My Honest Review

Areas of Mykonos What to do in Mykonos Mykonos Nightlife Getting around Mykonos My Honest Review

Now before I give you my honest review of my number one bucketlist destination – I’m going to give you all the other information first, and leave my opinions for the end.

I always think it’s important to know a little about the history of where I’m travelling to better understand and appreciate the area.

A little about Mykonos

Mykonos belongs to the famous Cycladic group of islands located in the Aegean Sea. The name Cyclades is derived from the Greek word ‘kyklos’ meaning ‘circle’ – and these islands form a circle around the sacred island of Delos.

In ancient times Delos was considered a sacred island and the birthplace of the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis. The island was a major religious, cultural, and commercial centre and home to numerous temples, sanctuaries, and monuments. Because of its historical significance, Delos is now an uninhabited and protected UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its importance in archaeological history.

The other well-known Cycladic islands consist of Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Tinos, Serifos, Sifnos, Kea and Antiparos.

Mykonos is one of the smaller of these islands, and has a land area of approximately 86 square kilometres, compared to the largest Naxos, which is approximately 429 square kilometres.

A Brief History of Mykonos

During the 6th century BCE, Mykonos was colonised by the Ionians and became an important trading and maritime centre, trading with other Greek city-states and the neighbouring civilisations of Egypt and Phoenicia.

In the 2nd century BCE, Mykonos came under Roman rule along with the rest of Greece. The island flourished during this period as a trading hub and experienced economic prosperity.

However, like the rest of Greece, Mykonos fell under Byzantine rule in the 4th century CE, and then many years later, in 1537, the Ottoman Empire would take control of Mykonos and the other Cycladic islands. During this entire period, the island was subjected to frequent pirate attacks, and its population declined, along with its economy.

It was only in 1830 that Mykonos joined the rest of Greece in the independence from the Ottoman Empire, and became part of the modern Greek state. However, Mykonos was still experiencing economic hardship and this led to many of its residents migrating to other countries.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that the island began to attract artists and intellectuals, and the tourism industry of Mykonos was born.

Today, Mykonos is a sought after destination that attracts visitors from all over the globe, famous for its wild nightlife, beautiful beaches, and traditional architecture.

Traditional Architecture:

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Mykonos is the famous picturesque whitewashed houses with colourful doors.

These white cubic shaped houses with flat roofs are a characteristic of the Cycladic architectural style, and can be found on all the Cyclades islands, including Mykonos. The brightly painted doors add a lively and cheerful character to the buildings, and it is believed that the tradition of painting the doors and window frames in vibrant colours originated as a way to help fishermen and sailors locate their homes when returning from home from sea.

These colourful doors have become an iconic symbol of Mykonos, and they contribute to the island’s unique and picturesque aesthetic. The contrast between the white walls and the colourful doors creates a visually striking and instantly recognisable image that has come to represent the charm and allure of Mykonos.

Areas of Mykonos

Mykonos Town (Chora): the island’s main town and the hub of all activity. Those famous pictures of the Mykonos streets – the long narrow streets of white houses, colourful doors, stone pavement, dotted with vibrant bougainvilleas – this is where you’ll find it.

These streets in the main town are labyrinthine streets, and you can spend hours getting lost in this incredible maze of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants (literally and figuratively – you might need to map yourself out of it when you’re ready to leave). Be sure to find Matoyianni Street – which is the most famous of them all.

Mykonos Town is also home to iconic landmarks such as the windmills just on the hill out of the maze of streets, and the picturesque neighbourhood of Little Venice, which boasts stunning views of the waterfront. Sit at one of the many waterfront bars and enjoy the stunning sunset views with a cocktail to start the night.

In the evening, Mykonos Town also becomes one of the many locations for Mykonos’ famous vibrant nightlife.

Old Port: The Old Port is located in Mykonos Town and if you are catching a ferry into or out of Mykonos, this is where you will need to be as it is the main point for ferries and cruise ships. It’s also a bustling area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it offers a stunning setting with fishing boats and luxury yachts dotting the harbour.

The popular beaches of Mykonos:

Ornos: Located a short distance south of Mykonos Town is Ornos – a popular beach resort village lined with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachfront tavernas along the stretch of sandy beach. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere compared to the lively party scene of Mykonos Town and the other beaches – this is the beach for you.

