Rising from the attractive Aegean Sea like a shimmering jewel, Mykonos, the “Island of Winds”, is a vacation spot laden with attraction and Greek splendor. Well-known for its slender winding streets, iconic windmills, pristine seashores, and fascinating sundown views, it’s a spot that leaves an indelible imprint in your soul.
In case you’re planning a trip and your cruise ship drops anchor right here for a day, I’ve the proper itinerary. On my cruise by way of Greece with Silversea Cruises, we stopped in Mykonos and so I’ve accomplished this actual itinerary myself.
This sooner or later Mykonos itinerary will provide help to uncover the island’s stunning secrets and techniques, even with only a quick period of time.
A Temporary Intro to Mykonos
Mykonos, is a surprising island situated within the South Aegean Sea. It’s an iconic vacation spot within the Greek Cycladic archipelago, revered as one in every of Greece’s most glamorous and vibrant islands.
Mykonos’s wealthy historical past stretches again to the fifth century BC and is intertwined with quite a few myths and historical Greek legends. The island’s title is believed to be derived from a neighborhood hero named ‘Mykons,’ who was thought of a descendant of the god Apollo.
Traditionally, Mykonos prospered as a business and commerce middle because of its strategic location alongside the commerce routes between Venice, Asia Minor, and the mainland of Greece. It was below the management of the Romans and Byzantines earlier than falling to the Venetians within the thirteenth Century. Mykonos was a sufferer of frequent pirate assaults because of its buying and selling wealth and strategic maritime significance.
Through the twentieth century, Mykonos reworked right into a flourishing vacationer vacation spot, drawing worldwide approval for its vibrant environment, conventional Cycladic attraction, and hedonistic way of life. At this time, it’s a cosmopolitan haven that hosts thousands and thousands of vacationers, celebs, and artists from across the globe annually.
The island’s vitality, its legendary previous, and the hedonic current, create an enchanting melting pot of cultural and leisure experiences for each customer to Mykonos.
Morning: Mykonos City, The Windmills & Paraportiani Church
Moving into City
Cruise ships often dock within the new port, Tourlos, which is a few 30 minute stroll to city. Shuttles can be found and there’s additionally the “Sea Bus” ferry, which prices about €5 roundtrip. A taxi into city will price round €10 a method.
My cruise ship had a young (little boat) that transported us to the middle of city, so I hopped on this.
Sights to See in Chora
Begin with a go to to the enduring Windmills (Kato Mili). Standing tall on a hill, these windmills have been an emblem of Mykonos’ wealthy historical past for the reason that sixteenth century. Although now not practical, they provide breathtaking views of the city and are a photographer’s delight.
Close to the windmills you’ll additionally be capable of seize some stunning footage of Little Venice from afar. Subsequent, stroll in direction of Go to the architectural marvel of Paraportiani Church, one of the photographed spots within the Aegean. This whitewashed church, composed of 4 smaller church buildings amalgamated into one, exemplifies the basic Cycladic architectural type that Mykonos is understood for.
After capturing recollections at Paraportiani Church, head in direction of the harbor entrance the place you’ll discover the charming blue-domed St Nikolaos Church. The church is a phenomenal instance of the standard Cycladic structure, with its whitewashed partitions and blue dome. It’s additionally one of the photographed spots in Mykonos.
Stroll alongside the waterfront and take a look at the Manto Mavrogenous Statue, a tribute to the Greek heroine who fought within the Greek Struggle of Independence. The statue is situated close to the doorway of the previous port and is a well-liked spot for locals and vacationers alike.
If you wish to hold strolling additional alongside the waterfront, you’ll ultimately stumble throughout Paralia Choras Mikonou, which is a small seaside within the city. It’s nothing particular, and undoubtedly not anyplace near as good as different seashores on the island, however folks nonetheless lay out right here and have a swim. Past it’s Baboulas Ouzeri – a seafood restaurant with scenic views of the city – plus the Archeological Museum of Mykonos and the Outdated Port.
Subsequent, spend a while within the picturesque Mykonos City. Wander by way of its maze-like streets, lined with quintessentially Greek white-and-blue homes. Matoyanni is the primary road in Mykonos and is stuffed with little retailers and boutiques. You may simply spend an hour right here simply snapping photographs and admiring the gorgeous streets.
Go to the Rarity Gallery – a up to date artwork gallery that showcases the work of native artists. It’s situated within the coronary heart of Mykonos City and has some nice items on show. The gallery additionally hosts exhibitions all year long, so be sure you take a look at what’s occurring whenever you go to.
Lunch: Mykonos Outdated City
As noon approaches, deal with your self to a lunch in one of many many native taverns that dot Mykonos previous city. Savor conventional Greek delicacies like Moussaka, Souvlaki, or Tzatziki, cushioned by native wines, as you take in the rhythm of life in Mykonos.
Some locations to have lunch in Mykonos City:
Niko’s Taverna – A must-visit spot for Greek delicacies lovers, Niko’s Taverna affords a wonderful assortment of conventional dishes served up in a captivating street-side setting. Attempt their famend gyros and tzatziki, rounded off with some conventional Greek yogurt for dessert.
Sakis Grill Room – A preferred eatery with locals and vacationers alike, Sakis Grill Room serves up mouth-watering souvlaki, Greek salad and a wide range of genuine gyros. Don’t miss attempting their succulent blended grill platter.
