Affectionally known as the ‘island of winds’ Mykonos brings together glamour and grandness, sun and style, and a sprinkling of bijou luxury villa rentals for good measure.
While it may have cultivated a reputation as a party island, there’s much more to Mykonos than meets the eye. There’s hidden beaches, a labyrinth of boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and the famous old town, to name but a few delights.
Staying in a luxury villa rental is the best way to enjoy this destination. As well as your own private pool, you’ll be able to enjoy other perks like a gourmet kitchen, tranquil lounge areas, and your own space for hosting a barbecue as the sun sets over its golden shores.
Although most luxury home rentals in Mykonos are lavishly equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, dining out
is a favorite pastime with locals and visitors alike.
For a ‘morning after the night before’ pick-me-up, the Greek coffee is strong and arresting at Aroma. There’s also plenty of fresh juices and light snacks in this Mykonos Town hotspot.
If you’re in full vacation-mode then a late brunch is best sought at Liberty Breakfast Room. With home-made jams and preserves on the menu, and mountains of fresh fruit, it’s the perfect health-kick to start the day.
If, however, avocado on toast is more your thing, hotfoot it to Kensho accompanied with perfect poolside views to linger over.
Take a slow walk from your Mykonos villa rental and let the sunshine greet you at Alemagou. That’s not all, this top-rated eatery delivers fresh seafood with seasonal ingredients, to create dishes you’ll be instantly snapping and uploading to Instagram!
It’s never too early to get the party started at SantAnna. This daytime beach club offers a sizzling soundtrack as you sip on cocktails and enjoy a varied menu, including some of the best sushi on the island.
When in Mykonos, a trip to Kiki’s Tavern is well worth the long queues snaking around the corner. The antithesis of your luxury villa rental, this humble eating spot is stripped back to taverna-style tables and basic weaved chairs. Dare anything distract from the food and views – both impossible to compete with.
In keeping with the local way of life, dinner always takes place after dark. Indeed, most tables don’t fill up until
midnight, allowing you to make the most of your luxury villa rental before setting off.
In the charming maze of cobbled streets that is Mykonos town lies Barkia. This blink-and-you-miss it restaurant pulls in the crowds with rich aromas that ignite the air, and flavorsome mouthfuls of freshly made pasta.
Gracing only the most glamourous locations in the world, the Buddha Bar brings its own Aegean vibes to the party. With an oh-so chic soundtrack, and a hip sassy crowd, it’s the perfect spot to see and be seen. Just be sure to order a side of wagyu beef, it’s what you came for.
Another popular Asian-fusion hangout is Ling Ling. With dim-sum as colorful as its neon lights, fun times are always guaranteed. Located in the heart of the action in Chora, it’s a good spot for pre-clubbing action.
Sunsets in Mykonos are legendary. Second only to your luxury villa rental, be sure to pick the best spot in town,
for a cheeky ouzo as the sun goes down.
With a 40-yard aquarium bar, Cavo Tagoo is an achingly hip hangout where the beautiful people flock. Surrounded by azure blue waters at every turn, arrive early to scoop one of the prime spots on its lounge-beds. Monday’s here are when it all goes off.
If you’re looking for day-to-night entertainment, add Scorpios to your sunset list, particularly at the weekend. This rustic high-end beach is distinguished by its shady canopy on the water’s edge. Combined with its excellent drinks menu and gourmet dishes, it’s a worthy deviation from your luxury home rental.
However, for unbeatable views 180 Degrees Sunset Bar lives up to its name. Atop of Mykonos castle, it’s the perfect vantage point to watch the city transform from day to night.
As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of after-hours entertainment, with most clubs and bars centred around
Paradise Beach and Mykonos town. Wherever your mansion rental lies, be sure to take at least one night out to
enjoy its famous clubbing scene.
In the epicentre of the action, Bonbonniere is an A-list hotspot. Unpack your killer heels and designer bag, as the rich and beautiful congregate, and the champagne flows. With award-winning cocktails and shisha to dip in to, it’s a much-loved gathering spot for its VIP clientele.
Adding a touch of rock ‘n’ roll to proceedings is Astra. From Rolling Stone Keith Richards and catwalk models gracing its cobbled doorway, not to mention fashionistas Dolce and Gabbana, this legendary haunt always manages to pull in the coolest crowds.
For a smaller more intimate vibe, check out Moni – a cosmopolitan club located in the old port of the island.
Whether it’s your first of fifth time to this Cyclades island, don’t miss out on some of the key attractions that give Mykonos its edge.
Here’s six must-do experience to add to your Mykonos bucket list:
Avoid the crowds and reside at your own luxury mansion rental. It’s the best way to experience the island in your own space and time.
Discover the natural beauty to the far east of the island. Get a 4x4 to handle the dirt roads and uneven terrain. If it’s on your way, stop by Fokos Beach for lunch - one of the most remote parts of the island.
For a culturally enriching experience, charter a yacht from the shore of your villa vacation rental to Delos Island in just half-an-hour. It’s impossible not to be awestruck by the historical statues and artworks of its archaeological site. It’s home to some of the greatest collections of ancient Greek sculptures, some dating back to 570 BC. There are many sacred sites to marvel at, including the ever-impressive House of Cleopatra.
Don’t be afraid to try your hand at kitesurfing, it’s the perfect place for it!Sandwiched between two parts of the island, Ornos is both a natural beauty spot and wind tunnel, making it a welcome spot for extreme sports.
Mykonos gives good gastronomic delights, no more so than Nammos. This beach-bar and restaurant is perfect for all those daytime vibes. Be sure to visit.
Mykonos Town comes to life at night, and a stroll through its craggy streets is a rite of passage. Pull up a chair in a taverna, or Little Venice if you can snag a table, and watch the world go by.