Platis Gialos: Just further along from Ornos, we find Platis Gialos, a beach that is a favourite amongst tourists because it is more sheltered than the other bays on the island and therefore the least breezy. And on a windy island like Mykonos, this is extremely important to note so you have a place in mind to go.

Psarou: Moving along the southern coast of Mykonos we find another well known beach area – Psarou. This spot is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, however, unlike relaxed Ornos, this area is known for its beachside luxury and boasts upscale beach clubs that attract a chic and trendy crowd.

Paranga Beach: Continuing with the theme of vibey beaches along the coastline, Paranga Beach lies between Psarou and Paradise Beach, and is home to some of the best beach clubs Mykonos has to offer.

Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach: Moving further along the coast away from Mykonos Town (but only a 20 minute drive) you’ll find these two neighbouring beaches, which are renowned for their party scenes. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are famous for their beach clubs, DJ sets, lively atmosphere, and all-day all-night parties.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

We booked Mykonos about 3 weeks before arriving so it was extremely last minute and by that time all the affordable spots in and around the main town were taken, so we had to stay on the opposite side of the island and rent an ATV to get into town each day. While we did find a great beach club the first night on the other side of the island, I would recommend trying to stay closer to Mykonos Town or the beaches mentioned above, because that’s where most of the attractions are.

On our second night we walked the streets of Mykonos Town in the evening before heading to Paradise Beach, and I really felt the FOMO (fear of missing out) as the town was just as energetic as it was during the day, and was spectacular lit up at night. So I’d stay in the Main Town or near it.

You can find so many options on airbnb, booking.com or hostelworld.co.

What to do in Mykonos

By Day

Walk the streets of Mykonos Town: As you walk the streets of Mykonos Town (Chora), you’ll be enchanted by the island’s unique charm and traditional Cycladic architecture. Don’t hesitate to wander through the labyrinthine streets. The maze-like layout of the town adds to its enchanting character, and you’ll discover hidden corners, flower-filled courtyards, and charming cafes.
Here’s a few spots to look out for when getting lost in the town of Mykonos:

Manto Square, a lively square which was named after a heroine of the Greek War of Independence – Manto Mavrogenous. This square is full of cafes and restaurants, so it’s a great place to sit, have a sweet treat and watch everything that’s happening around you.

If you’re looking for a quieter and calmer area amongst the lively bustle of people, head to Agia Kyriaki Square which has a charming church and peaceful atmosphere.

Matogianni Street is the main shopping and dining avenue in Mykonos Town, and is buzzing day and night. On this street you’ll find fashionable boutiques and art galleries for souvenirs and retail therapy.

Stepping just outside the town on the waterfront, you’ll find:

Paraportiani Church: There are 365 churches that stand on Mykonos island alone – one for every day of the year, and Paraportiani in Mykonos Town is the most famous of them all. Made up of four combined chapels – each built at different times in Mykonos’ history – it’s an architectural delight and one of the most photographed churches in the world!

Mykonos Windmills: On the hill bordering the Main Town stands the Mykonos Windmills, known as the Kato Mili Windmills – one of the most iconic sights on the island. These windmills date back to the 16th century when wind power was used to grind grain that fed the people of Mykonos. Here you will find a beautiful panoramic view of Mykonos Town and the waterfront.

Little Venice: Where Mykonos Town and sea meet. Another famous sight of Mykonos – where the whitewashed buildings dangle over the edge of the island. This is the number 1 spot to watch the sunset in Mykonos, and it will take your breath away. Sit at one of the tables on the walkway with a cocktail, or stand and admire the view from the pebble beach, but either way, put a sunset here on your itinerary.

This magnificent feature where balconies meet the waters edge was actually built for safety by the residents of Mykonos back in the 16th century as a convenient way to load their goods on and off ships without them getting stolen by the pirates that lurked the shores nearby.

Fancy a little history?

Archeological Museum of Mykonos: This museum in the main town is dedicated to preserving the archaeological finds from the island of Mykonos and the nearby island of Delos. On display you’ll find a collection of artefacts including sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, tools, and other objects, giving visitors an insight into the ancient civilisations that once thrived in the region.

