Where is the best place to stay in Mykonos? The best beaches of Mykonos, including nudist ones: the fab five
About a hundred years ago, the discovery of the ancient ruins of the island of Delos aroused great interest among connoisseurs of antiquity, drawing attention to Mykonos. Mykonos these days is a favorite holiday destination for the secular elite and bohemian youth. Everyone relaxes here according to their own taste, feeling at ease and freedom - no one here can be surprised by non-traditional orientation or interests.
The main city, as well as the port of the island, is called Chora. The active development of tourism did not prevent the capital from preserving the features and forms inherent in Cycladic architecture. White cubic houses with wooden elements painted in bright shades, numerous narrow cobbled streets, the blue domes of countless temples, fishing schooners on the piers... This creates a unique flavor and sense of harmony.
The city looks like a shopping and entertainment center under open air, with the main street Matoyanni. This fashionable resort is characterized by all the rich possibilities of a European holiday - a variety of cafes and restaurants, swimming pools, diving, trendy shops, and, at the same time, hiking in the surrounding area, folk festivals and traditional treats from local culinary specialists.
Away from conventions - people here are relaxed and uninhibited, and the air is saturated with joy and a feeling of unceasing celebration.
Beaches of Mykonos
The splendor of the sunny coasts of Greece has a magnetic effect on tourists from all corners of the globe. In this regard, the island's beaches are no exception - they are famous for their diversity and are divided according to interests and tastes. Especially abundant in them southern part Mykonos, best protected from strong winds.The most famous beaches: 
The mild climate, azure sea surface, stunning sunsets and gentle breeze will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated guests of the island.
Sights of Mykonos
On the island itself and in its surroundings there are many interesting and wonderful places:
How to get there?
You can get to the island in six hours by ferry from Crete or from Piraeus, in one hour by plane from Athens, Rhodes or Santorini. In summer - by boat from Piraeus or Heraklion.Getting around the island is done by taxi or by bus almost 24 hours a day, and you can also rent a motorcycle or car. From the piers of Ornos and Platis Gialos, boats regularly depart to the most popular beaches on the south coast.
Let me introduce you to Mykonos Island, Greece. Flying up to it on an airplane, you may notice that it is not the most picturesque picture for the eyes. There is no greenery visible, there are gray-brown stones and tiny lonely houses painted white all around. At first glance, you may not understand why people are willing to pay a lot of money to go here. But very soon you will find the answer: atmosphere, freedom and complete relaxation!
How to get there?
You will have to get to Mykonos by sea or air. Four kilometers from the capital of the island, Chora, is located international airport. Two local airlines fly planes to Mykonos every day from the Greek capital, Athens. In summer they are added charter flights European airlines. From the airport terminal you can take a taxi to any place on the island.
Ferries also depart from two Athens ports (Piraeus and Rafina) during the high season. The ferry takes a long time, about five hours; it will be faster to get there by fast boat (you can save a couple of hours).
Transport options include buses and taxis. A more expensive option is to rent a car or ATV. Buses depart from three terminal stations:
- “Factory” (directions – Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Paranga);
- “OTE” (directions – Kalafati, Elia, Ano Mera).
- “Old Port” (directions – new port, Agios Stefanos).
You can buy a bus ticket from a machine at bus stations, shops, tourist shops and hotels. The daytime fare is cheaper, the night fare is 2 euros. You can get to remote places of Mykonos by taxi (they stand in the main square of the city) or by boats from the beaches of Platis Gialos and Ornos.
Hotels wide choice, different in price and category, but on average the price tag is higher than in Greece as a whole.
Compare Housing Prices Using This Form
What should you be prepared for?
Most of the tourists are Europeans and Americans. Although there are also guests from South America, Africa, Australia. There are almost no Asians. Recently, you can hear Russian speech more often, but it is still exotic.
Experienced tourists say that with our mentality it is better not to come to this place. This is the “land of freedom”; you need to have a good idea of the standards of life in Europe. An unprepared traveler will not understand either local prices or freedom of morals. And to be completely honest, the bigot here will be a foreign body among the democratic motley people.
Holidays in Mykonos mean getting used to seeing things that are unusual in Russia. A pretty blonde walking arm in arm with a dark-skinned man? Easily! Three girls kissing the same guy on the street? Why not! Here they sunbathe naked among children without any complexes, and families with children drop into gay bars on the beach. Fashionable club tracks begin to be heard from all sides of the beach even before sunset... At the same time, everyone here says nothing about sodom and debauchery, which people love to buzz about so much, without understanding anything about it.
I walk along the avenue, through the city at night
The only type of public transport in Mykonos is buses. The routes are varied, but it’s not worth leaving the hotel by bus in the evening. The traffic interval is quite long, so you can wait at the stop for an hour or more. There is also an ambush with taxis. Calling by phone does not mean getting a car quickly. Therefore, the general advice if you live in the Town is to look for nightlife activities closer to where you are staying.
