Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons of Mykonos

Sometimes called “The Jewel of the Aegean”, Mykonos is likely one of the hottest islands in Greece that merely begs the query – is Mykonos really price visiting?

I firmly imagine the reply is sure. It’s one among my favourite islands in Greece and I personally favor it to Santorini. With its gorgeous landscapes, vibrant nightlife, golden seashores, and scrumptious delicacies, Mykonos has so much to supply. There are a number of 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 checklist some explanation why it’s best to add this Greek island to your journey checklist, plus some extra adverse points of the island.

Prime Causes to Go to Mykonos

Fairly Streets

Chora, additionally known as Mykonos City or Mykonos Old Town, 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 exhausting 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 outlets, all whereas appreciating the breathtaking sea views and delightful sunsets.

Don’t miss the Church of Panagia Paraportiani – some of the well-known and most photographed church buildings in all of Greece. Panagia Paraportiani is definitely a fancy 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 price 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One other vital church of the island is the Saint Nikolaos Church, situated on the outdated port of Mykonos city.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The Outdated Port, as soon as the bustling entry level to the island, now gives a serene and picturesque view of Mykonos City.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 around the globe. The vary of mediums and subject material represented right here gives one thing for each artwork fanatic.

Seashore Golf equipment and Nightlife

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

Mykonos is house to tons of nice seashore golf equipment, every with a special vibe. There are stylish, upscale seashore golf equipment corresponding to Scorpios, SantAnna and Ftelia Seashore, or full of life seashore golf equipment the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a full-on get together expertise, corresponding to Tropicana Seashore Membership and Tremendous Paradise Seashore Membership.

If you happen to love techno music, huge 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. If you happen to favor 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 will probably 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 in your palate. A few of the prime eating places in Mykonos City embrace M-Consuming, Kastro’s, To Maereio and Eva’s Backyard.

Some conventional Greek dishes to strive in Mykonos embrace:

1. Moussaka: Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish manufactured 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 constructed from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and recent dill. It’s normally served with heat bread as a starter.
3. Kopanisti: An area specialty, Kopanisti is a spicy, creamy cheese identified for its distinct flavour. It’s typically served as a dip with recent bread or as a topping on salads.
4. Souvlaki: Souvlaki consists of small items of meat and typically 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 extensively beloved appetizer in Greece.
6. Louza: A standard 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 conventional Greek Salad. Recent 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 manufactured from layers of filo stuffed with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
10. Kremmydopita: An area 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.

Wonderful Seashores

With over 25 spectacular seashores, starting from serene secluded spots to bustling get together areas, you’re certain to search out your good sandy spot below the solar.

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

Some prime seashores to go to:

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

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

Elia Seashore: 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 Seashore: Often called the ‘sundown seashore’, Agios Ioannis gives gorgeous sundown views. It’s quieter than most making it good for a peaceable seashore day.

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

Ornos Seashore: Best for households, Ornos Seashore 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 Seashore: Situated near Mykonos City, it’s a preferred seashore with crystal clear waters, nice seafood eating places, and a number of sunbeds to loosen up on.

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

Keep in mind, every seashore in Mykonos has its distinctive vibe, so be sure you discover a number of to search out your good 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 among Greece’s most essential archaeological websites and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Website since 1990. The island was as soon as house 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 historical theatre.

Excursions to Delos typically embrace 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 Measurement

One factor to think about 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 international locations 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 straightforward to discover in a short while body. Whereas I’d advocate you spend round 3 nights in Mykonos, it could possibly simply be explored in simply sooner or later 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 in style seashores.

Nevertheless, like several vacation spot, Mykonos has a number of caveats.

The Cons of Mykonos

Excessive Variety of Vacationers

Mykonos’s recognition can be a disadvantage. The summer time months can see the island swarming with vacationers, typically 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 in all probability wish to go to extra off-the-beaten-track, much less visited islands within the Cyclades.

An Overly Energetic Scene

Mykonos is undoubtedly fashionable, with an lively “get together all night time” philosophy. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re in search of a quiet, slow-paced vacation spot with an genuine really feel, Mykonos might not completely 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 a variety of caffeine, or skip it altogether. If you happen to’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, then you definately in all probability received’t be capable of totally respect the Mykonos nightlife.

You may undoubtedly get away from the get together scene by exploring the island and staying away from the favored seashores, or stress-free in one of many extra refined seashore golf equipment, however if you happen to’re in search of an total extra relaxed expertise, contemplate islands corresponding to Milos, Naxos, Syros, Andros or Paros.

Costly In comparison with Different Greek Islands

Since Mykonos has grow to be extremely in style with the influencer crowd, it’s undoubtedly the trendiest of the Greek islands. Residence to stylish seashore bars, luxurious motels 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 Seashore Membership, you would possibly end up cursing at your financial institution stability. At a few of the fashionable seashore golf equipment, count on to pay New York costs.

Lack of Metropolis Vibes

Lastly, Mykonos doesn’t supply a conventional metropolis vibe, such as you would possibly discover in Athens or Thessaloniki. If you happen to’re fascinated with historical past, structure and spectacular landmarks, Mykonos doesn’t have an entire lot to see.

Other than a few church buildings and the very fairly outdated city, a lot of the island is sparse with not a variety of sights. The whole lot in Mykonos is actually centered round seashores, nightlife and consuming out.

If you happen to’re not a seashore individual otherwise you favor greater cities and a extra bustling power, it’s possible you’ll wish to go to a bigger Greek island corresponding to Crete, Rhodes or Corfu.

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

In Conclusion

All issues thought of, is Mykonos price 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.

If you happen to’re after a tranquil retreat and easy dwelling, you would possibly want to discover quieter Greek Islands. However, if a mix of tradition, events, top-class meals, and seashores is your desire, then Mykonos is a powerful possibility ready to be explored.