will be with you 24/7, eager to offer high-quality standards and can even suggest experiences that will make your stay in Mykonos even more pleasurable. Throughout your experience you will explore some of the most famous beaches of Mykonos, such as Super Paradise & Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach, Ornos Beach, Agios Ioannis, and Livadi Beach. At the conclusion of your experience, you will be returned back to your point of origin.
Departing from Ornos in Mykonos and within a short and enjoyable boat trip, we reach the small port of Delos island, from which you can see the ancient monuments of the island. The holy island for Ancient Greeks, according to the mythology, was revealed through the waves of the Aegean Sea by Poseidon, when Leto – persecuted by Hera – arrived there to give birth to Apollo and Artemis. We then leave Delos and head for the nearby Rhenia island, Rhenia was transformed into a vast necropolis when the Athenians imposed clearance on the island of Delos, ordering not to give birth or die on the holy island. But it is all in the past and today Rhenia is a true heaven on earth. This magnificent island possesses virgin beaches with crystal blue turquoise waters that magnetize anyone fortunate to see them. The most famous one that we will be heading to after Delos island is Skinos, known as “Blue Laguna”. Here you will have the time to swim in the crystal clear waters, sunbathe on the beautiful golden sandy beach, stroll around the coast and enjoy your stay on the boat with the drink and snack that we will serve you. On your return to Mykonos, you will be fortunate to enjoy one of the most amazing moments in your vacation!
Set sail for the secluded southern beaches of Mykonos. Drop anchor at some of its most famous spots including Ornos, Platys Gialos, Super Paradise, Elia, Kalo Livadi, and Kalafati. Let your skipper know which beach is beckoning and dive right into the crystal waters for a refreshing swim. Choose whether you want to swim privately around the yacht or head over to the shore to mingle with the crowds on the beach. Relax and explore the turquoise waters of Mykonos, and then savor a lunch onboard that will nourish you during all that beach hopping. Enjoy this unique opportunity to visit the southern part of Mykonos, avoiding crowds while having the freedom to visit world-class beaches on a private sailing yacht. Route: . Tourlos . Ornos . Platys Gialos . Paradise . Super Paradise . Elia
Paros and Antiparos islands perfectly combine the simple natural beauty of the Cycladic colours and the magnificent blue-green waters on the golden beaches, composing different elements that justify their reputation as the “hidden paradises” for your holidays in the Aegean. A cluster of islands and rocky islets known to the wider public as Panteronisia. For those who are aware of it, it is the “Caribbean” of the Aegean, like the crystal, emerald waters attract everyone who visits this area by boat. The spot is enchanting for swimming and relaxation. The uninhabited rocky islet of Despotiko is lunar, rocky, with virgin small and large beaches. This place will offer you hours of absolute serenity. The vast depth of water in many places gives the deep blue colour that enchants. It is an ideal place to enjoy your swim and the warm sun on the boat with a drink accompanied by a snack that we will offer you onboard. It is probably the most popular daily excursion for many visitors from Mykonos!
Photos of Ornos:
