A Greek holiday is on many people’s bucket list, and this is easily understandable considering everything the country has to offer. For those with little knowledge about Greece, Athens and other famous Greek destinations tend to be the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are far better places to see and stay. If you pick the right Greek island to visit, you could enjoy everything you want to do in Greece in a single stop. Here are seven reasons you should pick Mykonos for your next holiday destination.
The Town
Mykonos’ main town is a perfect showcase of classic Greek architecture, and you’ll have the chance to see those picturesque white buildings with blue doors the country is known the whole world over for. Or you could walk on cobbled walkways and hidden streets that are centuries old. The entire town of Mykonos is like this (except for a few modern tourist areas). You could wander the streets and see small shops and restaurants that will give you a taste of the real Greece. The locals won’t harass you and bombard you with requests to buy kitschy tourist memorabilia. Instead, business owners are welcoming, happy to help, and equally content to leave you be if that’s what you want.
The Shopping
Mykonos hasn’t always been known for its shopping, but it is fast becoming a popular shopping destination among visitors and locals. The city is filled with hundreds of jewellery shops and handicraft sellers that offer amazing, locally made pieces. That is aside from the trendy modern boutiques dotted around the town. During the busy season, it isn’t uncommon to find shops open past midnight.
The Beaches
Mykonos is graced with kilometres upon kilometres of sun-kissed beaches. There are more than 30 beaches with clear, turquoise water that Greece is famous for. Mykonos offers much more than choosing between tanning and swimming. You can take up water sports like scuba diving, parasailing, flyboarding and jet-skiing. The unusual combination of calm water and high winds allows the area to cater to almost everyone.
The busiest time for sun lovers is June through August, as people come to enjoy the sun and surf. Summers are dry and hot, so it rarely rains when people most want to be out and about. They hit the local parties, too, including a fair number of which will be on the beach. The town is crowded like this time all summer.
After the end of August, the weather is still great but the crowds let up. You’ll enjoy the calmer atmosphere and cooler evenings in May, too, and it will be warm enough then to hit the beach during the day, as well.
The Night Life
Mykonos is home to a number of bars, clubs, entertainment venues and restaurants. An interesting local tradition is the open-air cinema in town. You can watch the movie for free, though you have to pay for dinner at the restaurants whose seating gives you the best view of the movie. Between November and April, though, the town mostly closes down for the winter. You could still visit to walk the streets and enjoy the sights, but you may want to come during the summer or fall for the vibrant nightlife this island is renowned for.
The Amenities
Mykonos has been described by many as more tasteful and even luxurious compared to many of its neighbours. You can also find all types of accommodation on Mykonos. If you want more privacy than what the local hotels can provide, you could rent a Mykonos villa for instance.
If you’re looking for a Mykonos villa rental, there are plenty of agencies that own properties throughout the island for all needs and budgets. And unlike many more popular islands, Mykonos is still reasonably priced whether you’re staying in a hotel or a villa. You may be able to afford an all-inclusive package here for what you’d pay to stay elsewhere. If you don’t know where to start, you can find a variety of Mykonos Villa rentals here.
The Food
Mykonos is a must-see for foodies. You can enjoy local delicacies and authentic Greek food at nearly any restaurant in Mykonos. You’ll be able to select from a wide array of restaurants from small stands to formal sit-down establishments. There is something to suit every taste and every budget. There are a large number of bars, too.
The History
Mykonos is an excellent stop for those who want to delve into Ancient Greece’s history. Mykonos is a twenty- to thirty-minute boat ride from Delos, the birthplace of the Greek twin gods Apollo and Artemis. If you’re staying on Mykonos for the authentic Grecian experience, take the trip to Delos and walk through the ancient temples, amphitheatres and statues, the perfect supplement to the multiple fine museums you’ll find in and around the island. And don’t forget to stop by the iconic Mykonos windmills before you leave.
Mykonos is an ideal encapsulation of everything that draws people to Greece. Whether you come for the night life, beautiful architecture or natural beauty, Mykonos will give you something to remember.
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