Maritime Museum of Mykonos: For some interesting maritime history, visit the Maritime Museum of Mykonos in the main town, which displays the island’s nautical heritage through exhibits of ship models, nautical instruments, and maritime artefacts.

Ano Mera Village: If you’re looking for a bit more culture and a break from the crowded Main Town or busy beaches, the village of Ano Mera in the centre of the island is the perfect place to escape the crowds and experience the local culture and traditional way of life on Mykonos island. Here you can visit the Panagia Tourliani Monastery, which was built in the 16th century and dedicated to Virgin Mary, and you can also visit the Folklore Museum, which exhibits the island’s agricultural heritage with various tools, equipment, and artefacts.

You can also walk the Village Square and enjoy the many local tavernas serving delicious traditional Mykonian and Greek cuisine.

Near Ano Mera you will find Fokos Beach – a secluded beach and less crowded than the many other beaches in Mykonos. Here you can enjoy the tranquil waters and relaxation after your busy days and nights.

Day Trips:

Visit the island of Delos: If you are interested in the historical significance of the island of Delos and all its archaeological treasures, you can take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site and explore this window into the past.

Visit Santorini (or other islands) for the day: If you don’t plan on visiting another island during your stay in Mykonos (which I would advise against), take advantage of the fast ferries on offer at the Old Port and visit Santorini, Naxos or other islands that are less than 2 hours away.

Take a day cruise around the island: For a different experience of the tranquil waters on offer in Mykonos, take a day trip around the island on a yacht and stop at all the different beaches for you to jump in and enjoy. This will give you an entire new perspective of the island.

Visit the famous beaches and beach clubs: Pull up to one of the vibey beach clubs and spend the day soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand and music pumping through the speakers. It might cost a little more than your usual day at the beach, but it’s a beach club in Mykonos. There are so many beach clubs on offer, with a range of different prices. Here are a few to look at in each area: (tip: book in advance to secure a spot!)

• Ornos (Pasaji, Kuzina Beach Club & Buddha-Bar Beach)
• Psarou Beach (Nammos & Cavo Psarou)
• Paranga (Scorpios, SantAnna & Kalua)
• Paradise Beach (Paradise Beach Club & Tropicana Beach Club)
• Super Paradise Beach (Jackie O’Beach & Super Paradise Beach Club)
• Ftelia Beach (Alemagou Beach Club)

Watch the sunset: The sunsets in Mykonos are a main attraction all on their own, and this time of the day should not be missed. There are many different locations to watch these magical sunsets, whether you want to be adventurous and watch it out in nature on the hill cliffs or beaches, or if you want to watch it with a cocktail in your hand at one of the many restaurants and bars. The best sunset views run across the southern to west coasts of the island, (shown on the map), beginning from Megali Amos Beach up until the Armenistis lighthouse.

Here are a few ideas to help with your choice:

Out exploring:

• Little Venice Beach
• Windmills of Kato Mili
• Armenistis Lighthouse
• Sunset Yacht Cruise – nothing screams ‘I’m cooler than you’ than watching the sunset out on a yacht – however this will come at a massive cost

Sitting pretty & sipping a cocktail:

• 180 Degrees Sunset Bar (I think the name says it all)
• On the Little Venice walkway (Negrita Bar, Nice n Easy, Cocco)
• Cavo Tagoo

Remember to check the time of sunset, and give yourself enough time to get to wherever it is you choose to watch the sunset (we mistimed the sunset on the second evening and had to pull over on the road and watch it on our ATVs – but it was still beaming orange and beautiful!)

By Night

Experience the famous Mykonos Nightlife: Let’s be honest, this is probably one of the main reasons you decided to visit this lively island. So let’s dive into it.

Here are some of the best places to experience the famous Mykonos nightlife. Personally, I wasn’t too interested in coming to a party island and clubbing inside where I felt I was back in the city, so for me, I enjoyed more of the open air beach bar atmosphere. If you feel the same, I’d recommend any of the beach bars listed below, and Cavo Paradiso which is an open-air club.

I did list a few clubs here too for you. I’m sure wherever you choose you’re bound to be dancing all night.

NOTE: in the summer, Mykonos frequently hosts world renowned DJs and artists, so do your research to see if any of the venues are hosting your favourite DJs. It would be a shame if you went all the way to Mykonos and missed your favourite artist because you went to the club next door.