Most hotels are located in Mykonos Town. Locals call it Hora. Here are the same white houses of hotels, shops and cafes that you saw on the approach to the island. The cozy narrow streets of the Town will definitely lead you to one of dozens of amazing restaurants or taverns with delicious food.
Almost all tourists have breakfast at the hotel, lunch at the beach bar, and go to Mykonos Town for dinner. It is important to choose the right time here. At 19-00 some restaurants are still closed, but by 21-00 you may find that the place is crowded and there are no tables. It is better to book a table in advance at the cafe you like. On the issue of time. It seems to be distorted on the island of Mykonos. At midnight, Town is just beginning to live, and is buzzing like an anthill.
A lot of people sit in restaurants, and this is also the time when the first nightclubs and bars open. Two hours later, the restaurants close, and the remaining cheerful people take to the streets and head out to hang out.
Information specifically for partygoers: the dance clubs we are used to are located on Paradise Beach (not to be confused with Super Paradise Beach), where famous DJs often play in the middle of summer.
Of course, Mykonos is not like Ibiza, and in the city itself the establishments are similar to pubs.
For those living in Town, the most convenient way to get to the beach is by rented motorcycle or car. You can also wait for public transport, which leaves for the beach at noon and at 14:00.
I'm lying in the sun...
The main feature and attraction of this Greek island, of course, is the beaches. In Mykonos, the beaches can be very different from each other. There are wild ones for surfers, and ultra-modern ones, equipped according to the latest fashion, where by pressing a button on a sun lounger you can call a waiter to you.
Elia Beach is perhaps not only the longest, but also the most beautiful beach on Mykonos Island. There is a very good bottom here when entering the water. In general, Elia has coarse yellow sand, but in some places there are large pebbles, especially at the water's edge. Buses always go here, although quite rarely. The ticket costs about 2 euros. The bus departs from the station in the old port area.
Elia is a very clean but crowded beach (although Paradise is even more crowded with tourists). Nearby you can find parking and a restaurant. You will have to pay 25 euros for entry, two sun loungers and an umbrella. You can have a snack at beach restaurants. There is a service to take away food and drinks from the establishment. The food is varied and tasty. The sea and sand are very clean.
At the far end of Elia there is a nudist area where gays also come to swim and sunbathe. Prices for snacks, water and alcohol are, of course, overpriced, but this is due to the lack of competition. Overall a nice, not crowded beach.
Agios Sostis Beach
Quite a secluded beach, away from the main ones tourist routes Mykonos. Unlike the large beaches of Agios Sostis, it is not filled with trestle beds from coastal cafes and bars, and there are no establishments themselves on the shore. No sunbeds, umbrellas or restaurants (there is only one tavern, but not on the beach itself, but a little higher).
A great place for “savages” to relax. One of the best northern beaches an island that will make you feel completely at one with nature. The sea is calm, despite the wind. It takes about fifteen minutes to get from the city.
This quiet beach is perfect for couples and romance.
Patis Gialos
One of the most pretentious beaches of Mykonos. It seems that couples accustomed to luxury like to relax here. There are a sufficient number of cafes and restaurants here. The island of Mykonos in Greece attracts many tourists as it is a great place to relax. If you have the strength to get up before dawn, you can swim in the warm sea alone.
Yellow fine sand, clean water, shops and bars nearby - what more do you need? Everything here breathes comfort. At Platis Gialos, Wi-Fi is available in the sun lounger area, and it is possible to take food with you - to take away. The prices are quite acceptable, not inflated, like on some other beaches of Mykonos. Platis Gialos is suitable for families with children.
Nice wide strip of sand, gentle entry into the water. Its only drawback is that there is no free zone, so those who come with their own towel are located in front of the first line of sun loungers. Sunbeds, by the way, cost about 6-7 euros apiece. From here boats depart to other beaches in the southern part of the island. On the downside, there are a lot of black traders here who sell fake Rolexes and leather bags a la Louis Vuitton.
Super Paradise Beach
Super Paradise (from English “super paradise”) is located in a picturesque deep lagoon. Public transport I haven’t come here before, so it was always intimate. But recently the beach has changed: minibuses and boats on the sea have moved to Super Paradise. By car, the beach is easy to find if you pay attention to the signs along the road.
A stunning bar opened on the site of an ordinary cafe, and a restaurant with live music grew in the center of the beach. New comfortable sun beds and umbrellas (though not cheap). There is a volleyball court and shower. Admission is free. The sea is wonderful, the sand is excellent. There are a lot of people, but not enough to look for a place between them.
Vacationers are delighted by dancers with their art, and in the evening they are entertained by hosts in thongs. In general, the place is not pretentious, but fun, more for young people and large groups. Although in the evenings you can meet fiery European old men at discos.
A small beach that can be reached by bus from the Fabrika station. Easy to get to and park by car. The highlight of the beach is the absence of complexes. For some Russians, it will probably be remembered as a beach of libertines. Even if you look at photos from Mykonos, Greece, you can see that topless sunbathing is the norm there. But on this beach people lie completely naked, and there are a lot of them. Therefore, we do not recommend coming with children unless you have the same free morals as Europeans.
There is a spacious area for free sunbathing and a good entrance to the water. Quiet bay, almost no waves. The sea is crystal and the atmosphere is relaxed. There is a place to eat. At a distance of several meters from the shore there is a huge rock. You can swim up there and climb on it to sunbathe. There is a taxi boat to the nearby Paradise Beach. Nearby is Platis Gialos. Overall, you can spend the whole day here.
Mykonos hotels - best deals now.
Where to go besides the beach?
So – Mykonos, Greece, attractions. In fact, there are many interesting places on the island. We have selected for you a list of the most popular among tourists. And, of course, diverse.
Rarity Gallery is a modest-sized gallery contemporary art. Admission is free. Local exhibits were created by, if not talented, then clearly witty people. Usually in such museums the “works” resemble the works of crazy artists, but here there is something to see. Mainly paintings and sculptures. One guard deserves special applause (the fact that he is not real can only be guessed by the absence of a crossword puzzle).
The interior of the attraction is stylish: white walls and arches contrast with a dark, almost black ceiling made of wooden beams. Every year from May to October there are seasonal summer exhibitions presenting the works of the Impressionists. Works by famous artists in narrow circles are exhibited here: David W. Ellis, Fabio Aguzzi, Luciana Abate, Hanneke Beaumont, Charles Belle, Fotis and others. You can find the gallery in the center of Town, on Kalogera Street.
Shopping street Matogianni
Matogianni Street – also located in Town. As the locals say, all roads lead to Matogianni. The street is cramped. Tourists maneuver among white houses, cozy shops, artists' studios and pink bougainvillea bushes... There is something for antique connoisseurs too. The stairs and shutters are painted blue or red, very beautiful. On Mykonos, goods are more expensive than on neighboring islands. This is especially noticeable on ceramics and jewelry.
On Matogianni Street you can buy all sorts of useful (and not so useful) little things, in general, everything - from souvenirs to clothes. There are also boutiques of world famous brands: Lacoste, Victoria's Secret, Juicy Couture... Well, where would we be without bars, restaurants and dance floors! Here life is in full swing at any time of the day, even in the dead of night it lives and breathes.
The Magic Mills of Mykonos
Amazing snow-white buildings, which the locals call Kato Milli. Perhaps this is the main attraction of Mykonos, because all roads lead to them. Windmill towers appeared in this country in the 12th-13th centuries. The remaining 7 mills of the island are located in the area of Chora and Kastro. Round mill structures overlooking the open sea have withstood the powerful gusts of the Cycladic winds for centuries. 
Church of Paraportiani is one of best places on the island of Mykonos, a photo of which almost every tourist has. They call it a pearl. It's ancient and valuable architectural monument, which is definitely worth including on a trip to Chora. A wonderful Christian church of the 16th-17th centuries, without sharp corners, completely snow-white. There are surprisingly no blue accents typical of Greek architecture. Made in Cycladic style, it consists of several chapels. It seems nothing special, but against the backdrop of the blue sky and sea it looks great. The entrance to the attraction is closed, you can only take photos nearby.
Organic farm (Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm)
An authentic place where you will enjoy all the flavors of true Greece. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle and respect wine, then the Vioma farm is definitely worth a visit! The hospitable daughter of the owner gives a tour and shows and explains everything in detail. Wine tasting here is unthinkable without Greek snacks: sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, carbonate...
In the fresh air right on the plantation, you will enjoy it all with opera arias. The farm may seem quaint and a little run-down at first, but after meeting the charming family, you'll appreciate the understated rural beauty. This pleasure will cost about fifty euros for two, and the memories will be priceless.
And a few words about the weather
The climate on this Greek island is typically Mediterranean: that is, hot summers and mild winters. It's a pleasure to relax here. The weather in Mykonos is subject to strong winds. In the high season (that is, in July-August), the wind force reaches 6-7 points. In the middle and end of summer, the air temperature reaches 25-30 degrees, but the same wind helps to tolerate the heat well. Rain is rare and the weather is mostly sunny. The water is heated to a temperature of 19-22 degrees.
In winter the cold is not felt, there is no fog. Therefore, you can admire the local landscapes. Snow falls extremely rarely, so make a snowman on New Year It won't work on the island.
Mykonos, Greece, for those who do not accept all inclusive. It is for those who are young in soul (and body), and are able to appreciate freedom, charm sea waves, the charge of general fun, the diversity of people and the taste of Greek cuisine.
Related posts:
If you ride in winter alpine skiing in the Alps, and in the summer - on yachts, and in general, if you prefer luxury in a European way, then the resorts of Mykonos Island are your option.
Beach holidays here are one of the most expensive in all of Europe; there are more hotels in the vip and deluxe categories than on the neighboring islands combined. In the narrow streets of the island or in its many restaurants you can meet world celebrities - from a European politician to an American actor.
And all because Mykonos is everything with the definition of “super”: nature, climate, sea and relaxation.
History of the island
Like most of the islands of Hellas, Mykonos has its place in ancient Greek mythology. Apollo's son was called Mykonos, he was a glorious hero, and it was in his honor that the island of land in the center was named Aegean Sea. There is another legend that tells that huge people, almost monsters, lived on the island, but they were destroyed by Hercules and froze here forever in the form of huge rocks of bizarre shapes.
The official history of Mykonos is consonant with the general history of Greece. Archaeologists have discovered that already in the third millennium BC the island was inhabited; initially the Kares tribe settled here, but at the beginning of the 11th century. BC e. the indigenous inhabitants were displaced by the Ionians. Like all of ancient Hellas, Mykonos was part of the Roman Empire, then the Byzantine Empire, in the 12th century it came under the rule of the Venetians, and 300 years later it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, under whose yoke it remained until the beginning of the 19th century.
In 1830, the island gained independence as part of Greece. Throughout its difficult history, Mykonos was not distinguished by its wealth; its population was mainly engaged in agriculture, but by the beginning of the last century, sailing and trade were already actively developing here, and the hotel business began to emerge.
Unfortunately, during the First World War the island was plundered and almost deprived of its inhabitants - they were looking for work on the mainland. However, by the middle of the last century, creative intelligentsia began to visit Mykonos in search of inspiration and refuge from the bustle of big cities.
Famous artists, performers, and sculptors stayed for the whole summer, followed by European high society, industrialists and large merchants. Life and recreation here gradually began to taste like complete freedom and even permissiveness. Very quickly the island was filled with expensive hotels and villas, stores of the most fashionable brands and restaurants of the best European chains opened - this is how Mykonos acquired its “bohemian image”. It is this that still attracts people from all over the world.
Mykonos today
Modern Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan island in Greece. Situated at the junction of the main sea routes of the Aegean Sea, it is the most famous of the Cyclades archipelago.
Coastline– about 90 km. Mykonos enchants with its panorama at first sight - snow-white houses on low hills, dozens of churches, windmills, beautiful beaches and the azure sea.
This is a city of nightlife, endless fun, nudists, gay people and those who simply want to have a great time in best clubs Greece.
The area of the island is 85.5 km2. You can get around by bus, but they run about once every half hour. There are not enough taxis and taking one is often a problem, so for short distances it is better to walk.
Most island guests prefer to rent a scooter, motorcycle or ATV (20–25 euros per day).
The main resorts of Mykonos are located on the southern coast: 2 km from the capital - Ornos, 3 km from Agios Iannis. Platis Gialos and Psarou - 3.5 km, Paranga - 5 km, Paradise - 6 km, Super Paradise - 7 km, Agrari - 10 km, Elia - 10.5 km.
The north coast almost always has strong winds, and its beaches attract mainly windsurfing enthusiasts.
Weather
Mykonos is called the “island of four seasons” because it can be visited in any season.
The climate here is so mild and dry that in winter it is good to walk in solitude and admire the scenery, in early spring and late autumn to go sightseeing, and from April to October to sunbathe, swim and just have fun.
Average temperature January is only a few degrees different from April.
The beach season opens in Mykonos at the end of April and ends in October. The average temperature during this period is:
- April: day +18, night +11, sea +19;
- May: day +23, night +14, sea +19;
- June: day +24, night +18, sea +22;
- July: day +30, night +21, sea +24;
- August: day +29, night +21, sea +24;
- September: day +27, night +18, sea +24;
- October: +22, night +15, sea +22.
Despite the high temperatures in the summer months and the almost complete absence of groves and forests on the island that provide shade, Mykonos is not hot due to strong cool winds.
How to get there?
There is an international airport on the island, but there are no direct flights from Russia to it. Therefore, you can only get to Mykonos with transfers.
From Athens
By plane. Air connections between the capital and Mykonos are very active, the flight takes about 40 minutes. Ticket price ranges from 70 to 90 euros depending on the day and flight.
By ferry from Piraeus port. The ferry from the capital takes about 5 hours, the ticket price is 30–40 euros.
On the Superjet(only a passenger hovercraft) is the fastest: the journey takes 2-3 hours, the ticket costs 50–60 euros.
From Thessaloniki
Since Thessaloniki has direct flights from major Russian cities during the summer season, it may be convenient to travel to Mykonos via this city. The flight lasts just under an hour. Ticket price – 80-100 euros per person.
From neighboring islands
Water communication between the islands in Greece is very developed, so getting from one to another is not particularly difficult. For example:
From the four ports of Crete There are speed boats to Mykonos: the journey takes about 3 hours, the ticket price is 65-70 euros.
From Santorini(port of Tire) ferries run 3 times a day: travel time is about 4 hours, tickets cost 50-60 euros.
If you buy one ticket on a route, say, "Moscow - Mykonos - Moscow", you should know that you will have one or two transfers. A ticket like this costs from 25 thousand rubles to 100 thousand. When purchasing a tour to this island, you will also have to fly with transfers. Several years ago, charters from Russia flew to Mykonos, but now there is no information about them.
Where can I stay?
Mykonos is the most expensive holiday in Greece and one of the most expensive in Europe. And if ordinary two-star hotels here are often a little more than just “two stars”, then numerous 5* hotels are always “over”: over luxury, over style, over price.
5* Mykonos hotels
Here are some of the most expensive and most popular hotels:
- Grecotel Mykonos Blu Exclusive Resort 5*+;
- Myconian Ambassador Hotel 5*+;
- Royal Mykonian 5*+;
- Myconian K Hotels & Thalassa Spa 5*+.
All of the listed hotels are located in the suburbs of the island's capital - Mykonos Town on the southern coast of the island, which is considered the best for beach holiday. To summarize, with an unconditional excellent location, stylish interior from famous designers and the highest level of service, hotels of the “highest” category in Mykonos have common parameters:
- Room area starts from 20 sq. m. and can reach up to 150 sq. m. (with a private pool, for example);
- free transfer from the airport and back by luxury car or comfortable bus;
- Most rooms have a Jacuzzi in the bathroom or on the veranda;
- near hotels private beach, the sea is usually within walking distance;
- services such as a safe, wi-fi, mini-bar are free for guests;
- hotels in this category operate on a "breakfast only" or "half board" basis (as an option - "half board a la carte");
- the hotel structure includes spa centers and thalassa centers of international level;
- There are no Russian tourists in these hotels; exceptions only confirm the rule.
The cost of living in these hotels cannot always be found on popular online booking sites, because, as a rule, there are no available rooms six months before the start of the season. However, the price order is approximately as follows: for a family of two people, a week in a deluxe hotel will cost from 140 thousand rubles for the simplest accommodation.
Feedback about hotel Royal Mykonian 5*+: “Everything is at the highest level. The room is cleaned twice a day and towels are changed at the same time. The choice of food at breakfast is huge, everything is fresh and tasty. There is a free bus from the hotel to the city every half hour, very convenient. During my vacation, I was the only Russian there; mostly rich Italians and Greeks vacation at the hotel.” (Polina, Moscow)
4* and 3* hotels
Hotels at a slightly lower level in Mykonos are always almost as luxurious, they just have slightly more modest rooms, smaller additional services and they are not located on the seashore, but a little further away.
Mykonos Ammos 4* (Mykonos Ammos)
The boutique hotel is located on the shores of Ornos Bay, 3 km from the island's capital. Some rooms have direct access to the beach. Among the undoubted advantages of the hotel:
- balconies with wonderful views in all rooms;
- free wi-fi;
- transfer to and from the airport.
The hotel is very small, only 42 rooms, quiet and cozy, with beautiful grounds and a small pool. It is not recommended for families with children to relax here, since the only services for children are a paid nanny upon request. A family of two can spend a week in the summer in this hotel for an amount ranging from 100 to 200 thousand rubles.
Kouros 4*
The new hotel, literally a five-minute drive from Mykonos Airport, is built in the traditional style of the island: small white buildings with a flat roof and blue shutters.
Their interior spaces are also designed in the same style of discreet chic.
Kouros 4* offers its guests only suites and apartments.
In the rooms:
- kitchen and living room;
- balcony overlooking the sea;
- free 24/7 service.
Guests can also make use of the local gym. There is no infrastructure for children. The sandy beach is one kilometer from the hotel. A week's stay for two in Kouros 4* starts from 120 thousand rubles and can rise, depending on the room, to 250 thousand.
Review of Kouros 4 Hotel*: “A cozy hotel with a pleasant interior. The staff is very polite. We took only breakfast, we were amazed at the choice, they even served delicious salads. Transfer from the airport and back is free, they can even take you to the city center for a “thank you.” (Ilya, St. Petersburg)
Poseidon Hotel – Suites 3*
Some tourists from different countries They write in reviews that this hotel is worthy of 5 stars. It is located almost in the center of Mykonos town, which is very convenient for lovers of evening and night entertainment, but there is one drawback - two beautiful beaches are equally far away; the beach near the hotel is not the best on the island. Below are just the pros:
- spacious rooms;
- free transfer;
- free wi-fi;
- wonderful food;
- high level of service, friendly staff.
Staying in this small cozy hotel in August will cost a couple about 80 thousand rubles per week.
Review of PoseidonHotel – Suites 3*: “Excellent hotel with very convenient location. Staff, food, cleaning - all five plus. I recommend renting a scooter from the hotel to get to the beautiful Paradise Beach, it costs only 10 euros per day.” (Andrey, Pskov)
Adonis 2* (Adonis)
This hotel has been welcoming guests in all seasons since 1970, a few kilometers from the capital.
For the optimal ratio of quality and price, it enjoys great love among tourists, including Russians. Adonis 2* is a traditional island hotel in every sense: small in size, with spacious rooms, built in the typical Mykonos color scheme of white and blue.
Despite its small “two stars”, the hotel has a very high rating in online booking services. For a week's stay in Adonis 2*, a married couple will have to pay from 65 thousand rubles.
Review of Hotel Adonis 2*: “Incredibly cozy atmosphere in the hotel, almost family-like. Every guest here is taken care of as if they were the only one. It is located almost in the city center, but you can’t hear any noise or music at night. There is a bus stop next to the hotel, you can get anywhere.” (Alice, Nefteyugansk).
