Mykonos is a dream destination for holidays in Greece. It’s often called the party capital of the islands, but there’s something here for every kind of traveler – so don’t worry if nightlife isn’t your thing. Mykonos is perfect for a luxury getaway, with countless stunning sights and activities to enjoy during your stay.
Mykonos is one of the Cyclades islands and is fairly small—just 10 km long and 15 km wide. Around 10,000 residents call Mykonos home year-round, but each summer, the island welcomes over a million visitors. Tourism is a cornerstone of this exceptionally beautiful island’s economy. In fact, Mykonos is Greece’s second most popular island destination after Santorini.
The island boasts some of the finest white-sand beaches in the world—including Paradise Beach, Paranga, and Super Paradise. If you prefer sunbathing in a peaceful setting away from the crowds, you’ll find dozens of secluded coves, with over 25 white-sand beaches to choose from. Mykonos is also renowned for its dazzling whitewashed buildings and iconic windmills dotting the landscape.
Music lovers and night owls will be drawn to Mykonos’ vibrant nightlife, a major spot for famous international DJs. The main town is Chora—a lively area packed with stylish bars, narrow alleys, unique shops, and traditional Greek tavernas. Perhaps the best-known area is Little Venice, a picture-perfect harbor that feels straight out of a fairytale. It’s a fabulous place to watch the sunset from one of the many waterfront bars. There’s no doubt Mykonos is a stand-out destination worthy of a spot on your travel list.
Whatever time of day, Mykonos impresses with its breathtaking scenery, but sunset is truly magical. Watching the golden light wash over the island is simply unforgettable. One of the best ways to experience this is from a sunset yacht cruise. Several charter companies offer this, so explore your options and pick what suits you best. Many include extra touches like a complimentary glass of champagne as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
This is an amazing way to end a romantic dinner for two, and unsurprisingly, many cruises depart from Little Venice, where you’ll also find fantastic restaurants serving diverse cuisine. Be sure to book your sunset tour well in advance. Speaking of sunsets, the town of Mykonos is another prime spot—home to the iconic windmills at the waterfront’s edge. As the sun sinks into the sea, the sky shifts from red to blue, creating a breathtaking backdrop that can be savored from any of the waterfront bars.
A helicopter ride offers a unique bird’s eye view of Mykonos and its surroundings. This popular luxury experience can be booked for groups or as a private tour for couples. The beaches look incredible from above—the brilliant white sand meets crystal-clear blue water in a breathtaking contrast.
Soar over the iconic white buildings for which Mykonos is famed, while your professional guide points out different landmarks. Unless your accommodation has a helipad, tours depart from Mykonos Heliport in Tourlos—be sure to arrange and confirm your booking and transport in advance. If you’ve never taken a helicopter ride before, this is sure to be an unforgettable first.
Mykonos may not be as famous as other wine regions, but it does produce some impressive local wines. One top spot is Vioma Organic Farm and Vineyard, offering wine tastings twice daily at 2pm and 4pm.
Here, you’ll learn about traditional production techniques and sample some delicious local products. The vineyard is beautifully located a short distance from Maou, not far from the historic monastery vineyard at Ano Mara. Feeling energetic? You can also join a cycling tour through the vines. Otherwise, simply relax under the shaded tables and enjoy a glass (or two) of excellent wine.
Delos is about 40 minutes by boat from Mykonos, with regular ferry services—but these get very crowded. For a more exclusive experience, charter a private yacht and travel in style. Delos is a small island with huge archaeological importance, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Explore the preserved ruins—including temples, theaters, and ancient homes. Two thousand years ago, over 30,000 Greeks lived here. Today, you can still see remains from the Aegean world and evidence dating from the third millennium BC to early Christian times. According to legend, Apollo, the god of light, and Artemis were born on Delos, making it sacred.
Mykonos Town (Chora) is a haven for high-end boutique shopping. While there are plenty of souvenir shops, luxury boutiques dominate the scene. Expect designer fashion, glimmering Swarovski crystal shoes, and beautiful jewelry—ideal mementos of your time on the island. Art lovers will also want to visit the galleries, where local and international artists are on display.
Many shops stay open until midnight. Don’t want to carry your purchases around? No problem—many stores arrange delivery to your hotel or villa so your finds await your return. In the morning, the old port’s fish market bustles with locals seeking the freshest seafood at bargain prices. The whitewashed cobblestone alleys and iconic blue-domed churches offer an incomparable backdrop—so keep your camera ready.
Want to master Greek cuisine? Book a hands-on cooking workshop in the traditional village of Messaria, hosted at Mykonian Spiti. The experience starts with gathering local ingredients before learning to prepare authentic Greek dishes with a local chef guiding you through each step. Once the meal is ready, enjoy it in style in this charming Mykonos stone house—with a selection of exquisite local wine to complement every bite.
With its beautiful weather, watching an open-air film is a magical way to spend a warm evening in Greece. Cine Manto, located in Mykonos Town, sets the scene under the stars with a rotating roster of blockbuster and occasional classic movies. Guests can enjoy the film with soft drinks and popcorn. It’s an intimate, romantic option and sure to become a highlight of your luxury Mykonos holiday.
Many of Mykonos’ larger beaches are lively and lined with bars and restaurants. If you’re after something quieter and want to escape the crowds for a more natural beach experience, head for Agios Sostis Bay, Fokos Bay, or Agrari. Agios Sostis is a true hidden gem, as there’s no public transport to the area—you’ll need a rental vehicle, which many tourists skip. Here, a beautiful 250-metre stretch of golden sand meets crystal-clear waters.
It’s ideal for a peaceful swim without distractions. Fokos Bay, on the island’s northern side, is secluded, with virtually no facilities—except a traditional taverna nearby. Access is only via private vehicle, so it stays quiet all year round. Agrari is another tranquil spot with powdery white sand and hypnotically clear indigo waters—plus a small café offering a few loungers. There is a walk down to the beach, and note that it’s quite steep and narrow in places, so take care.
Head to Platis Gialos or Kalafatis for thrilling water sports with professional instructors. Several activity centers offer scuba diving, jet skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, and kitesurfing. The Mykonos Diving Center, open since 1978, is staffed by experienced local guides, ready to teach you the ABCs of underwater exploration. They have an excellent safety record and provide all necessary gear. Exploring the depths of the Aegean really is something special.
For kitesurfing, head to Koreas Bay and the Mykonos Kitesurfing Central—just 2.5 km from Chora. The Kitesurfing Center offers lessons so you can spend a day learning the ropes behind this increasingly popular sport. Jet ski rentals are a great way to discover hidden coves and local bays, but if you’re new to it, it’s worth taking a brief intro lesson for safety. Jet ski hire is available only to ages 15 and over. And if water sports aren’t for you, why not rent a quad and venture around the island? Off-road quad rentals are popular, letting you explore remote spots and are often cheaper than car rental.
This luxury beach club, bar, and restaurant is the perfect place to indulge. Located on Paranga Bay, SantAnna combines elegance and relaxation with Europe’s largest seawater pool. Pamper yourself with beauty treatments, unwind by the pool with a drink, or enjoy the privacy of a cabana. Several beauty salons offer a wide range of wellness services, and the cuisine in the high-end fusion restaurant is outstanding—expect signature dishes, fresh seafood, and sushi. Open since 2017, SantAnna regularly hosts events, concerts, and private parties in the summer.
Source: aluxurytravelblog
