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.
Should you’re planning a trip and your cruise ship drops anchor right here for a day, I’ve the right itinerary. On my cruise by Greece with Silversea Cruises, we stopped in Mykonos and so I’ve carried out this actual itinerary myself.
This at some point Mykonos itinerary will aid you uncover the island’s lovely secrets and techniques, even with only a quick period of time.
A Temporary Intro to Mykonos
Mykonos, is a surprising island positioned 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 identify is believed to be derived from an area hero named ‘Mykons,’ who was thought of a descendant of the god Apollo.
Traditionally, Mykonos prospered as a business and commerce heart because of its strategic location alongside the commerce routes between Venice, Asia Minor, and the mainland of Greece. It was beneath 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.
In the course of the twentieth century, Mykonos remodeled right into a flourishing vacationer vacation spot, drawing worldwide popularity of its vibrant environment, conventional Cycladic attraction, and hedonistic life-style. As we speak, it’s a cosmopolitan haven that hosts thousands and thousands of vacationers, celebs, and artists from across the globe every year.
The island’s vitality, its legendary previous, and the hedonic current, create an interesting melting pot of cultural and leisure experiences for each customer to Mykonos.
Morning: Mykonos City, The Windmills & Paraportiani Church
Moving into City
Cruise ships normally dock within the new port, Tourlos, which is a couple of 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 value 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 long-lasting 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 useful, they provide breathtaking views of the city and are a photographer’s delight.
Close to the windmills you’ll additionally be capable to seize some lovely photos of Little Venice from afar. Subsequent, stroll in the direction of Go to the architectural marvel of Paraportiani Church, probably the most photographed spots within the Aegean. This whitewashed church, composed of 4 smaller church buildings amalgamated into one, exemplifies the traditional Cycladic architectural model that Mykonos is thought for.
After capturing recollections at Paraportiani Church, head in the direction of the harbor entrance the place you’ll discover the charming blue-domed St Nikolaos Church. The church is an exquisite instance of the normal Cycladic structure, with its whitewashed partitions and blue dome. It’s additionally probably the most 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 positioned close to the doorway of the outdated port and is a well-liked spot for locals and vacationers alike.
If you wish to hold strolling additional alongside the waterfront, you’ll finally stumble throughout Paralia Choras Mikonou, which is a small seaside within the city. It’s nothing particular, and undoubtedly not wherever near as good as different seashores on the island, however individuals 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 its maze-like streets, lined with quintessentially Greek white-and-blue homes. Matoyanni is the primary avenue in Mykonos and is full of little retailers and boutiques. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour right here simply snapping photographs and admiring the beautiful streets.
Go to the Rarity Gallery – a recent artwork gallery that showcases the work of native artists. It’s positioned within the coronary heart of Mykonos City and has some nice items on show. The gallery additionally hosts exhibitions all year long, so you should definitely try what’s taking place while 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 outdated city. Savor conventional Greek delicacies like Moussaka, Souvlaki, or Tzatziki, cushioned by native wines, as you take up 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. Strive 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 making an attempt their succulent blended grill platter.
Good n Straightforward – Residing as much as its identify, Good n Straightforward affords a relaxingly fulfilling eating expertise. It’s recognized for its natural alternatives, mixing conventional Greek delicacies with a recent contact. Their dishes, ready from domestically sourced substances, spotlight the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Lalala Mykonos – Situated close to the long-lasting windmills of Mykonos, Lalala is value a go to for its ambiance alone. The menu options an array of Greek delicacies, with seafood being a staple. Should you’re a wine lover, their intensive wine listing received’t disappoint.
Kastro’s – Perched on the waterfront within the Little Venice space, Kastro’s supplies magnificent sea views. This quaint eatery combines the genuine environment of a standard Mykonian taverna with an unique connoisseur twist. The Mediterranean fish dish and signature cocktails are much-recommended.
Afternoon: Tremendous Paradise Seashore & Seashore Membership
Submit-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 at some point, I’d save time by hopping in a taxi.
Blessed with golden sand and crystal-clear azure waters, this seaside is the right spot to calm down and take in the sunshine. Lease a lounge chair, swim within the ocean and luxuriate 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, but it surely’s a pleasant seaside and nice for individuals watching. The seaside membership is all the time a superb time, with dancing, DJs and a enjoyable crowd.
As an alternative choice to Tremendous Paradise Seashore, you possibly 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 thought for being the most effective seaside golf equipment on the island.
This upscale hangout is a spot to see and be seen; it has a bohemian vibe with cabanas, comfortable 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 straight for Little Venice.
This neighborhood, notable for its homes that appear to rise straight 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 beneath the horizon, portray the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple — a very 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 gorgeous 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 snug 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 exhausting to overlook, Scarpa is thought for its artistic mixology and pulsating music. It’s a preferred alternative for having fun with a cocktail and dancing to DJ tunes all evening lengthy.
Rhapsody Bar – A comfortable 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 shouldn’t be solely well-known for its spectacular sundown views but it surely additionally affords a refined choice of wines and Greek meze. Its balcony seating supplies an unbelievable vista of the outdated port and Little Venice.
Negrita – A waterfront bar with a vigorous 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 – Identified 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’ll be able to definitely see every part there may be to do in the primary city of Chora in simply at some point. You may as well squeeze in a go to to the seaside as nicely in the event you don’t thoughts a busy schedule. Clearly in the event you’re visiting on a cruise ship and solely have at some point, then that is all it’s a must to work with. However in the event you’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 completely different seaside golf equipment.
A Last Phrase
Whereas this at some point 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.
