Is Mykonos Value Visiting? Execs and Cons of Mykonos

Also known as “The Jewel of the Aegean”, Mykonos is among the hottest islands in Greece that merely begs the query – is Mykonos actually value visiting?

I firmly imagine the reply is sure. It’s one in all my favourite islands in Greece and I personally choose it to Santorini. With its beautiful landscapes, vibrant nightlife, golden seashores, and scrumptious delicacies, Mykonos has so much to supply. There are just a few drawbacks although, which I’ll go into additional on on this article.

Let’s delve into the specifics and focus on the professionals and cons. I’ll listing some the reason why it’s best to add this Greek island to your journey listing, plus some extra unfavorable facets of the island.

Prime Causes to Go to Mykonos

Fairly Streets

Chora, additionally known as Mykonos City or Mykonos Outdated City, is undeniably one of many prettiest cities in Greece. From the intricate cobbled streets, white-washed buildings with vibrant accents, to iconic historic websites and genuine native life, it’s an ambiance that’s arduous to withstand.

“Little Venice”, the seafront part of Chora, is a blissful spot the place photogenic homes appear to rise straight out of the ocean. Drenched in heat hues of sundown and delicately lapped by the Aegean Sea, this space dates again to the 18th century. It’s a spot the place you’ll be able to benefit from the native tavernas, cozy cafes, and artwork retailers, all whereas appreciating the breathtaking sea views and delightful sunsets.

Don’t miss the Church of Panagia Paraportiani – one of the vital well-known and most photographed church buildings in all of Greece. Panagia Paraportiani is definitely a posh of 5 church buildings that had been constructed over a span of two centuries. Its multi-tiered design and whitewashed classification make it a very distinctive architectural marvel nicely value a go to.

One other vital church of the island is the Saint Nikolaos Church, situated on the outdated port of Mykonos city. Saint Nikolaos is the patron saint of sailors, and this seaside place of the church pays homage to that affiliation. The colourful blue dome of the church pops in distinction to the stark white partitions, making it an genuine piece of Cycladic structure.

The Outdated Port, as soon as the bustling entry level to the island, now gives a serene and picturesque view of Mykonos City. With its line of quaint fishing boats, conventional tavernas, and uninterrupted views throughout the turquoise Aegean Sea, it’s an ideal place to soak within the island’s charming ambiance.

Artwork lovers will love Rarity Gallery, which is tucked throughout the labyrinth of Chora’s inviting streets. Established in 1995, this modern artwork gallery showcases the works of famend artists from all over the world. The vary of mediums and material represented right here gives one thing for each artwork fanatic.

Seaside Golf equipment and Nightlife

Famed for its pulsating nightlife, Mykonos is aware of the way to throw a celebration. Seashores like Paradise and Tremendous Paradise, frequented by celebrities from across the globe, ship an unparalleled social gathering expertise full with world-class DJs and beautiful views.

Mykonos is dwelling to tons of nice seashore golf equipment, every with a unique vibe. There are stylish, upscale seashore golf equipment corresponding to Scorpios, SantAnna and Ftelia Seaside, or full of life seashore golf equipment the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a full-on social gathering expertise, corresponding to Tropicana Seaside Membership and Tremendous Paradise Seaside Membership.

In the event you love techno music, massive golf equipment and partying on the seashore, you’ll love Mykonos. Prime DJs like Tiesto, Black Espresso and Calvin Harris have all carried out right here. In the event you choose smaller bars, you’re higher choosing close by islands like Ios and Santorini. However if you wish to dance ’til daybreak to the sounds of well-known DJs, Mykonos ought to be your alternative.

Delicacies and Meals

Foodies might be in heaven with the Greek islands’ vibrant gastronomic scene. Whether or not it’s devouring freshly caught seafood, savouring conventional Baklava or sipping native wines, eating in Mykonos is as a lot a cultural expertise as it’s a deal with to your palate. A few of the high eating places in Mykonos City embody M-Consuming, Kastro’s, To Maereio and Eva’s Backyard.