Scorpios: $$$$ Paraga Beach | Inside-Outside Restaurant
One of the most well-known beach clubs in Mykonos with impressive ‘agora-like’ architecture, outstanding views of Paranga Bay, and curated music events – Scorpios attracts the chic socialites of the world.

Cavo Paradiso: $$$ Paradise | Inside-Outside Nightclub
Set above the banks of Paradise Beach, and overlooking the beautiful stretch of Aegean sea, this open air club will have you up till dawn. Cavo has come to be known as one of the hottest clubs all over the world. Open on Saturday and Tuesday evenings (until the early hours of Wednesday and Sunday morning).

Jackie O’ Seaside: $$$$ Super Paradise | Inside-Outside Beach Bar
Overlooking the turquoise Aegean waters, this luxurious beach club was built to excite all senses. With a pool, jacuzzi, 360 Open Bar, private lounge areas, an excellent restaurant, sunbeds and the drag queen Athena Dion performing for the guests, this club is one of the main attractions for the LGBTQ+ community, and will provide you with an incredible experience.

Super Paradise: Super Paradise | Inside-Outside Beach Bar
An ‘all hours of the day’ beach club. The party gets going in the afternoon, and is going full throttle by late afternoon, sweeping all the Super Paradise Beach Club partiers off their feet.

Paradise Beach Club: Paradise | Inside-Outside Beach Bar
Located on the shores of Paradise beach, Paradise Club is one of the most popular ones on the island. This club includes various stages, a swimming pool and a VIP area where private booths can be booked. Day parties start at 16:00 while night parties begin at 22:00, and entrance to the premises is free.

Tropicana: $$ Paradise | Inside-Outside Beach Bar
Paradise beach is known for its daytime and early evening beach parties that kickstart the long night of festivities ahead, and Tropicana is one of the beach clubs that offers just that. Boasting beautiful views of paradise beach, exotic cocktails and lively energy, Tropicana is a destination for partiers from around the globe.

Scandinavian Disco: $$ Town | Inside-Outside Nightclub
Moving from the beach club scene and more to the club scenes, this is one of the most popular clubs in Mykonos. Party in the famous picturesque Cycladic architecture in the heart of the Chora. With two downstairs bars, an upstairs dance floor, and an open-air courtyard, this club is definitely one to add to the list.

Moni: Town | Inside Nightclub
This high-end nightclub offers traditional Cycladic architecture with modern upscale furnishings, designed to create a private atmosphere for those inside. Bookings for this club are limited and the guestlist can be quite selective.

Toy Room: Town | Inside Nightclub
This is the high-end clubbing scene of Mykonos, as its design aims for a luxurious atmosphere that attracts celebs from around the world to gather here for high class parties. The in-house DJs are known to keep you on the dancefloor all night long with hip-hop and R&B music. Guest DJs also make appearances so check their line-ups online for the summer.

VOID: $$$$ Town | Inside Club
Located in the heart of Lakka square in Main Town, lies a vibrant and energetic nightlife that blends futuristic designs, vibrant LED lights, and a retro-inspired disco atmosphere. VOID promises an electrifying experience, where partygoers can immerse themselves in a fusion of modern aesthetics and nostalgic vibes.

Nammos: $$$$ Psarou Bay | Inside-Outside Restaurant
The yachts in Psarou Bay make for the perfect backdrop of this upscale venue, where you can sip cocktails, and, if you’re lucky enough, catch a few celebs admiring the view of Psarou Bay too.

Alemagou: $$$ Ftelia Beach | Inside-Outside Beach Bar

If you find yourself on the other side of the island, don’t fear! This stylish bohemian inspired beach club offers a great atmosphere on this side of the island. Overlooking Ftelia Bay, this open air beach club will have you dancing til the early hours of the morning under the starry summer sky.

Important things to note about Mykonos

It is a known fact for almost all the Greek islands you visit that you should not drink the tap water as the island’s water recycle system is not great, especially in the pumping tourist season. It really hurt me to have constantly buy plastic water bottles, so I tried my best to boil water and then cool it in the fridge before decanting it into my reusable bottle, however, I know that is not always the easiest option. Be conscious of the unnecessary plastic you use on holiday – carry a reusable bag for when you go to the shops, opt out of the straws in your cocktails if you can or carry a reusable straw in your bag. Little things like this can go a long way.