Good n Straightforward – Dwelling as much as its title, Good n Straightforward affords a relaxingly pleasing eating expertise. It’s recognized for its natural alternatives, mixing conventional Greek delicacies with a up to date contact. Their dishes, ready from regionally sourced substances, spotlight the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Lalala Mykonos – Positioned close to the enduring windmills of Mykonos, Lalala is price a go to for its ambiance alone. The menu options an array of Greek delicacies, with seafood being a staple. In case you’re a wine lover, their intensive wine checklist gained’t disappoint.
Kastro’s – Perched on the waterfront within the Little Venice space, Kastro’s offers magnificent sea views. This quaint eatery combines the genuine environment of a conventional Mykonian taverna with an unique gourmand twist. The Mediterranean fish dish and signature cocktails are much-recommended.
Afternoon: Tremendous Paradise Seashore & Seashore Membership
Publish-lunch, take a taxi to the legendary Tremendous Paradise Seashore. There are native buses that go there, however because you’re solely in Mykonos for sooner or later, I’d save time by hopping in a taxi.
Blessed with golden sand and crystal-clear azure waters, this seaside is the proper spot to loosen up and take in the sunshine. Hire a lounge chair, swim within the ocean and revel in a refreshing cocktail.
Additionally, don’t miss the Tremendous Paradise Seashore Membership, a spot synonymous with enjoyable and leisure. Right here, you’ll be able to dance to the rhythm of well-known DJs or just chill-out with a refreshing cocktail.
Tremendous Paradise Seashore might be fairly crowded in summer season, nevertheless it’s a pleasant seaside and nice for folks watching. The seaside membership is all the time a very good time, with dancing, DJs and a enjoyable crowd.
As an alternative choice to Tremendous Paradise Seashore, you can enterprise to Paraga Seashore, and go to the well-known seaside membership, Scorpios. Scorpios is a part of the Soho Roc Seashore Home and is understood for being among the best seaside golf equipment on the island.
This upscale hangout is a spot to see and be seen; it has a bohemian vibe with cabanas, cozy lounge chairs, a restaurant and a boutique. It’s recognized for its legendary sundown “rituals” with dwell music and DJs.
Night: Little Venice & Sundown
Catch a water taxi again to Mykonos City simply earlier than nightfall. You’ll see small boats on the seaside providing rides again to Chora. Alternatively you’ll be able to take an everyday taxi. Beeline immediately for Little Venice.
This neighborhood, notable for its homes that appear to rise immediately from the ocean, is the perfect place to witness the world-famous Mykonos sundown. With a cocktail in hand, watch because the solar slowly dips under the horizon, portray the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple — a really magical finish to your day.
Every of those Little Venice bars has its personal atmosphere:
Bao’s Cocktail Bar – Standout for its ‘Drink Totally different’ philosophy, Bao’s affords an ingenious cocktail menu. The Cycladic-inspired all-white decor together with colourful cushions and rugs makes it a pleasant spot to benefit from the Mykonos sundown.
Kastro’s Bar – Famed for its splendid sea view and beautiful sundown vistas, Kastro’s is a fascinating bar recognized for its signature cocktails and romantic ambiance, good for a night drink.
Veranda Bar – With a laid-back, boho-chic vibe, Veranda Bar serves as a cushty retreat the place you’ll be able to bask in scrumptious cocktails whereas absorbing panoramic views of Little Venice and the colourful nightlife.
Scarpa Bar – A vibrant, energetic bar that’s onerous to overlook, Scarpa is understood for its inventive mixology and pulsating music. It’s a preferred selection for having fun with a cocktail and dancing to DJ tunes all evening lengthy.
Rhapsody Bar – A comfy spot for chilling out, Rhapsody Bar boasts pleasant bartenders, distinctive cocktails, and an inviting environment. The ocean view from this bar provides a contact of serenity to your night.
Katarina’s – Katarina’s isn’t solely well-known for its spectacular sundown views nevertheless it additionally affords a refined collection of wines and Greek meze. Its balcony seating offers an unbelievable vista of the previous port and Little Venice.
Negrita – A waterfront bar with a energetic environment, Negrita is an distinctive place for having fun with the night with a cocktail in hand. Don’t overlook their pleasant appetizers that completely complement the drinks.
Cerise – Recognized for its stylish design and pleasant workers, Cerise affords a soothing environment to unwind after a day of exploration. Immerse your self of their intensive vary of wine and cocktail choices paired with scrumptious finger meals.
Is One Day Sufficient in Mykonos?
You may actually see all the things there may be to do in the primary city of Chora in simply sooner or later. You can even squeeze in a go to to the seaside as effectively for those who don’t thoughts a busy schedule. Clearly for those who’re visiting on a cruise ship and solely have sooner or later, then that is all it’s important to work with. However for those who’re visiting by yourself, ideally I’d advocate spending about 3 nights or extra if you wish to discover the island’s seashores and expertise all of the totally different seaside golf equipment.
A Last Phrase
Whereas this sooner or later in Mykonos itinerary is packed, it covers this magical island’s highlights, providing a mix of tradition, historical past, seashores, gastronomy, and leisure. Mykonos is greater than only a vacation spot; it’s an expertise that can depart you wanting to remain longer.