Paradise Beach Resort and Camping
Unique hotel complex, located right on the most famous beach of Paradise Island. This is truly a paradise for young people who want to have a fun day at sea during the day and dance and relax at night.
The fact is that most of the hotel is tiny bungalows right on the beach, there is also a building with standard rooms and apartments, a restaurant and several bars.
These “houses” have everything you need for life and even air conditioning, and on the beach in front of them there is a huge selection of water activities.
Also on the territory of Paradise Beach Resort and Camping operates the largest open-air nightclub on the island; the world's most famous DJs come here to play (entrance is free for hotel guests).
A week in this ideal place for party lovers will cost approximately the following amount:
- from 15 thousand rubles. at double occupancy in a bungalow;
- from 45 thousand rubles. for double occupancy in a “superior room”.
Review of ParadiseBeachResortandCamping: “The hotel has an ideal location. In the morning you woke up and were already on the beach. The air conditioning in the bungalow is bad. They clean up poorly, it's always full of sand. The music is blaring all night in the Paradise club, it’s impossible to sleep until the morning, but people come to this hotel to stay awake.” (Gennady, Moscow)
When it comes to traveling with children, Mykonos is not best option for such a vacation. Even the most luxurious hotels can only offer young guests a couple of slides in the pool and a small children's playground, as well as a children's menu in the restaurant and a babysitter for an additional fee.
Attractions
Capital of the island
Mykonos Town (or its other name: Chora) is an attraction in itself. The labyrinths of streets (and this is not a metaphor, they were supposed to protect residents from pirates) surprise with their whiteness and beauty, narrow cobbled streets.
The city is faithful to the traditions of Cycladic architecture and carefully preserves it, despite the rapid development of tourism infrastructure.
In the port, fishing boats and expensive yachts look organically together, creating a harmonious and unique ensemble.
The main shopping street of the city is called Matoyanni. Here you can shop in fashionable shops and find souvenirs for every taste and budget: handmade tapestries, jewelry, hand-embroidered clothes based on local motifs and much, much more.
Must-sees in the capital:
Orthodox churches
In total, on small Mykonos, according to the islanders, there are 365 churches, and there are several large active monasteries.
Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani- the most famous temple on the island, which also became its symbol. The ascetic white building, created in the 13th century at the exit from the ancient fortress, amazes with its architecture and tranquility. The church is located near the port of Chora, in the Kastro area.
Monastery of the Virgin Mary- a very beautiful monastery, its marble towers are visible from afar, inside you can look at the ancient Byzantine icons. The monastery is also located in the capital of the island.
Monastery of Panagia Tourliani– an ancient monastery located in the center of Mykonos near the village of Ano Mera. It is distinguished by the incredible beauty of its interior decoration; for example, the carved iconostasis was made by the Florentines in 1775.
Excursion to ancient Delos
Not far from Mykonos there is desert island Delos, which at one time played a decisive role in the development of all the Cyclades islands and was their center.
Delos is an island museum. Traces of the Aegean civilization have been preserved here; most of the island is occupied by ruins ancient city and a well-preserved amphitheater.
Delos is considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and is now protected by UNESCO.
There are several ways to get to this open-air museum:
With excursion. Tours to Delos are sold in almost every hotel, the price is about 40 euros. There are no Russian-speaking guides. The excursion will last 5-6 hours.
By water taxi from the coast of Mykonos to the beaches of Delos. Cost – 25-30 euros.
By ferry. Every day, every hour, ships leave for Delos, the ticket price is 15 euros. Plus 5 euros – the cost of entry to the Temple of Apollo, if you go without a tour. The last ferry back leaves at 15.00.
What and for how much do they feed on the island?
The abundance of different varieties of fresh fish and seafood, as well as vegetables and fruits, has always given the Greeks the opportunity to come up with interesting and tasty dishes.
Lunch in Greece usually begins with light appetizers, followed by a meat or fish dish with salad and finally dessert.
The wine menu here mainly includes local varieties. Mykonos is no exception.
Prices in the island's taverns can be called moderate:
- Greek salad – 5-6 euros;
- a portion of spaghetti – 4-8 euros;
- bottle of beer – from 3 euros;
- famous Greek fish soup – 5 euros;
- Greek coffee – 2 euros;
- moussaka – 6-8 euros;
- portion of cooked seafood – from 12 euros;
- Taramosalata or tzatziki – 3 euros.
A cup of frappe on the outskirts may cost 2 euros, but in a bar in the center of the capital the price can reach 6 euros.
Once in Mykonos, be sure to try the local delicacies: Mykonos-style dried pork, which is prepared here according to an old recipe, drying the sirloin with spices in the air. Mykonos sausages are also prepared using a similar recipe.
Local cheeses - fried goat cheese "saganaki" and goat or sheep cheese with pepper - "kopanisti" - are made by hand and only in the Cyclades.
Mushrooms stuffed with vegetables and feta cheese in local taverns are worthy of attention.
