Exploring Mykonos: More than Just a Party

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a visit to Mykonos would depend on your interests. Peak time, June to September, befalls with prices of a premium rate while the beaches, restaurants, and even nightclubs come full. The Culture Festival and Xlsior clubbing event happen during this season, too. Visiting the place in the shoulder season—April to early June and late September to October—is a little less busy. These are times when the peak season seems to lag behind, offering you less crowded places and fastaccommodations, but at reduced prices. Beaches are empty in the winter season, together with accommodation highly affordable; however, storms and reduced ferry services can be expected.

Length of Stay

Doing Mykonos full justice will certainly require a four-day trip. One day of beaches, then Little Venice in the evening. The next, visit the sacred island of Delos. More days give you time to find more hidden beaches like that of Agios Sostis.

Getting There

Mykonos is reached by ferry from the Athens' ports and from other nearby islands, such as Tinos and Serifos. Catamarans operate in high season to the rest of the other Cycladic islands. Mykonos Airport receives flights from Athens and Thessalonika, along with seasonal European destinations. Car, Moped or ATV rentals can be called upon, with buses traveling often around the island.

Transportation

Public buses cover most of the key locations that involve Hora, the New Port, and principal beaches. One more picturesque way to beach-hop is via water taxis.

Must-See Beaches

Mykonos offers 25 beaches catering to diverse tastes. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches are touted as party beaches. Elia is one of the larger, child-friendly beaches with a very long swatch of white sand. Platys Gialos and Kalafatis are ideal places for water sports. For a quieter experience, try north coast beaches such as Panormos and Agios Sostis, or secluded spots like Myrsine and Fokos.

Activities

• Diving: This is exploring underwater caves and wrecks with Mykonos Diving Center or GoDive Mykonos.

• Historical Sites: These are Delos archaeological treasures, connected by daily boat trips from Hora.

• Mountain Biking: This is exploring the peaceful hilly interior of the island with tranquil villages using Yummy Pedals.

• Sunset Watching: It can also be enjoyed at Little Venice, windmills at Kato Mili, or Agios Ioannis beach

• Water Sports: The activities include Windsurfing, which is at Kalafatis Beach, or adrenaline activities such as flyboarding with Elia Watersports.

Hora (Mykonos Town) with narrow streets, cute churches, boutiques; the Archaeological Museum; the Aegean Maritime Museum. Walk along Mavrogenous Street to shop for art, Matogliani for Greek designer products, and Little Venice for souvenirs. You will also enjoy the open-air Cine Manto or various art galleries, such as Rarity Gallery and Art and Soul.

Budget Tips

Food and accommodation can always be costly for Mykonos, but it's easy to avoid these costs by staying away from the beach clubs and similar and eating out at the local markets. Keep an eye open for traditional tavernas offering lunch deals and cook using equally available fresh produce from mini markets. Moreover, traveling off-season decreases the accommodation costs to a significant level.

• Hotel of mid-range: €80-€150 during off-season; €180-€300 each night during summer

• Hostels: €30-€90 per night.

• Beach club entrance fee: starting at €25.

• Dinner: €22-€40 per person

• Gyro for lunch: €10

• Coffee: €3

• Cocktail: €16-€25

• Vin ordinaire: €8–10 in supermarkets; €12 in restaurants

• Beer: €1–3 in supermarkets; €5 in bars

• Taxi from the airport: €15–20 to Fabrika Square in Hora