So, you’re heading to Mykonos. First off, you’ve made an excellent choice. Hopefully you’re already dreaming of the iconic whitewashed windmills, and getting your dancing shoes ready for the renowned party scene. Nonetheless, planning a trip can have its pitfalls, with seemingly endless decisions to make: When to go? Which bars to visit? Where to sample the best Greek salad? Your Mykonos escape shouldn’t be stressful - here at Plum Guide, we’ve put in the legwork for you and sought out the very best of the island. Just as with our accommodation, we pride ourselves on offering expert tips to make sure your holiday goes off without a hitch. Dive into our Mykonos travel guide to get the inside track on this most stylish of Greek islands.
When to visit
A small white cottage with blue windows and pink flowers in summer in Mykonos, Greece
With around 300 days of sunshine per year, Mykonos has hot, dry summers, and fairly mild winters. Bear in mind, though, that Mykonos is relatively windy, meaning it’s often slightly cooler in summer than other islands - the strong, dry Aegean meltemi wind blows between June and September and is strongest in mid-to late-summer, making this prime time for windsurfers. We recommend planning your Mykonos adventure between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for swimming. For a bargain break, May and October still usually boast warm weather, along with lower prices and fewer crowds - just be aware that some restaurants, bars, and clubs may have already closed.
Unforgettable Summer, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Where to stay
Three colourful boats docked on clear water at the harbour in Mykonos Town, Mykonos, Greece
Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of the party action or a little more off the beaten track, we’re confident our Mykonos travel guide will help you find the perfect spot. To immerse yourself in the island’s cosmopolitan atmosphere (and a stellar selection of bars), opt to stay among the quaint lanes of Mykonos Town (or Chora). Perhaps you’ll be charmed by the historic Little Venice district and its colourful 18th-century houses, or maybe the whitewashed architecture of the vibrant old port area will draw you in. Just a short stroll from Little Venice yet seemingly a world away, Megali Ammos is the perfect base for anyone wanting to soak up the action in Mykonos Town, but return home to some peace and quiet. Meanwhile, Psarou is the epitome of the luxury and hedonism for which Mykonos is famed. For a village full of Cycladic charm, boasting not one but two beaches, look no further than Ornos.
On Rolling Waves, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Where to eat
A bowl of fruit on a table outside a cafe by the sea in Mykonos, Greece
Feeling peckish? Though famed more for its abundance of stylish watering holes, Mykonos has an enviable food scene. Despite its cosmopolitan feel, Mykonos Town has plenty of options for traditional local fare, with Eva’s Garden and Sakis among the most popular. For the ultimate in old-school Greek dining under the shade of an olive tree, journey north to the terrace at Kiki’s Taverna - expect the freshest of seafood and salads, with ocean views to die for. If you’re in the market for something more refined than rustic, elevated Cycladic cuisine at Kalita, cocktails and international dishes at Jackie O’ Beach Club & Restaurant, or fine dining using local ingredients at BAOS might just hit the spot.
Don't Wake Me If I'm Dreaming, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
Where to drink
An empty wine glass with a plate on a cafe table in Mykonos, Greece
As Greece’s official party isle, Mykonos is flush with options for an evening out (or an absolutely acceptable midday beer). Combine a party atmosphere with swimming and sunbathing on Paradise Beach, home to renowned bars Tropicana and Paradise Club. Mornings are chilled, before DJs start spinning beats and the party gets going in the late afternoon. To take your evening (quite literally) to the next level and keep the party going, heading up into the hills above the bay to cliffside club Cavo Paradiso. Away from the beach, some of Chora’s chicest nightlife options include chilled-out Galleraki, prime cocktail spot BAO, and local institution Skandinavian Bar.
Cycladic Sky, Plum Guide home in Mykonos, Greece
How to dig into history
Statues at the ruins of Cleopatra's house in Delos, Mykonos, Greece
No Mykonos travel guide would be complete without a few historical hotspots - this is Greece, after all. Having explored Little Venice, make the short walk up to Chora’s iconic whitewashed windmills, which hark back to a time when Mykonos was the main supplier of a rusk called paximadi - a key sustenance for sailors. Among them is Geronymos Mill, built in the 1700s, which is the oldest of the 16 mills on the island. If this whets your appetite for island history, get the backstory at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, where you’ll find jewellery and pottery dating as far back as the 25th century BC. If time allows, take your adventure in to the next level by making the short trip across the water to the island of Delos. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was considered a sacred island in Ancient Greek culture, and according to Greek mythology, was the birthplace of the twin deities Apollo and Artemis. Today, you can stroll through the well-preserved ruins, including the famous Terrace of the Lions, House of Dionysus, and Sanctuary of Apollo, before delving further into the history at the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
Where to make the most of the Aegean
Sun loungers and parasols on the sand looking out to sea at Platis Gialos Beach, Mykonos, Greece
Unsurprisingly, warm summer days in Mykonos mean one thing - relaxing on the beach. An obvious draw of the island is its plethora of sandy stretches, with Platis Gialos lauded as an excellent all-rounder. Accessible via public transport from Chora, here you’ll find a well-organised beach and calm shallows, a selection of restaurants and bars, and an atmosphere that appeals to everyone. Right next door, Psarou beach is among the trendiest, while fans of water sports should head east to Kalafati for sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving - you may even get to dive to a mysterious shipwreck. If you like your beaches a little on the wilder side, set up camp for the day at Fokos on the northeast coast.
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