Some conventional Greek dishes to attempt in Mykonos embody:

1. Moussaka: Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish fabricated from layered eggplant, minced meat, potatoes, and bechamel sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is a must-try in your go to to Mykonos.
2. Tzatziki: This can be a refreshing dip constituted of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and contemporary dill. It’s normally served with heat bread as a starter.
3. Kopanisti: A neighborhood specialty, Kopanisti is a spicy, creamy cheese recognized for its distinct flavour. It’s usually served as a dip with contemporary bread or as a topping on salads.
4. Souvlaki: Souvlaki consists of small items of meat and generally greens on a skewer. It’s normally served with tzatziki sauce or in a pita sandwich with garnishes.
5. Dolmadakia: These are grape leaves full of rice and herbs, a broadly beloved appetizer in Greece.
6. Louza: A conventional dish of Mykonos, Louza consists of skinny slices of spiced, cured pork.
7. Greek Salad: No go to to Greece is full with out having a standard Greek Salad. Contemporary tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives, and a block of feta cheese — easy but scrumptious!
8. Spanakopita: This Greek spinach pie is a pleasant mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions or scallions, egg, and seasoning wrapped in a crispy flaky pastry.
9. Baklava: For these with a candy tooth, don’t miss out on Baklava, a candy pastry fabricated from layers of filo crammed with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
10. Kremmydopita: A neighborhood Mykonian specialty, Kremmydopita is an onion pie the place the onions are blended with a creamy cheese filling and baked inside a flaky phyllo dough.

Superb Seashores

With over 25 spectacular seashores, starting from serene secluded spots to bustling social gathering areas, you’re sure to seek out your excellent sandy spot underneath the solar.

The island’s most well-known seashore is Paradise Seaside, which is understood for its wild events and delightful folks. In the event you’re in search of a extra relaxed expertise, head to Elia Seaside or Psarou Seaside. Each are family-friendly and supply loads of water sports activities actions.

Some high seashores to go to:

Paradise Seaside: Identified for its full of life ambiance and well-known seashore events, Paradise Seaside is a must-visit for these looking for some enjoyable underneath the solar.

Tremendous Paradise Seaside: Whereas nonetheless providing the energetic vibe of its neighbour, Tremendous Paradise Seaside is barely much less crowded, offering a superb party-beach stability.

Elia Seaside: That is the longest sandy seashore in Mykonos. Elia gives a soothing ambiance, crystal-clear waters, varied water sports activities actions, and an ideal lineup of beach-front eating places.

Agios Ioannis Seaside: Referred to as the ‘sundown seashore’, Agios Ioannis gives beautiful sundown views. It’s quieter than most making it excellent for a peaceable seashore day.

Kalafatis Seaside: A hub for water sports activities fans, Kalafatis Seaside is the place to go if you happen to’re into windsurfing, jet-skiing or scuba diving.

Ornos Seaside: Preferrred for households, Ornos Seaside has shallow waters and a variety of facilities shut by. It’s nicely protected against the wind and has glorious entry from the city.

Platis Gialos Seaside: Situated near Mykonos City, it’s a preferred seashore with crystal clear waters, nice seafood eating places, and a bunch of sunbeds to calm down on.

Psarou Seaside: Psarou is a luxurious hotspot and caters to an upscale crowd. Right here you’ll discover the high-end Nammos Seaside membership, together with a good looking panorama and clear waters.

Bear in mind, every seashore in Mykonos has its distinctive vibe, so you’ll want to discover just a few to seek out your excellent match!

Day Journeys from Mykonos

Mykonos’s central Aegean location makes it an ideal base for day journeys. From a go to to the sacred Delos island, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis to exploring neighbouring islands like Santorini, there are quite a few locations to discover within the surrounding space.

Most guests plan a day day to Delos, which is a small island within the Cyclades archipelago, simply off the coast of Mykonos. It’s one in all Greece’s most essential archaeological websites and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since 1990. The island was as soon as dwelling to a thriving metropolis that was deserted round 1000 BC, however right now you’ll be able to nonetheless see its ruins together with temples devoted to Apollo and Artemis in addition to an historic theatre.

