Author: M Mykonos Villas

Luxury brands and designer labels, jeweler’s boutiques, handmade accessories, art galleries, delicatessens, and a high-end open-air shopping space at Psarrou Beach, about 5 km from Mykonos town: when on the island, unleash your shopaholic instincts and indulge in the spectacular shopping experience it offers!

The center of most shopping activities is Matoyianni, a long, narrow, paved street in Chora, the town of Mykonos, where shops are almost connected to each other. They usually don’t open before noon, but they stay open until midnight. Some may close during the day when tourists are relaxing at the beach and reopen in the afternoon. The vibrant variety of shops is like a fascinating collage: legendary designers’ boutiques next to bakeries, local food product stores, and little whitewashed shops where old ladies sell handmade leather sandals and other souvenirs.

Beyond luxury clothing and accessories, Mykonos is also the perfect place to shop for unique art pieces and jewelry, as there are many art galleries that offer avant-garde collections by famous Greek and international artists. Most of these galleries have their headquarters in Athens or other cosmopolitan cities like London, Rome, and New York.

Regarding jewelry, Greece has a long tradition of goldsmithing, making it difficult to choose among the wide range of handmade collections — from modern designs to those inspired by mythology and ancient history. Jewelry shops are easy to find in Mykonos, with almost one on every corner of the main road, Matoyianni!

If you prefer shopping in the privacy of your villa or yacht, the merchants in Mykonos are experts at catering to their discerning clientele with discretion and style. You can also hire a private stylist to help you curate your wish list while exploring the best shops, posh boutiques, and art centers.

Before leaving the island, ensure you’ve added some souvenirs to your precious collection, found in shops across the island, plus a few delicacies to take home, like local cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and wines that will keep you company back home!

In case you are one of the more than half a million travelers who chose every year Mykonos for their summer holidays, you surely need some insider information to avoid the clichés about what this amazing island has to offer. Well, you can’t exactly call the spectacular sandy beaches with crystal aquamarine waters, extraordinary dining, or rocking nightlife clichés. However, as Mykonos has hidden secrets that even some of its true connoisseurs tend to overlook, we have listed below a few tips that might help you get to know the island better.

Locals, for instance, know that tourism in Mykonos started back in the 1920s, which explains their long history of hospitality. The story began when archaeologists used the island as a base to explore the sacred island of Delos. Located 6 nautical miles from Mykonos, Delos, with its amazing archaeological site, still doesn’t offer any accommodation to this day, making Mykonos its enduring base camp.

So, a basic tip while in Mykonos is to treat yourself to a private sailing or motor yachting trip and an all-day guided tour around this ancient, reminiscent paradise. On the way back, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Aegean.

Most of the island’s full-time residents live in Mykonos Town, also known as Chora. With most of it closed to cars, its picturesque alleys, filled with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shopping boutiques, are a must-visit. You should also keep your eyes and ears open, as many interesting activities take place in some of Chora’s houses, such as private cooking lessons by local chefs who will teach you their most mouthwatering recipes made with local ingredients.

Regarding beach life, amidst the many bustling beaches where the party often lasts until dawn, consider trying Kalafatis. It’s a relatively secluded spot about 7 miles east of Mykonos town, in a part of the island that, while not completely dry, offers some greenery as well. In addition to its azure waters, Kalafatis is also popular among windsurfers.

By visiting the village of Ano Mera, located about 4 miles from Chora, you will experience a more traditional and authentic Greek way of life. There, you will find small cafes and tavernas serving local food and the famous tsipouro, a spicy, high-alcohol drink that must be handled with extra care! Sightseeing in Ano Mera should also include a visit to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery and the Monastery of Paleokastro.

To cut a long story short, Mykonos is a special, multifaceted island that holds new surprises for every visitor, no matter how many times they return. Just visit it with an open mind, and you’ll find them!

There are many places around the world where swimming, partying and fine dining are a combination that can define a nice holiday. And then, there is Mykonos. This rocky Greek island, located somewhere in the middle of the Aegean Sea, just opposite to the holy sanctuary of Delos Island, has the privilege of a spectacular coastline with a great variety of organized or secluded sandy beaches, washed by the most inviting, crystal-clear waters you have ever seen. Its notorious nightlife and high-end gastronomy make it the jet-setters’ summer choice, while there is still enough space left for demanding travelers to discover their private paradises.

Choosing the best beaches in Mykonos depends on both the weather and your personal interpretation of what a perfect holiday is. Weather conditions on this always sunny, hot and dry piece of land can be affected only by the force of the wind. The famous north-east cool & fresh “Meltemi” air-current can become rather fierce, especially at midday, leading swimmers and sun-bathers to the southern coast that hosts the biggest part of beach life.

On not very windy days, consider the memory-making private yacht experience, renting from a beautiful sailing boat to the most luxury yacht. Their skippers and captains will take you to deserted beaches for an unforgettable haute-cuisine candle-lit dinner on the beach. Or else, you can rent an off-road vehicle and take a tour of some of the most sophisticated beaches that may also include a fully equipped water-sport center for a lifetime experience!

Speaking about watersports, if you are a windsurfing lover don’t miss an adventurous ride among the world champions that crowd the northern Ftelia beach for their summer training. As far as other sophisticated beaches are concerned, please note:

Agios Sostis, on the north coast. No sunbeds, no umbrellas, no beach bars. Just a perfect sunny beach, ideal destination for natural beauty seekers. After swimming, don’t miss Kiki’s Tavern yummy specialties.

Kapari Beach, on the southwestern coast. With an unobstructed, stunning view of the ancient ruins on Delos Island, Kapari is a quiet and unspoilt location with crystal waters and sandy shores. You will not find any umbrellas or bars, but you will definitely enjoy a never-to-forget sunset.

Lia, on the easter coast. A long golden beach with turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving. Besides sunbeds and umbrellas, there is also an elegant beach restaurant where you can taste great dishes of the Greek cuisine.

The beaches mentioned above are just a sample of the hundred sea destinations available on Mykonos Island. Ask our team at M Mykonos Villas and they will happily guide you around the astonishing variety of near or remote sea spots where you can swim and party from morning to sunset!