A hearty lunch for two with wine will cost 50-55 euros here, but you can get it under 35 if you don’t order seafood, which is more expensive here than meat, as indeed everywhere else in Greece.
And of course, the unique Mykonos desserts: almond cakes with powdered sugar “amygdalota” or sweet almond drink “sumada”.
To enjoy dessert, Greeks usually go to their favorite pastry shop.
Clubs in Mykonos
After 12 at night, parties in the capital gain momentum and continue until the morning. On central square Many gay clubs are located near the taxi stop: Ramrod, Argo Bar, Pierros Cafe, Babylon, Coffee Cat. Here you can watch vibrant drag queen shows with high-quality costumes and interesting performances.
Night bars are trying hard to keep up with clubs, inviting famous DJs and Hollywood celebrities.
Some are especially popular. Right on Paradise Beach there is the Cavo Paradiso club, which is one of the top 10 most popular discos in the world. The club is located on the edge of a cliff in the open air. Some of the most popular techno parties are held here with stunning views of the night sea.
Club Remezzo deservedly has the title of an elite establishment, where celebrities and VIPs often come to spend time incognito.
One of the largest is the Space Mykonos Xperience nightclub, which focuses not so much on the surroundings, but on attracting popular DJs and the best dancers. For this reason, there are almost never empty seats here - young people dance tirelessly until the morning.
Prices in establishments are above average. Drinks and cocktails are expensive - Long Island, Mojito and others - from 11 to 18-22 euros, but it can be noted that they are made with high quality, not sparing the alcoholic components, 100 grams each.
Constant competition forces nightclubs to turn on their lights every night, coming up with more and more new ways to attract visitors.
Sunset at the Fanari lighthouse. The lighthouse stands on a rock and offers a beautiful view of the sea. This magical place is located 6 km from Mykonos. You can only get there by taxi or rented car.
Tavern Fokos– an authentic and somewhat ascetic place in the bay of the same name on a wild beach. Here you will be served freshly caught fish, and seasoned tourists also praise traditional island dishes (for example, Mykonos ham) prepared by the tavern chef. Dinner with wine will cost about 80 euros for two.
Horseback excursion according to the most picturesque places islands and deserted beaches. Cost – from 65 euros per person.
Best beaches
Paradise
The most popular beach in Mykonos. Located 4 km south of the capital, from where buses run to the beach every 20 minutes, fare costs 1.40 euros. Sunbeds are here increased comfort(rental - 6 euros per piece), many bars and restaurants.
But it was not the fine sand and clear water that became the main advantage of the beach. Paradise is the central party spot in Mykonos.
DJs play here from the afternoon until the morning. Part of the beach is reserved for nudists; topless sunbathing is not prohibited on the main beach.
Super Paradise
The beach, 6 km from the town of Mykonos, is slightly smaller than its counterpart, but its essence is the same - it is a place for discos until the morning. True, this is an unofficial place of rest for people of non-traditional sexual orientation, and there are also nudists. The easiest way to get to this beach is by boat for 6 euros from the bays of Ornos and Platis Gialos. The price for a pair of sun loungers with an umbrella is quite high - 12-15 euros per day.
Buses run from the city bus station, the fare is 1.70 euros.
Elia
The longest beach on the southern coast of Mykonos, most tourists consider it the best beach on the island in general.
White soft sand, beautiful entry into a calm sea, clear water. Sunbeds with thick mattresses (8 euros per piece), water attractions, beach bars will bring food and drinks right to your sun lounger.
Elia Beach is never too crowded or too noisy.
Two minuses: the beach is difficult to get to (it’s best to take a boat from Paradise Beach, 6 euros round trip), buses run, but rarely (1.5 euros), and the prices there cannot be called affordable (for example, fresh juice - 10 euros , sandwich – 11–12 euros).
Psarou
Near the town of Platis Gialos, 4 km from Chora, there is the only beach on the island, where a sunbed must be reserved a day in advance through your hotel.
If you don’t do this, you’ll have to wait in line for people who want to relax in this fashionable place.
Diving is very popular. A rental set of a sunbed, umbrella and beach towel costs 25 euros.
Panormos
A sandy beach for those who want silence even in Mykonos.
Located 6 km from the capital on the northern coast of the island.
You can only get to it by taxi or rented car, but due to its privacy, the beach is almost always half empty, there are few bars and taverns.
In addition to those listed, Mykonos has about a dozen more beautiful beaches - from completely wild and hidden from prying eyes to popular and crowded with people.
On them, as on the streets and in the clubs of this city, you can meet completely different, unusual and unusual-looking people of different nationalities and preferences. They are the ones who create the unique flavor and atmosphere of this island.
Mykonos is still quite poorly known to our tourists, but in the West it is known as one of the most fun, party-oriented and at the same time bohemian places in the entire Mediterranean. The impetus for the tourism potential of the island was given in his time by Aristotle Onassis, who considered it an ideal place for a social holiday. Onassis has been dead for a long time, and tourists keep coming and going to Mykonos, strengthening and spreading his fame.