Getting around Mykonos

Here are some options for getting around Mykonos:

Rent a car (safest option, most expensive)
Rent a scooter (cheapest but least safe option, be careful!)
Rent an ATV (safer than a scooter, more affordable than a car)
Taxi/Uber (super expensive depending on the trip and time)
Local bus (most affordable, but you might be waiting a while at the bus stop as it isn’t very frequent)

Out of all these options we opted for an ATV as we were warned about scooter safety on the chaotic narrow roads, and it was safer than a scooter but more affordable than a car, and we didn’t want to spend our limited time on Mykonos waiting for a bus.
I loved this option, we explored the island with fresh air and sun on our faces, and it was easier to find parking compared to a car. Sure your hair might get a bit windswept, I didn’t mind but if you do, just carry a brush with you.

My Honest Review

I asked for a wild party island with white houses and beaches, and that’s exactly what I got. Great parties that carried on til the early morning, and the picturesque white houses and bougainvilleas in Mykonos Town – and because of these I was happy I visited!

However, I can’t help but feel that somewhere along the way Mykonos has lost a bit of its cultural essence – which is why I recommend splitting your time in Mykonos with another island nearby to experience a bit more culture and tradition. We combined our stay with 3 days in Naxos, and it was the perfect synergy of a holiday for me. Party, music, nightlife and dancing on Mykonos, and then daytime hikes, cliff diving, wholesome sunset adventures and traditional meals and dancing in Naxos.

Mykonos is very expensive, and everything comes with a price tag. To experience Mykonos properly, you have to spend money. Beach bars, restaurants, shopping, sunset cocktails, clubbing… It all comes at a price. So if you’re like me and Mykonos is high on your bucketlist for the wild island nightlife and the beautiful views, by all means come here and spend your money living it out – because it really was an incredible experience. But if your feelings towards Mykonos are lukewarm and you have many other places that sit higher on your bucketlist – I would recommend skipping this trip and spending your money elsewhere.

Let me take you through the things I didn’t enjoy about Mykonos:

Unfortunately, one thing you don’t see in images of Mykonos is the wind. Mykonos is one of the windiest locations on the Aegean Sea. Now you may get lucky and visit during a time of no wind – but in summer that is very unlikely, and if it is windy like it was when we visited – it’s very hard to escape.

The only time we managed to escape the wind was when walking through the maze of the town where the wind didn’t pass through – but the minute you stepped out the maze you were hit with gusts of wind and pounding waves near the water’s edge. The beaches were rather unpleasant in the wind as well and we didn’t spend much time on them.

If I’m being completely honest, I found the beaches in Mykonos slightly underwhelming and after travelling to other islands I’ve found that Mykonos does not have the best beaches in Greece, and it’s almost impossible to find a space you can rest on the beach without paying the exorbitant beach club fees.

I will reiterate that almost everything in Mykonos is $$$ and you will spend money.

I unfortunately feel the culture of Mykonos has been trampled by the many tourists that pass through for the parties and status, and have no interest in the history or culture. It definitely felt like the most ‘washed down’ Greek island I visited.

My favourite thing about travelling, besides seeing the incredible views and history this world has to offer, is meeting locals and hearing their stories. But in Mykonos, I just felt like a walking credit card. Nobody is interested in you. I think the locals are so overwhelmed with the amount of tourists and the behaviour of the tourists, that they’ve learnt to just ignore them. I’m sure after many years of loud rowdy and hungover tourists disrespecting their home the locals have switched off to interacting with tourists.

There is nothing I hate more than feeling like an unwanted visitor, and in Mykonos that is exactly how I felt. Comparing this to Naxos (one of the islands close by) that was beaming with culture and friendly, inviting locals excited to be sharing their island with you.

If you only have a limited amount of time in Greece, I don’t think you’ll be satisfied with just visiting Mykonos, and I don’t think you will experience the true beauty of Greece in Mykonos. So take the ferries to other islands nearby for a few nights to experience more of the Greek culture, or visit the Ionian Islands on the opposite side of Greece (Corfu, Paxos) for calmer turquoise waters and lush vegetation.