Mykonos, parties and sunbathing on the most beautiful Greek sandy beaches
Mykonos was one of the first Greek islands to develop into a tourist destination. Today, it is known as the Greek party island, although not everyone comes there to party. You can also go therefor a relaxing holiday in peace and quiet. Numerous celebrities from all over the world spend their free weeks there every year, just like thousands of tourists. The capital is a popular attraction, and the 85 km2 island also has beautiful beaches in abundance.
If you come by plane, you will land at about three kilometres from Mykonos city. Island hoppers come by boat from Piraeus, Rafina, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Kos, Syros and Tinos. The boats sail daily, and you do not need to book in advance. Be sure to take the time to explore the island, as it is more than worth it. Renting a holiday home or flat on site is therefore the best solution.
The roads are well maintained and mostly asphalted, but often quite narrow. With the rental car, you can easily drive to all the beaches, even the most deserted ones. You can rent a quad in many places, easy to make some offroad trips.
Little Venice
The Greeks call Mykonos city 'Chora', but it is also known as Little Venice because of its picturesque views. Mykonos-city invites you to stroll through the narrow alleys full of white houses, with red or blue windows and doors. Numerous tavernas, restaurants, trendy bars and cafés welcome you hospitably for a tasty bite or a refreshment. In the many shops, you will find traditional Greek products besides all the well-known luxury brands. It is pleasantly busy, and there is always something to do in Chora. From your flat or holiday home, you can easily reach any place in Mykonos.
The inhabitants cherish their city, and decorate the facades and places with flowers. On a hill by the water are the world-famous windmills. They also starred in many Hollywood productions, such as The Bourne Identity and Shirley Valentine. The city has a new modern port and a marina, where fishing boats and yachts moor. There is free parking nearby. Take the opportunity to visit the Paraportiani Church. For even more cultural discoveries, there are the archaeological museum, the ethnographic museum and the maritime museum.
Picturesque villages and beautiful beaches
Mykonos is dry and hilly. Apart from a few grain fields and vineyards, you will not find much green. However, few places are blessed with so many beautiful sandy beaches, such as Ornos, Psarou, Kalo Livadi, Kalfatis, Panormos, Tourlos, Agios Stefanos ... too many to mention. Typical for Mykonos are the beach bars, where the party goers are often set up as early as the afternoon.
Around the village square of the authentic village of Ano Merá, there are six restaurants, all very popular with tourists. The souvenir shops are also well visited, and you can do your shopping in the supermarket. Besides the center with its white houses, small churches and windmills, you can visit the Panagia Tourliani monastery.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, Kalafatis with its sandy beaches, where the sea breeze allows for surfing, is the place to be. On the beach, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. A little further on is the fishing village of Divounia, and on the other side of the bay is the beach of Agia Anna.
Party time... from noon!
A famous beach of Mykonos is Paradise, located in a small bay about six kilometres from Chora. You will find a restaurant and a snack bar here. Famous DJs create the atmosphere at the Paradise Beach Club. Big names from the film and music world come here to party. The same goes for Psarou Beach. On the beach at the lounge bar, the jet set orders a bottle of champagne for a thousand euros. On the other side, there are sun beds and umbrellas for 'ordinary' tourists. Elegant speedboats moor in the crystal clear water.
Paranga is a pleasant, but busy seaside resort, where mostly younger people stay. The music played in the beach bars and restaurants are therefore loud. The town is also known for its water sports facilities.
The seaside resort of Platis Gialos is located in a bay, and is built against the rocky hills. The center has many shops, good restaurants and tavernas, and can be crowded in high season. You can also admire the expensive yachts of wealthy holidaymakers here. This is the ideal beach for water sports enthusiasts, and you can rent a water scooter.
Finally, the sandy beach Super Paradise lies on a crystal clear sea, well sheltered in a deep bay. Employees keep the beach in top condition, all the time. You can eat in the self-service restaurant, and trendy music can be heard from the disco bar all day long. Late in the afternoon, professional dancers invite the beach goers to the dance floor. The visitors form a mix of jet-setters, models, gays, hipsters and celebrities. This is paradise for those who love to party, sunbathe and swim.