Small and smart
Based on the results of 2014, Mykonos Airport once again entered the top ten busiest airports in Greece. The small island, whose population is just over 10 thousand people, was visited by almost 800 thousand tourists by air alone in 2014. During peak season, more than 10 flights a day fly here from Athens alone!
Cruise ships bring legions of tourists to the resort
But the airport is far from the main supplier of tourists. Most travelers arrive here by sea: from Piraeus, Crete, the neighboring Cyclades islands or cruise ships. Due to this incessant drive of visitors, the cost of real estate has long gone beyond reasonable limits, and local prices are considered perhaps the highest in all of Greece.
The secret of popularity
The bohemian taste of life is felt not only in the slick streets, boutiques and blinding white houses, around which there are more swimming pools than the houses themselves. You understand that people with a certain income level come here when you see your first receipt for coffee. An unpleasant discovery, but what did you expect?
In the capital, Chora, life revolves around the embankment
The fame of a popular place for social gatherings has haunted the resort for decades and is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Among its regular visitors are movie stars, famous couturiers, business tycoons, directors, popular fashion models and other public who do not complain about the crisis: Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Gaultier - this list goes on and on.
The second pillar on which popularity firmly rests is parties. According to this indicator, Mykonos has long surpassed not only all the other islands of Greece combined, but also the capital.
Little Venice is one of the popular places in the resort
Surfing, beaches and nudism are of slightly less importance in the tourist attractiveness of the resort. Each of the directions has its fans and each is developed by 5 points. But still, these are additional dishes, not main ones.
Geography and statistics
A piece of land measuring just over 100 square kilometers is located in the very center of the Cyclades between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. There are no mineral resources and the terrain is not very diverse. Historical heritage also leaves much to be desired. Even fresh water- and that is in short supply.
But, you see, Mykonos is an amazing case of how, having a lack of everything, you can become prosperous tourist destination. This, by the way, is one of the few Greek islands whose population is continuously increasing: over the past 40 years it has almost tripled.
The fame of Mykonos, as a VERY clubbing place, resounds throughout the Mediterranean
The largest locality is the capital of the same name, which is also often called Chora. Main port and the airport are located here. The city does not particularly stand out among its other Cycladic counterparts - the same blinding white and blue landscape, many flowers and a center formed around the embankment.
What makes Chora stand out are the stark contrasts: next to the simple boats of fishermen in the bay, side by side luxury yachts, elite boutiques dart among residential white houses, and frequently encountered donkeys break the pattern next to the luxury cars of taxi drivers.
What to see
As we noted earlier, sights and history are far from the main magnets for tourists. People come here to have a blast. However, for those who are awake, not only at night, there is also something to do here.
A trip to Delos, Little Venice, the Paraportiani Church, which inspired the immortal Gaudi - there is something to see. Read more about these and other top local attractions on Grekoblog.
Local sandy beaches are considered perhaps the best in Greece
Another important aspect of Mykonos is the beaches. Even spoiled Greeks talk about them with aspiration. Actually, for many of them, parties and bars are nothing more than an addition to luxurious sandy beaches. The most famous of them are Paradise and Super Paradise, but other lesser known ones are also great.
Grekoblog will tell you in more detail about the best beaches of the resort in one of the future articles.
Local features
Mykonos has several features that distinguish it from other resorts in Greece, and they should be mentioned separately.
- Luxury and democracy. Although the island is considered expensive, this does not mean that it is not a place for budget travelers. Mykonos has campsites, inexpensive hotels and public transport that even a very small budget can handle.
- Gays. This popular destination for gay tourism. There are a lot of specialized establishments in Chora, and corresponding couples can also be found on the beaches. Just be prepared for it.
- Nudism. In addition to gays, the resort has also gained fame as the top Greek destination for topless sunbathers. Moreover, the democratic attitude towards nude sunbathers also applies to the two most popular beaches - Paradise and Super Paradise.
White houses are characteristic of all Cyclades
How to get there
Air travel to Athens runs like clockwork, and a flight from the capital takes about 30-40 minutes. The air bridge also connects the resort with other most popular tourist airports Greece. You can view the schedule of all flights, as well as choose a flight for yourself at the best price, through the air ticket price comparison service.
If you are not a fan of flying, then ferries from Piraeus depart almost as often as planes. Having checked a random date in the ticket booking system, I found 4 of them at once.
And Grekoblog wrote separately about sea communication with Crete.
The abundance of windmills is another famous feature of the resort
Hotels There are not just a lot of hotels in Mykonos, but a lot: there are more than 200 hotels, of which at least 15 are five-star. The pricing policy is, although higher than the average for Greece, but a room up to 50 Euros per day can be found. If, on the contrary, you are interested in luxury, then there are also plenty of such options.
You can choose a hotel and book a room using this link.
When to go Most active nightlife- from the second half of April to the first half of October.
And finally, a short video to give you a better idea of what to expect:
Photos by John D. Carnessiotis, Christina Milioni, Raging Wire, Henrik Berger Jørgensen, Doug Matthews, Lorena Torres Angelini
