Mykonos is often associated with whitewashed houses, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan charm—but it also has deep roots in Greek mythology and history. According to legend, the island was named after Mykono, a descendant of Apollo, and it is said that Hercules defeated the Giants here, their petrified bodies forming the rocks that dot the island. Today, Mykonos balances myth and modernity, inviting travelers to explore both its cultural legacy and its stylish present.
- History
- The Famous Windmills and Waterfront
- Beaches: From Party to Serenity
- The Villages and Island Life
- Hidden Gems: Chapels, Trails, and Local Secrets
- Food and Dining Highlights
- Where to Stay: Luxury and Boutique Escapes
- Luxury Shopping: Fashion by the Aegean
- Art, Culture, and Nearby Delos
- Nightlife: Where Mykonos Shines Brightest
- Final Thoughts
History
Mykonos may be known today as a glamorous jet-set playground, but its history reaches deep into antiquity. According to myth, it was named after a descendant of Apollo and was the site where Hercules fought the Giants. The island later fell under Roman and then Byzantine rule, serving as a trading post in the Aegean. During the Middle Ages, Venetians controlled Mykonos, fortifying it against pirate attacks. By the 20th century, it was a quiet fishing island until artists and travelers “discovered” it in the 1950s. Mykonos quickly became a magnet for celebrities and free-spirited travelers, evolving into the cosmopolitan destination it is today, while still retaining its Cycladic charm.
The Famous Windmills and Waterfront
One of the most iconic sights of Mykonos is the line of windmills overlooking the sea, especially those in Kato Mili. Dating back to the 16th century, these windmills once milled grain for the islanders and sailors. A short walk away is Little Venice, where colorful Venetian-style houses perch right above the water. Watching the sunset from a café here, with waves crashing at your feet, is one of the island’s most enchanting experiences.
Beaches: From Party to Serenity
Mykonos is world-renowned for its beaches, each offering a different vibe. Whether you are in search of barefoot luxury, vibrant nightlife, or quiet seclusion, Mykonos’ beaches promise a slice of Aegean paradise for every mood.
- Paradise and Super Paradise Beach: The epicenters of Mykonos’ famed party scene, where beach clubs pulse with music from day to night.
- Psarou Beach: A luxury hotspot with yachts bobbing in the bay and upscale restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine.
- Agios Sostis and Fokos: Secluded gems with unspoiled beauty, ideal for travelers seeking peace away from the crowds.
- Kapari Beach: A small, tucked-away beach near Agios Ioannis, known for its tranquility and spectacular sunset views.
- Mersini Beach: A remote, unorganized stretch of sand on the island’s northeast coast—perfect for those who want to escape the tourist trail entirely.
Renting a scooter or car is highly recommended, as it allows you to explore the island’s diverse beaches and landscapes at your own pace.
The Villages and Island Life
Beyond the bustle of Mykonos Town (Chora), the island has quiet villages that reveal its authentic character. Ano Mera, nestled inland, is the most traditional village, centered around the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Here, you’ll find family-run tavernas serving local dishes such as louza (cured pork) and kopanisti (spicy cheese spread). Strolling through its quiet streets offers a refreshing contrast to the glitz of Chora.
Hidden Gems: Chapels, Trails, and Local Secrets
Mykonos isn’t just about glamour—there are countless little discoveries for those who wander.
- Agios Sostis Chapel: A tiny whitewashed chapel overlooking the beach, often missed by tourists but a serene spot for reflection.
- The Lighthouse of Armenistis: Standing proudly on the island’s northwest tip, this 19th-century lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Aegean and is a favorite for sunset photographers.
- Local Artisan Shops: In back alleys of Chora, you’ll find hidden boutiques selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, and woven textiles, crafted by local artists far from the luxury labels.
- Countryside Walks: Inland trails wind past old farmhouses, pigeon towers, and tiny chapels, showing a side of Mykonos untouched by mass tourism.
Food and Dining Highlights
Mykonos’ food scene reflects both its Cycladic roots and its cosmopolitan flair.
- M-eating: A modern restaurant blending creative presentation with local ingredients.
- Kiki’s Tavern: A legendary, rustic spot by Agios Sostis Beach, famous for its grilled meats and lack of electricity—expect to wait, but the experience is worth it.
- Niko’s Taverna: A classic in Mykonos Town, serving traditional Greek dishes in a lively, authentic setting.
Pair your meals with a local wine or ouzo, and finish with amygdalota, almond cookies that are a beloved island specialty.
Fine Dining Highlights
- Interni Restaurant
- Set in a chic open-air garden in Mykonos Town.
- Mediterranean-fusion menu and sophisticated cocktails, popular with both jet-setters and design lovers.