Excursions to Delos usually embody a go to to the uninhabited island of Rhenia, the place guests can swim within the island’s crystal clear waters and do some snorkeling.

Simple Accessibility and Dimension

One factor to contemplate when visiting the Greek Islands is that a few of the smaller islands don’t have airports and might solely be reached by ferry. Mykonos has its personal worldwide airport, Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous Airport, which suggests you’ll be able to fly on to Mykonos with out having to go to Athens first.

Along with each day flights from nations throughout Europe, Mykonos has many ferry connections per day between Athens and the opposite Cyclades Islands. With each flight and ferry choices, attending to Mykonos is a breeze.

When you’re there the island’s manageable dimension makes it simple to discover in a short while body. Whereas I’d advocate you spend round 3 nights in Mykonos, it might simply be explored in simply at some point if you happen to’re visiting as a cruise ship passenger. Guests can simply get across the island by native bus, taxi or water taxi to a few of the well-liked seashores.

Nevertheless, like every vacation spot, Mykonos has just a few caveats.

The Cons of Mykonos

Excessive Variety of Vacationers

Mykonos’s recognition can be a downside. The summer season months can see the island swarming with vacationers, usually resulting in overcrowded seashores and fully-booked eating places.

Mykonos Outdated City, Chora, is small with very slender streets, so it may be a decent squeeze. Mix that with cruise passengers visiting on day excursions, and you’ve got one busy islands. If you wish to keep away from the hordes of vacationers, you’ll most likely need to go to extra off-the-beaten-track, much less visited islands within the Cyclades.

An Overly Energetic Scene

Mykonos is undoubtedly stylish, with an lively “social gathering all evening” philosophy. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re in search of a quiet, slow-paced vacation spot with an genuine really feel, Mykonos might not totally align with these expectations.

Nightlife right here doesn’t actually get going till midnight and even 1am, so that you both need to take a nap after dinner and set alarm, drink lots of caffeine, or skip it altogether. In the event you’re at that stage in life the place you simply need a quiet meal and a relaxed drink or two in a cocktail bar or a taverna, you then most likely gained’t be capable of totally recognize the Mykonos nightlife.

You possibly can undoubtedly get away from the social gathering scene by exploring the island and staying away from the favored seashores, or enjoyable in one of many extra refined seashore golf equipment, however if you happen to’re in search of an total extra relaxed expertise, take into account islands corresponding to Milos, Naxos, Syros, Andros or Paros.

Costly In comparison with Different Greek Islands

Since Mykonos has turn into extremely well-liked with the influencer crowd, it’s undoubtedly the trendiest of the Greek islands. Residence to stylish seashore bars, luxurious lodges and even a Soho Home, the island attracts a extra prosperous crowd.

Costs are a few of the costliest in Greece, and a go to to Scorpios Seaside Membership, you may end up cursing at your financial institution stability. At a few of the stylish seashore golf equipment, anticipate to pay New York costs.

Lack of Metropolis Vibes

Lastly, Mykonos doesn’t supply a standard metropolis vibe, such as you may discover in Athens or Thessaloniki. In the event you’re taken with historical past, structure and spectacular landmarks, Mykonos doesn’t have a complete lot to see.

Except for a few church buildings and the very fairly outdated city, many of the island is sparse with not lots of sights. Every part in Mykonos is de facto centered round seashores, nightlife and consuming out.

In the event you’re not a seashore particular person otherwise you choose greater cities and a extra bustling vitality, it’s possible you’ll need to go to a bigger Greek island corresponding to Crete, Rhodes or Corfu.

Whereas Chora is definitely engaging, it retains a quaint island allure somewhat than a giant metropolis really feel.

In Conclusion

All issues thought of, is Mykonos value visiting? The spectacular views, vibrant nightlife, scrumptious delicacies, and sandy seashores make it a must-visit vacation spot for many travellers. Nevertheless, like all locations, it’s important to align your expectations with what the place has to supply.

In the event you’re after a tranquil retreat and easy dwelling, you may want to discover quieter Greek Islands. However, if a mix of tradition, events, top-class meals, and seashores is your desire, then Mykonos is an impressive choice ready to be explored.