There are plenty of options when it comes to going on a romantic holiday on a Greek island, in the Mediterranean. Of the total of 6,000 islands and islets belonging to Greece, 227 are inhabited and just 78 have more than 100 inhabitants. Mykonos fits into the last category, having a surface of 183 sq km and a maximum elevation of 341 meters. This wonderful island attracts every summer more than 1/10 of the total number of tourists visiting Greece. And you’re about to see why.

Mykonos is every traveler’s dream – literally. The rich infrastructure and the tourist facilities on the island can satisfy every visitor, regardless of what they’re looking for. Are you and your friends into parties ’till dawn and loud clubs? You can find them on the beaches and in the craziest locations you have ever thought, like the top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Are you planning a romantic escape with your partner? Whether you’re straight or gay, there are lots of bars, restaurants and hotels with a sea view, as well as numerous isolated beaches where there you can be alone with your partner and the sea. Are you just planning a relaxing vacation with your family and children? That’s fine, because there are so many beaches filled with children’s laughter.

Boat near Lia Beach

The Old Port

The main city on the island is Mykonos City or Chora. At night, this is the main spot for all the people on the island to gather, have a cocktail or dance the night away. The shops are open until 1 a.m. and the restaurants and the bars are closing a few hours before dawn. The city was built centuries ago by the locals that were trying to protect themselves from the pirates, therefore you just might get lost through the winding streets. The best place in town to eat and not go home with empty pockets is Niko’s Taverna, opened almost 60 years ago, when the island started to attract its first investors. Take advantage of the fact that you’re on an island and try the absolutely delicious seafood.

After dinning, before hitting the clubs, you can enjoy a cocktail or a traditional frappe somewhere in Little Venice, with the sound of splashing waves. Don’t miss out on the frappes, the Greeks invented this caffeinated beverage.

Charming Little Venice

Mersini

After the party is over, you can have a good rest either in your hotel or one of the 15 Mykonian beaches. You can reach six of them by bus, but if you want to explore the whole island, the best option would be to rent a car, scooter or ATV. Prices for renting transportation are the biggest in July – August but you can easily negotiate. Each beach is different – by sight, ambience and prices. If you’re into deckchairs and waiters serving you all day long, Psarou or Panormos are the best places for that. If you enjoy water sports or scuba diving, try Kalo Livadi. If you want none of that and simply looking for a peaceful, wild beach, go visit Aghios Sostis or Mersini – they’re remote but they’re totally worth it.

Agios Sostis

Panormos

Mykonian sunset

You might get carried away by the holiday euphoria, but stay clear of tourist traps. There are a few in Mykonos, especially during summer’s peak. Try to buy your groceries from somewhere outside of Mykonos City, since they’re cheaper. Bars and restaurants in Little Venice are pricier, considering you’re paying for the view and not so much for the service. When renting a car or scooter, you might get billed for damages that are not necessarily your fault – when this happens, remember insurance is included in the final price. Also, when booking a hotel, get one outside of town – it’s cheaper and more peaceful than one in the crowded Chora.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

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