- Nobu Matsuhisa Mykonos (at Belvedere Hotel)
- World-famous Nobu experience with a Cycladic twist.
- Signature dishes like Black Cod miso and yellowtail sashimi meet a sleek, poolside setting overlooking Chora.
- Bill & Coo Gastronomy Project
- Inside the luxury Bill & Coo Suites.
- Creative Greek fine dining with tasting menus inspired by local ingredients. A Michelin-influenced experience with spectacular sunset views.
- Krama (at Semeli Hotel)
- A refined restaurant where traditional Greek flavors are elevated with modern techniques.
- Known for wine pairings and elegant plating.
- Koursaros
- Upscale seafood restaurant in Chora, with an atmospheric courtyard and modern design.
- Specializes in fresh lobster, oysters, and raw bar selections.
- Nammos Restaurant (Psarou Beach)
- Not just a beach club—its restaurant is a luxury dining destination.
- Menu blends Mediterranean flavors with Asian influences, perfect for lunch that flows into sunset champagne.
- Remezzo
- A legendary name on the island, dating back to the 1960s.
- Reinvented as a glamorous fine-dining spot serving Mediterranean cuisine, with a terrace offering gorgeous sea views.
Where to Stay: Luxury and Boutique Escapes
Mykonos offers accommodations that match its dual character—both glamorous and intimate.
- Cavo Tagoo: One of the island’s most luxurious hotels, famous for its infinity pool overlooking the Aegean and chic cave-style suites.
- Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge: A stylish boutique stay known for its exceptional service, sunset views, and award-winning gastronomy.
- Katikies Mykonos: Perched above Agios Ioannis beach, this resort blends Cycladic architecture with modern elegance, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds.
- Mykonos Theoxenia: A retro-chic boutique hotel set near the windmills, combining 1960s glamour with modern comforts.
For those seeking a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, family-run guesthouses in Ano Mera or around the inland countryside provide warm hospitality and an authentic touch of island life.
Luxury Shopping: Fashion by the Aegean
Mykonos Town is a shopping paradise, offering everything from high-end international brands to unique local finds.
- Matogianni Street: The beating heart of luxury shopping, lined with designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci, alongside stylish Greek fashion houses.
- Jewelers and Galleries: Local ateliers showcase fine gold jewelry inspired by Cycladic motifs, as well as contemporary art pieces.
- Concept Stores: Chic spaces blending fashion, art, and design, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind pieces to take home.
Shopping in Mykonos isn’t just about the purchase—it’s about the experience of wandering the narrow alleys, where each boutique feels like a curated gallery.
Nammos Village: Outdoor Luxury Shopping Mall in the South
An open-air, luxury shopping village located at Psarou Beach, just south of Mykonos Town.
- Prestigious boutiques: Gucci, Valentino, Dior, Louis Vuitton, etc.
- Also houses jewelry stores and high-end accessories.
- Beautiful, well-designed open-air architecture, landscaping, art installations, blending fashion & lifestyle with beach culture.
- Offers additional amenities: valet parking, golf cart transport within the village, and proximity to the beach (so you can incorporate shopping + relaxation + fine dining).
Art, Culture, and Nearby Delos
For culture seekers, Mykonos offers small but fascinating museums such as the Aegean Maritime Museum and the Folklore Museum, which showcase the island’s seafaring heritage and daily life of past centuries. Just a short boat ride away lies Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. Once a thriving religious and commercial hub, it is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Walking through its ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and ancient temples, is like stepping into a sacred chapter of Greek history.
Nightlife: Where Mykonos Shines Brightest
Mykonos is legendary for its nightlife, and the options go far beyond crowded bars. The island is home to a glamorous mix of beach clubs, lounges, and world-class venues:
- Scorpios: Part sanctuary, part party, this bohemian beach club blends music, art, and sunset rituals, offering a one-of-a-kind Mykonian experience.
- Nammos: Located on Psarou Beach, Nammos combines fine dining, luxury shopping, and a vibrant beach party scene where celebrities often gather.
- Paloma: A stylish lounge in Mykonos Town, perfect for cocktails and late-night mingling in a more intimate setting.
- Jackie O’ Mykonos: A multi-venue nightlife institution. Whether you’re at the Town Bar under the church of Paraportiani for sunset cocktails, dance nights, or at the Beach Club & Restaurant at Super Paradise for all-day vibes, Jackie O’ blends performance, style, and inclusivity with flair.
- Cavo Paradiso: The island’s iconic open-air nightclub, perched dramatically on a cliff above the sea, where international DJs keep crowds dancing until sunrise.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a spiritual sunset gathering, a chic champagne lounge, or an all-night dance party, Mykonos delivers nightlife that is as diverse as it is unforgettable.
